Virtual PC Build & Cable Identification

Key Concepts

• Identify motherboard components and features (chipset, slots, sockets)

• Differentiate between various motherboard form factors (ATX, microATX, ITX)

• Recognize types of CPU sockets and how CPUs connect to motherboards
• Understand the purpose and types of memory slots (DIMM, SO-DIMM)
• Identify common internal connectors and cables (SATA, power connectors, USB headers, front panel connectors)
• Explain the function of expansion slots (PCI, PCIe)
• Understand BIOS/UEFI firmware roles and update processes

Tools Needed:

1. Website: https://pcpartpicker.com/
2. Pictures or Videos for cable types and connectors

Setup Steps:

1. Explore PC building tutorials
2. Use online resources to identify cables/connectors (SATA, IDE, USB Headers)
3. Pretend you have $1,000 and build a PC on PC Part Picker (Create different variations: Gaming, General Workstation, Video Edition, etc. Explain the parts picked and why)

Alternative Lab

1. Open an old PC or laptop to physically identify motherboard components, cables, and connectors.
2. Use built in BIOS/UEFI to explore motherboard settings