Building a Personal Computer
Unit: 20
Building a personal computer (PC) is a really good way to better understand how computers work, and to develop the skills needed to build and maintain technology systems (which comprise more than one computer).
This unit develops skills from Unit 2: Technology Systems, which gives an introduction to how technology systems and computers work. It is particularly useful if you are considering a career in the IT sector, as it covers the key practical concepts and processes of building a computer. The unit is relevant for many roles in industry, and the skills applied here are transferable to many tablet/mobile computers. Suitable job roles for people who have studied this unit include IT technician, helpdesk support and computer systems engineer.
In this unit, you will explore the different uses of personal computers, e.g. for playing games, and the types and cost of components they contain. You will also investigate how the choice of components within a computer affects the performance of a PC.
Based on a brief, you will plan and build a personal computer, while following appropriate health and safety procedures. Once built, you will test that the personal computer is functional and meets its intended purpose. You will also test the performance of the computer, and consider the likely impact on performance of alternative solutions.
This unit develops skills from Unit 2: Technology Systems and supports Unit 11: Computer Networks, Unit 14: Installing and Maintaining Computer Hardware, Unit 15: Installing and Maintaining Computer Software, Unit 16: Automated Computer Systems, Unit 22: Computer Security in Practice and Unit 23: Computer Systems Support in Practice.
