Lesson Plan

Course Title: Computer Maintenance

Session Title: Power Supplies
Lesson Duration: 180 Minutes
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, students will be able to describe and demonstrate the
functionality of a PC power supply.

Specific Objectives:
Understand what the PC power supply is.
Understand how the power supply works.
Know when and how to change out a PC power supply.
Demonstrate how to check a computers power supply.
Demonstrate how to remove and replace a power supply.
Demonstrate an understanding of terminology and concepts related to PC power
supplies.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.273(C) (4) (G)
describe the architecture of various computer systems;
130.273(C) (5) (A)
demonstrate safe use of equipment in computer technologies such as hand and power
tools;
130.273(C) (5) (B)
employ available reference documentation such as tools, materials, and Internet sources
to access information as needed;
130.273(C) (5) (C)
demonstrate proper handling and disposal of environmentally hazardous materials used
in computer technologies.
130.273(C) (6) (A)
use electronic test equipment to measure current, voltage, power, and resistance.
130.273(C) (6) (B)
describe digital circuits design.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
1. Cisco Systems Sponsored Curriculum: IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software,
Chapter 3: Assembling a Computer.
2. IDG Books Worldwide Inc., A+ Certification for Dummies, Chap. 8: Power.

IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan

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Instructional Aids:
1. PowerPoint presentation: Power Supplies.
2. Power Supply Word Search
3. Power Supply Word Search - KEY
4. Power Supply Worksheet
5. Power Supply Worksheet - KEY
6. PC Power Supply Exam
7. PC Power Supply Exam - KEY
Materials Needed:
1. Standard computer technician tool kit with wrist-strap [for each pair of students].
2. Copies of Word Search, Worksheet, and Lab Assignment [for each student].
Equipment Needed:
1. A projection system to display the PowerPoint presentation [PC w/monitor or projector]
2. One PC for disassembling for each two students, for labs.
3. [Optional] Stand-alone AT and ATX motherboards and power supplies (to demonstrate
differences in connections).
Learner
1. Students should read the appropriate curriculum material for how to assemble and
disassemble a PC [depending on the text/curriculum being used for this course]. This
lesson can be taught with only the PowerPoint presentation, and the equipment outlined
above.
Introduction
MI

Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):

The power supply is possibly the number one most likely component to fail in a PC.
Understanding how power supplies function is therefore a key component in the
training for a computer technician.
AT power supplies have two connectors [P8 and P9] for connecting to the
motherboard. Does anyone know how to tell if these two connectors are oriented
properly?
The P8 and P9 connectors are oriented correctly if all four of the black wires, or
grounds (two on each plug), are together in the middle.
Outline

MI

Outline (LSI Quadrant II):

Instructor Notes:

I.

Provide the word

search as a warmup and introduction
to the topic.

Have the students complete the Power Supply Word

Search.

II. Introduce the students to the power supply of a PC,

including
A. Power supply warnings
B. The anatomy of the power supply

IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan

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C. The power supply cooling fan

1. Baby AT
2. ATX
D. Power supply and expandability
E. Converting power
F. Connecting the power
1. Baby AT
2. ATX
G. Discussion on when to unplug or not

Provide students
with the worksheet
to complete during
the presentation.

III. Give a demonstration of the power supply connections

(Baby AT and ATX)
IV. Students complete the lab demonstration including
A. Lab 1: Remove and Reinstall a Power Supply

Application
MI

Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):

1. The teacher shows and demonstrates each lab principle.
2. The teacher maintains direct supervision in the lab, providing guidance when
warranted.

MI

Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):

1. Students work in pairs on lab assignments, demonstrating their skills in
identifying and discussing the various lab requirements and results.

Summary
MI

Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):

1. Ask the students summary questions:
a. What are the two types of power supplies? [Baby AT and ATX]
b. What output voltages are common for an ATX power supply? [+5V, -5V,
+12V, -12V and +3.3V]
c. What is the difference in the air flow of the power supply fans on the Baby
AT and ATX power supply? [The baby AT blows air out of the case; the
ATX sucks air into the case, pressurizing the case]
2. Revisit the steps the students went through to reinstall the power supply.
Evaluation

MI

Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):

1. The teacher will monitor student progress during independent practice and
provide independent re-teach/redirection as needed.

IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan

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MI

Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):

Administer the Power Supply Exam.
Extension

MI

Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):

Students that have mastered the lab assignments, can peer-tutor students [one-onone] that are having difficulty with the disassembly or assembly of the PC.

IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan

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Icon

MI
Verbal/
Linguistic
Logical/
Mathematical

Visual/Spatial

Musical/
Rhythmic
Bodily/
Kinesthetic

Intrapersonal

Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist

Teaching Strategies

Personal Development
Strategies

Lecture, discussion, journal

writing, cooperative learning,
word origins

Reading, highlighting, outlining,

teaching others, reciting information

Problem-solving, number
games, critical thinking,
classifying and organizing,
Socratic questioning
Mind-mapping, reflective
time, graphic organizers,
color-coding systems,
drawings, designs, video,
DVD, charts, maps
Use music, compose songs
or raps, use musical
language or metaphors

Organizing material logically, explaining

things sequentially, finding patterns,
developing systems, outlining, charting,
graphing, analyzing information
Developing graphic organizers, mindmapping, charting, graphing, organizing
with color, mental imagery (drawing in
the minds eye)

Use manipulatives, hand

signals, pantomime, real life
situations, puzzles and board
games, activities, roleplaying, action problems
Reflective teaching,
interviews, reflective listening,
KWL charts
Cooperative learning, roleplaying, group brainstorming,
cross-cultural interactions
Natural objects as
manipulatives and as a
background for learning
Socratic questions, real life
situations, global
problems/questions

Creating rhythms out of words, creating

rhythms with instruments, playing an
instrument, putting words to existing
songs
Moving while learning, pacing while
reciting, acting out scripts of material,
designing games, moving fingers under
words while reading
Reflecting on personal meaning of
information, studying in quiet settings,
imagining experiments, visualizing
information, journaling
Studying in a group, discussing
information, using flash cards with
others, teaching others
Connecting with nature, forming study
groups with like-minded people
Considering the personal relationship to
the larger context

IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan

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Name ______________________________________________ Date _____________

PC Power Supply Word Search

Locate each of the words in the word search below. You should become familiar with
each of the terms. The words can go forward, backward, up, down, or diagonal.
During the Power Supply lesson, pay attention to learn the meaning of each of these
words.

S
V
S
S
A
Q
Z
F
T
X
O
D
X
Q
L

T
I
D
A
R
A
F
O
R
C
I
M
J
M
D

P
G
Z
H
J
I
V
E
Z
D
Q
H
K
K
R

F
O
D
C
H
V
D
M
O
C
C
R
B
T
A

E
E
W
U
D
P
H
E
G
A
T
L
O
V
O

K
N
L
E
P
Q
V
Z
N
C
Y
R
U
G
B

B
A
E
E
R
L
R
H
G
I
S
B
N
H
R

R
F
S
U
C
S
J
O
C
I
T
E
O
Q
E

I
G
G
X
P
T
U
U
T
T
X
P
R
S
H

W
N
C
T
W
C
R
P
T
I
I
P
C
T
T

X
I
T
P
F
D
K
I
P
J
C
W
R
T
O

R
L
A
L
C
L
E
H
C
L
B
A
S
A
M

U
O
R
H
T
N
G
I
E
I
Y
C
P
W
L

A
O
Z
G
P
D
F
L
V
N
T
Q
F
A
Y

J
C
Y
S
T
I
U
C
R
I
C
Y
Y
U
C

power supply
voltage
circuits
cooling fan
capacitor
switch
cpu
watts
microfarad
electricity
motherboard

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Name __________________________________________ Date _____________

Computer Maintenance Power Supplies Worksheet

1. The current in a standard wall outlet is _________ power.
2. The computer runs on ________ power.
3. What component converts power from the wall outlet to the type of current needed by
the computer?
4. How does the PC Power Supply take an incoming 110 volts and produce an output of 12
volts?
5. What are two problems that can result from having a bad power supply?
a. ______________________________________
b. ______________________________________
6. What component can store electricity even when the power is off?
7. What are the 4 primary components of a power supply?
a. ______________________________
b. ______________________________
c. ______________________________
d. ______________________________
8. What is the purpose of the power supply fan?
9. How does the Baby AT form cool the motherboard?
10. How does the ATX form cool the motherboard?
11. When the power supply is form factor AT, why should the PC be plugged in when
working on it?
12. When the power supply is form factor XAT, why should the PC be unplugged when
working on it?

IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan

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Name ______________________________________________ Date _____________

Computer Maintenance Power Supply Exam

1. What is the maximum output voltage produced by a power supply for a PCs usage?
A. 5V AC
B. 5V DC
C. 12V AC
D. 12V DC
2. The PC power supply is known as which kind of power supply?
A. closed
B. switching
C. capacitor
D. conversion
3. How much input voltage do most power supplies accept?
A. 110V AC
B. 110V DC
C. 220V AC
D. 110V and 220V AC
4. Never test a power supply without doing which of the following?
A. ensuring that there is some demand
B. ensuring that there is some power
C. ensuring that there is no demand
D. ensuring that there is no power
5. A bad power supply often
A. creates problems that are solvable through software applications
B. creates problems that can only be pointed to the power supply
C. creates problems that are hard to pin on the power supply
D. creates problems that are easy to pin on the power supply
6. Which of the following internal power supply components is dangerous to touch?
A. Microfarad capacitor
B. Inverse capacitor
C. Macro capacitor
D. Fuse capacitor
7. Which of the following are primary power supply components?
A. power tester; pass-through connectors; power switch; voltage selector switch
B. power cord; pass-through connectors; power switch; voltage selector switch
C. power cord; pass-through connectors; power tester; voltage selector switch
D. power cord; power tester; power switch; voltage selector switch
IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan
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8. Which of the following are the two popular form factors for power supplies?
A. AT and XT
B. ATX and XT
C. ATX and AT
D. AT and XTA
9. All of the following describes attributes of the ATX power supply except:
A. Cools the system by sucking air into the case
B. Power supply blows air straight onto the processor
C. Helps keep the case clean by pressurizing the inside of the case
D. You can feel the air blowing out of the fan in the back of the power supply
10. How are power supplies rated?
A. Watt capacity
B. Volt capacity
C. Watt usage
D. Volt usage
11. Which of the following is NOT a description of what a power supply does?
A. It converts AC to DC
B. It provides proper AC voltage to the CPU
C. It must provide a variety of voltages at different strengths
D. It must manage some power-related signals for the motherboard
12. The Baby AT power supply has which of the following motherboard connector(s)?
A. Two 20-wire connectors
B. Single 20-wire connector
C. Two 6-wire connectors
D. Single 6-wire connector
13. The ATX power supply has which of the following motherboard connector(s)?
A. Two 20-wire connectors
B. Single 20-wire connector
C. Two 6-wire connectors
D. Single 6-wire connector
14. How should AT power supply P8 and P9 connectors be connected to the
motherboard?
A. The P8 connector should be towards the back of the computer.
B. The P9 connector should be plugged into the motherboard first.
C. The black wires of P8 and P9 should be in the middle of the connector.
D. The red wires of P8 and P9 should be in the middle of the connector.

IT: Computer Maintenance: Power Supplies Lesson Plan

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15. Which of the following types of power plugs is used to connect most hard drives and
CD-ROMs?
A. Molex connector
B. Simplex connector
C. Serial connector
D. Berg connector
16. Which of the following types of power plugs is used to connect most floppy drives?
A. Molex connector
B. Simplex connector
C. Serial connector
D. Berg connector

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