PC and Laptop Assembly and Repair Course

Lesson 1 • How Computers Process Information

Covers the fetch-decode-execute cycle and data flow between CPU, RAM, and storage. Establishes the conceptual model students use throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Identifying Core Internal Components

Introduces the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage drives, and power supply. Students match each component to its function before handling hardware.

Lesson 3 • Expansion Cards and Peripherals

Covers GPUs, sound cards, network cards, and external peripherals. Students understand how expansion slots extend system capability.

Lesson 1 • ESD Protection Equipment and Techniques

Covers anti-static wrist straps, mats, bags, and earthing procedures. Students demonstrate correct earthing before each hands-on session.

Lesson 2 • Physical Safety in the Workspace

Addresses sharp edges, capacitor discharge risks, and safe tool handling. Students set up a compliant workspace before beginning assembly exercises.

Lesson 3 • Electrostatic Discharge Fundamentals

Explains how ESD damages components at the microscopic level and why damage is often invisible. Students understand the stakes before touching any hardware.

Lesson 1 • Diagnostic and Measurement Tools

Introduces multimeters, POST cards, cable testers, and thermal probes. Students use each tool to gather accurate diagnostic data.

Lesson 2 • Hand Tools for PC Work

Covers screwdrivers, nut drivers, spudgers, and pry tools used in PC assembly. Students select the correct tool for each fastener type encountered.

Lesson 3 • Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies

Covers compressed air, isopropyl alcohol, thermal paste, and lint-free swabs. Students apply correct cleaning techniques without damaging components.

Lesson 1 • Expansion Cards and Front Panel Connections

Covers GPU installation, PCIe card seating, and front panel header wiring. Correct header wiring is critical for power button and indicator functionality.

Lesson 2 • First Boot and POST Verification

Guides students through the first power-on sequence and BIOS POST verification. Students confirm all components are detected before OS installation.

Lesson 3 • Motherboard and CPU Installation

Teaches CPU seating, thermal paste application, cooler mounting, and RAM installation. These steps establish the core processing platform of the system.

Lesson 4 • Storage, PSU, and Cable Management

Covers drive mounting, PSU installation, and routing all power and data cables. Clean cable management improves airflow and simplifies future maintenance.

Lesson 1 • Thermal Paste Replacement on Laptops

Covers heatsink removal, old paste cleaning, and fresh paste application on laptop CPUs and GPUs. Repasting restores thermal performance in ageing laptops.

Lesson 2 • Safe Laptop Disassembly Techniques

Covers battery disconnection, screw mapping, and panel removal without cracking. Students document each step to ensure accurate reassembly.

Lesson 3 • Screen and Keyboard Replacement

Teaches LCD panel removal, cable routing, and keyboard replacement procedures. Students complete a display or keyboard swap without damaging the chassis.

Lesson 4 • Laptop Architecture and Design Differences

Contrasts laptop and desktop component design, thermal management, and repairability. Understanding these differences prevents damage during disassembly.

Lesson 1 • Operating System Installation and Setup

Guides students through partitioning, formatting, and completing OS installation. Students configure initial settings and verify driver recognition after install.

Lesson 2 • Creating Bootable Installation Media

Covers writing OS images to USB drives using imaging tools. Students create reliable installation media for multiple operating system types.

Lesson 3 • Post-Installation System Validation

Covers device manager review, benchmark runs, and stability testing after OS install. Students confirm the system is stable and all hardware is recognised.

Lesson 4 • BIOS and UEFI Configuration

Covers boot order, XMP/EXPO profiles, virtualisation settings, and security features. Correct BIOS configuration is required before OS installation proceeds.

Lesson 1 • CPU, RAM, and Motherboard Faults

Teaches diagnosis of overheating CPUs, faulty RAM modules, and dead motherboard zones. Students use reseating, swapping, and software tests to confirm faults.

Lesson 2 • Thermal and Overheating Issues

Addresses high CPU and GPU temperatures, fan failures, and blocked airflow paths. Students measure temperatures and apply corrective thermal solutions.

Lesson 3 • Power and Boot Failure Diagnosis

Covers no-power, no-POST, and boot loop scenarios with step-by-step isolation. Students use minimal-boot technique to identify the failing component.

Lesson 4 • Storage and Display Fault Diagnosis

Covers failing drive symptoms, SMART data interpretation, and display signal issues. Students distinguish between cable, port, and component-level failures.

Lesson 1 • Thermal Management Maintenance

Teaches periodic thermal paste replacement, heatsink inspection, and fan lubrication. Maintaining thermal interfaces keeps temperatures within safe operating ranges.

Lesson 2 • Creating a Maintenance Documentation System

Teaches logging maintenance actions, component history, and service intervals per machine. Documentation enables consistent service quality across multiple systems.

Lesson 3 • Storage Health Monitoring and Management

Covers SMART monitoring, drive health alerts, and backup verification routines. Proactive storage management prevents data loss from predictable drive failures.

Lesson 4 • Software and Driver Maintenance

Addresses driver updates, OS patching, and startup optimisation for maintained systems. Software hygiene prevents conflicts that mimic hardware failures.