At the end of December 2007, our ICT 12 class had the opportunity to disassemble a retired Compaq DeskPro computer in order to learn more about how computers, in general, function. After removing the top of the computer’s casing, one of my classmates and I observed the computer components in their respective places before beginning the required disassembly. Using various computer tools, we carefully removed each component and recorded their removal on the checklist. We started off removing all of the data and power cables which connected various components together, and then carefully removed the various cards and boards, and RAM as they became unobstructed. The most difficult component for us to remove was the CPU as it was fastened in very tightly, but we were eventually able to unfasten it with some force. One set of components which I found particularly interesting were the CPU cooling fins, simply because I never expected to find something of that appearance within the computer, and they are actually quite innovative in their removal of accumulated heat.
After completely removing all computer parts we began to reassemble everything we took apart. Although it seemed like a daunting task at first, we were slowly able to correctly replace all of the components. After securing the motherboard, various cards, and drives in place, as well as replacing the front panel, we began to attach the data and power cables. Determining where these cables belonged took some time, as there were several extra power cables, but eventually we were able to figure out which ones needed to be connected. After our reassembly was complete, we did not attach our computer to a power source for testing, but according to our teacher everything was secured properly in its respective place.