Help dismantling PC

Hello,
I'm doing a basic PC maintenance course, I need to build a PC from scratch, rather than buy a case & all the components, I have an old PC about 4 yrs old that I want to use, What is the best way to dismantle the PC so it resembles a new build, formatting, cmos etc.

grateful for any help.

thanks

 

I'm not entirley sure about what you're asking...

You can't dismantle anything so it resembles a new build ???

If you want to rebuild a system start with the PSU and motherboard, from there add internal drives etc.

 

OK,
Thanks for your help, so if I just unplug, & disassemble everything, for training purposes it will be the same as building from new when I re-assemble it following the course?

 

Great, many thanks for your help

 

David:

I think you might be missing the point of the course. Although I can understand your approach if money is tight (even though you could sell whatever you build), but you are cheating yourself. Simply taking something apart and putting it back together isn't much of a learning experience compared to building from scratch. If I were your professor (don't worry it's not going to happen) I'd be tempted to flunk you. Why?

You will learn nothing about the different types of memory, the different CPU sockets and configurations, the differences between drives, connectors and cables. How to match a PSU with your components, how to mount standoffs, how to open front bays (including the metal case) or the back slots. How to research pinouts, set your BIOS - you are missing all the stuff that is important and that's what a class like this should teach you - What will work and what won't work and more importantly, WHY or why not!

In my book you are cheating yourself of a valuable learning experience. Why waste your time going to class if all you want to do is take something apart and put it back together - you're certainly not going to learn what you could and your professor can't credit you with "building" a computer.

 

I take your point, the college supplies the kit, but its more than I can afford. Also I cant get into a regular college course as I work silly shifts. Which is why I'm doing the home learning course. Unfortunately, unless I can find all the components cheap, my old PC is all I have.
Thanks for your advice

 

David,

I appreciate your taking the time to explain your situation. In light of what you have just articulated coupled with the fact that the alternative is a school supplied "kit ", you will probably learn just as much (perhaps more) with the approach you have outlined. Good luck and keep us posted on your endeavors.

Regards,

 

OK, thanks for the help,
I'll keep you posted as I progress.