01Computer Hardware Fundamentals
Architecture, motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage, PSU, GPU, NIC, cooling, and expansion cards.
- Identify computer components
- Understand compatibility and interfaces
- Lab: identify DIMM, M.2, SATA, GPU, NIC, PSU, and PCIe parts
02CPU & Cooling System
Intel and AMD generations, sockets, cores, threads, cache, clock speed, TDP, and cooling.
- Install CPU, thermal paste, and cooler
- Connect CPU fan and verify in BIOS
- Troubleshoot overheating and poor heatsink contact
03RAM / Memory
DDR3, DDR4, DDR5, DIMM, SO-DIMM, ECC, UDIMM, RDIMM, LRDIMM, frequency, capacity, and channels.
- Apply server memory population rules
- Verify memory with dmidecode and free
- Troubleshoot no-POST after a RAM upgrade
04Motherboard & BIOS/UEFI
Chipset, CPU socket, DIMM, PCIe, SATA, M.2, USB and fan headers, CMOS, BIOS, and UEFI.
- Configure boot priority and Secure Boot
- Set virtualization, SATA mode, fan, and memory settings
- Understand hardware detection at startup
05HDD / SSD / NVMe Storage
SATA, SAS, HDD, SSD, M.2, U.2, U.3, PCIe Gen3/4/5, NAND, TBW, DWPD, endurance, and SMART.
- Install SATA, M.2 NVMe, and U.2 storage
- Use lsblk, smartctl, and nvme list
- Compare consumer and enterprise storage
06RAID & Storage Controllers
RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, hardware and software RAID, HBA, MegaRAID, IT Mode, SAS, SATA, backplanes, and hot swap.
- Build RAID 1 and RAID 10
- Simulate a drive failure and rebuild
- Choose between HBA and RAID controller
07Power Supply & Power Management
ATX and server PSU, wattage, efficiency, 80 PLUS, redundant PSU, hot swap, 12V rail, EPS12V, and PCIe power.
- Calculate server power requirements
- Connect EPS, PCIe, SATA, and CPU power
- Diagnose power failure despite sufficient nominal wattage
08GPU & PCIe Devices
PCIe architecture, Gen3/4/5, x1/x4/x8/x16 lanes, GPU compatibility, power, airflow, NIC, HBA, and RAID cards.
- Install GPU, NIC, HBA, and RAID controller
- Understand lane allocation and slot compatibility
- Verify devices in firmware and the operating system
09Enterprise Server Hardware
Rack and tower servers, chassis, ECC RAM, hot-swap drives, backplanes, RAID/HBA, NIC, PSU, fans, IPMI, iDRAC, and iLO.
- Install server CPU, RAM, storage, NIC, and controller
- Connect backplane and redundant power
- Configure BIOS and IPMI, then verify hardware
10Networking Hardware
Ethernet, NIC, RJ45, SFP/SFP+/SFP28, QSFP, 1G to 100G, fiber, DAC, AOC, transceivers, SR/LR, and compatibility.
- Compare single-mode and multimode fiber
- Use ip, ethtool, lspci, and ip addr
- Troubleshoot a 100G NIC showing DOWN
11Hardware Troubleshooting
Scenario-based diagnosis for no power, no POST, no display, SSD not detected, NIC link down, overheating, and RAID degraded.
- Follow a repeatable diagnostic sequence
- Check cable, firmware, drivers, BIOS, and physical components
- Document findings and corrective action
12Final Practical Project
Build, configure, test, and troubleshoot an enterprise server with a real hardware configuration.
- Install ECC RDIMM, storage, controller, NIC, and redundant PSU
- Configure BIOS, RAID, network, and diagnostics
- Find an intentionally introduced fault and submit a report