Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) in desktop support Which of the following is NOT typically considered a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) in standard PC service practice?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: System chassis

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
FRUs are components that a technician is expected to replace on site without specialized rework equipment. Understanding what counts as a FRU helps plan spares and set realistic SLAs for field service.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Standard desktop PC environment is assumed.
  • Common FRUs include PSU, drives, add-in cards, memory, and sometimes socketed ROM chips.
  • Chassis replacement typically implies depot-level service or a rebuild, not a simple field swap.


Concept / Approach:

A FRU is modular, accessible, and replaceable with minimal disassembly. Power supplies and add-in video cards clearly qualify. Many systems have socketed firmware ROMs that can be swapped in the field per vendor procedure. The system chassis, however, is the structural enclosure and not generally stocked or replaced onsite; moving to a new chassis is effectively a re-build.



Step-by-Step Solution:

List clearly modular parts → PSU, cards, drives, DIMMs, sometimes BIOS ROM.Evaluate chassis → replacement requires full system transplant and is not typical field practice.Select “System chassis” as the non-FRU.


Verification / Alternative check:

OEM service manuals enumerate FRUs; chassis rarely appears except as a base assembly tied to depot service or complete system replacement.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

System ROM may be a socketed chip or a reflashable module and is often treatable as a FRU. Power supplies and video controllers are prototypical FRUs.



Common Pitfalls:

Confusing “user-replaceable” with “field-replaceable”; assuming any part can be replaced onsite regardless of time and risk; overlooking ESD procedures.



Final Answer:

System chassis.

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