Certificate in Computing and IT

NTA-4
CIT 04103: PC HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
TOPIC 3: COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
MR. BORI, AHMED.
ASSISTANT TUTOR/ INSTRUCTOR
DODOMA BRANCH
[email protected]
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Computer Assembly
i. Open the case
ii. Install the Power Supply
iii. Install the Motherboard
iv. Install the drives
v. Install the Adapter Cards
vi. Install the cables
3. Boot the Computer
i. POST and BIOS
ii. BIOS Configuration
4. Upgrading and Configure a PC
Introduction
 Assembling computers is a large part of a technician’s job.
 As a technician, you must work in a logical, methodical manner
when working with computer components.
 At times, you might have to determine whether a component for a
customer’s computer needs to be upgraded or replaced.
 It is important that you develop advanced skills in installation
procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and diagnostic methods.
 This chapter discusses the importance of component compatibility
across hardware and software.
 It also covers the need for adequate system resources to efficiently
run the customer’s hardware and software.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
1. Open the case and Install Power Supply
a. Open the Case:
 Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case.
i. You want adequate lighting, good ventilation and a comfortable room temp.
ii. The workbench or table should be accessible from all sides.
iii. Avoid cluttering the surface of the work area with tools and computer components.
iv. It is helpful to use small containers to hold screws and other parts.
 There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how to open a
particular computer case, consult the user manual or manufacturer’s
website.
 Most computer cases are opened in one of the following ways:
i. The computer case cover is removed as one piece.
ii. The top and side panels of the case are removed.
iii. The top of the case is removed before the side panels can be removed.
iv. A latch is pulled to release the side panel, which can swing open.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
1. Open the case and Install Power Supply
b. Install the Power Supply:
 A technician might be required to replace or install a power supply.
 Most power supplies can only fit one way in the computer case.
 Three or four screws usually attach the power supply to the case.
 Power supplies have fans that can vibrate and loosen screws that are not
properly tightened.
 When installing a power supply, make sure that all the screws are used and
tightened correctly.
 To install a power supply, follow these steps:
i. Insert the power supply into the case.
ii. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case.
iii. Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
2. Install the Motherboard
a. Install the CPU onto the Motherboard:
 The CPU might be installed on the motherboard before the motherboard
is placed in the computer case.
 CAUTION: When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts at any
time.
 To install a CPU and heat sink and fan assembly, follow these steps:
i. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin
1 on the CPU socket.
ii. Place the CPU gently into the socket.
iii. Close the CPU load plate and secure it in place by closing the load
lever and moving it under the load lever retention tab.
iv. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU.
 Note: Thermal compound helps to conduct heat away from the CPU.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
2. Install the Motherboard
b. Install the Heat sink/ Fan Assembly:
 The heat sink and fan assembly is a two-part cooling device.
 The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU.
 The fan moves the heat away from the heat sink.
 To install a heat sink and fan assembly, follow these steps:
i. Align the heat sink/ fan assembly retainers with the holes on the
motherboard.
ii. Place the assembly onto the CPU socket. being careful not to pinch the
CPU fan wires.
iii. Tighten the assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place.
iv. Connect the assembly power cable to the CPU fan connector on the
motherboard.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
2. Install the Motherboard
c. Install the RAM onto the Motherboard:
 RAM may be installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is
secured in the computer case.
 Before installation, consult the motherboard documentation or website of
the motherboard manufacturer to ensure that the RAM is compatible with
the motherboard.
 To install RAM, follow these steps:
i. Align the notches on the RAM module to the keys in the slot.
ii. Press down the RAM module until the side tabs click into place.
iii. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module.
iv. Visually check for exposed contacts.
v. Repeat these steps (i-iv) for additional RAM modules.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
2. Install the Motherboard
d. Install the motherboard into the case:
 Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the motherboard and to
prevent it from touching the metal portions of the case.
 Because the I/O connections on each motherboard vary, an I/O
connector plate is supplied with the motherboard.
 To install the motherboard, follow these steps:
i. Install the standoffs in the computer case aligned with the motherboard.
ii. Install the I/O plate on the inside of the back of the computer case.
iii. Align connectors on the back of the motherboard with the openings in the
I/O plate.
iv. Align the screw holes of the motherboard with the standoffs.
v. Insert all the motherboard screws.
vi. Tighten all the motherboard screws.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
3. Install the Disk Drives
a. Install the Internal Drive:
 Drives that are installed in internal bays are called internal drives.
 A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example of an internal drive.
 To install the HDD, follow these steps:
i. Position the HDD so that it aligns with the 3.5 inch (8.9 cm.) drive bay
opening.
ii. Insert the HDD into the drive bay so that the screw holes in the drive
line up with the screw holes in the case.
iii. Secure the HDD to the case using the proper screws.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
3. Install the Disk Drives
b. Install the Optical Drive:
 Optical drives store data on removable media, such as CDs, DVDs and
BDs.
 Optical drives are installed in drive bays that are accessed from the
front of the case.
 The external bays allow access to the media without opening the case.
 To install an optical drive, follow these steps:
i. Position the optical drive so that it aligns with the 5.25 inch (13.34
cm.) drive bay opening.
ii. Insert the optical drive into the drive bay so that the optical drive
screw holes align with the screw holes in the case.
iii. Secure the optical drive to the case using the proper screws.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
3. Install the Disk Drives
c. Install the Floppy Drive:
 A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads and writes
information to a floppy disk.
 A Berg power connector provides the FDD with power from the power
supply., where a floppy drive data cable connects the FDD to the
motherboard.
 A floppy disk drive fits into the 3.5 inch (8.9 cm.) bay on the front of the
computer case.
 To install an FDD, follow these steps:
i. Position the FDD so that it aligns with the drive bay opening.
ii. Insert the FDD into the drive bay so that the FDD screw holes align with the
screw holes in the case.
iii. Secure the FDD to the case using the proper screws.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
4. Install the Adapter Cards
a. Install a Network Interface Card (NIC):
 A NIC enables a computer to connect to a network.
 NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
 To install a NIC, follow these steps:
i. Align the NIC to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
ii. Press down gently on the NIC until the card is fully seated.
iii. Secure the NIC mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate
screw.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
4. Install the Adapter Cards
b. Install a Wireless NIC.
 A wireless NIC enables a computer to connect to a wireless network.
 Wireless NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. But,
some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.
 To install a wireless NIC, follow these steps:
i. Align the wireless NIC to the appropriate expansion slot on the
motherboard.
ii. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until the card is fully seated.
iii. Secure the wireless NIC mounting bracket to the case with the
appropriate screw.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
4. Install the Adapter Cards
c. Install a Video Adapter Card (VGA):
 A video adapter card is the interface between a computer and a display
monitor.
 An upgraded video adapter card can provide improved graphic capabilities
for games and graphic programs.
 Video adapter cards use PCI, AGP, and PCIe expansion slots on the
motherboard.
 To install a video adapter card, follow these steps:
i. Align the video adapter card to the appropriate expansion slot on the
motherboard.
ii. Press down gently on the video adapter card until the card is fully seated.
iii. Secure the video adapter card mounting bracket to the case with the
appropriate screw.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
5. Install the Internal Power Cables
a. Motherboard Power Connections:
 The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) main
power connector has either 20 or 24 pins.
 The power supply can also have a 4-pin, 6-pin or 8-pin Auxiliary (AUX)
power connector that connects to the motherboard.
 To install a motherboard power connector, follow these steps:
i. Align the 20-pin ATX power connector to the socket on the motherboard.
ii. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
iii. Align the 4-pin AUX power connector to the socket on
the motherboard.
iv. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks
into place.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
5. Install the Internal Power Cables
b. SATA Power Connectors:
 SATA power connectors use a 15-pin connector.
 SATA power connectors are used to connect to hard disk drives, optical drives,
or any devices that have a SATA power socket.
c. Molex Power Connectors:
 Hard disk drives and optical drives that do not have SATA power sockets use a
Molex power connector.
d. Berg Power Connectors
 The 4-pin Berg power connector supplies power to a floppy drive.
 To install a SATA, Molex, or Berg power connector, follow these steps:
i. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.
ii. Plug the Molex power connector into the optical drive.
iii. Plug the 4-pin Berg power connector into the FDD.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
5. Install the Internal Data Cables
 Drives connect to the motherboard using data cables.
a. PATA Data Cables
 The PATA cable is sometimes called a ribbon cable because it is wide and flat.
 The PATA cable can have either 40 or 80 conductors and usually has three 40-pin
connectors.
 The end connector connects to the motherboard and the other two connectors
connect to drives.
 A stripe on the data cable indicates the location of pin 1.
b. SATA Data Cables
 The SATA data cable has a two 7-pin connector.
 One end of the cable is connected to the motherboard and the other end is
connected to any drive that has a SATA data connector.
 Many motherboards have four or more SATA drive controllers.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
5. Install the Internal Data Cables
c. Floppy Data Cables
 The floppy data cable usually has three 34-pin connectors.
 A stripe on the cable indicates the location of pin 1.
 The end connector connects to the motherboard and the other two connectors
connect to drives.
 There is a twist in many floppy drive ribbon cables which allows the drive
connected to the end of the cable to be identified as the A: drive.
 To install a PATA, SATA or FDD data cable, follow these steps:
i. Plug the motherboard end of the PATA cable into the motherboard socket.
ii. Plug the connector at the far end of the PATA cable into the optical drive.
iii. Plug one end of the SATA cable into the motherboard socket.
iv. Plug the other end of the SATA cable into the HDD.
v. Plug the motherboard end of the FDD cable into the motherboard socket.
vi. Plug the connector at the far end of the FDD cable into the floppy drive.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
5. Install the Front Panel Cables
 A computer case has buttons to control the power to the motherboard and lights
to indicate motherboard activities.
 You must connect these buttons and lights to the motherboard with the cables
from the front of the case.
a. Power and Reset Buttons
 The power button turns the computer on or off. If the power button fails to turn
off the computer, hold down the power button for 5 seconds.
 The reset button restarts the computer without turning it off. Some
motherboards do not support a reset button.
b. Power and Drive Activity LEDs
 The power LED remains lit when the computer is on and blinks when the
computer is in sleep mode.
 The drive activity LED remains lit or blinks when the computer is reading or
writing from the hard drive.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
5. Install the Front Panel Cables
 To install front panel cables, follow these steps:
i. Plug the power cable into the system panel connector in the location marked
POWER.
ii. Plug the reset cable into the system panel connector in the location marked
RESET.
iii. Plug the power LED cable into the system panel connector in the location
marked power LED.
iv. Plug the drive activity LED cable into the system panel connector in the
location marked IDE (HDD) LED.
v. Plug the speaker cable into the system panel connector in the location
marked SPEAKER.
vi. Plug the USB cable into the USB connector.
vii. Plug the audio cable into the audio connector.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
6. Install the Case Assembly
 Before reattaching the side panels to the computer case, make sure that all
items are correctly aligned and seated properly.
 This list includes the CPU, RAM, adapter cards, data cables, front panel
cables and power cables.
 When the cover is in place, make sure that it is secured at all screw
locations.
 Some computer cases use screws that are inserted with a screwdriver., but
other cases have knob-type screws that you can tighten by hand.
 If you are unsure about how to remove or replace the computer case, refer
to the manufacturer’s documentation or website.
 CAUTION:
Handle case parts with care. Some computer
case covers have sharp or jagged edges.
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
7. Install the External Cables
 After the case panels are reattached, connect the cables to the back of the
computer.
 Here are some common external cable connections: Monitor, Keyboard,
Mouse, USB, Ethernet and Power
 To install the various external cables, follow these steps:
i. Attach the monitor cable to the video port. Secure the cable by tightening the
screws on the connector.
ii. Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.
iii. Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.
iv. Plug the USB cable into a USB port.
v. Plug the network cable into the network port.
vi. Connect the wireless antenna to the antenna connector.
vii. Plug the power cable into the power supply.
BOOT THE COMPUTER
1. POST and BIOS
a. Power On Self Test (POST):
 When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS)
performs a basic hardware check, called a power-on self-test (POST).
 The POST checks whether the computer hardware is operating correctly.
 If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a beep code alerts the technician of
the problem.
 Typically, a single beep means that the computer is functioning properly.
 If there is a hardware problem, a blank screen might appear at bootup and the
computer emits a series of beeps.
 Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware
problems.
 The beep codes for your computer might be different, consult the
motherboard documentation to get the beep codes for your computer.
BOOT THE COMPUTER
1. POST and BIOS
BOOT THE COMPUTER
1. POST and BIOS
b. Basic Input Output System (BIOS):
 The BIOS contains a setup program to configure settings for the hardware devices.
 The configuration data is saved to a memory chip called a Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS).
 CMOS is maintained by the battery in the computer. If the battery dies, the BIOS setup
configuration data is lost.
 Many modern motherboards use nonvolatile memory to store BIOS configuration
settings. This type of memory does not need power to retain the settings.
 The battery in these systems is used only to keep the correct time and date in the clock.
Configuration settings in the BIOS are not lost when the battery dies or is removed.
 To enter the BIOS setup program, you press the proper key or key sequence during
POST.
 Most computers use the DEL key or a Function key to enter the BIOS setup program.
 Consult the motherboard documentation for the correct key or combination of keys for
your computer.
BOOT THE COMPUTER
1. POST and BIOS
 These are some common BIOS setup menu options:
i. Main - Basic system configuration
ii. Advanced - Advanced system settings
iii. Boot - Boot device options and boot order
iv. Security - Security settings
v. Power - Advanced power management configurations
vi. JUSTw00t! - Advanced voltage and clock settings
vii. Exit - BIOS exit options and loading
default settings
BOOT THE COMPUTER
2. BIOS Configurations
a. BIOS Component Information:
 A technician can use the BIOS information to learn which components are
installed in the computer and some of their attributes.
 This information can be useful when troubleshooting hardware that is not
working properly and to determine upgrade options.
 These are some of the common component information items that are
displayed in the BIOS:
i. CPU: Displays the CPU manufacturer and speed.
ii. RAM: Displays the RAM manufacturer and speed.
iii. Hard Drive: Displays the manufacturer, size, and type of the hard drives.
iv. Optical Drive: Displays the manufacturer and type of optical drives.
BOOT THE COMPUTER
2. BIOS Configurations
b. BIOS Configurations:
 Another function of the BIOS setup program is to customize specific
aspects of the computer hardware to fit individual needs.
 The features that can be customized are determined by the BIOS
manufacturer and version.
 Before making changes to the BIOS, it is important to have a clear
understanding of how the changes can affect the computer.
 Incorrect settings can have an adverse effect.You might configure:
i. Date and Time
ii. Disabling devices
iii. Boot Order
iv. Click Speed
v. Virtualization
BOOT THE COMPUTER
2. BIOS Configurations
c. BIOS Security Configurations:
 The BIOS might support many different security features to protect BIOS
settings and data on the hard drive and also help recover the computer if it
is stolen.
 There are several common security features found in the BIOS.
 BIOS passwords: Password allow different levels of access to the BIOS
settings.
 These are some common levels of user access:
 Full Access: All screens and settings are available, except the supervisor
password setting.
 Limited: Changes can be made to certain settings only, e.g. the time and date.
 View Only: All screens are available, but no settings can be changed.
 No Access: No access is provided to the BIOS setup utility.
BOOT THE COMPUTER
2. BIOS Configurations
d. BIOS Hardware Diagnostics and Monitoring:
 The BIOS built-in hardware monitoring features are useful for collecting
information and monitoring the activity of the hardware connected to the
motherboard.
 The type and number of monitoring features varies by motherboard
model.
 Use the hardware monitoring page to view temperatures, fan speeds,
voltages, and other items.
 This area might also have information about intrusion detection devices.
i. Temperatures: Motherboards have heat sensors to monitor heat sensitive
hardware.
ii. Fan speed: Some BIOS setups allow you to configure profiles to set the fan speeds to
achieve a specific result.
UPGRADING AND CONFIGURING A PC
1. Motherboard and Related Components
 Computer systems need periodic upgrades for various reasons:
i. User requirements change.
ii. Upgraded software packages require new hardware.
iii. New hardware offers enhanced performance.
 Changes to the computer may cause you to upgrade or replace components
and peripherals.
 Research the effectiveness and cost for both upgrading and replacing.
 If you upgrade or replace a motherboard, you might have to replace other
components, such as the CPU, heat sink and fan assembly and RAM.
a. Motherboard component upgrades:
i. CPU Installation
ii. Jumper setting
iii. CMOS Battery Installation
UPGRADING AND CONFIGURING A PC
1. Motherboard and Related Components
b. Upgrade the Motherboard:
 To remove and replace the old motherboard, remove the cables from the
motherboard that attach to the case LEDs and buttons.
 Make notes in your journal to know where and how everything is
connected before you start the upgrade.
 Before installing the new motherboard into the computer case, examine
the I/O shield located at the back of the computer case.
 Replace the old I/O shield if the new motherboard has different I/O
ports or if the ports are in different locations.
 Next, connect the power supply cables and secure the expansion cards.
 Make sure that there are no loose parts or leftover wires.
 Lastly, connect the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power. If a problem is
detected, shut the power supply off immediately.
UPGRADING AND CONFIGURING A PC
1. Motherboard and Related Components
c. Upgrade the CPU and Heat Sink/ Fan Assembly:
 One way to increase the power of a computer is to increase the processing
speed by upgrading the CPU. However, you must meet some specs.
i.The new CPU must fit into the existing CPU socket.
ii. The new CPU must be compatible with the motherboard chipset.
iii. The new CPU must operate with the existing motherboard and power supply.
iv. The new CPU must operate with the existing RAM.
Note: The RAM may need to be upgraded or expanded to take advantage of the
faster CPU.
 If the motherboard is older, you might not be able to find a compatible CPU. In
that case, you must replace the motherboard.
 To change the CPU, remove the existing CPU by releasing it from the socket
using the zero insertion force lever and insert the new CPU into place.
UPGRADING AND CONFIGURING A PC
1. Motherboard and Related Components
d. Upgrade RAM:
 Increasing the amount of system RAM almost always improves overall
system performance.
 Prior to upgrading or replacing the RAM, answer the following questions:
i. What type of RAM does the motherboard currently use?
ii. Can the RAM be installed one module at a time or must it be grouped into
matching banks?
iii. Are there available RAM slots?
iv. Does the new RAM chip match the speed, latency, type, and voltage of the
existing RAM?
 Remove the existing RAM module by freeing the retaining clips that
secure it. Pull it from the socket and insert a new RAM module.
 Home work
 Read and write short notes on:
1. BIOS Upgrade
2. Hard drive Upgrade
3. Input and Output device Upgrade.