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Zone 2: Assemble Your Own PC Node 1: Hardware Needed: 1. CPU - Central Processing Unit

The document outlines the hardware components needed to assemble a desktop PC, including the CPU, motherboard, RAM, hard disk, power supply, CPU casing, DVD drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and various cables. Proper installation of these 21 components is required to build a fully functioning computer from scratch. Compatibility of the chipset, RAM speed, and CPU speed is important for the motherboard. The power supply converts AC to DC power and includes connectors for the motherboard, CPU, SATA devices, fans, video cards, and external power cord.

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Haitham Tomawis
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© © All Rights Reserved
58 views

Zone 2: Assemble Your Own PC Node 1: Hardware Needed: 1. CPU - Central Processing Unit

The document outlines the hardware components needed to assemble a desktop PC, including the CPU, motherboard, RAM, hard disk, power supply, CPU casing, DVD drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and various cables. Proper installation of these 21 components is required to build a fully functioning computer from scratch. Compatibility of the chipset, RAM speed, and CPU speed is important for the motherboard. The power supply converts AC to DC power and includes connectors for the motherboard, CPU, SATA devices, fans, video cards, and external power cord.

Uploaded by

Haitham Tomawis
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Zone 2: Assemble Your Own PC

Node 1: Hardware Needed


1. CPU – Central Processing Unit
It is the heart and brain of a computer. CPU or more technically known as
microprocessor, controls all the parts depending on what you, the user, want it to do. Its
performance is very dependent on it.

There used to be three brands that competed in the market: Cyrix, AMD, and Intel. Now
there are only two, AMD and Intel.

2. Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and is also known as the
mainboard or logic board. Attached to the motherboard, you will find the CPU, ROM,
memory RAM expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports. It also includes controllers for
devices like the hard drive, DVD drive, keyboard, and mouse. Basically, the motherboard
is what makes everything in your computer work together.

Motherboards have a collection of chips and controllers. This collection is called chipset.
The chipset of the motherboard, the speed of the RAM, and the speed of the CPU or
processor must be compatible in order for it to work.

3. RAM – Random Access Memory


Typically called a system memory, it is very vital to the speed and performance of your
computer. Each program that you load, some of it is temporarily loaded in the RAM, so
that when you access it again, it will take the data from the RAM not from the hard disk.
When the computer is turned off, all the data from the RAM will be erased and will be
rewritten again once you load another program in your computer.

4. Hard Disk
It is the internal data storage device, where all your data, system files, and document
files are saved. It is also commonly known as hard drive. It contains non-volatile or very
stable and reliable data wherein data stays unless it has been deleted or erased.

The most common type of hard drive is SATA drive which stands for “Serial Advanced
Technology Attachment,” or “Serial ATA.” It is an interface used to connect ATA hard
drives to a computer’s motherboard.
5. Power Supply
It is the small box located inside the casing of your desktop PC. It supplies power for all
the devices inside the computer.

It basically converts the AC power from your outlet and converts it to DC volt power for
the devices inside the computer.

Connectors included in one power supply:


1. ATX 24 pin connector
It connects the power supply to the motherboard thus giving power to the
motherboard.

2. ATX P4
This connector exclusively powers the processor.

3. SATA Power Connector


It connects the SATA hard disk to the motherboard. It also connects other SATA
devices like the DVD ROM drive.

4. Molex
It is the most classic and still included in power supplies today. It is the predecessor
of the SATA cable. It connects power supply to the old hard disks, old CD ROM
drives, and internal fans.

5. Molex for Floppy Drive


This is another classic Molex connector for providing power to the floppy drive.

6. The PCI Express


Video cards nowadays need more power, especially the Video Accelerator Cards.
They need power not from the motherboard but directly from the power supply.
That is thee use of this connector.

7. External Power Cord


This gives power to the power supply.

6. CPU Casing
This is the housing of all the computer parts. It contains the power supply, motherboard,
hard disks, floppy disks, CD Drives, etc.

7. DVD Drive
It is a drive to read and write data from a DVD ROM.
8. Monitor
It displays the computer interface that allows the user to interact with the computer
through a keyboard or a mouse.

9. Keyboard
It allows you to communicate with the computer.

10. Mouse
This is another user interface device that allows you to control the functions of the
computer just like the keyboard.

11. Web Cams

12. Speakers
They provide the sound system for your computer.

13. Printer/Scanner
A printer prints any document created from your computer. A scanner scans any
document and saves it to your computer.

14. AVR – Automatic Voltage Regulator


It is an electrical device that ensures that your computer is always receiving a perfect
220 volts AC, even though it receives a voltage that is lower or even higher than 220.

15. UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply


This electrical device gives power to your computer even in the event of power failure.

16. USB Cable for Printer


This cable connects your computer to your printer.

17. SATA Data Cable for HD and DVD Drives


Your HD and DVD drives will receive power from the SATA power cables connected to
the power supply. These drives, though, will not work unless you connect the SATA data
cables to the motherboard. If you have one hard drive and one DVD drive, you need two
pieces of SATA data cables. If you have two hard drives and one DVD drive, you need
three SATA data cables.

18. VGA Cable or HDMI Cable


Use any of these cables to connect your monitor to your computer.
19. Mounting Screws and Plastics
Mounting screws are needed to precisely install your motherboard to the casing of your
computer. These screws and plastics come in together with the casing box of your
computer housing.

20. Graphics Accelerator


It is a video card that contains its own processor. It also has its own memory to be able
to output a very fast and seamless video.

21. Power Cables


You have to ensure that all your power cables are complete before starting to assemble
your computer.

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