The Computer System Unit

The system unit is the box-like case that contains the electronic components of a
computer. Many people erroneously refer to this as the CPU. Here you will find devices
like the power supply, different drives, the fan, the connectors, and the motherboard.
Note that in most cases, the monitor, keyboard, and mouse will not be found inside the
system unit layout.
Other names for the system unit include the computer chassis, cabinet, box, tower,
enclosure, housing, or simply case.
Parts of the Unit
These are some of the major components you are going to find inside your system unit.
If you are thinking of checking some of these parts out, make sure your computer is
powered off and disconnected from a power source. Be careful not to mess with your
components if you are not very familiar with them. Before touching anything, be aware
of the ESD precautions.

A Computer Base Unit

The Motherboard
The motherboard is sometimes called the system board or main board. It is the main
circuit board of a microcomputer. This component contains the connectors for
attaching additional boards. All other parts connect in one way or another to the
motherboard.
This part typically contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and
parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard
peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, mouse, and disk drive.
When you are reading about motherboards, you won't fail to come across the term
motherboard form factors, which describes the general shape, the type of case, and
the power supply it can use. It also describes the physical organization of the
motherboard.
Hard Disk Drive
A hard disk drive is a high capacity, non-volatile, magnetic data storage device with a
volume (disk) that is usually non-removable.
Data is magnetically read and written on the platter by read/write heads that float on
a cushion of air above the platters.

Floppy Disk Drive

This is a disk drive that can read and write floppy disks, although they are obsolete
nowadays.
These drives have been replaced by the USB flash disk drives in modern machines.

Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit (PSU) is used to convert AC currents from the main supply to the
different DC voltages required by various computer components.
Power supplies are quoted as having a certain power output specified in watts, A
standard power supply would typically be able to deliver around 350 watts.
You will need more power from the power supply if your PC has more operating
components.

CD-ROM Drive
This is a high capacity optical data storage device with a removable disk. It writes data
onto or reads data from a storage medium.
A CD-ROM drive may be connected to the computer via an IDE (ATA), SCSI, S-ATA, Fire
wire, or USB interface or a proprietary interface.

Overview of Computer System Unit Parts

The Computer System Unit. The system unit is the box-like case that contains the
electronic components of a computer. ...
Parts of the Unit. These are some of the major components you are going to find inside
your system unit. ...
The Motherboard. ...
Hard Disk Drive. ...
Floppy Disk Drive. ...
Power Supply Unit. ...
CD-ROM Drive.

The Parts of a Computer Motherboard

The Computer Mother Board Explained

The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the motherboard. Other
names for this central computer unit are system board, mainboard, or printed wired
board (PWB). The motherboard is sometimes shortened to Mobo.
Numerous major components, crucial for the functioning of the computer, are
attached to the motherboard. These include the processor, memory, and expansion
slots. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the PC.
The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on a computer's system
speed and expansion capabilities.

Major Motherboard Components and Their Functions

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Computer's Microprocessor

Also known as the microprocessor or the processor, the CPU is the computer's brain. It is
responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as
performing mathematical and logical calculations.
The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer. This
information is usually inscribed on the chip itself. For example, Intel 386, Advanced
Micro Devices (AMD) 386, Cyrix 486, Pentium MMX, Intel Core 2Duo, or iCore7.
If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket
as socket 1 to Socket 8, LGA 775 among others. This can help you identify the processor
that fits in the socket. For example, a 486DX processor fits into Socket 3.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The Computer Memory
Random Access Memory, or RAM, usually refers to computer chips that temporarily
store dynamic data to enhance computer performance while you are working.
In other words, it is the working place of your computer, where active programs and
data are loaded so that any time the processor requires them, it doesn't have to fetch
them from the hard disk.
Random access memory is volatile, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned
off. This is different from non-volatile memory, such as hard disks and flash memory,
which do not require a power source to retain data.
When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in RAM is returned back to
permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot-up, RAM begins to
fill with programs automatically loaded at startup, a process called booting. Later on,
the user opens other files and programs that are still loaded in the memory.

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

The BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is a "read-only" memory, which consists
of low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface
between the operating system and the hardware. Most people know the term BIOS by
another name—device drivers, or just drivers. BIOS is essentially the link between the
computer hardware and software in a system.
All motherboards include a small block of Read Only Memory (ROM) which is separate
from the main system memory used for loading and running software. On PCs, the BIOS
contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial
communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.
The system BIOS is a ROM chip on the motherboard used during the startup routine
(boot process) to check out the system and prepare to run the hardware. The BIOS is
stored on a ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is being
supplied to the computer.

Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Random Access Memory (CMOS RAM)

The CMOS Battery

Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM
chips which are kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the
PC’s power is off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on.
CMOS devices require very little power to operate.
The CMOS RAM is used to store basic Information about the PC’s configuration for
instance:-
Floppy disk and hard disk drive types
Information about CPU
RAM size
Date and time
Serial and parallel port information
Plug and Play information
Power Saving settings
Other Important data kept in CMOS memory is the time and date, which is updated by
a Real Time Clock (RTC).

Cache Memory
The Level 2 Cache Memory on an Old Motherboard
The Computer Cache Memory
Cache memory is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC
performance by pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory and
passing it to the processor on demand.
Most CPUs have an internal cache memory (built into the processor) which is referred to
as Level 1 or primary cache memory. This can be supplemented by external cache
memory fitted on the motherboard. This is the Level 2 or secondary cache.
In modern computers, Levels 1 and 2 cache memory are built into the processor die. If
a third cache is implemented outside the die, it is referred to as the Level 3 (L3) cache.

Expansion Bus

The Expansion Buses

An expansion bus is an input/output pathway from the CPU to peripheral devices and it
is typically made up of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards)
plug into the bus. PCI is the most common expansion bus in a PC and other hardware
platforms. Buses carry signals such as data, memory addresses, power, and control
signals from component to component. Other types of buses include ISA and EISA.
Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing features
in their computers by slotting adapter cards into expansion slots.

Chipsets
The Computer Chip-sets
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a PC's
key components. These key components include the CPU itself, the main memory, the
secondary cache, and any devices situated on the buses. A chipset also controls data
flow to and from hard disks and other devices connected to the IDE channels.

A computer has got two main chipsets:

The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers
between the processor and the RAM, which is why it is located physically near the
processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH, for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.
The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller or expansion controller) handles
communications between slower peripheral devices. It is also called the ICH (I/O
Controller Hub). The term "bridge" is generally used to designate a component which
connects two buses.
Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, and OPTI.

CPU Clock
The CPU Clock
The CPU clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic
timing signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into the
microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow of pulses.
For example, a 200 MHz CPU receives 200 million pulses per second from the clock. A 2
GHz CPU gets two billion pulses per second. Similarly, in any communications device, a
clock may be used to synchronize the data pulses between sender and receiver.

A "real-time clock," also called the "system clock," keeps track of the time of day and
makes this data available to the software. A "time-sharing clock" interrupts the CPU at
regular intervals and allows the operating system to divide its time between active users
and/or applications.

Switches and Jumpers

The Switches and Jumpers
DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are small electronic switches found on the circuit
board that can be turned on or off just like a normal switch. They are very small and so
are usually flipped with a pointed object, such as the tip of a screwdriver, a bent paper
clip, or a pen top. Take care when cleaning near DIP switches, as some solvents may
destroy them. Dip switches are obsolete and you will not find them in modern systems.
Jumper pins are small protruding pins on the motherboard. A jumper cap or bridge is
used to connect or short a pair of jumper pins. When the bridge is connected to any
two pins, via a shorting link, it completes the circuit and a certain configuration has
been achieved.
Jumper caps are metal bridges that close an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper
consists of a plastic plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins. Jumpers are sometimes
used to configure expansion boards. By placing a jumper plug over a different set of
pins, you can change a board's parameters.
NOTE: You can check the jumper pins and jumper cap at the back of an IDE hard disk
and a CD/DVD ROM/Writer.
How to Disassemble a Computer
Disassembly of the System Unit
Step 1: Unplugging

The first thing you do, is unplug every cable that's plugged in to your computer. That
includes the following cables:

Power
USB
Firewire
Mouse
Keyboard
Internet
Ethernet
Modem
AM\FM Antenna
Cable TV
etc...

Step 2: Outer Shell/Casing

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Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work space,
preferably a carpet. The carpet is better than tile, because screws and other small parts
will roll around.

NOTICE:
If you are working on a carpet, about every five minuets touch something that is
grounded (Sink faucet\pipe, wire coming from the ground part of a wall outlet).
This is so you don't shock your motherboard or other parts.
First off, unscrew the four screws on the back of the computer. On most computer
cases, there will be large knobs that you can unscrew by hand or by screw driver on the
back-right side of the computer. The left side has small screws because on that side you
can't access much on the inside.
Once the screws are removed, you can remove the side panels. On most computers,
they just slide off. Start with the left side panel (the side that once had the knobs), slide it
towards the back of the computer. Now you can remove the left panel. Just like the
other one, slide it towards the back of the computer.

Step 3: Outer Shell/Casing (cont.)

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In the last step I removed both side panels. In this step, I will be removing the front and
top panels.

Just like the side panels, the top panel slides off. Also like the side panels, the top one
slides toward the back of the computer. The front panel clips on to the metal frame
with four tabs, so you must push them in and slide the whole panel forward.

Step 4: System Fan

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Now that the case is off, I will begin to remove the internal components.

Most computers have two fans: the system fan, the one blowing air into the computer,
and the CPU fan, the one blowing air onto the CPU heat sink. I will start by removing the
system fan first. It is located at the back side of the computer, the side with all the
component plugins.

First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You can find the plug by following the wire
from the fan. It should be labeled "SYS_FAN1". Next, you will have to unscrew the fan
from the outside. You should now be able to lift the fan out of the PC.

Step 5: CPU Fan

Images
Now that the system fan is out, we can remove the CPU fan.

The CPU fan is located right on top of the CPU heat sink, which is a large piece of metal
with fins on the top. The CPU fan plugs into the motherboard in an awkward place, that
is hard to access. But just follow the wires and you should easily find it. It is labeled "CPU
FAN1". To remove the fan from the heat sink, remove the four screws securing it in
place.

Step 6: Power Supply

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The power supply manages all the power for the machine.

The power supply is a large metal box located at the upper-back part of the computer.
They sometimes come with an on/off switch that is acessable from the back of the
computer. The main power cord also plugs into the back of the power supply.

The power supply supplies power to every component in a computer, therefore it has
the most wires out of every other component in the computer. The first thing I will do is
unplug every wire coming from the power supply. The list below is every thing that I had
to disconnect:

Motherboard (very large connector/plug)

CD/DVD drive[s] power
Internal hard drive power
Portable hard drive slot power

Once everything is unplugged, unscrew the four screws holding the power supply in
place, on the back of the computer. Next, push the power supply from the outside,
then lift it out.

Step 7: CD/DVD Drive[s]

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I have one CD/DVD drive, but you might have two. If so, follow this step twice!

The CD/DVD drive is one of the easiest components to remove. First, unplug the ribbon
from the back of the drive. Once that is completed, pull on the tab securing the drive in
place, then push it out from the inside.

If you don't have a second drive, there should be a flat piece of metal covering the
drive slot. Follow the inscribed instructions to remove it.

Step 8: Card Reader

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Most new computers have built in card readers, but old computers almost never have
them.

Just like every other component, unplug the wire first. On my computer, there is just one
screw holding the card reader in place. Your computer might have more, so just
unscrew them all! After that, the card reader should be removeable.

Most card readers have a protective plastic cover on the part that you can see from
the external computer, which can be removed by lifting the tabs on the top and
bottom. Refer to the pictures.

Step 9: Hard Drive & Portable Hard Drive Slot

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I have included both components together in one step, because in order to remove
the hard drive, you must remove the portable hard drive slot first.

First off, de-attach the connector at the back of the slot, and unplug the other end
from the motherboard. Also unplug the SATA cable from the motherboard and the
hard drive. The portable hard drive slot is secured the same way the CD/DVD drive is,
with a tab. Pull on the tab, then slide the slot out.
To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws securing it in
place. You must be very careful to not drop the hard drive, as it is very delicate!

Step 10: Expansion Cards

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Expansion cards are like small upgrades to your computer.

Expansion cards give a computer new capabilities, once installed. Different examples
are:

Bluetooth
Wireless Internet
Ethernet
TV

Different computers come stock with different cards. My computer came stock with a
TV and Ethernet card. If you only have one, remove that one. If you have two, remove
the two!

There should be a single screw on top of each expansion card slot, whether it's
occupied, or empty. Remove the screws on the occupied card slots. Once the screws
are removed, you should be able to remove the cards by pulling them carefully
upward. Some expansion cards have cables leading to other parts of the computer, for
example, my TV card is connected to the connectivity center on the front of my
computer. You will have to unplug any cables attached to an expansion card.

Step 11: Connectivity Center Cables

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Most new computers have a connectivity center located at the front of the computer.

The connectivity center is the area on the front of the computer where there is many
input sections, like usb, firewire, microphone, headphones, video, etc.. I won't remove
the whole connectivity center in this step, but I will unplug all the cables coming from it.

Do that (unplug all cables), then unplug the wires leading from the power button, hdd
light, and power light.

Step 12: RAM (Random Access Memory)

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RAM allows for the near instantaneous transfer of information to and from the CPU.

So pretty much, the more RAM you have, the faster your computer runs. Most
computers have 4 RAM slots, and two RAM chips. My computer came stock with two,
but yours might have more or less. To remove the RAM, push down on both tabs holding
the RAM in place, which are located at both ends of the RAM. Please see the pictures.

Step 13: Power Button & Power LED + HDD LED

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The power button, power LED, and hard drive LED are all within a plastic "chasis".

There is a zip tie holding the wires/cables for the front connectivity center and front
power button/LEDs. Cut it.

To remove the chasis, press in on the tabs that are located on the chasis' side. Refer to
the pictures to see the tabs. Once the tabs are being pressed in, pull the whole chasis
out of the computer.

To remove the LEDs from the "chasis", push them from the front with a screw driver. To
remove the button, you will need to push it from the back, the side with the wires. For
clarification, see the pictures.

Not all computers may be set up like this, so your computer will probably be different.
Just use common sense to find a way!

Step 14: Connectivity Center

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Not every computer has a connectivity center, but most new ones do.

Like I said in step 11, "The connectivity center is the area on the front of the computer
where there is many input sections, like usb, firewire, microphone, headphones, video,
etc.". But this time, I will remove the whole component, not just unplug the cables\wires!

First thing, unscrew the single screw holding it in place. There might be a different
amount of screws, in different locations on your computer, but just unscrew them all!
One the screw[s] are removed, the whole component should slide into the inside of the
computer, which can then be removed.

Just like every other step, refer to the pictures if you are confused!

Step 15: Motherboard

The motherboard is well, the mother of the computer! It is what links every component
in the computer together.

My motherboard is fried, but I will remove it anyway. The motherboard links every
component in the computer together. The CPU, RAM, and expansion cards are
attached directly to it, and every other part of the computer is in one way or another
attached to it.

The motherboard has seven screws holding it to the frame, which are indicated by
large white circles around them. Remove those seven, then lift the motherboard out of
the frame.

Step 16: Done!

This concludes my Instructable "Disassemble a Computer"! In this step, I will give an
overview of every component you get out of a computer with a fried motherboard.

Please remember to rate, and ask questions if you find something confusing!

Case:

Metal Right Panel

Metal Left Panel
Plastic Front Panel
Plastic Top Panel
Metal & Plastic Frame

Hardware:

Hard Drive
CD/DVD Drive
Power Supply
Card Reader
Expansion Cards
RAM Chips
Connectivity Center

Cables\Wires:

SATA Cable (Hard Drive to Motherboard)

Portable HDD Dock and Wires (Power and Data from Portable HDD to Motherboard)
Accessory Wire (Connected Card Reader to Motherboard)
Drive Ribbon (CD/DVD Drive to Motherboard)

Miscellaneous:

33 Screws
Drive Slot Cover
2 Expansion Card Slot Covers
Plastic Piece (I refured to it as a "chasis" for a button and LEDs in step 13)
Large System Fan
Small CPU Fan
Portable HDD Slot

Assembly of the System Unit

Step 1: Procuring Parts

First you will need to buy the parts necessary to build the computer. The parts we will
use in this project are labeled in figure 1:
1. Processor (CPU)
2. Computer Case
3. Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA capable)
4. Memory (RAM)
5. Power Supply
6. SATA Cables
7. Motherboard (SATA Capable)
8. Processor Fan
9. Case Fan
10. Hard Drive (SATA Capable)
11. Assortment of case and drive screws (Not Pictured)
12. Flowers (necessary if you are invading the space of your significant other)

Most, if not all of these parts can be bought together in what is known as a “barebones
kit”. In this instance, the case, motherboard, cpu, hard drive, and memory were bought
together from tigerdirect.com as a barebones kit for around $200. The DVD drive and
cables were purchased from newegg.com for less than $30 before shipping. There is an
obvious financial advantage to buying parts bundled together, but less obvious is the
benefit you will realize from the amount of time you save trying to research parts
compatibility.

Caution: Double check the manufacturer’s specifications on all items before you
purchase them. Kits are supposed to contain compatible parts, but mistakes can
happen.

Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies

Gather the tools you will need for the project:

Screwdriver (for slotted and Phillips head screws)
Wire cutters and strippers
Needle-nosed pliers
Utility knife
Small flashlight
Adjustable wrench
Small container to hold screws
Heat sink compound
Grounding Strap

You may not use every single one of these tools in every installation, but it is best to
have all of them on hand in case you have a use for them.

Warning: Using incorrect tools for a task (such as turning a screw with a knife blade) can
cause equipment damage and bodily injury.

Step 3: Open the Case

Open the computer case by removing the side panels. Find the screws that hold the
side panels in place and remove them (shown in figure 3 circled in red). The panel is
removed by first sliding it back (figure 4) then lifting it away from the case (figure 5).

Warning: Case may have sharp edges. Handle with care to avoid injury.

Step 4: Prepare the Case for Assembly

Three things need to be done before assembly begins:

Remove any parts or packaging materials that may have been shipped inside the case
(figure 6).
Remove the cover for the optical drive. On our case, we will be removing the cover on
the highest drive bay to mount our DVD drive as shown in figure 7. Do this by pressing in
the retaining tabs shown in figure 8.
Make note of the cables pre-installed in the case. These should be front panel
connections for features such as the power switch, audio jacks and usb ports. If they
are not labeled, consult the manufacturer’s documentation and label them yourself
now before other parts are installed in the case (figure 8).

Step 5: Ground Yourself

Put the grounding strap on your wrist (Figure 10) and connect the other end to the
computer case. If your strap is not equipped with a clip to hook to the case, find a
place to wedge against the metal as shown in figure 11. This will prevent any buildup of
static electricity on your body from damaging the computer components.

Caution:Static electricity can ruin computer components. Always wear a grounding

strap when handling any internal components.

Step 6: Install Motherboard

To install the motherboard we need parts that should have been included with your
purchased components:

I/O Bezel is a trim panel installed in the back of the case that surrounds the interface
ports on the motherboard. It should be included with the motherboard. Figure 12 shows
the contents of the motherboard box.
Standoffs are installed in the case screw holes to create a riser that separates the case
and motherboard. The screws install into the standoffs as shown in figure 13. Screws and
standoffs should be included with the case, but it is a good idea to order these items
just in case they aren't included.
Follow these steps to install the motherboard in the case:

Install the I/O bezel plate into the opening in the back of the case (figure 14). It pushes
in from the inside.
Install standoffs in the case. The standoffs screw into the motherboard mounting holes
shown in figure 14. Check the screw hole locations on the motherboard for exact
placement.
Lower the motherboard into the case and align with the I/O bezel.
Install the screws.
Figure 15 shows the motherboard installed in the case. It works best to leave the screws
loose until all of them have been started and the board is aligned with the bezel.

Caution: To prevent damage to the motherboard it must only contact the standoffs
and screws. All of the standoffs and screws must be installed.

Step 7: Install Hard Drive

The hard drive is the device that stores all of your data. It is 3.5" wide and needs to be
mounted so that you can gain access to the cable connections on the back (figure
16). If that is not possible you may need to connect cables before you install the drive.
To mount the drive:

Find a 3.5" drive bay to install the drive in. If you have trouble finding a place to mount
the drive consult your case documentation for suggestions.
Slide the drive into place until the screw holes on the sides are lined up with the holes in
the case.
Install the screws.

Step 8: Install Optical Drive

The optical drive is 5.25" wide and is installed in the drive bay that we removed the
cover from in a previous step. Cable access considerations apply to this drive also. To
install the drive:

Slide the drive into the drive bay until the screw holes are lined up and the front of the
drive is flush with the front of the case (figure 18). Make sure that it is orientated
correctly.
Install the screws.

Step 9: Install the CPU

The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is installed on the motherboard in the socket
shown in figure 20.To install the CPU:

Find the corner marking that designates pin 1 of the CPU as shown in figure 19. On this
AMD brand processor, the corner is marked with an arrow. Consult the manufacturer's
documentation for specific information about your processor.
Lift the small metal rod next to the socket as shown in figure 20.
Find the corresponding marking on the CPU socket and insert the CPU so that the
markings are lined up.
Push the rod down to lock the processor in place (figure 21).
Step 10: Install RAM

The RAM is the temporary memory location that the processor works from. Permanently
stored data is pulled from disks and stored in RAM while the processor works with it. The
memory is easy to install:

Set the RAM board in the socket as shown in figure 22. Check to see that the notch in
the board is in the correct location. If it is not, turn it around 180º.
Press firmly on both ends of the board to set it into the socket. Make sure the tabs lock
into place as shown in figure 23.
Caution: Pressing the boards in when the tab is not aligned could cause damage to the
RAM boards as well as the motherboard.

Step 11: Install the CPU Fan

The CPU fan is really a combination of a heat sink and fan together. The unit draws heat
away from the CPU . To install the fan:

Place thermal compound to the CPU following the instructions provided with the
compound.
Set the fan assembly on the CPU with mounting tabs aligned.
Pull the locking rod down on the fan assembly to lock into place.
Connect the fan assembly's power connector to the motherboard. Consult the manual
to determine proper placement.
Caution: Failure to apply thermal compound will result in insufficient cooling and will
cause damage to the CPU and/or motherboard.

Step 12: Install Case Fan

The case fan is usually installed on the back panel of the case. If the fan mount is not
obvious consult the case documentation. To mount the fan:

Align the mounting holes by holding the fan to the mounting pad on the inside of the
case as shown in figure 25. The fan needs to be mounted so that it blows air out of the
case.
Insert the screws from the outside of the case and tighten.

Step 13: Install Power Supply

Consult your case documentation for details and then follow these directions to install
the power supply:

Align the mounting holes in the case and power supply as shown in figure 26.
Insert screws and tighten.
Step 14: Connect Cables

With all of the components installed in the case, the jungle of wires can be daunting. It
is important to consult the motherboard manual in order to make sure proper
connections are made. There are two kinds of connections, power and data.

Every device that has been installed needs power. In figure 27, the power supply
connectors are shown. The motherboard has two power connections, and there are
two connectors specifically for SATA devices (drives). The other connectors will run fans
and other non-SATA devices.
Data cables connect drives and front panel devices to the motherboard. Please
consult the motherboard documentation for the exact placement of connectors.
Warning: Incorrect connections can damage components and cause bodily injury.

Step 15: Wrap-up

Now that the components are completely installed, the last thing to do is to reinstall the
side panels on the case. The computer is now ready to be turned on and to have
software loaded on it. If the computer has problems starting up, check all component
connections and mounting to make sure that you have hooked everything up
correctly. Consult individual component manuals for specific troubleshooting
information if problems persist.

Parts of the MotherBoard and it’s function