ICT– Module

(INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY)

Objectives:
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
 identify the important components of a PC and their functions
 familiarize occupational health and safety Procedures
 distinguish the different hardware tools
 perform the basic skills that are necessary to assemble and disassemble a PC

Introduction:
Computers have become a useful part of our everyday lives. The types of computers we use at home or
at work are referred to by varied names such as PCs, microcomputers, workstations, laptops and desktops.
These computers are most popularly referred to as “personal computers” or PCs, the most common type of
computer in the world.
Today, an average person uses computer-based assistance several times each day and it becomes an
integral part of our lives. So it is very important to be aware of and understand them.

Lesson 1: Understanding the Computer System

As an aspiring computer technician, it is very important to know the different components of a computer
system. These are the hardware, software and peopleware. Each component plays an important role, without
each other computer systems will not work properly.

1.1 HARDWARE- the physical, touchable, electronic and mechanical parts of a computer system.

A. Major hardware components of a computer system

The following list represents a basic set of hardware found in most PCs:
1. SYSTEM UNIT- The main part of a microcomputer, sometimes called the chassis. It includes the
following parts: Motherboard, Microprocessor, Memory Chips, Buses, Ports, Expansion Slots and
Cards.

Figure 1. Tower Type System Unit

2. Motherboard / Mainboard / System Board- The main circuit board of a computer. It contains all the
circuits and components that run the computer.

3. CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The processor is the main “brain” or “heart” of a computer system. It
performs all of the instructions and calculations that are needed and manages the flow of information
through a computer.

4. Primary storage- (internal storage, main memory or memory) is the computer's working storage space
that holds data, instructions for processing and processed data (information) waiting to be sent to
secondary storage. Physically, primary storage is a collection of RAM chips.

Two (2) Types of Memory

a. ROM – (Read Only Memory) ROM is non-volatile, meaning it holds data even when the power is ON
or OFF.
b. RAM – (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data only when the power is on.
When the power is off, RAM's contents are lost.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 1

 5. Expansion Bus - A bus is a data pathway between several hardware components inside or outside a
computer. It does not only connect the parts of the CPU to each other, but also links the CPU with other
important hardware.

6. Adapters- Printed-circuit boards (also called interface cards) that enable the computer to use a peripheral
device for which it does not have the necessary connections or circuit boards. They are often used to
permit upgrading to a new different hardware.

Figure 6. Adapter (Network Adapter)

7. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - Installed in the back corner of the PC

case, next to the motherboard. It converts 120vac (standard house power)
into DC voltages that are used by other components in the PC.

8. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Also known as hard drive, is a magnetic

storage device that is installed inside the computer. The hard drive is used
as permanent storage for data. In a Windows computer, the hard drive is usually
configured as the C: drive and contains the operating system and applications.

9. Optical Drive- An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to read
data on the optical media. There are three types of optical drives:
Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc (BD).

10. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - Designed to optically access data stored on a DVD.
A laser moves back and forth near the disk surface and accesses data at a very fast rate.

B. INPUT DEVICES - Accepts data and instructions from the user or from another computer system.

Two (2) Types of Input Devices

1. Keyboard Entry – Data is inputted to the computer through a keyboard.
o Keyboard - The first input device developed for the PC. Data is
transferred to the PC over a short cable with a circular 6-pin Mini-din
connector that plugs into the back of the motherboard.

2. Direct Entry – A form of input that does not require data to be keyed by someone sitting at a keyboard.
Direct-entry devices create machine-readable data on paper, or magnetic media, or feed it directly into
the computer’s CPU.

Three Categories of Direct Entry Devices

1. Pointing Devices - An input device used to move the pointer (cursor) on screen.
 Mouse - The most common 'pointing device' used in PCs.
Every mouse has two buttons and most have one or two scroll wheels.
 Touch screen- A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger
or stylus. Used in myriad applications, including ATM machines,
retail point-of-sale terminals, car navigation and industrial controls.
The touch screen became wildly popular for smart phones and tablets.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 2

  Light Pen - A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal used to
draw pictures or select menu options. The user brings the pen to the
desired point on screen and presses the pen button to make contact.
 Digitizer Tablet - A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching new images
or tracing old ones. Also called a "graphics tablet," the user contacts the
surface of the device with a wired or wireless pen or puck. Often mistakenly
called a mouse, the puck is officially the "tablet cursor."

2. Scanning Devices- A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and translates the
information into a form the computer can use.

Image scanner bar code scanner

3. Voice- Input Devices - Audio input devices also known as speech or voice
recognition systems that allow a user to send audio signals to a computer
for processing, recording, or carrying out commands. Audio input devices such
as microphones allow users to speak to the computer in order to record a
voice message or navigate software.

C. OUTPUT DEVICES - Any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the computer has
processed the input data that has been entered.
Ex:
1. Computer Display Monitor- It displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion
of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen or video display terminal.
Types of Monitor

A. CRT Monitors - Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) were

the only type of displays for use with desktop PCs. They are
relatively big (14" to 16" deep) and heavy (over 15 lbs)

B. LCD Monitors - Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology has

been used in laptops for some time. It has recently been made
commercially available as monitors for desktop PCs.

C. LED Monitors (Light Emitting Diode) - A display and lighting

technology used in almost every electrical and electronic product
on the market, from a tiny on/off light to digital readouts,
flashlights, traffic lights and perimeter lighting.

2. LCD Projectors- utilize two sheets of polarizing material with a

liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through
the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them.
Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through
or blocking the light.

3. Smart Board - A type of display screen that has a touch sensitive t

transparent panel covering the screen, which is similar to a touch screen.

4. Printer - A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.

Types of printer

 Ink-Jet or Bubble-Jet Printer - prays ink at a sheet of paper.

Ink-jet printers produce high-quality text and graphics.

 Laser Printer - Uses the same technology as copy machines.

Laser printers produce very high quality text and graphics.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 3

 LCD and LED Printer- Similar to a laser printer, but
uses liquid crystals or light-emitting diodes rather than a
laser to produce an image on the drum.

 Line Printer - Contains a chain of characters or pins that

print an entire line at one time. Line printers are very fast,
but produce low-quality print.

 Thermal Printer- An inexpensive printer that works by

pushing heated pins against heat-sensitive paper.
Thermal printers are widely used in calculators and
fax machines.

5. Speakers - Used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers
allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

D. STORAGE DEVICES
 Flash drive / Thumb drive - is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated
Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and
physically much smaller than an optical disc.
 Floppy disk - is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of
thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic
carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles. Floppy disks are read and
written by a floppy disk drive (FDD).
 Memory cards
 Hard drive
 CD / DVD

E. Ports - External connecting sockets on the outside of the computer. This is a pathway into and out of the
computer. A port lets users plug in outside peripherals, such as monitors, scanners and printers.
The Ports and their function
Type of Port Function Illustration
Serial Port Intended for serial type mouse and
older camera

Parallel Port Also called as printer port. This is

only for old model printer. It
has 25 pins. It is a female
port.
VGA (Video Graphic Used to connect monitors. It has
Array) Port 15 pins and it is a female
port.
USB (Universal Serial High speed serial interface that is
Bus) Port used with almost all devices.
It is used to connect latest
model printers, pen drives,
cell phones etc. it has 4 pins.

PS/2 Port Simple, 6-pin, low-speed serial

connections commonly
dedicated to a keyboard and
mouse.
Power Port Intended for power cord.

S-Video Port S-Video connections are available

on certain source
components and video
display devices, and offer a
COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 4
 higher level of video
performance over composite
video signals.

Audio Port Intended for plugging in the

speaker or headset.

LAN (Local Area A physical interface often used for

Networking) Port terminating twisted pair type
cables used to connect
computers onto a local-area
networks (LAN), especially
Ethernet RJ-45 connectors

F. Cables and Wires- A cable is most often two or more wires running side by side and bonded, twisted or
braided together to form a single assembly, but can also refer to a heavy strong rope.

Table 2. The Cables and Connectors

Illustration Function
These jacks are intended for the PS/2 port
specifically for PS/2 type of keyboard and
mouse.
This type of jack is intended for the audio and
microphone port.

S-video jack is obviously for S-Video port

This USB (Universal Serial Bus) plug is intended

for USB port. Modern or new model of
peripherals like printer, camera, scanners
and even other portable computer
attachments used USB type of plugs.

This printer cable jack is intended for the parallel

port.

RJ45 ("RJ" in RJ45 stands for "registered jack,"

since it is a standardized networking
interface and the "45" simply refers to the
number of the interface standard) is a type
of connector commonly used for
Ethernet networking.

Power cord is the most important cord because it

connects the computer to the main source
of electricity to make it functional.

1.2 SOFTWARE is the set of instructions (also called a program) that guides the hardware to operate
effectively.
Two main types:
1. System Software – Any software required to support the production or execution of application
programs, but which is not specific to any particular application. Common operating systems include
Windows, the Macintosh OS, OS/2 and UNIX.

MAC LINUX

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 5

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 2. Application Software – Designed to help the user to perform singular or multiple related tasks.
Examples of application software are as follows:
a. Word processing software - Creates, edits, saves, and prints documents. Example: MS Word,
WordPerfect, Ami Pro, MacWrite.

b. Spreadsheet software - An electronic spreadsheet consisting of rows and columns is used to present and
analyze data. Example: MS Excel, Lotus 123, Quattro Pro.

c. Database management software - Used to structure a database, a large collection of computer programs.
Data is organized as fields and records for easy retrieval. Example: MS Access, dBase, Fox Pro, Oracle.

d. Graphic software - Graphics programs display results of data manipulation for easier analysis and
presentation. Example: Macromedia Flash, Harvard Graphics, 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop
3. People ware - Refers to people involved in the data processing
operations such as the system administrator, office workers, students
and others.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 6

 Lesson 2
USE OF TOOLS IN PC HARDWARE SERVICING

To complete hardware repairs, it is important to have a toolkit that should contain all of the necessary
tools. As you gain experience, you will learn which tools to have available for different types of jobs. Hardware
tools are grouped into these four categories:

 Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools

 Hand tools
 Cleaning tools
 Diagnostic tools

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools

Static electricity is easily generated by friction on carpets, tile flooring, clothing, hair, fabric, and etc.
The friction of moving air alone will charge suspended particles and cause the buildup of static electrical
charges on people and objects in the environment. Grounded antistatic work mats used with antistatic wrist
straps provide the most basic means for the controlled discharge of electrostatic electricity.
Examples of ESD Tools:
1. Anti-static wrist strap – Used to prevent ESD damage to computer equipment.

2. Anti-static mat – Used to stand on or place hardware on to

prevent static electricity from building up.

Hand Tools
A hand tool is a device for performing work on a material or a physical system using only hands. Hand tools
can be used manually or electrically powered, using electrical current. Examples of Hand Tools are as follows:
Hand Tools
Tool Description

Flat Head Screwdriver – Used to loosen or tighten slotted screws.

Philips Head Screwdriver – Used to loosen or tighten cross-head screws.

Torx Screwdriver - Used to loosen or tighten screws that have a star-like

depression on the top, a feature that is mainly found on laptop.

Hex Driver – Sometimes called a nut driver, is used to tighten nuts in the
same way that a screwdriver tightens screws.

Needle-Nose Pliers – Used to hold small parts.

Wire Cutter – Used to strip and cut wires.

Tweezers – Used to manipulate small parts.

Part Retriever – Used to retrieve parts from location that is too small for
your hand to fit.

Flashlight – Used to light up areas that you cannot see well.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 7

Cleaning Tools
Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential when maintaining or repairing computers. Using these
tools ensures that computer components are not damaged during cleaning. Examples:

Tools Description

Lint-free Cloth – Used to clean different computer components without

scratching or leaving debris.

Compressed Air – Used to blow away dust and debris from different
computer parts without touching the components.

Cable Ties – Used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of a

computer.

Parts Organizer – Used to hold screw, jumpers, fasteners and other small
parts and prevents them from getting mixed together.

Diagnostic Tools
Computers are easier to use and more dependable with each new generation of hardware and operating
system update, but that does not mean they are problem-free. Here are the most popular tools for diagnosing
your computer problems:
Diagnostic tools
Tools Description
Multimeter – Used to test the integrity of circuits and the quality of
electricity in computer components.

Loopback Adapter – Used to test the functionality of computer ports.

Proper Use of ESD Tools

Proper use of Antistatic Wrist Strap
1. Connect the cable to the metal chassis of the computer.
2. Wrap the strap around your wrist.
3. The connection will keep your body at the same
voltage (potential) as the computer
4. Attach the wire on the same side of the equipment as the arm
wearing the antistatic wrist strap to keep the wire out of the
way while you are working.

CAUTION: Never wear an antistatic wrist strap if you are repairing a monitor or CRT.

Proper Use of Antistatic Mat

1. Lay the computer on the mat.
2. Connect the computer to the mat with the cable.
3. Connect the mat to a reliable electrical ground with its cable.
4. Now, you and the computer are at ground potential.

Proper Use of Hand Tools

1. Use the proper type and size of screwdriver by matching it to the screw.
2. Do not over tighten screws because the threads may become stripped.
CAUTION: If excessive force is needed to remove or add a component, something
may be wrong.
CAUTION: Magnetized tools should not be used around electronic devices.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 8

CAUTION: Pencils should not be used inside the computer because the pencil lead can act as a conductor
and may damage the computer components.

Proper Use of Cleaning Materials

To clean computers and accessories:
1. Use mild cleaning solution and lint-free cloth to clean computer cases, outside of monitor, LCD screen,
CRT screen and mouse.
2. Use compressed air to clean heat sinks.
3. Use Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free swabs to clean RAM.
4. Use hand-held vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean a keyboard.

CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug the device from the power source.

LESSON3: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control

Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a planned system of working to prevent illness and injury
where you work by recognizing and identifying hazards and risks. Health and safety procedure is the
responsibility of all persons in the computer and technology industries. You must identify the hazards where
you are working and decide how dangerous they are. Eliminate the hazard or modify the risk that it presents.
There are three steps to manage health and safety at work: (1.) Spot the Hazard (Hazard Identification), (2.)
Assess the Risk (Risk Assessment) and (3.) Make the Changes (Risk Control). You can use these three Think
Safe steps to help prevent accidents at work
The Think Safe Steps
1. Spot the Hazard
A hazard is anything that could hurt you or someone else.
Examples of workplace hazards include:
 frayed electrical cords (could result in electrical shock)
 boxes stacked precariously (they could fall on someone)
 noisy machinery (could result in damage to your hearing)
During working hours, you must remain alert to anything that may be dangerous. If you see, hear or smell
anything odd, take note. If you think it could be a hazard, tell someone.

2. Assess the Risk

Assessing the risk means working out how likely it is that a hazard will harm someone and how serious
the harm could be.
Whenever you spot a hazard, assess the risk by asking yourself two questions:
o How likely is it that the hazard could harm me or someone else?
o How badly could I or someone else be harmed?
Always tell someone (your employer, your supervisor or your health and safety representative) about
hazards you can't fix yourself, especially if the hazard could cause serious harm to anyone.
For example, (1)Ask your supervisor for instructions and training before using equipment, (2)Ask
for help moving or lifting heavy objects, and (3) Tell your supervisor if you think a work practice could be
dangerous.
If you are not sure of the safest way to do something during work experience, always ask your supervisor.

3. Make the Changes

It is your employer's responsibility to fix hazards. Sometimes you may be able to fix simple hazards
yourself, as long as you don't put yourself or others at risk. For example, you can pick up things from the floor
and put them away to eliminate a trip hazard.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 9

Common hazards encountered by computer technicians and users

A hazard is a situation in the workplace that has the potential to harm the health and safety of people or
to damage plant and equipment. The situation could involve a task, chemical or equipment used. Hazard
management is a continuous process that can be used to improve the health and safety of all workplaces.
Physical Hazards

One of the most common physical hazards involving computer technicians is cables running across the
floor. If someone trips, falls, and hurts himself because of a cable you ran across the floor, someone (you, your
employer, or your customer) has a serious legal negligence problem. If you need to temporarily run a cable
across the floor, place a Danger sign similar to those "wet floor" signs used by cleaning services.
For cables that are temporary but will need to run across the floor for a longer period of time, use "gaffers tape".
Gaffers tape is a heavy tape with strong adhesive to stick to the floor. For long term cable routing there is a wide
variety of cable organizing devices like cable ties, cable wraps, and cable raceways which can be used to run
cable safely along the wall or ceiling.

Other common physical hazards include leaving tools on top of ladders and placing electronic
equipment in precarious positions or on support that is not sturdy enough or not designed for holding electronic
equipment.

Mechanical Hazards
When working on electronic equipment, ask yourself "Is there any way this equipment could hurt me?”
You might stick your hand in a printer and suddenly the paper feed arm moves, feeding not only paper through
the printer, but a piece of your finger too.
You might move your hand past a computer chassis and lose a chunk of flesh because it is razor sharp.
When working on electronic equipment always be alert to any possibility of being hurt by moving parts, hot
components, or sharp edges.

Chemical Hazards
There is a wide array of chemicals used with electronic equipment. There are display cleaning
chemicals, keyboard cleaning chemicals, compressed gas dirt and dust removers, and many cleaning solvents.
Some of these chemicals can be harmful if accidentally swallowed, get on bare skin, or get in eyes. Before using
any chemicals for electronic equipment always read the warnings and instructions on the label.
Also be very careful when dealing with inkjet printer cartridges, or laser printer toner cartridges. Ink and toner
can stain skin, clothing and carpet.

Electric Shock Hazard

Inside computers and electronic equipment, there is a range of voltages from 3.3 volts to 25 volts, most
of which are harmless. But at the power supply, you will find line voltage, which is a lethal 220 volts.
The workplace should have safety guidelines to follow to:
 Protect people from injury
 Protect equipment from damage
 Protect the environment from contamination

Safety Precautions when working:

1. Always ground or discharge yourself before touching any part of the computer.
2. Do not work alone so that there is someone who can take care of you in case of accident or emergency.
3. Be careful with the tools that may cause short circuit.
4. Always full the cable connector on the handle and not hold on the cable itself.
5. Use only rubber shoes when standing on the ground or in a concrete floor.
6. Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when connecting a cable connector.
7. Always power off and unplug the computer before working on it.
8. Take away any liquid such as mineral water or soft drinks near your working area or near computers.
9. Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire, and other emergencies are recognized.
10. Personal protective equipment is correctly used in accordance with organization procedures and practice.
11. Hazard/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate
risk to co‐workers, workplace, and environment.
12. Take necessary precautions to protect the component of the computer from damaged caused by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
13. Hold the components by edges and do not touch the IC’s.
COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 10
 14. Read and follow instructions on the manual carefully.
15. Do not use excessive force if things do not quite slip into place.

Fire Safety Guidelines

 Know the location of fire extinguishers, how to use them and which to
use for electrical fires and for combustible fires.
 Find an escape route in case a fire gets out of control.
 Know how to contact emergency services quickly
 Keep the workspace clean.
 Keep most solvents in a separate area.

Preliminary Activity: Skills Test

Direction: Listed below are some of the most important skills that you must gain in order for you to render
quality service when you enter the real world of Computer Hardware Servicing. Read carefully the skills then
put a check mark in Not much if you are not really familiar, A little if you have a little knowledge and A lot if
you are familiar with the skill. Feel free to answer each skill.

Skills in Computer Hardware Servicing Not Much A little

I can open a computer case.
I can connect the mouse.
I can connect the keyboard.
I can connect the monitor.
I can detach the power supply from the system unit.
I know how to remove the RAM from the motherboard.
I can remove the hard drive from the system unit.

Lesson 4: Assembly and Disassembly of a Personal Computer

One of the basic skills that you must acquire in computer hardware servicing is to independently
assemble and disassemble a personal computer or simply setting up a PC. After familiarizing with all the tools
and safety precautions I believe that you are now ready to gain another experience in CHS by going through this
lesson.

Personal Computer Disassembly

Before starting computer disassembly, make sure you have the tools you need and they're all close by
and handy and be sure to have a container to keep the screws in so you have them when you want to put things
back together.

Step1. Unplugging - The first thing you do is to unplug every cable that is plugged in to your computer. That
includes the cables such as Power, USB, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet, Ethernet, Modem, AM\FM Antenna, Cable
TV, etc. Just unplug all the cables for safety purposes.
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.

Step2. Opening the Outer Shell/Case- First, unscrew the

four screws at 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 side, slide it towards the back of the computer.

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COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 11
If you are working on a carpet, about every five minutes touch something that is grounded (Sink faucet / pipe,
wire coming from the ground part of a wall outlet). This is done so you do not shock your motherboard or other
parts.

Step3. Removing the System Fan - 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.

System Fan

Step4. Removing 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.

Step5. Power Supply - The first thing to do is unplug every wire coming
from the power supply. You must disconnect the motherboard
(very large connector/plug), CD/DVD drive(s) power, internal hard drive
power and 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, and then lift it out.

Step6. CD/ DVD Drive(s)- First, unplug the ribbon from the back
of the drive. Once that is completed, pull on the tab securing the drive CD / DVD
in place, then push it out from the inside. Drive

Step7. Hard Drive - First, unplug 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.

NOTE: To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws securing it in place. You
must be very careful not to drop the hard drive, since it is very delicate!

Step8. Memory (RAM) - To remove the RAM, push down

on both tabs holding the RAM in place, which are located at
both ends of the RAM.

Step9. Motherboard - The motherboard has seven screws

holding it to the frame, which are indicated by large white
circles around them. Remove them and then lift the
motherboard out of the frame.

Now that you are done with the disassembly, you have gained enough
skills. Next in line is the PC Assembly, exert more effort and patience. Just follow
the step by step procedures and illustrations below and surely you can make it.
Good Luck!!!

Step 1. Prepare your workplace

1. Take Inventory:

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 12

 Before you start, take an inventory of your parts. Do not begin assembling your computer if you don't
have everything you need. Begin the step-by-step process once you are ready with everything you need.

2. Make Space, Make Time:

Building a PC takes up space - about a dining room table worth. So make sure you have plenty of
working room and a few hours to proceed with minimal interruption. Work on a flat, stable table top surface, or
bare floor, where you have room to layout all of the items.
3. Prepare Grounding Protection:
Use an inexpensive antistatic wrist strap. It is the perfect preventive measure if you have no alternative
to working on carpet. Remember, a table top or bare floor is always the best place to build your system. Make
sure you are wearing your antistatic wrist strap correctly (it does you no good at all if you do not wear it!), and
you are ready to proceed.

4. Have the Drivers Ready:

Assuming you have another internet connected PC, download the latest drivers from the vendors'
websites for each component you will be installing. Sometimes drivers are updated between the time the
component was manufactured and the time you are installing it. It is always best to have the latest. Copy them
to a CD for easy access.

Step 2. Prepare the Motherboard

1.Great care should be taken when installing the motherboard. First, take the board out of its packaging and put
it on top of the antistatic bag it came in (see Figure 45). Remember, you always want to safeguard your
components from potentially hazardous static electricity (wear your strap).
2. Before you secure the motherboard onto the PC case/chassis, inspect it carefully for any visible defects.
3. Next, review the motherboard manual, to make sure you are familiar with the motherboard layout and
understand which socket is which. Manuals are extremely helpful, usually easy to read, and include
illustrations. Below you can find instructions on how to install the processor, the heat sink and the memory
modules on the motherboard. You should not place the motherboard in the computer case until you are told
to do so.

Step 3. Install the CPU

1. Use the unlocking mechanism to open the CPU socket which
is usually a lever.
3. Carefully line up the pins and place the chip in its socket; it will
fit only when oriented the proper way. An arrow or a missing
pin on one corner of the chip will show you how to line things up.
3. Align Triangular CPU and socket key marks as shown in Figure 46.
4. Lower the lever to lock the CPU into place.

Step 4. Install the CPU Heat Sink

1. Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the heat sink and the
fan that will cool the processor. If you bought an OEM CPU and a
separate heat sink, you may need to spread a thin layer of the thermal
grease that came with the heat sink over the chip to ensure proper
transfer of heat (some heat sinks come with this grease already applied).

2. Attach the clip that holds the heat sink in place keeping in mind that it may require a fair amount of force.
Again, follow the instructions that came with the heat sink. They will show you how to fit it correctly. If you
are in doubt, you can visit the manufacturer's website for more information.

3. Plug the CPU fan's power connector into the proper connector on the motherboard.

Step 5. Install Memory (RAM Modules)

In order to install the memory modules, insert them into the proper sockets (Figure 48) and push down firmly
but evenly until the clips on both sides of the socket pop into place. If your motherboard supports dual-channel
memory, consult the user manual to determine which pairs of RAM sockets you should use. The motherboard
and the CPU are the brain and nerve center of your PC, so selecting these components is the most important
decision you'll make.

Step 6. Place the motherboard into the case

1. Some PC cases have a removable motherboard tray. If yours does, remove the screws holding it in place and
pull it out of the case (Figure 49).

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 13

2. Note the pattern of the holes in your motherboard (Figure 50), and screw brass standoffs into the motherboard
tray or into the PC case in the correct locations (ALWAYS check the manual and follow their instructions to the
letter).
3. Check the layout of the sockets on the motherboard, and confirm
that the ports on your motherboard's back panel match the holes on
the case's Input/Output (I/O) shield that is installed in your case.
If necessary, remove the old I/O shield by tapping it firmly a few
times with the butt-end of a screwdriver, and then replace it with the
shield that came with the new motherboard.
4. Carefully position the motherboard on top of the brass standoffs
(Figure 51), line up all the holes, and use the screws that accompanied
the case to fasten down the motherboard. If you are using a removable
tray in your system, slide the tray and motherboard back into the case
and then secure the tray.

Step 7. Connect the Power Supply

Making the proper connections is crucial to successfully assembling your PC system. Fortunately,
manufacturers provide color-coded power cables and unique connector shapes to make the job easy.

1. First, plug the large ATX power connector (Figure 53) from your
power supply into the matching port on your motherboard. Look Figure
X for details.

2. Locate the smaller, square processor power connector (Figure 54)

(you cannot miss it - it is the one sprouting the yellow and black wires)
and attach it to the motherboard. Note: your connector is usually located
near the processor. As always, refer to your motherboard's manual for the
exact locations.

3. Use your motherboard user manual and find the description about
front-panel connectors.

Figure 54Connect the ATX Power in the Motherboard

4. Attach each of the tiny leads from the power and reset switches
(Figure 56), the hard-disk activity lights, the PC speaker,
and any front-panel USB and FireWire ports to the corresponding
pin on your motherboard. The needle-nose pliers are
useful for manipulating small pieces.

Figure 56. Connect the different Leads

Step 8. Install Graphics / Video Cards

1.Begin by removing the backplane cover from the AGP or
PCI Express X16 slot (the metal piece where the monitor
connector will emerge) (Figure 57).

Figure 57. Remove the backplane cover

2.Install the graphics board in that slot, and then secure the card with a screw (Figure 58).

Step 9. Install Internal Drives

Now it is time to install your drives. This is an easy process, but it requires attention to detail.

1.Make any necessary changes to jumpers on the drives before mounting

them in the case. A two-drive system (one or two SATA (Serial ATA- is
a standard hardware interface for connecting hard drives and CD/DVD

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 14

drives to a computer) hard drives, plus one parallel ATA (Advanced Technology
Attachment) optical drive, for example) is easy to set up; the SATA drives
are jumper less, and the optical drive can be set as master on its own
parallel ATA channel. Many cases have removable drive rails or cages
to house drives.

2.Use the included screws to attach your drives to the rails or cage, figure 59: Attach your devices
and slide them into the case. For externally accessible drives such as a
DVD recorder, you can save time by installing one drive rail and sliding
the drive in for a test fitting to make sure that its front is flush with the
case (Figure 59).
3.When the drives are installed, connect power and data cables to
each one. Parallel ATA drives use wide, flat data cables that can
be installed only in the correct way. Floppy drives use a similar
but smaller cable; SATA drives use a thin, 1cm-wide data cable.
SATA drives use a new type of power connector that many power
supplies don't come with. Fortunately, many motherboards ship with
adapters for converting a standard four-pin power connector to a
SATA power connector (Figure 59).
Figure 60. Connect Power Connector
Step 10. Install the Add- in Cards

1. For each add-in card, you must choose a free PCI slot.
2. Remove its backplane cover to allow access from the rear of the case.
3. Carefully position the card above the slot, and press down
firmly to seat the card (Figure 61).
4. Secure the card with a screw.

Connecting Peripherals of a Personal Computer

When attaching hardware and peripherals of the computer, ensure that they are connected to the correct
locations or ports. For example, some mouse and keyboard cables use the same type of PS/2 connector. So, you
must know first the different ports that can be found in the back panel of the computer.

Keep in mind:
1. When attaching cables, never force a connection.
2. Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other cables.

Steps in Connecting External Hardware of a PC

Step 1. Attach the monitor cable to the video port.
Step 2. Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.

Step 3. Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.

Step 4. Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.

Step 5. Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

Step 6. Plug the network cable into the network port.

Step 7. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

After connecting all the cables into their proper places, the picture in the next
page should be the appearance of the back panel of your PC.

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 15

 Figure 68. Appearance of the PC’s Back Panel

ACRONYMS

ATA- Advance Technology Attachment

BIOS- Basic Input Output System

CD- Compact Disc

CHS- Computer Hardware Servicing

CRT- Cathode Ray Tube

ESD- Electro Static Discharge

DVD- Digital Versatile Disc

HDD- Hard Disk Drive

LAN- Local Area Networking

LCD- Liquid Crystal Display

LED- Light Emitting Diode

OHS- Occupational Health and Safety

RAM- Random Access Memory

ROM- Read Only Memory

SATA- Serial Advance Technology Attachment

USB- Universal Serial Bus

VGA- Video Graphic Array

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING II 16

You did great!!! CONGRATULATIONS..now..sit back and
relax.. by: Sir Red Balibago