Department of Education

Computer System Servicing

Assemble Computer Hardware
Quarter 1 – Week 1 Module

John David M. Fetalsana

Writer
Anthony Ulysis V. Tagulao
Validator
Dr. Armando N. Romero
Quality Assurance Team Chair

Schools Division Office – Muntinlupa City

Student Center for Life Skills Bldg., Centennial Ave., Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
(02) 8805-9935 / (02) 8805-9940
 These are what you will be able to know after
completing the lessons in the SLeM (Self learning Module)

The learners demonstrate and understanding of concepts and underlying

principles in preparing and interpreting computer hardware for computer systems
servicing. The learners are expected to learn the following competencies such as;

1. Assemble Computer Hardware.

Lesson 1

Computer Hardware - in the computer world, refers to the physical components

that make up a computer system.

Although the design of hardware differs between desktop PCs and laptops due to
their differences in size, the same core components will be found in both. Without
hardware, there would be no way of running the essential software that makes
computers so useful. Software is defined as the virtual programs that run on your
computer; that is, operating system, internet browser, word-processing documents,
etc.

Although a computer can function only when both hardware and software are
working together, the speed of a system will largely rely on the hardware used.

When building up a new computer, or simply replacing old parts, you may need to
know the specific hardware in your computer. The purpose of this guide is
therefore to help you understand the inner-workings of your computer.

This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be mastered
throughout the lesson.

Choose and Encircle the letter of the best answer.

1. It is the point where power enters your system from an external power source
A. Hard Disk C. Central Processing Unit
B. Power Supply Unit D. Graphic Processing Unit

2. Responsible for processing all information from programs run by your computer
A. Hard Disk C. Central Processing Unit
B. Power Supply Unit D. Graphic Processing Unit

3. Especially important for 3D rendering, the GPU does exactly what its name suggests
and processes huge batches of graphic data

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 A. Hard Disk C. Central Processing Unit
B. Power Supply Unit D. Graphic Processing Unit

4. The main circuit board of your computer and is also known as the mainboard or
logic board
A. Motherboard C. Back Panel
B. Heat Sink/Fan D. BIOS

5. Is a storage device responsible for storing permanent and temporary data

A. Random Access Memory C. Hard Drive
B. Central Processing Unit D. Power Supply Unit

6. Temporarily store on-the-fly information

A. Random Access Memory C. Hard Drive
B. Central Processing Unit D. Power Supply Unit

7. Physical components that a computer system requires to function

A. Keyboard C. Motherboard
B. Mouse D. Computer Hardware

8. Drives that are installed in internal bays are called

A. Computer Hardware C. External Drives
B. Internal Drives D. Hard Drive

9. Example of internal drive:

A. Hard Drive C. Mouse
B. Motherboard D. Keyboard

10. Transmit data between the motherboard and storage devices

A. Power Supply Unit C. Power Cable
B. Central Processing Unit D. Data Cable

On the previous lesson you learn on how to obtain and clarify work instructions
based on job order or client requirements. In this lesson you will learn how to
assemble computer hardware based on the client requirements.

This section will give you an overview of the lesson.

Computer Hardware

Quite simply, computer hardware is the physical components that a computer

system requires to function. It encompasses everything with a circuit board that

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operates within a PC or laptop; including the motherboard, graphics card, CPU
(Central Processing Unit), ventilation fans, webcam, power supply, and so on.

Common Individual Hardware Components

Table 1. Some Individual Hardware Components

Hardware Images Function

Motherboard
the main circuit board of your computer and is also
known as the mainboard or logic board

CPU (Central Processing Unit or processor)

responsible for processing all information from
programs run by your computer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The role of RAM is to temporarily store on-the-fly
information created by programs and to do so in a way
that makes this data immediately accessible

Hard Drive
is a storage device responsible for storing permanent
and temporary data

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Especially important for 3D rendering, the GPU does
exactly what its name suggests and processes huge
batches of graphic data

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

It is the point where power enters your system from an
external power source and is then allocated by the
motherboard to individual component hardware

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 Computer assembly: Step-by-Step
Caution: Unplug power supply before performing the procedures. For the safety of the computer
make sure to discharge static electricity or use anti-static wrist wrap.

I. Open the Case

i. Computer assembly is a large part of a technician's job.
ii. Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case.
iii. There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how, consult the user
manual or manufacturer's website.

II. Install the Power Supply

i. Power supply installation steps include the following:
 Insert the power supply into the case
 Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case
 Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws

III. Attach Components to the Motherboard

i. CPU on Motherboard
 The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
 The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking
assembly.
CAUTION: When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts.

ii. Thermal compound

 It helps to keep the CPU cool.
 To install a used CPU, clean it and the base of the heat sink with
isopropyl alcohol to remove the old thermal compound.

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 iii. Heat Sink/Fan Assembly
 The Heat Sink/Fan Assembly is a two-part cooling device.
 The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU.

iv. Install RAM

 RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU and should be
installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the
computer case.

IV. Install the Motherboard

i. After installing the previous components the motherboard is now ready to install
in the computer case.
ii. Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the motherboard and to prevent it
from touching the metal portions of the case.

V. Install Internal Drives

i. Drives that are installed in internal bays are called internal drives.
ii. A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example of an internal drive.
iii. HDD installation steps:
 Position the HDD so that it aligns with the 3.5-inch drive bay.
 Insert the HDD into the drive bay so that the screw holes in the drive line
up with the screw holes in the case.
 Secure the HDD to the case using the proper screws.

VI. Install Drives in External Bays

i. Drives in external bays allow access to the media without opening the case.

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 ii. Some devices that are installed in this type of drives are:
 An optical drive is a storage device that reads and writes information to
CDs or DVDs.
 A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads and writes
information to a floppy disk.

VII. Install Adapter Cards

i. Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer.
ii. Some examples of these adapters are:
 A NIC which enables a computer to connect to a network. It uses PCI and
PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
 A wireless NIC which enables a computer to connect to a wireless
network. Wireless NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the
motherboard. Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB
connector.
 A video adapter card is the interface between a computer and a display
monitor. An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphic
capabilities for games and graphic programs. Video adapter cards use
PCI, AGP, and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.

VIII. Connect Internal Cables

i. Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the power supply to the
motherboard and other components.
ii. Data cables transmit data between the motherboard and storage devices, such
as hard drives. Some of examples of this type of cables are:
 PATA cable
 SATA cable
 Floppy drive data cable
iii. Additional cables connect the buttons and link lights on the front of the
computer case to the motherboard.

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IX. Complete Physical Installation
i. Now that all the internal components and the power supply have been installed
and connected to the motherboard, the following tasks should be completed:
 Re-Attach the side panels: Most computer cases have two panels, one on
each side. Some computer cases have one three-sided cover that slides
down over the case frame.
 Connect External Cables: These cables are normally connected to the
back of the computer. Here are some common external cable
connections: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, USB, Ethernet Power.

X. Boot Computer for the First Time

i. When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) will perform
a power-on self test (POST) to check on all of the internal components.
ii. The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure settings for hardware
devices. The configuration data is saved to a special memory chip called a
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).
iii. POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is operating
correctly. If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a beep code alerts the
technician that there is a problem.

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These are activities designed to develop critical thinking and other competencies.
This can be done with or without a partner depending on the nature of the activity.

Activity 1.1 Understanding Computer Hardware

Can you solve the hidden word?
Unscramble the names of COMPUTER HARDWARE to find the hidden word.
1. ROOINMT
CLUE:
2. AEKSPSRE
3. RMEAAWCEB
4. ETSHADE
5. PCEROMIOHN
6. USEMO
7. SHRVILDAFE
8. DWEPCOROR
9. RDKOEAYB asf

This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the lessons.

What do you think is the benefits of learning the process and procedures of
assembling computer hardware? On what way do you think it will help you in the future?
And what is the most challenging part of the process of assembling computer?

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It will verify how you learned from the lesson.
Directions: Create a collage or video performing the assembling of computer
hardware with proper precautions and following the step-by-step procedures given.

This will measure how much you have learned from the entire SLeM.
Answer each questions with True or False.
1. Computer Hardware - in the computer world, refers to the physical components that
make up a computer system.
2. Power cables are used to distribute data.
3. Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer.
4. BIOS means Basic Input/Output System.
5. CMOS means complementary metal-oxide semiconductor.
6. Hard Drive provides temporary data storage for the CPU.
7. RAM draws heat away from the CPU.
8. Thermal Compound helps to keep the CPU cool.
9. Computer assembly is a large part of a technician's job.
10. The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge.

REFERENCES

https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-builders/what-is-computer-
hardware
https://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/ak01000953/centricity/domain/
2740/ite_pc_v41_chapter3.pdf
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Computer-Parts-
Hardware-Word-Scramble-4881914
https://icons8.com/icons
https://www.iconarchive.com/show/vista-hardware-devices-icons-by-
icons-land/motherboard-icon.html
https://www.facebook.com/cssnc2/
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-usb-boot-drive/

Key to Correction

Pre-Test Activity 1.1 10 Post-Test

1. B 1. MONITOR 1. TRUE
2. C 2. SPEAKER 2. FALSE
3. D 3. WEBCAMERA 3. TRUE
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