DOI:10.21276/sjeat.2017.2.3.

Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology ISSN 2415-6272 (Print)

Scholars Middle East Publishers ISSN 2415-6264 (Online)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Website: http://scholarsmepub.com/

Research Article

Assembling of Desktop Computer System with In-Built Uninterrupted Power

Supply (UPS)
Babalola T. Isaac1, Yekini Nureni Asafe2, Onadokun Isaac Olawale3
1
Department of Electrical Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria
2
Department of Computer Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria
3
Department of Computer Science,Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author:
Babalola T. Isaac
Email: [email protected]

Abstract: Desktop computer system been DIY (assembled) or Branded has become sine-qua-non compare to other tools
in business organizations like banks and schools. This desktop computer requires clean electricity power to operate.
Supply of clean and un-interrupted electricity power is compulsory to keep computer running and also for maintains and
preventing of components like HDD, RAM, and other electronics components and circuitry from damage and hazard.
This gives the reasons why UPS is recommended for every desktop computer. This UPS comes as separate device
connect to power source and computer system then connect to it for power source. The focus of this research work is to
clone a PC (desktop) with in-built UPS. The work starts with case and power packs modification to accommodate the
UPS and it circuitry system and the system is clone and tested to ascertain that it achieved the research aim and
objectives.
Keywords: Desktop Computer, electricity power, UPS, IPO cycles.

INTRODUCTION power requirements. Figure 1 illustrates a desktop

The use of computers has touched every part computer. The most common configuration has a case
of our everyday lives, the way we work, learn or even that houses the power supply, motherboard (a printed
play, it is almost impossible to go through a single day circuit board with a microprocessor as the central
without encountering a computer. Modern computer processing unit (CPU), memory, bus, and other
system is electronic devices that obey IPO cycles based electronic components), disk storage The case may be
on predefine instructions [1]. A desktop computer is a oriented horizontally or vertically and placed either
personal computer designed for regular use at a single underneath, beside, or on top of a desk (Wikipedia n.d).
location on or near a desk or table due to its size and

Fig-1: Desktop computer (Source: www.computerhope.com)

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Desktop computer can be either clone
(assembled or DIY desktop computers) or branded. DIY Versus Branded Desktop Computer
Looking at the diagram in figure 1, we can see that UPS DIY (Do it yourself) desktop computer is the
is not included, but it is an important component part one where we buy all the components of a computer
require for desktop computer to work effectively. separately and assemble them to get-up to our tenacity,
while branded computers are manufactured by a
The use of desktop computers is still very company e.g. HP, Dell, etc., Pluses of DIY desktop
common among individuals, institutions, business include: customize of it configuration; choosing of best
organizations. None of this computer type comes with of the breed components; selection of the components
inbuilt UPS that supply power to it or protecting it from which are easy to upgrade in the future; getting a
power interruption (Spike and Surge). This can result to perfect PC for one requirement at a low budget.
hazard like: damages to components parts like HDD, Disadvantage of assembled PC: Poor service support
RAM, CPU and other electronic circuitry in the system. [4].
The focus of this work is to a DIY desktop computer
system with inbuilt UPS which will result to the Uninterrupted Power Supply and It Function
following objectives: that will enable computer operator An uninterruptible power supply, also
properly short down the system when there is power uninterruptible power source is an electrical apparatus
failure from the main source; and to protect data that provides emergency power to a load when the input
(documents file) and hardware from potential hazard power source or mains power fails. A UPS differs from
from electricity power interruption. an auxiliary or emergency power system or standby
generator in that it will provide near-instantaneous
LITERATURE REVIEW protection from input power interruptions, by supplying
Evolution of Desktop Computer System energy stored in batteries, super capacitors, or
HP 9830A, was actually an early desktop flywheels. The on-battery runtime of most
computer. Earlier to the widespread use of uninterruptible power sources is relatively short (only a
microprocessors, a computer that could fit on a desk few minutes) but sufficient to start a standby power
was considered remarkably small; the type of source or properly shut down the protected equipment.
computers most commonly used were minicomputers, A UPS is typically used to protect hardware such as
which were themselves desk-sized. Early computers computers, data centers, telecommunication equipment
took up the space of a whole room. Minicomputers or other electrical equipment where an unexpected
generally fit into one or a few refrigerator-sized racks. power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious
The very first "programmable calculator/computer" was business disruption or data loss [5].
marketed in the second half of the 1960s, starting with
the Italian machinery Programma 101 (1965) computer METHODOLOGY
at typewriter size. More desktop models were Data Collection
introduced in 1971, leading to a model programmable The first step to building a computer is
in BASIC in 1972. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, acquiring the parts which were carefully done by first
desktop computers became the predominant type, the considering the purpose of the computer to be coupled.
most popular being the IBM PC and its clones, followed
by the Apple Macintosh, with the third-placed The core components were selected and listed
Commodore Amiga having some success in the mid- as follows:
1980s but declining by the early 1990s. Early personal
computers, like the original IBM Personal Computer, Power Supply/PSU – Power Supply Unit, converts
were enclosed in a "desktop case", horizontally oriented outlet power, which is alternating current (AC), to
to have the display screen placed on top, thus saving direct current (DC) which is required by internal
space on the user's actual desk, although these cases had components, as well as providing appropriate voltages
to be sturdy enough to support the weight of CRT and currents for these internal components.
displays that were widespread at the time. Over the
course of the 1990s, desktop cases gradually became  Motherboard/mainboard – As the name indicates,
less common than the more-accessible tower cases that this is the electronic centerpiece of the computer:
may be located on the floor under or beside a desk everything else connects to the motherboard.
rather than on a desk. Creative Technology's Sound  Processor/CPU – central processing unit, the
Blaster series were a de facto standard for sound cards "brain" of the computer, most actual computation
in desktop PCs during the 1990s until the early 2000s, takes place here.
when they were reduced to a niche product, as OEM  RAM – random access memory, the "short-term
desktop PCs came with sound boards integrated directly memory" of a computer, used by the CPU to store
onto the motherboard [2, 3]. program instructions and data upon which it is

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Babalola T. Isaac et al.; Saudi J. Eng. Technol.; Vol-2, Iss-3(Mar, 2017):135-139
currently operating. Data in RAM is lost when the Some people like to have two such drives for
computer is powered off, thus necessitating a hard copying disks.
drive.
 HDD (Hard disk drive - slower of the two but less Case and Power Supply Modification
expensive) and/or SSD (solid state drive. Very fast The case will be modifying to accommodate
but not as cheap) – the "long-term memory" of the the UPS battery, while the power pack will also be
computer, used for persistent storage – i.e. the modifying to supply power to the UPS. This will be
things stored on it remain even when the computer done by dismantling of case and find best location for
is powered down. the UPS battery and it circuit panel. More so, the UPS
 Optical Drive – device for reading/writing optical will be dismantling and transfer into the computer case
disks. May read CDs, DVDs, or other optical as it will be implemented in chapter 4. Remove the
media, depending on the type. It is essential for empty computer case from its packaging. Unscrew and
installing many operating systems and programs, remove both side panels, and take out any items that
although the vast majority can be run from USB. It may be inside. Lay the case down flat on your
may be able to write some of these discs, as well. workspace, so that the mounting space for the
motherboard is facing up (see figure 2).

Fig-2: Chassis Case with Power Supply Unit

Placing the converting unit of the UPS at the

bottom left corner and the 12v battery at the bottom This section is a bit technical because you need
right corner with a plastic insulator to protect the to connect the UPS DC to AC Convert Unit inside the
battery in contacting with the converting unit. Much power supply unit. The Block Diagram below explains
attention is needed here because proper connection more on power conversion.
needs to be done, be very much careful.

Fig-3: Block Diagram UPS Computer System

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DIY Approach place, observe which screw holes in the case line up
There is no special approach for DIY desktop with the holes in the motherboard. These are where you
computer system; the method used here is as follows. will need to place risers if they are not already pre-
installed. Remove the motherboard and insert the risers
Preparing the case: Remove the modify computer case in the appropriate screw holes, then placed back the
from its pack. Unscrew and remove both side panels, motherboard and screw it to casing.
and take out any items that may be inside. Lay the case
down flat on your workspace, so that the mounting Installing RAM (Memory): All modern RAM
space for the motherboard is facing up. (memory) is keyed so it can only fit into the DIMM
slots in a certain way. With modern motherboards, it
Installing Motherboard and CPU: Remove your should not matter which slot you use, though if they are
motherboard from its packaging and lower it into the numbered in the manual or on the board, it is always a
case. Line up the ports on the motherboard (PS/2, USB, good idea to go with slot one first. Hold the RAM
etc.) with the appropriate holes in the back panel I/O module next to the slot so that the indentation(s) on the
shield of the case. Once the board is temporarily in green PCB line up with the bumps in the slot.

Fig-4: RAM (Memory) Installation

Installing the Hard Disk Drive CD Drive: check the Press the power button. If everything is connected as it
bay available in the case for mounting of HDD and CD should be, all system fans should start spinning, you
ROM drive. Some Case has more than one bay should hear a single beep, and after about 5-10 seconds,
available for mounting the HDD and CD drive. Locate the amber light on the monitor should go green, and you
the best one for the available disks and mount it will see the computer start to boot. Depending on the
accordingly. manufacturer of the Motherboard, you may get a splash
screen, or just a memory check. The system will then
Finish up installing of the hardware’s: Attach Cables halt with an error because we have yet to install an
and connector in the casing to all components in the operation system. If something has gone horribly
casing. If your motherboard came with any extras, such wrong, just go straight down to the troubleshooting
as Modem or network adaptor riser cards, or additional section.
USB ports on a mounting bracket, now's the time to
plug them into the board (consult your manual for the Loading of the Operating System and application
correct locations) and screw them into any free Software
mounting brackets you may have. Double-check all the After the system has certify booting processes and all is
wiring. Make sure all connections are firmly attached, working fine, then the operating system needs to be
and ensure that no wires are running close to the top of installed and the computer system will be put into
the CPU heat sink fan. You do NOT want to jam the operation.
CPU heat sink fan, especially with an AMD processor.
System Implementation & Testing
Powering up for the first time The final phase in the SDLC is the implementation
Stand the case upright, if it is not already. Ensure that phase, during which the system is actually built. The
no wires are touching the CPU heat sink fan. Plug your research method mentioned in chapter 3 is physically
monitor cable into the video card (VGA) port, and turn implemented and the new system is produced.
on the monitor. Plug your PS/2 (or USB) keyboard
cable into the keyboard port. Plug in the power cord and
switch the power supply switch to the on (|) position.

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Babalola T. Isaac et al.; Saudi J. Eng. Technol.; Vol-2, Iss-3(Mar, 2017):135-139
First we actualized the modification of casing to figure 5.
produce the new case with inbuilt power supply see

Figure 5: Modified Computer case

The components acquired then installed in the REFERENCES

modified case according to the lay down procedures 1. Awuor, F. M., Khisa, J. W., & Rambi, D. A.
earlier mentioned. (2014). Delivering Equitable and Quality
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System Testing Issues and Prospects in African E-Government,
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the functional requirement. Testing is conducted on a 2. Pingdom, R. (2013). Internet 2012 in
complete, integrated system to evaluate the system’s numbers. Available at royal. pingdom. com.
compliance with its specific requirement. 3. Friedman, T. L. (2005). The world is flat: A brief
history of the twenty-first century. Macmillan.
After the installations of the components, the 4. Waleed Abd Elrahman 2015. What are the
system was powered and put into operations for one differences between the branded computer machine
hour. During this period, we OFF and ON the power and assembled computer? And what are those
sources at an interval of fifteen minutes. This is done to differences and advantages/disadvantages?
test if the system set to perform the main purpose of it 5. Yekini, N.A., & Ojo O. 2014. Computer
design i.e to supply power to the system if outlet power Peripherals and their function PC upgrading and
is lost. Maintenance. Hasfem publication Shomolu Lagos
The system was also left for some times after the Nigeria.
battery is fully charged to ascertain the validity period 6. Wikipedia (n.d) desktop computer available at
of the battery without power supply. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_computer.
Retrieved February 20, 2017
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 7. www.computerhope Desktop computer overview.
We have been able to implement DIY desktop Available
computer with in-built Un-Interrupter Power Supply. http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/d/desktopc.h
DIY desktop system is very important in a country like tm. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
Nigeria where fluctuation and epileptic power supply is
in vogue. Henceforth Uninterrupted Power Supply
(UPS) most not be seen as computer peripherals again.
It must be perceived as integral part of the system to
enhance it functionality. Consequently, we recommend
that branded PC manufacturers should come up with
and in-built UPS desktop computer and computer case
manufacturers should start to manufacture an inbuilt
UPS compatible case so that assembling of desktop
with inbuilt UPS can be done with ease.

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