PC Assembly & Troubleshooting

Computer System Components

Computer systems consist of three components
1. Central Processing Unit
2. Input devices
3. Output devices.
Input devices provide data input to processor,
which processes data and generates useful
information that’s displayed to the user through
output devices.
This is stored in computer’s memory.
Computer System Components
 Central Processing Unit
• The Central Processing Unit
(CPU) is called "the brain of
computer" as it controls
operation of all parts of
computer.
• It consists of two
components: Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU), and Control Unit.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Data entered into computer is sent to RAM,
from where it is then sent to ALU, where rest of
data processing takes place.
 All types of processing, such as comparisons,
decision-making and processing of non-numeric
information takes place here and once again
data is moved to RAM.
 Control Unit
As name indicates, this part of CPU extracts
instructions, performs execution, maintains and
directs operations of entire system.
Control unit performs following functions −
It controls all activities of computer
Supervises flow of data within CPU
Directs flow of data within CPU
Transfers data to Arithmetic and Logic Unit
Transfers results to memory
Fetches results from memory to output devices
 Memory Unit
This is unit in which data and instructions given to
computer as well as results given by computer are
stored. Unit of memory is "Byte".
1 Byte = 8 Bits
 Assemble/Setup
Basic PC Components
1. Motherboard 9. Keyboard
2. Processor 10.Mouse
3. Memory (RAM) 11.Video card
4. Case/chassis 12.Monitor (display)
5. Power supply 13.Sound card
6. Floppy drive 14.Speakers
7. Hard disk 15.Modem
8. CD-ROM, CD-RW, or
DVD-ROM drive
Motherboard
 1. Motherboard
 A motherboard is one of the most essential parts of
a computer system.

 It holds together many of the crucial components of

a computer.
 The base of a motherboard consists of a very firm
sheet of non-conductive material, typically some
sort of rigid plastic.

 Thin layers of copper or aluminum foil, referred to

as traces, are printed onto this sheet.
Parts of a Motherboard
 Parts of a Motherboard
A CPU socket - the actual CPU is directly soldered
onto the socket. Since high speed CPUs generate
a lot of heat, there are heat sinks and mounting
points for fans right next to the CPU socket.
A power connector to distribute power to the
CPU and other components.
Slots for the system's main memory, typically in
the form of DRAM chips.
 Parts of a Motherboard
A chip forms an interface between the CPU, the
main memory and other components. On many
types of motherboards, this is referred to as the
Northbridge. This chip also contains a large heat
sink.
 I/O controller is referred to as the Southbridge.
 Parts of a Motherboard
Several connectors, which provide the physical
interface between input and output devices and
the motherboard. The Southbridge handles
these connections.
Slots for one or more hard drives to store files.
A read-only memory (ROM) chip. This is also
called the BIOS.
2 .Processor
 2 .Processor
 The processor is a chip or a logical circuit that
responds and processes the basic instructions.
 The main functions of the processor are fetching,
decoding, executing, and write back the
operations of an instruction.
 The processor is also called the brain of any
system which incorporates computers, laptops,
smart phones, embedded systems, etc.
 Processor
The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control
Unit) are the two parts of the processors.
The Arithmetic Logic Unit performs all
mathematical operations such as additions,
multiplications, subtractions, divisions, etc and
the control unit works like traffic police, it
manages the command or the operation of the
instructions.
 The processor communicates with the other
components also they are input/output devices
and memory/storage devices
3. Memory (RAM)
 Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal
memory of the CPU for storing data, program,
and program result.
It is a read/write memory which stores data
until the machine is working.
 As soon as the machine is switched off, data is
erased.
RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size
and in the amount of data it can hold.
 3.1 Static RAM (SRAM)
The word static indicates that the memory
retains its contents as long as power is being
supplied.
However, data is lost when the power gets
down due to volatile nature.
Transistors do not require power to prevent
leakage, so SRAM need not be refreshed on a
regular basis.
 3.2 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
DRAM, unlike SRAM, must
continually refreshed
in order to maintain the data.
Rewrites the data several hundred times per
second.
 DRAM is used for most system memory as it is
cheap and small.
All DRAMs are made up of memory cells,
capacitor and one transistor.
4. Computer Case/chassis
 4. Computer Case/chassis
 Case and sometimes referred to as the system
unit or base unit.
 The chassis is the housing that helps protect and
organize all the components that make up a desktop
computer.
 The computer case serves mainly as a way to physically
mount and contain all of the actual components inside
of a computer, like the motherboard, hard drive, optical
drive, floppy disk drive, etc.
5. Power Supply
 5. Power Supply
A power supply is a hardware component that
supplies power to an electrical device.
 It receives power from an electrical outlet.
It also regulates the voltage, which allows the
computer to run smoothly without overheating.
The power supply an integral part of any
computer and must function correctly for the
rest of the components to work.
6. Floppy Drive
 6. Floppy Drive
A Floppy Drive - A device that allows your
computer to read floppy disks.
A floppy disk drive, also called FDD or FD.
The floppy drive is a piece of computer
hardware that reads data from and writes data
to, a small disk.
The most common type of floppy drive is the 3.5-
inch drive, followed by the 5.25-inch drive,
among other sizes.
7. Hard Disk
 7. Hard Disk
When you save data or install programs on
your computer, the information is typically
written to your hard disk.
The hard disk is a spindle of magnetic disks,
called platters, that record and store
information.
This is an important distinction between the
hard disk and RAM, or memory, which is reset
when the computer's power is turned off.
 7. Hard Disk
The hard drive also transmits data back and
forth between the CPU and the disk.
It is keep a backup of your data.
8. CD-ROM
 8. CD-ROM
 Stands for "Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.“

 A CD-ROM is a CD that can be read by a computer

with an optical drive.

 The "ROM" part of the term means the data on the

disc is "read-only," or cannot be altered or erased.
 CD-ROM
Because of this feature and their large capacity,
CD-ROMs are a great media format for retail
software.

The first CD-ROMs could hold about 600 MB of

data, but now they can hold up to 700 MB.

CD-ROMs allowing them to store many types of

data.
9. Keyboard
 Keyboard
 The keyboard is the piece of computer
hardware used to input text, characters, and other
commands into a computer or similar device.

Standard Classification
 Alphanumeric keys: The standard letters and
numbers.
 Punctuation keys: The comma, period, semicolon,
and similar keys.
 Special keys: This includes the function keys, control
keys, arrow keys, caps Lock key, and so on.
10. Mouse
 Mouse
A mouse is a device that controls the movement
of the cursor or pointer on a display screen.

 A mouse is a small object you can roll along a

hard, flat surface.

A mouse is a small handheld input device that

controls a computer screen's cursor or pointer .it
is moved on a flat surface.
11. Video Card
 11. Video Card
• The video card is an expansion card that allows
the computer to send graphical information to a
video display device such as a monitor, TV, or
projector.
• A video card is a piece of computer
hardware that's rectangular in shape.
• The video card installs in an expansion slot on the
motherboard.
12. Computer Monitor
 12. Computer Monitor
A monitor is a piece of computer hardware that
displays the video and graphics.
Monitors are similar to TVs but usually display
information at a much higher resolution.
A monitor is sometimes referred to as a screen,
display, video display, video display terminal,
video display unit, or video screen.
13. Sound Card
 13. Sound Card
A sound card is rectangular piece of hardware
with multiple ports on the side for connection to
audio devices, such as speakers.
The sound card installs in a PCI slot (Peripheral
Component Interconnect) on the motherboard.
Motherboard, case, and peripheral cards are
designed with compatibility in mind.
14. Speaker
 14. Speaker
Speakers are one of the most common output
devices used with computer systems.

 Regardless of their design, the purpose of

speakers is to produce audio output that can be
heard by the listener.
Speakers are transducers that convert
electromagnetic waves into sound waves.
The speakers receive audio input from a device
such as a computer or an audio receiver.
 14. Speaker
Analog speakers simply amplify the analog
electromagnetic waves into sound waves.
Since sound waves are produced in analog form,
digital speakers must first convert the digital input
to an analog signal, then generate the sound
waves.
This input may be either in analog or digital form.
15. Modem
 Modem
Modem is a device that enables a computer to
send or receive data over telephone or cable
lines.
The data stored on the computer is digital
whereas a telephone line or cable wire can
transmit only analog data.
The main function of the modem is to convert
digital signal into analog and vice versa.
 Modem
Modem is a combination of two devices
− modulator and demodulator.
The modulator converts digital data into analog
data when the data is being sent by the computer.
The demodulator converts analog data signals
into digital data when it is being received by the
computer.
Processors
Processors
 Processors
 The processor is a chip or a logical circuit that responds
and processes the basic instructions to drive a
particular computer.
 The main functions of the processor are fetching,
decoding, executing, and write back the operations of
an instruction.
 The processor is also called the brain of any system
which incorporates computers, laptops, smart phones,
embedded systems, etc.
 The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control Unit)
are the two parts of the processors.
 Processors
 The Arithmetic Logic Unit performs all mathematical
operations such as additions, multiplications,
subtractions, divisions, etc and the control unit works
like traffic police, it manages the command or the
operation of the instructions.
 The processor communicates with the other
components also they are input/output devices and
memory/storage devices.
 General Purpose Processor
There are five types of general-purpose processors

1. Microprocessor
2. Microcontroller
3. Embedded Processor
4. DSP
5. Media Processor.
Microprocessor
 1. Microprocessor
The general-purpose processors are represented
by the microprocessor in embedded systems.
There are different varieties of microprocessors
available in the market from different companies.
 The microprocessor is also a general-purpose
processor that consists of a control unit, ALU, a
bunch of registers also called scratchpad registers,
control registers and status registers.
 Microprocessor
There may be an on-chip memory and
some interfaces for communicating with
the external world like interrupt lines, other
lines for the memory and ports for
communicating with the external world.
The ports often called the programmable
ports that means, we can program these
ports either to be acting as an input or as
an output.
 General-Purpose Processors
S.NO Processor Clock Speed Power Price

The clock speed of Intel

The power of this
1 Intel Pentium 111 Pentium 111 processor is $900
processor is 97 W
1GHz
The clock speed of the IBM
The power of this
2 IBM PowerPC 750X PowerPC 750X processor is $900
processor is 5 W
550 MHz

The clock speed of the MIPS

3 MIPS R5000 NA NA
R5000 processor is 250 MHz

The clock speed of

StrongARM The power of this
4 StrongARM NA
SA-110 processor is 1 W
SA-110 processor is 233 MHz
1 MHz 1000000 Hz
2. Microcontroller
 2. Microcontroller
The microcontroller is basically a computer that
comes in various packages and sizes.
 The reading input and responding to output is the
basic function of the microcontroller.
Generally, it is known as General Purpose Input
Output (GPIO).
Some of the microcontrollers are Microchip
Atmega328-AU, Microchip P1C16F877A-I/P,
Microchip P1C16F1503-I/P, Microchip P1C16F671-
I/SN, Microchip P1C18F45K22-I/P, etc.
3. Embedded Processor
 3. Embedded Processor
An embedded processor is one type of processor
which is designed to control mechanical functions
and electrical functions.
 It consists of several blocks they are the processor,
timer, an interrupt controller, program memory and
data memory, power supply, reset and clock
circuits, system application-specific circuits, ports
and interfacing circuits.
Digital Signal Processor
 Digital Signal Processor
 The digital signal processor is one type of processor
used for measuring, filtering and/or compress digital
or analog signals.
 The signal processing means analysis and
manipulation of signal.
 This processing can be done via computer
or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field
Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Digital Signal
Processor (DSP) to obtain the clear signal.
 The DSP processors are used in an barcode scanners,
mobile phones, printers, etc.
 Digital Signal Processor

S.NO Processor Clock Speed Price

The clock speed of the T1 The price of the T1

T1 C5416
1 C5416 processor is 160 C5416
Processor
MHz The processor is $34

The clock speed of the The price of the DSP

DSP 32C
2 DSP 32C Processor 32C
Processor
is 80 MHz Processor $75
Media Processor
 Media Processor
 The image/video processor is the media processor
that is designed or created to deal with the data in
real-time.
 The voice user interface and professional audio are
the applications of the audio processor.
 Some of the media processors are TN2302AP IP,
IN2602 AP IP, DM3730, DM3725, DM37385,
DM388, TMS320DM6467, TMS320DM6431, etc
Application-Specific System
Processors (ASSPs)
 Application-Specific System
Processors (ASSPs)
 The application-specific system processor is a integrated
circuit product used to implements a specific function.

 The performance, characteristics size of the application-specific

system processor is the same as the ASIC.

 The ASSP’s are used in various types of industries to perform

video encoding or decoding and audio encoding or decoding.

 In place of embedded software, the application-specific system

processor is used to run the application and it provides the
solution faster.

 Example: IIM7100, W3100A

 Application-Specific Instruction Set
Processors (ASIPs)
 The application-specific instruction-set
processors are designed for specific applications.
 These processors have low power consumption,
high computational speed, and good flexibility.
 Due to programmability, the data path utilization
is high in ASIPs, and the performance of this
instruction set processor is good.
ASIC Processors
 ASIC Processors
 The application-specific integrated circuits are built for
specific applications.

 These chips are small in size and consume low power.

 The application-specific integrated circuit chips are used in

satellites, modems, etc.

 XMOS Semiconductor Private Company, Analogix

Semiconductor Private Company, E.D Aptive Computing
Private Company, Lumen Radio Private Company, Integrated
Device Technology, Hookit. Private Company, etc.
Multi Processor
 Multi Processor
 The multiprocessor is a computer with more than
one CPU, each shares main memory, a computer
bus, and peripherals to simultaneously process the
programs and these systems are also known as
tightly coupled systems.
 The advantages of multiprocessors are increased
throughput, increased reliability and economy of
scale.
 These processors are used when very high speed is
required to process a large volume of data.
Multi Processor
Microcomputer
Micro- computer
 Micro- computer
 Microcomputer, an electronic device with a
microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU).
 Microcomputer was formerly a commonly used term
for personal computers, particularly any of a class of
small digital computers whose CPU is contained
single integrated semiconductor chip.
 A microcomputer uses single microprocessor for its
CPU, which performs all logic and arithmetic
operations.
 A microcomputer is a complete computer on a small
scale, designed for use by one person at a time.
 Types of Computer
 Micro- computer (P.C): A small, single-user computer
based on a microprocessor.
 Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A
workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a
more powerful microprocessor and, in general, a
higher-quality monitor.
 Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of
supporting up to hundreds of users simultaneously.
 Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable
of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users
simultaneously.
 Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can
perform hundreds of millions of instructions per
second.
Software and Hardware Requirements
All computer software needs certain hardware
components or other software resources.
Most software defines two sets of system
requirements: minimum and recommended.
With increasing demand for higher processing
power and resources in newer versions of
software, system requirements tend to increase
over time.
 Hardware Requirements
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 (sixth generation or newer) or equivalent

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional x64

Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 512 GB internal Solid State Drive (SSD) or 1 TB internal HDD

Monitor/Display: 24" LCD monitor

Network Adaptor: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter

Other: Webcam, lock, external drive for backups

 Software Requirements
An Office Suite
 Microsoft Office 2016 – Windows (Free for FSU students)
 MS Office 2016 – Mac (Free for FSU students)

Web Browser
 Chrome
 Firefox
 Safari

Antivirus or Computer Security Software

 Malware Bytes (For personal use only)
 Avast
 McAfee
 Hardware Requirements
Architecture
In computer engineering, computer architecture is a
set of rules and methods that describe the
functionality, organization, and implementation
of computer systems.
Some definitions of architecture define it as describing
the capabilities and programming model of a
computer but not a particular implementation
All computer operating systems are designed for a
particular computer architecture.
Architecture define by motherboard.
 Hardware Requirements
Memory
All software, when run, resides in the random access
memory (RAM) of a computer.
Memory requirements are defined after considering
demands of the application, operating system,
supporting software and files, and other running
processes.
Optimal performance of other unrelated software
running on a multi-tasking computer system is also
considered when defining this requirement.
 Hardware Requirements
 Secondary storage

Hard-disk requirements vary, depending on the size of

software installation, temporary files created and
maintained while installing or running the software, and
possible use of swap space .

 Display adapter

Its define by the Monitor. Software requiring a better than

average computer graphics display, like graphics editors
and high-end games, often define high-end display
adapters in the system requirements.
 Hardware Requirements
Peripherals –

• Some software applications need to make extensive

and/or special use of some peripherals, demanding
the higher performance or functionality of such
peripherals.

• Such peripherals include CD-ROM drives, keyboards,

pointing devices, network devices, etc.
 Software requirements
 Platform
In computing, a platform describes some sort of framework, either in
hardware or software, which allows software to run.

Operating system is one of the first requirements mentioned when

defining system requirements (software).

Software may not be compatible with different versions of same line

of operating systems, although some measure of backward
compatibility is often maintained.

For example, most software designed for Microsoft Windows XP does

not run on Microsoft Windows 98.
 Software Requirements
APIs (Application Programming Interface) and drivers –
• Software making extensive use of special hardware devices, like high-end display
adapters, needs special API or newer device drivers.

• A good example is DirectX, which is a collection of APIs for handling tasks related to
multimedia, especially game programming, on Microsoft platforms.

Web browser –
• Most web applications and software depending heavily on Internet technologies make use
of the default browser installed on system.

• Microsoft Internet Explorer is a frequent choice of software running on Microsoft

Windows,.
 Assemble/setup
microcomputer/
computer systems
Step 1: Remove Side Panels on Case
 Step 1: Remove Side Panels on Case
After removing the case from the box, the
panels are removed from this case with thumb
screws.
Included were standoffs for mounting the
motherboard, thread into
the corresponding holes in the case.
Step 2: Insert Motherboard
 Step 2: Insert Motherboard
 Depending on the motherboard, case, CPU and CPU fan, this might
need to be done before installing or once in place.

 Before setting the board in, the I/O panel needs to be snapped into
the location in the back of the case.

 Be sure to orient it to the board.

 Once the board is resting in the case, line up the first hole, suggest a
corner.

 Do not tighten all the way down until all screws are started so that
the others will line up.
 Step 2: Insert Motherboard
After all are in and tightened, there should be
little or no deflection of the board if you gently
press on it.
It is advisable that any place there is a mounting
location for the board, that it is screwed into a
standoff.
This will provide support while installing the
components into the motherboard.
Step 3: Check Clearances
 Step 3: Check Clearances
Computer includes high performance
components, some of them are large enough
that clearance can become an issue.
 For this reason once the board was installed I
fitted the graphics card so there would not be
more surprises later in the process.
Step 4: Front Panel Connections
 Step 4: Front Panel Connections
 Connections for the buttons, lights, USB ports
and audio connections.
 As every case and motherboard differ slightly,
it is best to refer to the manual for the
placement and orientation of connections.
Some of these connections are made to only
work in one direction so be careful
when using force, it might be in an incorrect
orientation.
Step 5: Install Power Supply
 Step 5: Install Power Supply
The power supply was modular so only the
cables that are needed are plugged into the
unit.
 As well this makes cable management cleaner
in the end.
Normally the supply is screwed into the back
panel by 4 screws, though some cases include
a clamp to hold it down that way.
Step 6: Power Motherboard
 Step 6: Power Motherboard
With the motherboard power being the
largest cable and sometimes just long enough.

 Suggest running this cable first and plugging it

into the board, if there is a second cable for
the CPU remember to connect it as well.
Step 7: Installing Optical Drive
 Step 7: Installing Optical Drive
The optical drive for this computer is a
DVD/CD read/write combo.

 Connect an optical drive when installing items

Step 8: Installing the Hard Drives
 Step 8: Installing the Hard Drives
 The size and number of hard drives your computer
contains is completely dependent on your style of use
and storage needs.

 location for the drives in the case, this depend on the

model.

 Drives installed and spaced out for air flow.

 This is very important to extend the lifespan of the

drive.
Step 9: Connect Cables
 Step 9: Connect Cables
Connect the cables for the hard drives and
optical drives.
The cables are keyed so they will only fit in
one direction into the board, don't forget the
cable that is attached to the optical drive.
 if you are connecting an older optical or hard
drive IDE cable require it.
Step 10: Install RAM
 Step 10: Install RAM
 It is time for the ram to be inserted.

 If your computer uses more than one stick, refer to the manual
for which slot to install the stick.

 If only one stick is going to be inserted, place it in the slot

closest to the CPU.

 The slots are keyed as are the RAM sticks, so make sure the
notch is lined up.

 Even correctly lined up it will take considerable force, this is

where having those standoffs in the correct spots pays off.
Step 11: Install Graphics Card and
Expansion Cards
 Step 11: Install Graphics Card and
Expansion Cards
 If your computer does not come with a graphics card
integrated into the motherboard or you are adding an
additional card.

 With some high performance cards, additional power

cables might need to be installed.

 The manual for the card should tell you how many cables
are needed. In my case it is a 6-pin and an 8-pin.

 After that is in place and secured with screws in place, the

network card and audio card for the computer are
connected into the slots below the graphics card.
Step 12: Cable Management
 Step 12: Cable Management
 Hiding cables and organizing them will help in the future if you are looking
for high airflow.

 Small steps taken through out the process of installing the components can
pay of huge.

 Some of the management was done out of the box for this model being
that the front panel and fan cables were already secured ahead of time.

 Another thing to think of is that the back panel does not leave a large space
if you have several cables running over the top of others.
Step 13: Final Product
 Step 13: Final Product
The assembly of a brand new computer can
take several hours.

 Just to remove and mount in a new case with

no other modifications took 3 hours -2.5 hours
of that just the re-installing time.
Motherboards
 Motherboards
 Motherboard (also known as a main board, system
board, or a planar) aggregates all of the PC’s primary
system components on a single printed circuit board
(PCB).
 In the motherboard’s single board design, all of the
PC’s electronic circuitry that provides the conduit
through which all operations flow is located on the
motherboard.
 PCB of a motherboard may include 6-14 layers of
fiberglass, copper connecting traces and copper
planes for power and signal isolation.
 Motherboards
1. Backplanes
2. The IBM PC XT
3. The IBM PC AT
4. Baby AT Form
5. Micro-AT
6. LPX and Mini-LPX
7. ATX Form
8. Mini-ATX
9. NLX Form
Backplanes
 Backplanes
 Backplane-style mainboards are less popular today than they
were in the mid- to late 1980s, but they are still around.

 Backplane refers to the large circuit board that contains sockets

for expansion cards.

 A backplane is a group of electrical connectors in parallel with

each other, so that each pin of each connector is linked to the
same relative pin of all the other connectors, forming a
computer bus.

 It is used as a backbone to connect several printed circuit

boards together to make up a complete computer system.

 In its basic form, a backplane mainboard contains very little in

the way of intelligence and storage capabilities.
 Backplanes
Processor cards, containing the CPU and its
support chips, and I/O (input/output) cards, with
bus and device interfaces.
Passive backplane has only the bus connectors
and very little or no additional circuitry.
 In a passive backplane system all the
communication is handled by one or more
expansion boards that have been connected to
the backplane.
 Backplanes
 The passive backplane design is popular on network
servers because it is easily upgraded or repaired.
 With this type of mainboard, a server can be back
online much quicker since typically only a single card
needed to be replaced, instead of an entire mainboard.
 Active backplane the backplane contains the slots as
well as the necessary circuitry to manage and control
all the communication between the slots.
• Also referred to as an intelligent backplane because it
adds capability to the main backplane board to help
speed up processing
 MOTHERBOARD FACTORS
 Factor defines a motherboard’s size,
shape, and how it is mounted to the case.
 Function of the system case.
 Power supply, the system’s power
requirements.
Airflow and cooling systems.
The IBM PC XT
 The IBM PC XT
 The IBM Personal Computer XT .
 PC with a built-in hard drive released as IBM Machine
type number 5160 on March 8, 1983.
 The successor to the IBM PC was the IBM PC XT
(Extended Technology).
 The motherboard of the PC XT was about the same
size, but it included three more expansion slots(eight
compared to five)
 Replaced the cassette tape with a 5.25-inch floppy
disk drive(1.2 MB).
 The IBM PC AT
PC AT or PC/AT, was IBM's second-generation PC,
designed around the 6 MHz Intel
80286 microprocessor and released in 1984 .
The name AT stood for "Advanced Technology"
Additional circuitry that its motherboard (and
case) was expanded in size.
16 MB maximum memory.
84-key AT keyboard layout
The Baby AT Form Factor
 The Baby AT Form Factor
 Most of the computer cases manufactured between 1984
and 1996 were Baby AT form factors.

 Higher integration technology reduced the space required

by support chipsets and circuits allowing for a smaller
motherboard.

 This smaller motherboard, which trimmed 3.5 inches off

the width and as much as two inches off the height,
became known as the Baby AT.

 Its flexibility and quickly

Micro-AT Form Factor
 Micro-AT Form Factor
Introduced in December 1997.
The maximum size of a microATX motherboard is
9.6 × 9.6 in (244 × 244 mm).
High-scale integration of processor chipsets and
supporting components lead to the development
of a motherboard size even smaller than the Baby
AT.
The Micro-AT motherboard, which fit in both the
AT and Baby AT system cases, was nearly half the
size of the Baby AT main board.
The external connections of the LPX-
style motherboard
 LPX and Mini-LPX Specifications
 The LPX(Low Profile eXtension) and mini-LPX form factor
boards developed in 1987 for some of its motherboards.

 Boards incorporate slots that are parallel to the main board,

enabling the expansion cards to install sideways.

 This allows for a slim or low-profile case design and overall a

smaller system than the Baby-AT.

 This allows for easy access to keyboard and mouse connectors,

serial ports, parallel ports, and video and audio connectors.

 Some LPX versions also include USB (Universal Serial Bus)

connectors or an onboard NIC (network interface card).
ATX Form Factor
 ATX Form Factor
 The ATX (Advanced Technology
EXtended motherboard ) form factor, released by
Intel in 1995.
 It was improvement over the LPX form actor
because it has specification for motherboards, cases,
and power supplies.
 The ATX form factor is generally based on the smaller
Baby AT motherboard size.
 I/O connections on an ATX mother board are in a
two-row block on the back of the PC.
 This arrangement improves the airflow available to
cool the CPU and RAM chips.
 ATX Form Factor
 The ATX design also incorporates a number of
features into the power supply.

 The power on and off functions can be controlled by

the motherboard, a feature called soft switching.

 The ATX power supply also supplies split voltage,

which is a range of voltages, usually 12v, 5v, and
3.3v, to the motherboard, eliminating the need for a
voltage regulator on the motherboard.
The standard ATX motherboard layout
 Mini-ATX
A sub specification of the ATX spec is the mini-
ATX.
Despite its name, this form factor is only slightly
smaller than the ATX form.
Other sub specifications of the ATX form factor
NLX Form Factor
 NLX Form Factor
 NLX (short for New Low Profile eXtended) was a form
factor proposed by Intel and developed jointly
with IBM, low profile, low cost, mass-marketed retail PCs.

 Finalized in March 1997 and release in April 1999.

 It specified motherboards from 10 × 8 in (254 × 203 mm)

to 13.6 × 9 in (345 × 229 mm) in size.

 NLX form factor was designed to use ATX power supplies

20-pin connector.
Installation &replacement of
motherboard
 Signs of a motherboard problem
Your computer begins to boot up very slowly.

Peripherals on your computer start to become

unreliable.

You see odd behavior on your monitor, in the

form of flickering, lines on the screen or
unexpected freezes.
 Signs of a motherboard problem
When you plug a flash drive into your
computer’s USB port it sometimes fails to
initialize.

Increased frequency of “blue screen of death”

errors.

A burning or melted plastic smell.

Replacing a Motherboard
 Replacing a Motherboard
Disconnect all cables and remove all expansion
cards from the current motherboard.

Remove the screws that secure the old

motherboard and remove the motherboard.

If you are reusing the CPU and/or memory,

remove them from the old motherboard and
install them on the new one.
 Replacing a Motherboard
Replace the I/O template with the template
supplied with the new motherboard.
Remove and install motherboard mounting
posts as necessary to match the mounting
holes on the new motherboard.
Install the new motherboard and secure it
with screws in all mounting hole positions.
Reinstall all of the expansion cards and
reconnect the cables.
THE COMPONENTS OF THE
MOTHERBOARD
 COMPONENTS OF THE
MOTHERBOARD
The Motherboard is the foundation on which a
PC is built.
It provides the interconnecting circuitry through
which the primary components of the
motherboard receive their power and pass
control signals, data, addresses, and instructions
to each other.
COMPONENTS OF THE MOTHERBOARD

CPU slot and socket Chipset

Memory sockets
 COMPONENTS OF THE MOTHERBOARD
 CPU slot and socket
The CPU mounts to the motherboard through either a
slot or socket mounting.

 Chipset
Many of the circuit and CPU level functions are contained in the
chipset. A chipset is a set of electronic components in an integrated circuit
known as a "Data Flow Management System"

 Memory sockets
Depending on the age of the PC, its memory is mounted
on the motherboard as individual memory chips that is use for Ram.
COMPONENTS OF THE MOTHERBOARD

BIOS ROM CMOS battery

COMPONENTS OF THE MOTHERBOARD
 BIOS ROM

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a read-only memory (ROM) chip.

The BIOS is used to start the PC up when the power is turned on and provides a link
for the CPU to the PC’s peripheral devices.

 CMOS battery

The configuration of a PC at the systems level is stored in a type of memory,

CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), that requires very little
power to hold its contents.

The CMOS battery supplies a steady power source to store the system
configuration for use during the PC’s boot sequence.
 COMPONENTS OF THE
MOTHERBOARD

Power connector
I/O connectors

Expansion slots
COMPONENTS OF THE MOTHERBOARD
 Power connector
A connection must be made to the power supply so that power is available to the
circuitry on the motherboard. Motherboards use different voltages of power for
different components on the board.

 I/O connectors
The motherboard includes a variety of external I/O connectors that allow external
devices to communicate with the CPU.

 Expansion slots
External peripherals and internal devices are interconnected into the motherboard
and CPU through the expansion bus. The motherboard features a variety of
expansion slots that usually include three or more of the different expansion
buses available.
 UPGRADING A MOTHERBOARD
IF old PC isn’t quite as fast or as powerful, you
have two choices: -
Buy a whole new computer or upgrade the
motherboard.
Depending on the upgrade you do, in general,
upgrading your motherboard and CPU will cost you
a whole lot less than a brand new computer.
 UPGRADING A MOTHERBOARD
 The CPU

If you have a Pentium 75 MHz processor and wish to move upto

a Pentium III Xeon, you can count on replacing the
motherboard and CPU and perhaps the power supply and
more.

 Sockets and slots

The specifications for the CPU you wish to move up to should

specify its socket or slot requirements.

Most upgrade and third-party motherboards have at least one ZIF

(zero insertion force) socket.
 UPGRADING A MOTHERBOARD
 Bus speed

The bus speed supported on a motherboard must be matched to the

processor.
There is usually a direct relationship between the processor speed and
the motherboard speed.

 Cache memory

• While virtually all Pentium motherboards have between 256K to

512K of Level 2 cache memory on the board, most Pentium Pro and
higher processors also include Level 2 cache on the chip Pentium II
processors and above, most motherboards already have this cache.
 UPGRADING A MOTHERBOARD
Memory modules(RAM)

 All Pentium and higher motherboards use either the

72-pin SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) or the
168-pin DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module).

 Before start cramming memory modules into open

slots, verify the total amount of memory supported by
your motherboard and the type of memory supported
by the processor and chipset.
 UPGRADING A MOTHERBOARD
 Expansion bus

An expansion bus is an assortment of wires that allows for

computer expansion with the use of an expansion board, a printed
circuit board inserted into an expansion slot on the motherboard or
backplane that provides additional features to a computer system.
Consider your current expansion cards and what controllers or adapters may
be built into your new motherboard.

 BIOS

The motherboard should use an industry-standard BIOS such as those from

AMI, Phoenix, or Award.

Preferably, the BIOS chip should be the flash ROM (EEPROM) type.
 UPGRADING A MOTHERBOARD
 Chipset
• Chipset must be matched to the processor and the motherboard.

• The chipset enables and supports such motherboard functions as ECC

memory and parity checking, USB ports, multiple CPUs, and other
performance issues.

 Form factor (MOTHERBOARD)

• If you aren’t changing your case, then you are stuck with the motherboard
form factor that will fit it.

• Loking at an ATX or NLX case and motherboard, unless your system is

older, in which case (no pun intended), it is likely a Baby AT.
 UPGRADING A MOTHERBOARD
Built-in controllers and interfaces
There are those who prefer that the motherboard have as many built-
in controllers and plugs as possible .
This can be much more costly than replacing a single expansion card.
Selection of Right
Motherboard
 Motherboard Expansion Options
Motherboards can connect a variety of components
in addition to the CPU, including graphics cards,
sound cards, networking cards, storage devices and
connections.
PCIe is the most important port and the one you’ll
use to connect most components.
 Motherboards vary widely on how many slots they
include, and also on their placement.
You’ll want to be sure that you have enough slots,
and that they have enough space around them to fit
all your required components.
I/O Shield
 I/O Shield
 The I/O shield is a rectangular metal plate (the
edges can be sharp) that snaps into a gap on the
back of your PC case.

 The shield will have cutouts for the specific ports on

the motherboard, and it protects the rest of the
board during when you insert cables into the ports.

 Most I/O shields are not interchangeable between

different models of motherboard.
CPU Socket
 CPU Socket
 CPU you want to serve as the brains of your PC, which
means choosing between two companies Intel and AMD.
 This is the square receptacle into which the processor chip
fits.
 The processor's specific socket type (not just the
manufacturer) needs to match the socket type used by the
board.
 Socket 2011 and Socket 2066
 Socket 1151
 AMD TR4.
 AMD FM2 and FM2+
 AMD AM3+
CMOS, CMOS Battery
 CMOS, CMOS Battery
CMOS stands for "complementary metal-oxide-
semiconductor.“
 It's a chunk of memory on a system motherboard
that holds the BIOS and its settings, as well as
maintaining the system clock settings.
To retain its settings with the system powered off
or unplugged for long periods, an onboard battery
keeps the CMOS juiced up.
In modern motherboards this battery is almost
always a CR2032 coin cell.
RAM Slot
 RAM Slot
RAM plugs into a motherboard via a rectangular
slot that’s named for : The dual in-line memory
module (DIMM).
The number of DIMM slots in a motherboard
determines how much RAM you can add, and it
most commonly varies from two to eight slots.
You can add one RAM module at a time, but you
will get the best performance when you install RAM
in matched pairs.
Form Factor (ATX, MicroATX, Mini-
ITX)
 Form Factor (ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX)
 "Form factor" is shorthand for the dimensions and layout of a given desktop
motherboard.

 ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX. ATX is sometimes referred to as "standard

ATX," and ATX boards (usually, but not exclusively) measure 9.6x12 inches.

 Smaller towers ("minitowers"), flat-style "desktop" cases, and home theater PC

(HTPC) chassis tend to support boards of the MicroATX or Mini-ITX kind.

 MicroATX boards measure up to 9.6 inches square (some are smaller) and have
fewer slots than an equivalent ATX board, usually enough to install a video card
and a supplementary card or two
Troubleshooting Memory
 Troubleshooting Memory
 Memory problems also occur because of electrical problems on
the motherboard or, on older systems that use DIP (dual inline
packaging) memory, chip can be a problem.

 Troubleshooting memory problems is complicated because many

symptoms that appear to be memory problems.

 Three general types of memory (RAM) problems on a PC require

troubleshooting, and for the most part, these problems happen
just after new memory has been installed.
 Troubleshooting Memory
 Configuration just added new or additional memory to a PC,
the amount of memory installed may be more than the PC
or operating system is able to support or the BIOS CMOS
settings may be incorrect.
 Hardware All of the memory installed must be compatible
and installed in complete banks. If slower memory is
installed in one bank, all of the memory will operate at the
slower speed. The problem could also be that at least one
memory module or chip is defective.
 Installation Most memory problems are caused by the
memory chips or modules not being completely or properly
seated in their sockets. It could be that a socket is bad, has a
bent or broken lead, or just needs cleaning.
 Identifying a Memory Problem
The first time a new PC is started
This common problem is caused.
 The memory chips may need to be reseated or
may be missing.
A problem that appears to be memory-related
could also be a bad motherboard.
Check with the manufacturer or the vendor.
 Identifying a Memory Problem
Immediately after new memory is installed -
Check the part numbers and speed of both
the new and the old memory modules.
Verify the memory was properly installed or
configured in memory banks.
You should also verify that the memory is
appropriate for the motherboard, chipset, and
processor.
 Identifying a Memory Problem
 Immediately after new software or
operating system is installed
 Later versions of applications and operating
systems can require more memory than their
older versions.
 New software, especially beta versions, can
have several bugs that produce memory
errors on the PC.
 Identifying a Memory Problem
Immediately after hardware is installed or
removed
When new hardware is installed incorrectly or
a connector that is connected to the
motherboard is dislodged or missing, the errors
that result can appear to be memory errors,
complete with memory error messages.
 Identifying a Memory Problem
 For no apparent reason
If a PC has been running okay and suddenly
begins having memory problems, reseat the
memory modules and check for corrosion on the
contacts of the memory modules and the slot
connectors.
If the PC is running too hot, it may have damaged
the motherboard, memory, or processor to the
point of errors.
And then there is always the power supply to
check.
 Memory Errors
The POST sounds a single beep code
Remember that a single beep code can either
sound an all clear or signal a memory failure.
If the boot continues, the beep was the all
clear. If it stops, check the memory to ensure
it is properly installed and is configured in the
BIOS properly.
 Memory Errors
 The PC boots with a blank display

If the PC is able to boot but the display is blank, it

means that an error may have occurred at the
beginning of the memory check.

The types of conditions to look for are a

dislodged expansion card, a memory module not
fully seated, or an unsupported memory module.
 Memory Errors
The memory count displayed by the POST is
wrong
If the memory count displayed by the POST is
less than it should be, the BIOS isn’t recognizing
all of the installed memory.
A wrong memory type being installed is a
common cause for this error, as well as memory
banks not being completed.
 Memory Errors
The PC displays a memory error message,:-
Memory parity interrupt at nnnnn
Memory address error at nnnnn
Memory failure at nnnnn, read nnnnn,
expecting nnnnn
Memory verify error at nnnnn, where nnnnn
is the physical address in
 Memory Errors
Software-related memory problems
The problems under this category include
registry errors, general-protection and page
faults, and exception errors.
Registry errors happen when the Windows
operating system writes parts of the registry
to a defective portion of RAM.
Software bugs cause faults and exception
errors.
 Memory Errors
ESD damage (Electrostatic discharge)
Intermittent memory problems—those that
show up sporadically as an error message,
system crash, or a spontaneous system
reboot— have a number of possible causes,
but one of the leading suspects should be ESD
(electrostatic discharge).
• Thanks
Types of Computer Cables
 Types of Computer Cables
1. HDMI cable
2. VGA cable
3. DVI cable
4. Ethernet Cable
5. PS/2 Cable
6. 3.5mm Audio Cable
7. USB cables
HDMI (High definition Media Interface)
 HDMI (High definition Media Interface)
 HDMI (High definition Media Interface) is a type of
computer cable which is used for transmitting high
definition video and audio signals.
 Using the HDMI cables the audio and video signal
can be easily transmitted without compromising the
quality of images and can send crystal clear images
using this cable.
 The HDMI cables are used to connect cable boxes,
TVs, DVD players, media streamers and other
electronic devices.
 HDMI cable is capable to transmit both audio and
video signals at the same time.
VGA (Video Graphics Ray)
 VGA (Video Graphics Ray)
• VGA (Video Graphics Ray) cable is another type of
computer cable which is used for sending video signals
and is used to link the monitor and the CPU of a
computer.
• The VGA cable can also be used in HD televisions. All
the information displayed on the monitor is coming
from the VGA cable.
• In the cable, there is a total of 15 pins in the plug which
have three rows containing 5 pins each.
• The cable is easily fitted in monitor and the other end
is fixed in CPU of a computer system
DVI cable (Digital Visual Interface)
 DVI cable (Digital Visual Interface)
 DVI cables are used to connect the LCD monitor and
the video card.
 Using this cable the user can see high image quality
without having any disturbance.
 The DVI cable is mostly used in CRT monitors which
have a VGA connection.
 This cable transmits the digital and analog signals to
the computer system.
 The DVI cable can be easily distinguished that
whether it is analog or it is digital by looking if there is
any flat pin present on the cable.
 If the flat pin has four pins around then it is DVI
analog and there is only a flat pin then it is DVI digital.
Ethernet Cable
 Ethernet Cable
 The Ethernet cable is a type of computer network cable which is used for a wired
network.

 The Ethernet cable is used to connect the switches, monitors, PCs to the LAN (Local
Area Network).

 The length and durability of the Ethernet cable describe the quality of connection.

 The Ethernet cables are plugged into the Ethernet port present on the motherboard.

 The Ethernet cable looks like a phone cable but contains more wires than phone cables.

 There are eight wires in Ethernet cable and can be available in different colors in the
market.
PS/2 Cable
 PS (Personal System)/2 Cable
The PS/2 cable is a standard cable to connect
mouse and keyboard to the computer system.

The length of the PS/2 cable is long enough so

that the user can easily connect the mouse and
keyboard to the system and use the system.

There are a total of 6 pins in PS/2 cables and have

a round connector.
3.5mm Audio Cable
 3.5mm Audio Cable
 The 3.5mm audio cables are a type of computer cables that
are used in computer audio applications.

 This cable can be used for connecting a mini-stereo audio

device, PC sound card or any portable CD player to any
multimedia speaker.

 This cable can also be used to connect earphones and

headphones to the system.

 The green port is for headphones and computer speakers.

 Blue port is for DVD player, MP3 player and pink port Is
used for connecting microphones.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
 USB (Universal Serial Bus)
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable is a standard
cable that is used to connect universal devices or
any personal computers.
It is mainly used for short-distance digital
communication.
The USB cables can be used to directly connect
two devices.
The USB cable is connected to the USB port
present in the computer system.
The mouse and keyboard are also connected to a
USB port as they are having USB cables
•Thanks