Computer

 Assembly  
 
Assembling  computers  is  a  large  part  of  a  technician’s  job.  As  a  technician,  you  must  work  in  a  
logical,  methodical  manner  when  working  with  computer  components.  At  times,  you  might  have  
to  determine  whether  a  component  for  a  customer’s  computer  needs  to  be  upgraded  or  
replaced.  It  is  important  that  you  develop  advanced  skills  in  installation  procedures,  
troubleshooting  techniques,  and  diagnostic  methods.  This  chapter  discusses  the  importance  of  
component  compatibility  across  hardware  and  software.  It  also  covers  the  need  for  adequate  
system  resources  to  efficiently  run  the  customer’s  hardware  and  software.  
 
Open  the  Case  

Computer cases are produced in a variety of form factors. Form factors refer to the size and shape of
the case.

Prepare the workspace before opening the

computer case. You want adequate lighting,
good ventilation, and a comfortable room
temperature. The workbench or table should be
accessible from all sides. Avoid cluttering the
surface of the work area with tools and
computer components. Place an antistatic mat
on the table to help prevent physical and ESD
damage to equipment. It is helpful to use small
containers to hold screws and other parts as you
remove them.

There are different methods for opening cases.

To learn how to open a particular computer
case, consult the user manual or manufacturer’s
website. Most computer cases are opened in
one of the following ways:

• The computer case cover is removed as

one piece.

• The top and side panels of the case are

removed.

• The top of the case is removed before the side panels can be removed.

• A latch is pulled to release the side panel, which can swing open.

Install the Power Supply

A technician might be required to replace or install a power supply. Most power supplies can only fit
one way in the computer case. Three or four screws usually attach the power supply to the case. Power
supplies have fans that can vibrate and loosen screws that
are not properly tightened. When installing a power
supply, make sure that all the screws are used and
tightened correctly.

To install a power supply, follow these steps:

Step 1. Insert the power supply into the case.

Step 2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes
in the case.

Step 3. Secure the power supply to the case using the

proper screws.

Install the CPU, Heat sink and fan assembly

The CPU, heat sink and fan assembly might be installed on

the motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the computer case. This allows for extra room to
see and maneuver components during installation.

CPU

This image shows a close-up of the CPU and the

motherboard. The CPU and motherboard are
sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a
CPU and motherboard, make sure that you place
them on a grounded antistatic mat. Wear an antistatic
wrist strap while working with these components.

CAUTION: When handling a CPU, do not touch the

CPU contacts at any time.

The CPU is
secured to
the socket on
the motherboard with a locking assembly. Before installing a
CPU into the socket on the motherboard, make sure that you
are familiar with the locking assembly.

Thermal compound helps to conduct heat away from the CPU.

When you are installing a used CPU, clean the top of the CPU
and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol and a lint
free cloth. A paper coffee filter works well as a lint free cloth.
This removes the old thermal compound. The surfaces are
now ready for a new layer of thermal compound. Follow the
manufacturer recommendations about applying the thermal compound.

The image above shows thermal compound being applied to the CPU. In most cases, apply a very
small amount of thermal compound to the CPU. The compound spreads out evenly under the weight
and pressure of the heat sink and fan assembly.

Heat Sink and Fan Assembly

The image to the right shows the heat sink and

fan assembly. It is a two-part cooling device. The
heat sink draws heat away from the CPU. The
fan moves the heat away from the heat sink. The
assembly usually has a 3-pin power connector.

The image below shows the cable and the

motherboard connector for the heat sink and fan
assembly.

To install a CPU and heat sink and fan assembly,

follow these steps:

Step 1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1

indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the CPU socket.
This ensures that the orientation notches on the CPU
are aligned with the orientation keys on the CPU
socket.

Step 2. Place the CPU gently into the socket.

Step 3. Close the CPU load plate. Secure it in place by

closing the load lever and moving it under the load
lever retention tab.

Step 4. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to

the CPU. Follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturer of the thermal compound.

Step 5. Align the heat sink and fan assembly retainers with the holes on the motherboard.

Step 6. Place the assembly onto the CPU socket, being careful not to pinch the CPU fan wires.

Step 7. Tighten the assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place.

Step 8. Connect the assembly power cable to the CPU fan connector on the motherboard.
Install Ram

RAM may be installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is

secured in the computer case. Before installation, consult the
motherboard documentation or website of the motherboard
manufacturer to ensure that the RAM is compatible with the
motherboard.

RAM provides fast, temporary data storage for the CPU while the
computer is operating. RAM is volatile memory, which means that
its contents are lost when the computer is powered off. Typically,
more RAM enhances computer performance.

To install RAM, follow these steps:

Step 1. Align the notches on the RAM module to the keys in the slot
and press down until the side tabs click into place.

Step 2. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module.

Step 3. Visually check for exposed contacts.

Repeat these steps for additional RAM modules.

Install the Motherboard

The motherboard is now ready to be installed in the

computer case, as shown to the right. Plastic and metal
standoffs are used to mount the motherboard and to
prevent it from touching the metal portions of the case.
Install only the standoffs that align with the holes in the
motherboard. Installing additional standoffs might
prevent the motherboard from being seated properly in
the computer case.

Because the I/O connections on each motherboard vary,

an I/O
connector
plate, shown
to the left, is
supplied
with the motherboard. The I/O plate has cutouts on the
back of the motherboard specifically for the connectors.
The I/O connector plate is installed on the inside of the
back of the computer case to allow the connectors to be
used when the motherboard is installed in the case.
To install the motherboard, follow these steps:

Step 1. Install the standoffs in the computer case aligned with the locations of the mounting holes in
the motherboard.

Step 2. Install the I/O plate on the inside of the back of the computer case.

Step 3. Align the I/O connectors on the back of the motherboard with the openings in the I/O plate.

Step 4. Align the screw holes of the motherboard with the standoffs.

Step 5. Insert all the motherboard screws.

Step 6. Tighten all the motherboard screws.

Install the Drives

Install the Internal Drive

Drives that are installed in internal bays are called

internal drives. A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example
of an internal drive.

To install the HDD, follow these steps:

Step 1. Position the HDD so that it aligns with the 3.5

inch (8.9 cm.) drive bay opening.

Step 2. Insert the HDD into the drive bay so that the
screw holes in the drive line up with the screw holes in
the case.

Step 3. Secure the HDD to the case using the proper

screws.

Install the Optical Drive

Optical drives write information to and read information from

removable media, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Optical
drives are installed in drive bays that are accessed from the
front of the case. The external bays allow access to the media
without opening the case.

A Molex or SATA power connector provides the optical drive

with power from the power supply. A PATA or SATA data
cable connects the optical drive to the motherboard.

To install an optical drive, follow these steps:

Step 1. Position the optical drive so that it aligns with the 5.25 inch (13.34 cm.) drive bay opening.

Step 2. Insert the optical drive into the drive bay so that the optical drive screw holes align with the
screw holes in the case.

Step 3. Secure the optical drive to the case using the proper screws.

Install the Floppy Drive

A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads

information from and writes information to a floppy disk. A
Berg power connector provides the FDD with power from
the power supply. A floppy drive data cable connects the
FDD to the motherboard.

A floppy disk drive fits into the 3.5 inch (8.9 cm.) bay on the
front of the computer case.

To install an FDD, follow these steps:

Step 1. Position the FDD so that it aligns with the drive bay
opening.

Step 2. Insert the FDD into the drive bay so that the FDD
screw holes align with the screw holes in the case.

Step 3. Secure the FDD to the case using the proper screws.

Install the Adapter Cards

Types of Adapter Cards

Adapter cards add functionality to a computer. Adapter cards must be compatible with the expansion
slots on the motherboard. You will install three types of adapter cards:

• PCIe x1 NIC

• PCI wireless NIC

• PCIe x16 video adapter card

Install a NIC

A NIC enables a computer to connect to a network. NICs

use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.

To install a NIC, follow these steps:

Step 1. Align the NIC to the appropriate expansion slot

on the motherboard.

Step 2. Press down gently on the NIC until the card is

fully seated.

Step 3. Secure the NIC mounting bracket to the case with

the appropriate screw.

Install a Wireless NIC

A wireless NIC 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.

To install a wireless NIC, follow these steps:

Step 1. Align the wireless NIC to the appropriate

expansion slot on the motherboard.

Step 2. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until the

card is fully seated.

Step 3. Secure
the wireless
NIC mounting
bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.

Install a Video Card

A video adapter card is the interface between a computer

and a display monitor. An upgraded video adapter card can
provide improved graphic capabilities for games and
graphic programs. Video adapter cards use PCI, AGP, and
PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
To install a video adapter card, follow these steps:

Step 1. Align the video adapter card to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.

Step 2. Press down gently on the video adapter card until the card is fully seated.

Step 3. Secure the video adapter card mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.

Install the Power Cables

Install the Internal Power Cables

Motherboard Power Connections

Motherboards require power to operate. The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) main power
connector has either 20 or 24 pins. The power supply can also have a 4-pin 6-pin, or 8-pin Auxiliary
(AUX) power connector that connects to the motherboard. A 20-pin connector works in a
motherboard with a 24-pin socket.

To install a motherboard power connector, follow these steps:

Step 1. Align the 20-pin ATX power connector to the socket on the motherboard.

Step 2. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
Step 3. Align the 4-pin AUX power connector to the socket on the motherboard.

Step 4. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.

SATA Power Connectors

SATA power connectors use a 15-pin connector. SATA power connectors are used to connect to hard
disk drives, optical drives, or any devices that have a SATA power socket.

Molex Power Connectors

Hard disk drives and optical drives that do not have SATA power sockets use a Molex power
connector.

CAUTION: Do not use a Molex connector and a SATA connector on the same drive at the same time.

Berg Power Connectors

The 4-pin Berg power connector supplies power to a floppy

drive.

To install a SATA, Molex, or Berg power connector, follow

these steps:

Step 1. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.

Step 2. Plug the Molex power connector into the optical drive.

Step 3. Plug the 4-pin Berg power connector into the FDD.
Step 4. Connect the 3-pin fan power connector into the appropriate fan header on the motherboard
according to the motherboard manual.

Step 5. Plug the additional cables from the case into the appropriate connectors according to the
motherboard manual.

Install the Internal Data Cables

Drives connect to the motherboard using data cables. The type of drive determines the type of data
cable to use.

PATA Data Cables

The PATA cable is sometimes called a ribbon cable because it is wide and flat. The PATA cable can
have either 40 or 80 conductors. A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin connectors. The end
connector connects to the motherboard. The other two connectors connect to drives. If multiple hard
drives are installed, the master drive connects to the end connector. The slave drive connects to the
middle connector.

A stripe on the data cable indicates the location of pin 1. Plug the PATA cable into the drive with the
pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned to the pin 1 indicator on the drive connector. The pin 1 indicator
on the drive connector is usually closest to the power connector on the drive. Many older
motherboards have two PATA drive controllers, providing support for a maximum of four PATA
drives.

SATA Data Cables

The SATA data cable has a 7-pin connector. One end of the cable is connected to the motherboard.
The other end is connected to any drive that has a SATA data connector. Many motherboards have
two or more SATA drive controllers.

Floppy Data Cables

The floppy data cable usually has three 34-pin connectors. A stripe on the cable indicates the location
of pin 1. The end connector connects to the motherboard. The other two connectors connect to drives.
If multiple floppy drives are installed, the A: drive connects to the end connector. The B: drive
connects to the middle connector. There is a twist in floppy drive ribbon cables which allows the drive
connected to the end of the cable to be identified as the A: drive by the computer when two floppy
drives are installed.

Plug the floppy data cable into the drive with the pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned to the pin 1
indicator on the drive connector. Motherboards have one floppy drive controller, providing support for
a maximum of two floppy drives.

NOTE: If pin 1 on the floppy data cable is not aligned with pin 1 on the drive connector, the floppy
drive does not function. This misalignment does not damage the drive, but the drive activity light
displays continuously. To fix this problem, turn off the computer and reconnect the data cable so that
pin 1 on the cable and pin 1 on the connector are aligned. Reboot the computer.

To install a PATA, SATA, or FDD data cable, follow these steps:

Step 1. Plug the motherboard end of the PATA cable into the motherboard socket.
Step 2. Plug the connector at the far end of the PATA cable into the optical drive.

Step 3. Plug one end of the SATA cable into the motherboard socket.
Step 4. Plug the other end of the SATA cable into the HDD.

Step 5. Plug the motherboard end of the FDD cable into the motherboard socket.
Step 6. Plug the connector at the far end of the FDD cable into the floppy drive.

Install the Front Panel Cables

A computer case has buttons to control the power to the

motherboard and lights to indicate motherboard activities. You
must connect these buttons and lights to the motherboard with
the cables from the front of the case. This image shows some of
the front panel cables commonly found in a computer case. The
image below shows a common system panel connector on a
motherboard where the cables are connected. Writing on the

motherboard near the system panel

connector shows where each cable is
connected.

System panel connectors are not keyed. The

following guidelines for connecting cables to
the system panel connectors are generic,
because no standards for labeling the case
cables or the system panel connectors are
defined. The markings on your front panel
cables and system panel connectors may be
different from what is shown. Always
consult the manual of your motherboard for diagrams and additional information about connecting
front panel cables.

Power and Reset Buttons

The power button turns the computer on or off. If the power button fails to turn off the computer, hold
down the power button for 5 seconds. The reset button restarts the computer without turning it off.
Some motherboards do not support a reset button. In this case, you might need to depress the power
button for a short time to reboot the computer.

Each front panel cable has a small arrow indicating pin 1, as

shown in the image. To connect the power button, align pin
1 of the front panel power button cable with the pin marked
PWR. To connect the reset button, align pin 1 of the front
panel reset button cable with the pin marked RESET.

Power and Drive Activity LEDs

The power LED remains lit when the computer is on and

blinks when the computer is in sleep mode. The drive
activity LED remains lit or blinks when the computer is
reading or writing from the hard drive. Each pair of LED
pins on the system panel connector has pin 1 marked with a
plus sign (+), as shown in the image below. To connect the

power LED, align pin 1 of the front panel

power LED cable with the pin marked PLED+.
To connect the IDE LED, align pin 1 of the
front panel drive activity LED cable with the
pin marked IDE_LED+.

System Speaker

The motherboard uses the system speaker to

indicate the computer’s status. (The system
speaker is not the same as the speakers that a
computer uses to play music and other
entertainment audio.) One beep indicates that the computer started without problems. If there is a
hardware problem, a series of beeps is issued to indicate the type of problem. Diagnostic beeps are
discussed later in this chapter.

The system speaker cable typically uses four pins on the system panel connector. To connect the
speaker, align pin 1 of the front panel system speaker cable with the pin marked + or +5V.
USB

USB ports are located on the outside of many computer cases.

USB motherboard connectors often consist of 9 or 10 pins
arranged in two rows, as shown in the image. This
arrangement allows for two USB connections, so USB
connectors are often in pairs. Sometimes the two connectors
are together in one piece, as shown below, and can be
connected to the entire
USB motherboard
connector. USB
connectors can also
have four or five pins
or individual groups of
four or five pins.

Most USB devices only require the connection of four pins.

The fifth pin is used to ground the shielding of some USB
cables. To connect the USB port, align pin 1 of the USB cable
with the pin marked USB +5V or +5V.

CAUTION: Make sure that the motherboard connector is

marked USB. FireWire connectors are very similar.
Connecting USB cables to FireWire connectors causes
damage.

New cases and motherboards may have USB 3.0 capabilities. The USB 3.0 motherboard connector is
similar in design to a USB connector, but has additional pins.

Audio

Some cases have audio ports and jacks on the outside to connect microphones, external audio
equipment such as signal processors, mixing boards, and instruments. Special audio panels can also be
purchased and connected directly to the motherboard. These panels can either install into one or more
external drive bays or be standalone. Due to the specialized function and variety of the hardware,
consult the documentation of the motherboard, case, and audio panel for specific instructions for
connecting the cables to the motherboard connectors.

To install front panel cables, follow these steps:

Step 1. Plug the power cable into the system panel connector in the location marked POWER.

Step 2. Plug the reset cable into the system panel connector in the location marked RESET.

Step 3. Plug the power LED cable into the system panel connector in the location marked power LED.

Step 4. Plug the drive activity LED cable into the system panel connector in the location marked IDE
LED.
Step 5. Plug the speaker cable into the system panel connector in the location marked SPEAKER.

Step 6. Plug the USB cable into the USB connector.

Step 7. Plug the audio cable into the audio connector.

Generally, if a button or LED does not function, the connector might be improperly oriented. To
correct this, shut down the computer and unplug it, open the case, and turn the connector around for
the button or LED that does not function.

Install the Case Assembly

Before reattaching the side panels to the computer

case, make sure that all items are correctly aligned
and seated properly. This list includes the CPU,
RAM, adapter cards, data cables, front panel cables,
and power cables.

When the cover is in place, make sure that it is

secured at all screw locations. Some computer cases
use screws that are inserted with a screwdriver.
Other cases have knob-type screws that you can
tighten by hand.

If you are unsure about how to remove or replace

the computer case, refer to the manufacturer’s
documentation or website.

CAUTION: Handle case parts with care. Some

computer case covers have sharp or jagged edges.

Install the External Cables

After the case panels are reattached, connect the cables to the back of the computer. Here are some
common external cable connections:

• Monitor

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• USB

• Ethernet

• Power
NOTE: Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other cables.

When attaching cables, ensure that they are connected to the correct locations on the computer. For
example, older systems use the same type of PS/2 connector for the mouse and keyboard cables, but
are color-coded to avoid being connected incorrectly. Often, an icon of the connected device, such as a
keyboard, mouse, monitor, or USB symbol, is shown on the connector.

CAUTION: When attaching cables, never force a connection.

To install the various external cables, follow these steps:

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

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

Step 3. Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.
Step 4. Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

Step 5. Plug the network cable into the network port.

Step 6. Connect the wireless antenna to the antenna connector.

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

NOTE: Some motherboards do not have PS/2 ports for connecting the keyboard and mouse. Connect
a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to this type of motherboard.

This image shows all of the external cables plugged into the back of the computer.