NAME: ADARAN SAMUEL BISAYO

DEPARTMENT: COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

FACULTY: COMPUTING

MATRIC NUMBER: 241201088

COURSE CODE: CSC 103

COURSE TITLE: COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENT

AND INSTALLATION

GROUP ONE(1) ASSIGNMENT

1.Define the term "computer hardware" and explain its importance in a computer system

Definition of Computer Hardware

Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that are
necessary for its operation. These components include the central processing unit (CPU),
memory (RAM), storage devices (HDD, SSD), input devices (keyboard, mouse), output devices
(monitor, printer), and other peripherals.

Importance of Computer Hardware in a Computer System

1. Foundation of Functionality – Hardware provides the essential physical structure

required for a computer to function. Without it, software cannot be executed.

2. Performance and Speed – The efficiency of a computer depends on hardware

components like the processor, memory, and storage. A faster CPU and more RAM
improve performance.

3. Data Storage and Processing – Hardware stores and processes data, making it
accessible for software applications and users.

4. User Interaction – Input and output devices enable users to interact with the system,
facilitating communication and task execution.

5. Software Execution – Software programs rely on hardware resources to run, making

hardware a crucial component in any computing system.
2. List and describe five key components of a motherboard.

Five Key Components of a Motherboard and Their Descriptions

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket

o This is the slot where the processor (CPU) is installed. It connects the CPU to
the motherboard, allowing communication with other components. Different
motherboards have specific socket types that support particular CPU models.

2. Random Access Memory (RAM) Slots

o These slots hold the RAM modules, which provide temporary memory storage
for running programs and processes. The number of slots determines the
maximum RAM capacity a motherboard can support.

3. Chipset

o The chipset is responsible for managing communication between the CPU,

memory, storage, and peripheral devices. It consists of two main parts:

 Northbridge – Handles high-speed communication between the CPU,

RAM, and graphics card.

 Southbridge – Manages slower connections like USB ports, storage

devices, and expansion slots.

4. Expansion Slots (PCIe, PCI)

 o These slots allow users to install additional components such as graphics cards,
sound cards, network adapters, or storage controllers. The most common type
is PCI Express (PCIe), which offers high-speed data transfer for modern devices.

5. Power Connectors

o The motherboard includes power connectors that supply electricity to various

components. The primary power connector (24-pin ATX) connects to the power
supply unit (PSU), while additional connectors (such as 8-pin CPU power and
SATA power connectors) provide power to other parts of the system.

3.Explain the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory.

Difference Between Volatile and Non-Volatile Memory

Volatile Memory Non-Volatile Memory

Stores data permanently, even without

1.Needs continuous power to store data.
power.

2.Used for temporary data storage and Used for permanent data storage and
processing. retrieval.

3.Usually lower in capacity (GBs). Higher storage capacity (GBs to TBs).

4.Wears out less over time as it is used mainly Has limited write cycles (especially
for temporary storage. flash-based storage like SSDs).

5.Helps speed up system performance but Stores the operating system and affects
does not store the OS permanently. boot time.

Data remains intact even after power

6.Data is erased instantly when power is cut.
loss.

7.Generally more expensive per GB than non- More cost-effective for large data
volatile storage. storage.

8.Example are RAM (SRAM, DRAM), CPU Example are ROM, SSD, HDD, Flash
Volatile Memory Non-Volatile Memory

Cache. drives, EEPROM.

4.What are the steps to safely install a CPU onto a motherboard?

Prepare Your Workspace

 Ensure the motherboard is placed on a non-conductive surface (such as its original box
or an anti-static mat).

Locate the CPU Socket

 Identify the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Identify the CPU Orientation

 Match the gold triangle or alignment markers on one corner of the CPU marker with
the corresponding triangle on the motherboard socket to ensure correct placement.

Gently Place the CPU in the Socket

 Hold the CPU by its edges, avoiding contact with the bottom pins or contacts then
carefully lower the CPU into the socket without applying force. It should fit easily into
place.

Secure the CPU

 If using an LGA (Land Grid Array) socket (Intel CPUs), lower the metal bracket and
secure it by locking the retention lever.
 If using a PGA (Pin Grid Array) socket (AMD CPUs), gently press down and lock the CPU
in place using the retention lever.

Install the CPU Cooler

 Align the cooler with the mounting holes on the motherboard.

 Secure the cooler using screws or retention clips, depending on the cooler type.

 Plug the cooler’s fan connector into the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.

Double-Check the Installation

 Ensure the CPU and cooler are firmly in place.

 Confirm that the CPU fan is properly connected.

Power On and Test

 Power on the system and enter the BIOS to check if the CPU is detected and operating
correctly.

5.Differentiate between HDD and SSD in terms of performance

and structure.

Difference Between HDD and SSD in Terms of Performance and Structure

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Solid-State Drive (SSD)

1.Uses magnetic spinning

Uses flash memory (NAND chips)
platters and a moving
with no moving parts.
read/write head.

Faster read/write speeds (500 MB/s

2.Slower read/write speeds
or more for SATA SSDs, and up to
(typically 80–160 MB/s).
7000 MB/s for NVMe SSDs).

3.More prone to damage due to More durable as it has no moving

moving parts (mechanical parts and can withstand shocks and
failures). vibrations.

4.Longer boot time (20–30 Faster boot time (5–10 seconds for
seconds for an OS). an OS).
 5.Produces noise due to
Completely silent since it has no
spinning platters and moving
mechanical parts.
heads.

6.Consumes more power due to More energy-efficient, which

mechanical components. extends battery life in laptops.

Limited by write cycles but generally

7.Can wear out due to
lasts longer than HDDs in typical use
mechanical failures over time.
cases.

8.More affordable for large

More expensive per GB but prices
storage sizes (up to 20TB or
are decreasing over time.
more).

9.Best for bulk storage, Ideal for operating systems, gaming,

backups, and applications high-speed applications, and
where speed is not a priority. frequently accessed data.

6.Describe the functions of a power supply unit (PSU).

Functions of a Power Supply Unit (PSU)

1. Converts AC to DC Power

o The PSU converts alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into direct
current (DC), which is required for computer components to function.

2. Distributes Power to Components

o It supplies power to essential components such as the motherboard, CPU, GPU,

storage devices, and cooling fans through various connectors.

3. Regulates Voltage and Provides Stability

o The PSU ensures that the correct voltage levels (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, and 12V) are
supplied to different components, preventing damage caused by power
fluctuations.
4. Provides Overvoltage and Short-Circuit Protection

o Many modern PSUs come with built-in safety features such as overvoltage,
under-voltage, short-circuit, and overload protection to safeguard the
computer from electrical failures.

5. Ensures Energy Efficiency

o High-quality PSUs follow efficiency standards (like 80 PLUS certification) to

reduce power wastage, improve performance, and generate less heat.

6. Supports System Expansion

o A powerful PSU allows users to upgrade or add components such as additional

hard drives, a high-performance GPU, or extra cooling systems without power
shortages.

7. Reduces Heat and Improves Cooling

o The PSU has an integrated cooling fan that helps regulate internal temperatures
by dissipating heat generated during power conversion.

7.How do you identify the proper RAM type and size for a system?

How to Identify the Proper RAM Type and Size for a System

1. Check Motherboard Compatibility

 RAM Type: Identify whether the motherboard supports DDR4, DDR5, or an older
generation like DDR3. The RAM type must match the motherboard’s memory slots.

 Maximum RAM Capacity: Check the motherboard manual to determine the maximum
RAM it supports (e.g., 32GB, 64GB, or more).

 Number of Slots: The motherboard has a specific number of RAM slots (usually 2 or 4
for consumer motherboards).

2. Identify the System Requirements

 Basic Use (Browsing, Office Work): 8GB RAM is usually sufficient.

  Professional Work (3D Rendering, Video Editing, AI, etc.): 32GB or higher may be
necessary.

3. Check RAM Speed (MHz) and Latency

 Match the RAM speed (measured in MHz, e.g., 3200MHz, 4800MHz) with what the
motherboard and CPU support.

 Lower CAS latency (CL) means better performance.

4. Determine the Form Factor

 Desktop PCs: Use DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) sticks.

 Laptops & Compact PCs: Use SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM) sticks, which are smaller
in size.

5. Consider Dual-Channel or Multi-Channel Configurations

 Installing two identical RAM sticks (e.g., 2×8GB instead of 1×16GB) can improve
performance due to increased memory bandwidth.

6. Check Voltage and Compatibility with Overclocking

 High-performance RAM may require specific voltage levels (e.g., 1.2V, 1.35V) and BIOS
adjustments for overclocking.

8.Outline the steps involved in installing an operating system on a computer

Step 1: Prepare Installation Media

 Download the OS installation file (ISO) from the official website.

 Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher
(Linux/macOS).

 Ensure the USB drive has at least 8GB of free space.

Step 2: Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings

 Insert the bootable USB into the computer.

 Restart the computer and press the BIOS/UEFI access key (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC)
during startup.

 Navigate to the Boot Order settings and set the USB drive as the first boot device.
  Save changes and exit the BIOS.

Step 3: Boot from Installation Media

 Restart the system, and it should boot from the USB drive.

 Select the preferred language, region, and keyboard layout when prompted.

Step 4: Begin OS Installation

 Click on Install Now and accept the license agreement.

 Choose between:

o Upgrade Installation (if an OS is already installed and you want to keep files).

o Custom Installation (for a fresh install, deleting old data).

Step 5: Partition the Hard Drive

 If performing a fresh install, select the drive where the OS will be installed.

 Format or create a new partition if necessary.

 Click Next to start the installation.

Step 6: Wait for Installation to Complete

 The system will copy files and install necessary features.

 The computer may restart several times during this process.

Step 7: Configure Initial Settings

 Set up a user account and password.

 Choose privacy settings and enable updates if required.

 Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet to complete setup.

Step 8: Install Drivers and Updates

 Install necessary drivers (graphics, sound, network) if they are not automatically
detected.

 Run Windows Update (Windows OS) or install updates through package managers
(Linux/macOS).

Step 9: Install Essential Software

 Install a web browser, antivirus (if needed), and other required programs.
Step 10: Final System Check and Backup

 Ensure everything is working correctly.

 Create a system restore point or backup to restore the system in case of future issues.

9.Explain the role of cooling systems in maintaining computer performance.

Role of Cooling Systems in Maintaining Computer Performance

1. Prevents Overheating

 High-performance components like the CPU, GPU, and power supply generate heat
during operation.

 Cooling systems dissipate this heat to prevent thermal throttling, where performance
is reduced to avoid damage.

2. Enhances Performance and Stability

 Lower temperatures allow components to operate at maximum clock speeds without

throttling.
  Overheated systems may experience crashes, lag, or unexpected shutdowns.

3. Prolongs Hardware Lifespan

 Efficient cooling ensures longer durability and reliability of hardware.

4. Supports Overclocking

 Overclocking (running the CPU or GPU at higher speeds than factory settings)
generates more heat.

 High-performance cooling solutions (liquid cooling, advanced air coolers) are required
to maintain safe operating temperatures.

5. Improves Energy Efficiency

 A well-cooled system consumes less power, as components don’t have to work harder
to compensate for heat-related inefficiencies.

Types of Cooling Systems:

1. Air Cooling – Uses fans and heatsinks to dissipate heat (e.g., CPU coolers, case fans).

2. Liquid Cooling – Uses coolant and radiators for more efficient heat dissipation,
especially in high-performance systems.

3. Thermal Paste – Applied between the CPU/GPU and heatsink to improve heat transfer.

10.What precautions should you take when handling computer hardware components?

Precautions When Handling Computer Hardware Components

1. Prevent Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

2. Handle Components with Care

3. Power Off and Unplug the System when not in use

4. Store Components Properly

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation

6. Use the Right Tools

7. Double-Check Compatibility

8. Avoid Liquids and Food Near Components

9. Test Before Final Assembly

10. Follow Proper Installation Steps

11.Discuss the significance of BIOS/UEFI in computer systems.

Significance of BIOS/UEFI in Computer Systems

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are
essential firmware components that manage hardware initialization and system boot-up.
They play a crucial role in computer functionality.

1. Hardware Initialization

 When a computer is powered on, BIOS/UEFI performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST) to

check if all essential hardware (CPU, RAM, storage, GPU) is functioning correctly.

 If issues are detected, the system may display error codes or beep signals to indicate
faults.

2. Boot Process Management

 BIOS/UEFI locates the bootloader on the storage device and loads the operating
system (OS).

 Users can configure the boot order (e.g., booting from USB, SSD, or network).

3. System Configuration and Settings

 Provides access to the BIOS/UEFI setup utility, where users can configure hardware
settings such as:

o CPU clock speed & overclocking settings

o RAM frequency & voltage adjustments

o Storage and SATA configurations

o Fan speed control and power management

4. Security Features

 UEFI includes advanced security measures like:

o Secure Boot: Prevents unauthorized or malicious OS booting.

o Password Protection: Restricts unauthorized access to BIOS/UEFI settings.

o TPM (Trusted Platform Module) Support: Enhances encryption and system

security.

5. Compatibility and Hardware Support

 Ensures communication between the operating system and hardware components.

 Modern UEFI supports larger storage drives (over 2TB), unlike traditional BIOS.

6. UEFI vs. BIOS: Key Differences

Feature BIOS UEFI

Boot Mode Uses Legacy Boot (MBR) Uses Secure Boot (GPT)

Text-based, keyboard Graphical, mouse & keyboard

User Interface
navigation support

Storage
Limited to 2TB drives Supports larger drives (>2TB)
Support

Speed Slower boot times Faster boot times

Feature BIOS UEFI

Advanced security (Secure Boot,

Security Minimal security features
TPM)

12.How do you troubleshoot a computer that fails to boot?

How to Troubleshoot a Computer That Fails to Boot

If a computer fails to start, follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the issue:

1. Check Power Supply

 Ensure the power cable is securely connected to the PC and power outlet.

 Test with a different power outlet or cable.

 If using a desktop, check if the power supply unit (PSU) switch is turned on.

2. Inspect Monitor and Display

 Ensure the monitor is powered on and connected to the PC.

 Try a different monitor or cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI).

 If the PC powers on but shows no display, check for a loose GPU (if applicable).

3. Listen for Beep Codes or Error Messages

 Many motherboards produce beep codes indicating hardware issues.

 Refer to the motherboard manual for beep code meanings.

 If no beeps, reset the CMOS battery to restore BIOS settings.

4. Disconnect External Devices

 Unplug all peripherals (USB devices, external drives, printers), then restart.

 A faulty peripheral can cause boot failure.

5. Check Internal Components

 Open the case and inspect:

o RAM: Reseat the RAM sticks or test with one stick at a time.

o Storage Drive (HDD/SSD): Ensure cables are properly connected.

o CPU/GPU: Ensure they are properly seated.

 Check for burnt smells, loose cables, or dust buildup.

6. Boot into Safe Mode or BIOS

 Try accessing BIOS/UEFI (press F2, DEL, or F12 during startup).

 If BIOS loads, the issue may be with the OS or storage drive.

 Try booting into Safe Mode (for Windows, press F8 or Shift + Restart).

7. Test with a Bootable USB Drive

 Use a bootable USB with a fresh OS installation (Windows, Linux).

 If the system boots from USB, the issue might be corrupt OS files or a failing storage
drive.

8. Run Hardware Diagnostics

 Many manufacturers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) have built-in diagnostic tools (accessed via
BIOS or boot menu).
 Use third-party tools like MemTest86 (RAM test) or CrystalDiskInfo (storage health
check).

9. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings

 Reset BIOS by removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes or using the reset jumper.

 This restores factory settings and may fix boot issues.

10. Reinstall or Repair the Operating System

 If the PC reaches the OS loading screen but fails to boot, try:

o Running Startup Repair from a Windows recovery USB.

o Using System Restore to revert to a previous working state.

o Reinstalling the OS if necessary.

11. Replace Faulty Components

 If the system still doesn’t boot, test components in another PC (if possible).

 Suspect hardware failures include:

o PSU failure (no power or inconsistent booting).

o Dead RAM or motherboard (no beeps, no POST).

o Corrupt HDD/SSD (causes boot loops or missing OS errors).