Chapter 3:
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
Chapter 3 Objectives
3.1.1 Open the case
3.1.1 Install the power supply
3.1.2 Attach the components to the motherboard and install the
motherboard
3.1.3 Install internal drives and drives in external bays
3.1.4 Install adapter cards
3.1.5 Install and connect all internal cables
3.1.5 Re-attach the side panels and connect external cables to the computer
3.2.1 Boot the computer for the first time
3.2.2 Configure BIOS
Chapter 3 Objectives
3.3 Describe reasons for upgrading computer components
3.3.1 Select and install replacement or upgraded motherboard, CPU,
heat sink and fan, and RAM
3.3.1 Upgrade and configure BIOS
3.3.2 Select and install replacement or upgraded hard drives
3.3.3 Select and install replacement or upgraded input and output
devices
Open the Case
Computer assembly is a large part
of a technician's job.
Prepare the workspace before
opening the computer case.
There are different methods for
opening cases. Consult the user
manual or manufacturer's website.
Install the Power Supply
Power supply installation steps include the following:
1. Insert the power supply into the case.
2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in
the case.
3. Secure the power
supply to the case
using the proper
screws.
Attach Components to the
Motherboard
CPU on Motherboard
• The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
• The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking
assembly.
• CAUTION: When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts.
Thermal compound
• Helps keep the CPU cool.
• To install a used CPU, clean it and the base of the heat sink with
isopropyl alcohol to remove the old thermal compound.
Heat Sink/Fan Assembly
• The Heat Sink/Fan Assembly is a two-part cooling device.
• The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU.
Install RAM
• RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU and should be
installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the
computer case.
The Motherboard
After installing the previous components, the
motherboard is now ready to install in the computer
case.
Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the
motherboard and to prevent it from touching the metal
portions of the case.
Install Internal Drives
Drives that are installed in internal bays are called
internal drives.
A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example of an
internal drive.
HDD installation steps:
1. Position the HDD so that it aligns
with the 3.5-inch drive bay.
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.
3. Secure the HDD to the case using
the proper screws.
Install Drives in External
Bays
Drives in external bays allow access to the
media without opening the case.
Some devices that are installed in this type
of drive are:
• An optical drive is a storage device
that reads and writes information to
CDs, DVDs, or BDs.
• A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage
device that reads and writes
information to a floppy disk.
Install Adapter Cards
Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer.
Some examples of these adapters are:
• A Network Interface Card (NIC) which enables a computer to connect to a
network. It uses PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
• 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.
• A video adapter card is the interface between a computer and a display monitor.
An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphic capabilities for games
and graphic programs. Video adapter cards use PCI, AGP, and PCIe expansion
slots on the motherboard.
Connect Internal Cables
Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the
power supply to the motherboard and other components.
ATX SATA Molex Berg
AUX
Connect Internal Cables
Data cables transmit data between the motherboard and
storage devices, such as hard drives. Some of examples of
this type of cables are:
• PATA cable
• SATA cable
• Floppy drive data cable
Additional cables connect the buttons and link lights on the
front of the computer case to the motherboard.
Complete Physical
Installation
Now that all the internal components and the power
supply have been installed and connected to the
motherboard, the following tasks should be
completed:
• Re-Attach the side panels: Most computer cases have two
panels, one on each side. Some computer cases have one
three-sided cover that slides down over the case frame.
• Connect the External Cables: These cables are normally
connected to the back of the computer. Here are some
common external cable connections: Monitor, Keyboard,
Mouse, USB, Ethernet, Power.
Boot Computer for the
First Time
When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system
(BIOS) will perform a power-on self test (POST) to check on all
of the internal components.
The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure settings
for hardware devices. The configuration data is saved to a
special memory chip called a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) or can be saved in nonvolatile memory
which does not need power to retain settings.
POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is
operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a
beep code alerts the technician that there is a problem.
BIOS Configuration
Technicians use the BIOS information to learn about installed
components:
• CPU – Manufacturer and speed
• RAM - Manufacturer and speed
• Hard Drive - Manufacturer, size, and type
• Optical Drive - manufacturer and type
Technicians use BIOS to:
• Set Time and Date
• Disable Devices
• Set Boot Order
• Adjust Clock Speed
• Enable Virtualization
BIOS Configuration
Technicians can set the following BIOS security features
BIOS passwords
Drive encryption
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Lojack
• Lock the computer remotely.
• Display a message so that a lost computer can be returned to the owner.
• Delete sensitive data on the computer if stolen.
• Locate the computer using geotechnology.
BIOS Configuration
Bios Built-in Hardware Monitoring
Temperatures
Fan Speeds
Voltages
Clock and Bus Speeds
Intrusion Detection
Built-in Diagnostics
Start test, Hard drive test, Memory test
Motherboard
Component Upgrades
If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced, the CPU may need to be
replaced
CPU architectures are installed in these common socket connection
designs:
• Zero-Insertion Force (ZIF)
• Land Grid Array (LGA)
• Pin Grid Array (PGA)
• Single-Edge Connector (SEC) – no longer commonly used
• Low-Insertion Force (LIF) - no longer commonly used
Upgrading the CPU
The new CPU must:
fit into the existing CPU socket.
be compatible with the motherboard chipset.
operate with the existing motherboard and power supply.
must operate with the existing RAM. The RAM may need to be upgraded or
expanded to take advantage of the faster CPU.
might require a different heat sink and fan assembly.
Upgrading RAM
Prior to upgrading or replacing the RAM, answer the following questions.
What type of RAM does the motherboard currently use?
Can the RAM be installed one module at a time or must it be grouped into
matching banks?
Are there available RAM slots?
Does the new RAM chip match the speed, latency, type, and voltage of the
existing RAM?
BIOS
Motherboard manufacturers periodically release updates for their BIOS.
Modern BIOS chips are EEPROM, or flash memory, which can be upgraded
by the user without opening the computer case. This process is called
flashing the BIOS.
Flash the BIOS through a command prompt.
Several motherboard manufacturers provide software that allow a user to
flash the BIOS from within Windows.
Storage Devices
Reasons for installing an additional drive:
• Install a second operating system
• Provide additional storage space
• Provide a faster hard drive
• Hold the system swap file
• Back up the original hard drive
• Increase fault tolerance
When two PATA hard drives are connected to same data cable, one drive must be
jumpered as the master, other drive must be jumpered as the slave drive.
Each SATA hard drive has its own data cable, therefore, there is no master-slave
relationship between drives
Input and Output
Devices
Replacement and/ or upgrade examples:
• Change to an Ergonomic keyboard or mouse
• Add privacy and antiglare filters to a monitor
• Add additional monitors
Use the existing expansion slots or sockets.
May use a USB connection.
Add USB connections by installing a USB adapter card or add a USB hub.
Install drivers if necessary.
Chapter 3 Summary
Computer Assembly
Installation of all computer components
Connection of all cables
Description and configuration of BIOS
Description of POST
Upgrading and Configuring a PC
Motherboard and Related Components
Storage Devices
Input and Output devices
