INSTALLATION OF HARDWARE COMPONENTS AND OTHER PERIPHERALS

One of the basic skills that you must acquire in computer hardware
servicing is to independently assemble and disassemble a personal computer
or simply setting up a PC. After familiarizing with all the tools, devices,
peripherals and safety precautions I believe that you are now ready to gain
another experience in CHS by going through this lesson.

Personal Computer Disassembly

Before starting computer disassembly, make sure you have the tools you
need and they're all close by and handy and be sure to have a container to
keep the screws in so you have them when you want to put things back
together.

Step1. Unplugging - The first thing you do is to unplug every cable that is
plugged in to your computer. That includes the cables such as Power, USB,
Mouse, Keyboard, Internet, Ethernet, Modem, AM\FM Antenna, Cable TV, etc.
Just unplug all the cables for safety purposes.

Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work
space.

Step2.Opening the Outer Shell/Case- First, unscrew the four screws at the
back of the computer. On most computer cases, there will be large knobs that
you can unscrew by hand or by screw driver on the back-right side of the
computer. The left side has small screws because on that side you can't
access much on the inside.

Figure 32. Screw at the back of computer chasis

Once the screws are removed, you can remove the side panels. On
most computers, they just slide off. Start with the left side panel (the side that
once had the knobs), slide it towards the back of the computer. Now you can
remove the left panel. Just like the other side, slide it towards the back of the
computer.

Side
Panel

Figure 33. Removing the side panel

NOTICE:
If you are working on a carpet, about every five minutes touch something that is
grounded (Sink faucet / pipe, wire coming from the ground part of a wall outlet).
This is done so you do not shock your motherboard or other parts.

Step3. Removing the System Fan - First, unplug the fan from the
motherboard. You can find the plug by following the wire from the fan. It
should be labeled "SYS_FAN1". Next, you will have to unscrew the fan from
the outside. You should now be able to lift the fan out of the PC.

System Fan

Figure 34. Removing the system fan

Step4. Removing the CPU Fan- The CPU fan is located right on top of the
CPU heat sink, which is a large piece of metal with fins on the top. The CPU
fan plugs into the motherboard in an awkward place, that is hard to access.
But just follow the wires and you should easily find it. It is labeled "CPU
FAN1". To remove the fan from the heat sink, remove the four screws securing
it in place.

CPU Fan

Figure 35. Removing the CPU fan

Step5. Power Supply - The first thing to do is unplug every wire coming from
the power supply. You must disconnect the motherboard (very large
connector/plug), CD/DVD drive(s) power, internal hard drive power and
portable hard drive slot power.
Once everything is unplugged,
unscrew the four screws holding the power
supply in place, on the back of the
computer. Next, push the power supply
from the outside, and then lift it out.

Figure36. Unscrew the power supply

Step6. CD/ DVD Drive(s)-First, unplug the ribbon from the back of the drive.
Once
that is completed, pull on the tab
securing the drive in place, then
push it out from the inside.

CD / DVD
Drive

Figure 37. Location of CD / DVD Drive

Step7. Hard Drive - First, unplug the connector at the back of the slot, and
unplug the other end from the motherboard. Also unplug the SATA cable from
the motherboard and the hard drive. The portable hard drive slot is secured
the same way the CD/DVD drive is, with a tab. Pull on the tab, then slide the
slot out.

Figure 38. Unplugging the Hard Drive connector

To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws
securing it in place. You must be very careful not to drop the hard drive, since
it is very delicate!
 Figure 39. Removing the hard drive from the side of the slot

Step8. Memory (RAM) - To remove the RAM, push down on both tabs holding
the RAM in place, which are located at both ends of the RAM.

Figure 40. Removing the Memory

Step9. Motherboard - The motherboard has seven screws holding it to the
frame, which are indicated by large white circles around them. Remove them
and then lift the motherboard out of the frame.

Figure 4 1. Removing the Motherboard

Personal Computer Assembly
Now that you have the skills in disassembling a personal computer,
Ibelieve that you are ready to take another step of this module which is
assembling a personal computer. All you need to do is to follow the step by
step procedures provided in this module.

Step 1. Prepare your workplace

1. Take Inventory:
Before you start, take an inventory of your parts. Do not begin
assembling your computer if you don't have everything you need. Begin the
step-by-step process once you are ready with everything you need.

Figure 42. Take inventory of the Different Computer Parts

2. Make Space, Make Time:

Building a PC takes up space - about a dining room table worth. So
make sure you have plenty of working room and a few hours to proceed with
minimal interruption. Work on a flat, stable table top surface, or bare floor,
where you have room to layout all of the items.

3. Prepare Grounding Protection:

Use an inexpensive antistatic wrist strap. Make sure you are wearing
your antistatic wrist strap correctly (it does you no good at all if you do not
wear it!), and you are ready to proceed. Look at Figure 43 for details.
 Figure 43. Wearing the Anti- static Wrist Strap Correctly

4. Have the Drivers Ready:

Assuming you have another internet connected PC, download the latest
drivers from the vendors' websites for each component you will be installing.
Sometimes drivers are updated between the time the component was
manufactured and the time you are installing it. It is always best to have the
latest. Copy them to a CD for easy access.

Step 2. Prepare the Motherboard

1. Great care should be taken when

installing the motherboard. First, take the
board out of its packaging and put it on
top of the antistatic bag it came in (see
Figure 45). Remember, you always want
to safeguard your components from
potentially hazardous static electricity
(wear your strap).

Figure 44. Motherboard in an Antistatic Bag

2. Before you secure the motherboard onto the PC case/chassis, inspect it

carefully for any visible defects.
3. Next, review the motherboard manual, to make sure you are familiar
with the motherboard layout and understand which socket is which.
Manuals are extremely helpful, usually easy to read, and include
illustrations. Below you can find instructions on how to install the
processor, the heat sink and the memory modules on the motherboard.
You should not place the motherboard in the computer case until you
are told to do so.
Step 3. Install the CPU

1. Use the unlocking mechanism to

open the CPU socket which is
usually a lever.
2. Carefully line up the pins and
place the chip in its socket; it will
fit only when oriented the proper
way. An arrow or a missing pin on
one corner of the chip will show
you how to line things up.
3. Align Triangular CPU and socket
key marks as shown in Figure 46.
4. Lower the lever to lock the CPU
into place.
Figure 45. Install CPU

Step 4. Install the CPU Heat Sink

1. Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the heat sink and the fan
that will cool the processor. If you bought an OEM CPU and a separate
heat sink, you may need to spread a thin layer of the thermal grease
that came with the heat sink over the chip to ensure proper transfer of
heat (some heat sinks come with this grease already applied).

Figure 46. Install CPU Heat Sink

3. Attach the clip that holds the heat sink in place keeping in mind that it
may require a fair amount of force. Again, follow the instructions that
came with the heat sink. They will show you how to fit it correctly. If you
are in doubt, you can visit the manufacturer's website for more
information.
 4. Plug the CPU fan's power connector into the proper connector on the
motherboard.

Step 5. Install Memory (RAM Modules)

In order to install the memory

modules, insert them into the proper
sockets (Figure 48) and push down
firmly but evenly until the clips on both
sides of the socket pop into place. If
your motherboard supports
dualchannel memory, consult the user
manual to determine which pairs of
RAM sockets you should use. The
motherboard and the CPU are the
brain and nerve center of your PC, so
selecting these components is the
most important decision you'll make.
Figure 47. Install RAM Memory

Step 6. Place the motherboard into the case

1. Some PC cases have a removable motherboard tray. If yours does,

remove the screws holding it in place and pull it out of the case (Figure 49).

Figure 48. Remove Motherboard Tray

2. Note the pattern of the holes in your motherboard (Figure 50), and
screw brass standoffs into the motherboard tray or into the PC case in the
correct locations (ALWAYS check the manual and follow their instructions to
the letter).
 Figure 49. Screw Brass Standoffs Into the Motherboard

3. Check the layout of the sockets on the motherboard, and confirm that
the ports on your motherboard's back panel match the holes on the case's
Input/Output (I/O) shield that is installed in your case. If necessary, remove the
old I/O shield by tapping it firmly a few times with the butt-end of a
screwdriver, and then replace it with the shield that came with the new
motherboard.

4. Carefully position the motherboard on top of the brass standoffs

(Figure 51), line up all the holes, and use the screws that accompanied the
case to fasten down the motherboard. If you are using a removable tray in
your system, slide the tray and motherboard back into the case and then
secure the tray.
 Figure 5 0 . Case’s I /O Shield

Figure 51. Mount the Motherboard

Step 7. Connect the Power Supply

Making the proper connections is crucial to successfully assembling

your PC system. Fortunately, manufacturers provide color-coded power cables
and unique connector shapes to make the job easy.

1. First, plug the large ATX power connector (Figure 53) from your power
supply into the matching port on your motherboard. Look Figure X for details.
2. Locate the smaller, square processor power connector (Figure 54)
(you cannot miss it - it is the one sprouting the yellow and black wires) and
attach it to the motherboard. Note: your connector is usually located near
the processor. As always, refer to your motherboard's manual for the
exact locations.
3. Use your motherboard user manual and find the description about
front-panel connectors.
 Figure 53 . Large ATX Connector

Figure 52. Connect the ATX Power in the Motherboard

Figure 53. Square Processor Power Connector

NOTE:
You are going to be doing work that requires attention to detail and can be
quite frustrating if you do not go into it with the right attitude.

4. Attach each of the tiny leads from the power and reset switches
(Figure 56), the hard-disk activity lights, the PC speaker, and any front-panel
USB and FireWire ports to the corresponding pin on your motherboard. The
needle-nose pliers are useful for manipulating small pieces.
 Figure 54. Connect the different Leads

Step 8. Install Graphics / Video Cards

1. Begin by removing the backplane cover from the AGP or PCI Express
X16 slot (the metal piece where the monitor connector will emerge)
(Figure 55).

Figure 55. Remove the backplane cover

2. Install the graphics board in that slot, and then secure the card with a
screw (Figure 56).
 Figure 5 6. Install the Graphics Board

Step 9. Install Internal Drives

Now it is time to install your drives. This is an easy process, but it requires
attention to detail.

1. Make any necessary changes to jumpers on the drives before mounting

them in the case. A two-drive system (one or two SATA (Serial ATA- is
a standard hardware interface for connecting hard drives and CD/DVD
drives to a computer) hard drives, plus one parallel ATA
(Advanced Technology Attachment) optical drive, for example) is easy
to set up; the SATA drives are jumper less, and the optical drive can be
set as master on its own parallel ATA channel. Many cases have
removable drive rails or cages to house drives.

2. Use the included screws to attach your drives to the rails or cage, and
slide them into the case. For externally accessible drives such as a
DVD recorder, you can save time by installing one drive rail and sliding
the drive in for a test fitting to make sure that its front is flush with the
case (Figure 57).

3. When the drives are installed, connect power and data cables to each
one. Parallel ATA drives use wide, flat data cables that can be installed
only in the correct way. Floppy drives use a similar but smaller cable;
SATA drives use a thin, 1cm-wide data cable. SATA drives use a new
type of power connector that many power supplies don't come with.
Fortunately, many motherboards ship with adapters for converting a
standard four-pin power connector to a SATA power connector (Figure
57).
 Figure 57. Attach your devices

Figure 58. Connect Power Connector

Step 10. Install the Add- in Cards

1. For each add-in card, you must choose a free PCI slot.
1. Remove its backplane cover to allow access from the rear of the case.
 3. Carefully position the card above the slot, and press down firmly to seat
the card (Figure 59).
4. Secure the card with a screw.

Figure 59. Add- in Cards

Many motherboards have additional sound connectors or ports housed

on small add-in boards. Some of these plug into slots on the motherboard;
others screw into the back of the case in place of slot covers. Usually the
additional ports are not essential to your PC's operation. For example, if you
install a sound card, you do not need connectors to the motherboard's built-in
sound chip. Check your motherboard manual to determine what each of these
boards does.

Connecting Peripherals of a Personal Computer

When attaching hardware and peripherals of the computer, ensure that

they are connected to the correct locations or ports. For example, some
mouse and keyboard cables use the same type of PS/2 connector. So, you
must know first the different ports that can be found in the back panel of the
computer.

Keep in mind:
1. When attaching cables, never for ce a connection.
2. Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other

Steps in Connecting Peripherals of a PC

Step 1.Attach the monitor cable to the video port.

Step 2.Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.
Step 3.Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.
Step 4.Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.
Step 5.Plug the USB cable into a USB port.
Step 6.Plug the network cable into the network port.
Step 7.Plug the power cable into the power supply.

Figure 60. Steps in Connecting Peripherals of a PC

After connecting all the cables into their proper places, the picture in the
next page should be the appearance of the back panel of your PC.
 Figure 61. Appearance of the PC’s Back Panel

Rearrange the Procedures

Direction: Rearrange the following procedures in their proper order. Use

numbers to indicate their order of precedence. The first number is done for
you.

A. Personal Computer Disassembly

__7_1. Detaching the Hard Drive
____2. Detaching the power supply
____3. Opening the outer shell / case
____4. Pull Out the Motherboard
____5. Removing the CD / DVD Drives
____6. Removing the CPU fan
____7. Removing the system fan
____8. Unplugging all the cables and wires
____9.Removing the memory module( RAM)

B. Personal Computer Assembly

__7_1. Connect the Power Supply
____2. Install Graphics / Video Cards
____3. Install Internal Drives
____4. Install Memory (RAM Modules)
____5. Install the Add- in Cards
____6. Install the CPU
____7. Install the CPU Heat Sink
____8. Place the motherboard into the case
____9. Prepare the Motherboard
____10. Prepare your workplace

Performance Test

Direction: Follow and perform the given procedures on Activity A, B and C.

Safety precautions must be observed when working. You will be rated in
accordance with the rubrics provided after the activity:
A. PC Disassembly
 Unplug all the Remove
Remove CD/
cables and Memory
DVD Drives
wires Module

Open the outer Remove the Remove the

shell / case power supply Motherboard

Remove the Remove the

system fan CPU Fan

B. Personal Computer Assembly

Prepare your Prepare the Install the CPU

Install the CPU
workplace Motherboard Heat Sink

Install Place the Install

Connect the
Graphics / motherboard Memory (RAM
Power Supply
Video Cards into the case Modules)

Install Internal Install the

Drives Add- in Cards

C. Connecting PC Peripherals
 •Attach the monitor cable to the video port.
1

•Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector

2

•Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port

3

•Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.

4

•Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

5

•Plug the network cable into the network port.

6

7 •Plug the power cable into the power supply.

Rubrics for your performance Test

Criteria Percentage Grade

Accuracy 50 %

Adherence to the procedures 20%

Workmanship(applied safety precautions) 20%

Speed 10%

Performance Rating