Chapter 3: Computer Assembly

IT Essentials 5.0

Introduction

Computer assembly is a large part of a technician's job.– work in a logical, methodical manner when working with

computer components

– improve computer assembly skills dramatically with practice

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ESD Precautions

wrist strap

grounding mat

antistatic bags

low humidity (30-50%)

touch chassis to discharge static electricity

Opening the Case

Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case:– adequate lighting

– good ventilation

– comfortable room temperature

– workbench accessible from all sides

– avoid cluttering workbench

– an antistatic mat on the table

– small containers to hold screws and other small parts

There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how, consult the user manual or manufacturer's website.

Installing 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

Installing the CPU on the Motherboard

The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge so use a grounded antistatic mat and wear an antistatic wrist strap. CAUTION: When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts.

The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly (load lever).

Installing the CPU

Applying the Thermal Compound

Thermal compound helps to 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.

Follow manufacturer’s recommendations about applying the thermal compound.

Installing the Heat Sink/Fan Assembly

The Heat Sink/Fan Assembly 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 heat sink/fan assembly usually has a 3-pin power connector.

Installing CPU and Heat Sink/Fan Assembly

1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the CPU socket.

2. Place the CPU gently into the socket.

3. Close the CPU load plate and secure it by closing the load lever and moving it under the load lever retention tab.

4. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU and spread it evenly. Follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturer.

5. Line up the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to the holes on the motherboard.

6. Place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket being careful not to pinch the CPU fan wires.

7. Tighten the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place.

8. Connect the heat sink/fan assembly power cable to the header on the motherboard.

Installing RAM

RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is operating.

RAM should be installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the computer case.

RAM installation steps:

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

2. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module and visually check for exposed contacts.

Installing the Motherboard

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 only the standoffs that align with the holes in the motherboard.

Installing any additional standoffs may prevent the motherboard from being seated properly in the computer case.

Installing the Motherboard

• Wear your wrist strap!• Don’t wear jewelry.• Avoid touching the board—

hold edge and plastic slot.

Installing the Motherboard

1. Install standoffs in the computer case.

2. Align the I/O connectors on the back of the motherboard with the openings in the back of the case.

3. Align the screw holes of the motherboard with the standoffs.

4. Insert all of the motherboard screws.

5. Tighten all of the motherboard screws.

Installing the 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.

Installing the Drives in External Bays

Drives, such as optical drives (CD and DVD) and floppy drives, are installed in drive bays that are accessed from the front of the case.

Optical drives and floppy drives store data on removable media.

Drives in external bays allow access to the media without opening the case.

Installing the Optical Drive

An optical drive is a storage device that reads and writes information to CDs or DVDs.

Optical drive installation steps:

1. Position the optical drive to align with the 5.25 inch drive bay.

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

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

Installing Floppy Drive

A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads and writes information to a floppy disk.

FDD installation steps:

1. Position the FDD so that it aligns with the 3.5 inch drive bay.

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

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

Attaching the Floppy Drive

Pin 1 – red stripe

34 pins

twist

The A drive is on the end of the ribbon cable before the twist if there are two connectors on the cable.

If Pin 1 is backwards, the LED stays on for floppy.

Installing the Adapter Cards

Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a

computer. Adapter cards must be compatible with the expansion

slot.

Some adapter cards:PCIe x1 NIC

PCI Wireless NIC

PCIe x16 video adapter card

Installing the Network Interface Card (NIC)

A NIC enables a computer to connect to a network.

NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.

NIC installation steps:

1. Align the NIC to the appropriate slot on the motherboard.

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

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

Installing the Wireless NIC

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

Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.

Wireless NIC installation steps:

1. Align the wireless NIC to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.

2. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until the card is fully seated.

3. Secure the mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.

Installing the Video Adapter Card

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 card installation steps:

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

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

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

Connecting the Internal Cables

Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the power supply to the motherboard and other components.

Data cables transmit data between the motherboard and storage devices, such as hard drives.

Additional cables connect the buttons and link lights on the front of the computer case to the motherboard.

Connecting the Power Cables

Motherboard Power Connections

The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) main power connector has either 20 or 24 pins.

The power supply may also have a 4-pin or 6-pin Auxiliary (AUX) power connector that connects to the motherboard.

A 20-pin connector will work in a motherboard with a 24-pin socket.

Berg

Connecting the Power Cables

SATA power connectors use a 15-pin connector to connect to hard disk drives, optical drives, or any devices that have a SATA power socket. A 7-pin cable connects the SATA drive to the motherboard.

Molex power connectors are used by hard disk drives and optical drives that do not have SATA power sockets.

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

4-pin Berg power connector supplies power to a floppy drive.

SATA

Molex

Power Connector Installation Steps

1. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.

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

3. Plug the 4-pin Berg power connector into the FDD.

4. Connect the 3-pin fan power connector into the appropriate fan header on the motherboard, according to the motherboard manual.

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

PATA Cables

Drives connect to the motherboard using data cables.– Data cables are PATA, SATA, and floppy disk.

The PATA cable (sometimes called a ribbon cable) is wide and flat and can have either 40 or 80 conductors.– A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin connectors.

– If multiple hard drives are installed, the master drive will connect to the end connector. The slave drive will connect to the middle connector.

Many motherboards have two PATA cable sockets, which provides support for a maximum of four PATA drives.

Installing Hard Drive/CD-ROM

Attaching the hard drive and CD-ROM

are basically similar.

First, the jumper settings should be

properly set.

The designation of a hard drive or CD-

ROM drive as either master or slave is

generally determined by the jumper

configuration, not by the order in which

the drive is daisy-chained to the other

drive.

The only exception is if the drive is

jumpered (set to) "cable select" and both

the system and ribbon cable support

cable select.

Installing Hard Drive/CD-ROM

Use schematic on outside of hard drive to configure jumpers.

Examples:

3.5 inch Quantum Fireball SeriesThe configuration of the followingjumpers control the drive's mode ofoperation:DS - Drive Select (For Master only) CS - Cable Select PK - Park, used as a place to store

a jumper

3.5 inch MaxtorJ50 DescriptionOn Drive configured as Master or

Drive configured as Master, with an attached Slave

Off Drive configured as Slave

Attaching Hard Drive/CD-ROM

IDE ribbon cables: 40 pin/Ultra-ATA 80 connectors

Master / Slave / Cable Select settings

– user jumpers

– CMOS auto select

Inside your computer, you generally have two (2) IDE hard drive controller connections. They look this this 99% of the time.

(The smaller one on the very top is a floppy drive controller connection.)

Attaching Hard Drive/CD-ROM

Pictured here are the two cables, the 80-wire and the older 40-wire ATA IDE cables.

As you can see, the one on the left, the newer 80-wire cable has very small wires running from connector to connector; conversely, the 40-wire cable has larger wires. There is a reason for this. The newer standard requires the addition and separation of the wires for better signals to achieve the faster speeds.

Attaching Hard Drive/CD-ROM

         The 80-wire (conductor) cables are not called 80-pins! The older 40-wire and the newer 80 wire are both 40-pins! Well, actually, they are 39 pins. One pin was removed that was never used so people installing hard drives wouldn't connect them backwards. See the picture below...

Cables

Connector Assignments and Color Coding: For the first time, the 80-conductor cable defines specific roles for each of the connectors on the cable; the older cable did not. Color coding of the connectors is used to make it easier to determine which connector goes with each device: Blue: The blue connector attaches to the host (motherboard or controller). Gray: The gray connector is in the middle of the cable, and goes to any slave (Device 1) drive if present on the channel. Black: The black connector is at the opposite end from the host connector and goes to the master drive (Device 0), or a single drive if only one is used.

Cables

SATA 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.

SATA Drives and Connectors

1. Power connector

2. Data cable connector

3. SATA power cable

4. SATA data cable

SATA Motherboard Connectors

SATA/150 (1) communicates at a rate of 150 Mbps.

SATA/300 (3) communicates at a rate of 300 Mbps.

A 7-pin Serial ATA

data cable A 15-pin Serial ATA power connector

Installing a SATA Hard Drive SATA explained

SATA (Serial ATA) vs. PATA (IDE)

Floppy Drive Cables

The floppy drive data cable has a 34-pin connector, and it has a stripe to denote the location of Pin 1. – One connector at the end of the cable connects to the

motherboard. The other two connectors connect to drives.

– If multiple floppy drives are installed, the A: drive will connect to the end connector. The B: drive will connect to the middle connector after the twist.

Motherboards have one floppy drive controller which provides support for a maximum of two floppy drives.

Installing Data Cables

1. Plug the motherboard end of the PATA cable into the motherboard socket.

2. Plug the connector at the far end of the PATA cable into the optical drive.

3. Plug one end of the SATA cable into the motherboard socket.

4. Plug the other end of the SATA cable into the HDD.

5. Plug the motherboard end of the FDD cable into the motherboard socket.

6. Plug the connector at the far end of the FDD cable into the floppy drive.

Attaching the LEDs, Keylock and Speaker

Attaching the LEDs

Plug the reset-switch, power-switch, HDD-LED, speaker, and power-LED connectors into the motherboard, all labels facing upwards.

Re-attaching Panels, Connect External Cables

Now that all the internal components have been installed and connected to the motherboard and power supply, the side panels are re-attached to the computer case.

The next step is to connect the cables for all computer peripherals and the power cable.

Re-attaching the Side Panels

Most computer cases have two panels, one on each side.

Once the cover is in place, make sure that it is secured at all screw locations.

Refer to the documentation or manufacturer’s website if you are unsure about how to remove or replace your computer case.

CAUTION: Handle case parts with care. Some computer case covers have sharp or jagged edges.

Connecting External Cables

After the case panels have been re-attached, connect the external cables to the back of the computer.

External cable connections include:

Monitor USB

Keyboard Power

Mouse Ethernet

CAUTION: When attaching cables, never force a connection.

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

Connecting External Cables

1. Attach the monitor cable to the video port.

2. Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.

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

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

5. Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

6. Plug the network cable into the network port.

7. Connect the wireless antenna to the antenna connector.

8. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

Let’s see what you have learned . . .

Q: What do thermal compound, heat sinks, and CPU fans have in common?

A: They help dissipate heat.

Q: What items can help guard against ESD?

A: ESD wrist strap, anti-static mat, anti-static bags

Q: If the light stays on for the floppy drive, what is most likely wrong?

A: Pin 1 on the cable is backwards.

Q: Name two common adapter card slots?

A: PCI and PCI-e

Let’s see what you have learned . . .

Q: What type of power connector is used on PATA drives?

A: molex

Q: What type of power connector is used on a floppy drive?

A: berg

Q: What is the function of a jumper on a PATA device?

A: determines whether the device is a master or slave

Q: What advantages does SATA offer over PATA?

A: speed, air flow, cable length, number of devices

Booting the Computer for the First Time The BIOS is a set of instructions stored in a nonvolatile memory chip (CMOS).

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.

A special key or combination of keys on the keyboard is used to enter the BIOS setup program.

This should be pressed during POST.

The BIOS setup program displays information about all of the components in the computer.

Technicians use BIOS to:• set time and date• disable or enable devices• set boot order• adjust clock speed• enable virtualization• enable security such as TPM and Lojack

Protecting Equipment• One form of hardware security

is the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).• The TPM is a specialized chip

installed on the motherboard of a computer to be used for hardware and software authentication.

• The TPM stores information specific to the host system such as encryption keys, digital certificates, and passwords.

• Applications that use encryption can make use of the TPM chip to secure things like user authentication information, software license protection, and encrypted files, folders, and disks.  

Identifying Beep Codes

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.

Typically, a single beep denotes that the computer is functioning properly.

If there is a hardware problem, the computer may emit a series of beeps.

Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware problems.

Consult the motherboard documentation to view beep codes for your computer.

Identifying Beep Codes

BIOS – Part 1 of 3

BIOS – Part 2 of 3

BIOS – Part 3 of 3

BIOS Steps First the Power On Self Tests (POST) are conducted. These tests

verify that the system is operating correctly and will display an error message and/or output a series of beeps known as beep codes depending on the BIOS manufacturer.

Second is initialization in which the BIOS looks for the video card. In particular, it looks for the video card's built in BIOS program and runs it. The BIOS then looks for other devices' ROMs to see if any of them have BIOSes, and they are executed as well.

Third is to initiate the boot process. The BIOS looks for boot information that is contained in a file called the master boot record (MBR) at the first sector on the disk. If it is searching a floppy disk, it looks at the same address on the floppy disk for a volume boot sector. Once an acceptable boot record is found, the operating system is loaded which takes over control of the computer. The order that the BIOS looks for devices can be determined in your BIOS settings. Usually it searches in this order CD Drive, Floppy, C: drive.

BIOS Setup Program

BIOS settings are configured in the BIOS setup program.

Entering the BIOS Setup Program

CMOS determines what types of options are installed

CMOS password can be configured to protect settings.

– If forgotten, use the jumper on the motherboard to reset or remove battery.

System BIOS allows access to configuration information in CMOS setup utility.

– proper key combination (F1, F2, Del, F10, Ctrl + Esc are examples)

Registers are examined each time the system is booted up.

If you’ve ever struggled with your PC’s BIOS — or been knee-capped by a rootkit that assailed the BIOS — you undoubtedly wondered why this archaic part of every PC wasn’t scrapped long ago.

– Well, be of good cheer: Windows 8 will finally pull the PC industry out of the BIOS generation and into a far more capable — and controversial — alternative, the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface.

– The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is essentially the next generation of BIOS. It’s a system that potentially offers new and more advanced control of the boot-up process.

What’s Coming . . .

Because the BIOS sits on a chip on the motherboard, it’s more difficult to update than an operating system or an application. So most PC users never update their BIOS, leaving the PC possibly incompatible with newer operating systems. (The early PC BIOS was hard-coded on a chip, so upgrading required replacing the entire chip or PROM.)

The UEFI is a more sophisticated system that runs before your primary OS kicks in. Unlike the BIOS, UEFI can access all PC hardware, including the mouse and network connections. It can take advantage of modern video cards and monitors. It can even access the Internet.

Unlike the BIOS, the UEFI can exist on a disk, just like any other program — or in nonvolatile memory on the motherboard or even on a network share.

At this point, it’s important to note that systems can run either the BIOS or the UEFI — or both. When they’re both used, the BIOS goes first to run POST, then the UEFI takes over and hooks into any calls that may be made to the BIOS. (Windows typically doesn’t make calls directly to the BIOS, but other operating systems might — and the UEFI will handle them, not the BIOS.)

What’s Coming . . .

What’s Coming . . .

The UEFI can also run without the BIOS — it can take care of all OS loading/interface functions previously handled by the BIOS. The only thing the UEFI can’t do is perform the POST or run the initial setup (configuring the CPU, memory, and other hardware). PCs that have the UEFI but no BIOS have separate programs for POST and setup that run auto-matically when the PC is powered on.

Let’s see what you have learned . . .

Q: Where are BIOS instructions stored?

A: CMOS (NVRAM)

Q: Typically, how many beeps indicate a computer is working?

A: one

Q: How do you access the BIOS information?

A: press a combination of keys depending upon the manufacturer of the BIOS chip

Q: How can CMOS settings be cleared?

A: remove the battery or change the motherboard jumper

Chapter 3 Summary

Computer Assembly

Installation of all computer components

Connection of all cables

Configuration of BIOS

Description of POST

Upgrading and Configuring a PC

Motherboard and related components

Storage devices

Input and output devices

Assignments Read Chapter 3 and complete the Virtual Desktop Activity

Watch these videos:

– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw&feature=relmfu

– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls&feature=relmfu

– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaVBsXEiok&feature=relmfu

Complete the following worksheets and labs:

– 3.3.3.2 Worksheet - Upgrade Hardware

– 2.2.4.7 Lab - Computer Disassembly

– 3.1.1.3 Lab – Install the Power Supply

– 3.1.2.4 Lab - Installing the Motherboard

– 3.1.3.4 Lab - Install the Drives

– 3.1.4.5 Lab - Install Adapter Cards

– 3.1.5.3 Lab - Install Internal Cables

– 3.1.5.8 Lab - Complete the Computer Assembly

– 3.2.2.5 Lab - Boot the Computer

– 2.2.2.4 Lab - Using a Multimeter and a Power Supply Tester