chapter seven updating and upgrading hardware. © 2006-2011 wiley, inc. all rights reserved. strata...

Chapter Seven

Updating and Upgrading Hardware

© 2006-2011 Wiley, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Strata Objectives Covered

1.6 (1.2 FC0-U11 U.K.) Identify the risks associated with upgrading the following technologies and equipment:–PC speed/storage capability–Compatibility issues–Upgrade issues–Bus differences–Hardware failure

2.1 (2.1 FC0-U21 U.K.) Identify basic compatibility issues between:–Processor performance–RAM memory–USB (1.1, 2.0)–FireWire–PS/2

2


Evaluating a Computer for Upgrades

• What components are fine as-is?• Which components are obsolete,

failing, or weaker than the others?• What components may benefit from

a new driver?• What components can’t be replaced

at all?

3


Benefits of Updating Device Drivers

• Fix operational or compatibility problems with the device

• Improve device performance• Add minor new features or

configuration options

4


Checking a Device Driver Version

• Open Device Manager in Windows

• View the device’s Properties

• Click the Driver tab• Read version number• Check manufacturer’s

web site for newer version

5


Analyzing Current System Performance

• Windows Experience Index

• Third-party utilities– Windows: iBench– Mac: Xbench

6


When to Upgrade

• Slow screen repaint: display adapter• Slowed performance when running

multiple applications: RAM• Disk full warning: hard drive

7


Processor Upgrades

• Not usually possible or economical• Motherboards accept only a narrow

range of models and speeds

8


RAM Upgrades

• Check motherboard docs to get the right kind of RAM

• Check for available slots

9


RAM Upgrades

• If all slots are full, some RAM must be replaced with higher-capacity RAM

• On some systems, RAM slots are paired, and must have identical RAM in them

10


Hard Disk Upgrades

• Replace, or Add Another?– Notebook: usually must replace– Desktop: can replace or add

• Check for internal power connectors available– SATA power (for SATA)– Molex connector (for PATA)

11


Hard Disk Upgrades

• Check types of drive connectors available– Internal:

• PATA• SATA• SCSI

– External:• USB• FireWire• SCSI

12


Buying Decisions for Hard Drives

• Mechanical vs. solid state• Capacity• Internal or external• Interface • Size (3.5” for desktop, 2.5” for

notebook)• RPM/rotational speed

13


Display Adapter Upgrades

• Desktop PCs only; most notebooks cannot accept display adapter upgrade

• Replace or add additional (for multiple monitors)

14


Display Adapter Upgrades

• Check available expansion slot types– PCIe 16x– PCIe 4x– AGP– PCI

15


Buying Decisions for Display Adapters

• Amount of memory – more is better• Memory speed – faster is better• Cooling – active or passive• Output ports – VGA, DVI• Maximum resolution – larger is better• Core clock speed – faster is better

16


Upgrading or Adding External Devices

• Port type– USB (1.1, 2.0, 3.0)– FireWire– Legacy parallel (old printers)– Legacy serial (old or specialized

devices)– ExpressCard– PS/2– 3.5mm jack

17


Assessing Hardware Upgrade Risks

• Physical compatibility• System compatibility• OS compatibility• Compatibility with existing

applications• Compatibility with anticipated future

applications and OSes

18


Common Hardware Issues

• USB hubs: If unpowered, can support only a few devices with adequate power

• Power supply: Can become overloaded many devices installed, especially drives

• System resource conflicts may occur (IRQs, DMA channels, memory addreses, I/O addreses)

19


Personal Safety Considerations

• Wear short sleeves, or roll up your sleeves to avoid tearing clothing if it gets caught

• Remove jewelry to avoid getting snagged

• Don’t open a power supply or a CRT because of shock from capacitors

20


ESD Prevention Guidelines

• Ground yourself• Wear an antistatic wrist strap• Use an antistatic mat

21


ESD Prevention Guidelines

• Wear natural fibers• Keep item inside antistatic bag until

ready to install

22


Other Hardware-Handling Guidelines

• Disconnect power before opening the case

• Handle circuit boards only by the edges

• Be as gentle as possible the cables and connectors

• Don’t bend or crimp a cable unnecessarily

23


Installing Memory

• Remove cover to expose slot(s)• Remove old memory if needed• Firmly press new memory into slot

24


Installing an Internal Disk Drive

• Set jumpers on drive if needed (PATA or SCSI only)

25

Chart describing jumper settings

Jumper



• Connect drive connector from motherboard

• Connect power connector from power supply

26



• Partition and format drive– Disk Management in Windows– Third-party disk utility program

27


Installing a Circuit Board

• Remove old board if needed

• Remove metal backplate behind slot if needed

28


Installing a Circuit Board

• Identify the slot to use• Remove old board if needed• Remove metal backplate behind slot

if needed• Firmly press circuit board straight

down into slot• Secure board with screw or other

retaining method

29

chapter seven updating and upgrading hardware. © 2006-2011 wiley, inc. all rights reserved. strata...

Documents

display adapter upgradereplace

ram slots

new driver

hard drivesmechanical

available slots

upgradeswhat components

hard disk upgradesreplace

device driversfix operational