COMPUTER ASSEMBLY

There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how to open a particular computer case the first step a
TECHNICIAN should take is to consult the user manual or manufacturers website.

STEPS TO INSTALL A POWER SUPPLY.

Step 1. Insert the power supply into the case.
Step 2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case.
Step 3. Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws.

To install RAM, follow these steps:

Step 1. Align the notches on the RAM module to the keys in the slot and press down until the side tabs click
into place.
Step 2. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module.
Step 3. Visually check for exposed contacts.

NOTE: Most reliable way for users to buy the correct RAM to upgrade a computer is to check the motherboard
manual or manufacturers website. When installing a memory ensure a notch in the memory module should
be aligned with a notch in the memory slot.

Three Important Considerations When Installing A CPU On A Motherboard

The CPU heat sink and fan assembly are correctly installed.
The CPU is correctly aligned and placed in the socket.
Antistatic precautions are taken.

CPU ARCHITECTURE
LGA: This is notable for having pins on the socket rather than the integrated Circuit
PGA: This possesses pin on the Integrated Circuit (IC) rather than the socket. When installing a CPU in a
ZIF(Zero Insertion Force, socket which allows you to insert IC without force) socket, the technician should
ensure Pin 1 on the CPU is aligned with Pin 1 on the ZIF socket in order to avoid damage to the pin

The best way to apply thermal compound when reseating a CPU is to Clean the CPU and the base of the heat
sink with isopropyl alcohol before applying the thermal compound.

ADAPTER CARDS
An Adapter card provides the functionality for external components to be connected to the computer. For example video
adapter card will provides an interface between a computer and a display monitor. Wireless NIC (Network interface
card) can also be installed on a PCI or PCIe slot.
INTERNAL DRIVES
Internal drives should be installed in the internal drive bay
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
HDD is installed in a 3.5-inch drive bays. When installing PATA hard drive it is important to ensure that pin one of the
PATA data cable is correctly aligned with the connector. If two drives are connected via one data cable, then one should
be configured as MASTER while the other as SLAVE. To configure this as SLAVE/MASTER use jumpers on the drive
to configure the drive as slave/master.
Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)

Floppy drive uses 3.5 inch drive bay. The only way to distinguish between IDE hard drive or a floppy drive is
that the floppy cable has a twist in the cable. Floppy data cable can be used to connect the FDD to the
motherboard. A cable from the power supply to the Berg power connector on the FDD. If you observed that
the floppy drive light remains lit constantly then connect the data cable making sure that the coloured stripe
on the cable is aligned with pin 1 on the drive and the motherboard

Optical Drive
Optical drive uses 5.25 drive bay, peripheral uses external connectors like USB and PS2. Molex connector is used to
supply power to PATA optical drive.
MOTHERBOARD
ATX Motherboard uses 20 pin connector to power the board. In order to prevent the motherboard from contacting the
metal base of the case, use standoffs to keep the motherboard above the metal base.
NOTE: The next installation step after all the internal components of a PC have been installed and connected to the
motherboard and power supply is to reattach the side panels to the case.
SIGNED DRIVER
One of the important advantage of signed driver is that they verified to be compatible with the operating system. A
signed driver has passed the lab test of Microsoft for quality and helps prevent a system from being compromised.
POST (POWER ON-SELF TEST)
When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) will perform a check on all of the internal
components. This check is called a Power-On Self-Test (POST). POST checks to see that all of the hardware or all
internal components of the computer is operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a beep code alerts
the technician that there is a problem. TO enter a BIOS setup continuously press DEL on your keyboard or any other
functional key depending on the system manufacturer immediately after pressing the power button.
NOTE: in order to enter the BIOS the key must be pressed DURING THE POST. If you discover after configuring your
BIOS your settings could not be saved or after reboot you still need to reconfigure then change your CMOS
(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) battery as it is responsible for saving the settings of the BIOS.
Beep codes
Typically, a single beep denotes that the computer is functioning properly.
If there is a hardware problem, the computer may emit a series of short beeps.
MENUS IN BIOS SETUP
Main - System time, date, HDD type, etc.
Advanced - Infrared port settings, parallel port settings, enabling and disabling devices etc.
Security - Password settings to setup utility
Boot - Sets the boot order of the computer
Exit - Exits the setup utility

EXTERNAL CABLE INSTALLATION STEPS

1. Attach the monitor cable to the video port and Secure it 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. Connect USB cable, network cable etc to their port if present
5. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

REVISION QUESTIONS
1. A technician has just finished assembling a new computer. When the computer is powered up for the first time,
the POST discovers a video subsystem problem. How does the POST indicate the error?
2. What number of disks is the required minimum to implement RAID 0 ?
3. If you just discovers that the PS/2 mouse port is not working. The technician has several replacement mouse
models available. What input port will the technician use to install the replacement mouse?
4. Obama is assembling a new computer. Which two components are often easier to install before mounting the
motherboard in the case?

PRACTICALS connecting the internal power cable of the system, entering bios, bios password, boot order, configuring a hard drive as
slave/master.