Basics of PC Assembly,

Troubleshooting &
Maintenance
Prepared by: Rosalina R Estacio

Jose Rizal University

College of Computer Studies and Engineering
Computer/Electronics Engineering Department
Computer Literacy Program
Correctional Institute for Women
January 22, 2016

Learning Objectives
Identify the basic part of a computer system
Describe the parts and function of the
motherboard.

Assemble and disassemble a computer system

Test a working computer system
Appreciate the importance of PC maintenance
Identify basic troubleshooting guides and
techniques

Basic Personal Computer

System

A computer system consists of hardware and software

components.
Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case,
storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers,
and printers.
Software is the operating
system and programs.
The operating system
instructs the computer how
to operate.
Programs or applications
perform different functions.

Computer Cases and

Power Supplies
Computer case

Provides protection and support for internal

components

Should be durable, easy to service, and have enough

room for expansion
Power supply

Converts AC power from the

wall socket into DC

Must provide enough power

for the installed components
and future additions

Computer Cases
Contain the framework to

support and enclose

internal components of the
computer

Typically made of plastic,

steel, and aluminum

Available in a variety of
styles

The size and layout of a

case is called a form factor

Designed to keep internal

components cool

Helps to prevent damage

from static electricity

Power Supplies
The power supply converts alternating-current
(AC) power coming from a wall outlet into directcurrent (DC) power, which is a lower voltage.

DC power is required for all of the components

inside the computer.

Cables, connectors, and

components are designed
to fit together snugly.
Never force any connector
or component.

Power Supplies
CAUTION: Do not open
a power supply.
Electronic capacitors
located inside of a
power supply can hold
a charge for extended
periods of time.

Internal Parts of
Computer

Motherboard
CPU
Memory
Video Card
Power Supply
Hard Disk
CD/DVD Rom Drive
IDE Cable

Motherboards
The main printed circuit board.
Contains the buses, or electrical
pathways found in a computer.
Buses allow data to travel
among the various components.

Also known as the system board,

the backplane, or the main board.

Accommodates CPU, RAM, expansion slots, heat

sink/fan assembly, BIOS chip, chip set, sockets,
internal and external connectors, various ports,
and the embedded wires that interconnect the
motherboard components.

Motherboard Form
Factors
The form factor of motherboards pertains to the size and
shape of the board.

It also describes the physical layout of the different

components and devices on the motherboard.

Various form factors exist for motherboards.

AT Advanced Technology
ATX Advanced Technology Extended
Mini-ATX Smaller footprint of ATX
Micro-ATX Smaller footprint of ATX
LPX Low-profile Extended
NLX New Low-profile Extended
BTX Balanced Technology Extended

Motherboard Design

Microprocessor

A microprocessor -- also
known as a CPU or central
processing unit -- is a
complete computation
engine that is fabricated
on a single chip.

Central Processing Unit

(CPU)
Most important element of a computer system.
Executes a program, which is a sequence of
stored instructions.

Two major CPU architectures related to

instruction sets:
Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)
Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)

Microprocessor Design

CPU Sockets
A CPU socket or CPU slot is an
electrical component that attaches to a
printed circuit board (PCB) and is
designed to house a CPU (also called a
microprocessor). CPU socket structure
is largely dependent on the packaging of
the CPU it is designed to house.

Types of Processor Sockets or

Slots
Most CPUs are based on

PGA Processor Slot

the pin grid array (PGA)

architecture in which
short, stiff pins are
arranged in a grid on the
underside of the processor
are mated with holes in
the socket. To minimize
the risk of bent pins, zero
insertion force (ZIF)
sockets allow the
processor to be inserted
without any resistance and
then lock in place with a
lever or latch mechanism.

SLOT Type CPU Slot

SLOT TYPE CPU
slot- are singleedged
connectors
similar
toexpansion
slots, into which
a PCB holding a
processor is
inserted.

Land Grid Array

Land grid array (LGA)the socket contains pins
that make contact with
pads or lands on the
bottom of the processor
package.

 Chipset- Refers to a
specific pair of chips
on the motherboard:
the NORTHBRIDGE
and the
SOUTHBRIDGE.The
northbridge links the
CPU to very highspeed devices,
especially main
memory and graphics
controllers.

The Southbridge Chipset

Thesouthbridgeconnects to lower-speed
peripheral buses (such as PCI or ISA).
In many modern chipsets,
thesouthbridgeactually contains some on-chip
integrated peripherals, such as Ethernet, USB,
andaudio devices.
A chipset is usually designed to work with a
specific family of microprocessors. Because it
controls communications between the processor
and external devices, the chipset plays a crucial
role in determining system performance.

Cooling Systems
Electronic components
generate heat. Too much heat
can damage components.

A case fan makes the cooling

process more efficient.

A heat sink draws heat away

Case Fan
CPU Fan

from the core of the CPU. A fan

on top of the heat sink moves
the heat away from the CPU.

Fans are dedicated to cool the

Graphics-processing unit
(GPU).

BIOS or Basic Input Output

System

A main function of the BIOS is to give

instructions for the power-on self test

(POST).This self test ensures that the
computer has all of the necessary parts and
functionality needed to successfully start
itself, such as use of memory, a keyboard and
other parts. If errors are detected during the
test, the BIOS instruct the computer to give
a code that reveals the problem.Computer
Error codesare typically a series of beeps
heard shortly after startup.

CMOS
Carbon MetalOxideSemiconductor

(CMOS)- is a technology for making

integrated circuits. CMOS technology is used
in microprocessors, microcontrollers, static
RAM, and other digital logic circuits. CMOS
technology is also used for a wide variety of
analog circuits such as image sensors, data
converters, and highly integrated transceivers
for manytypes of communication. Frank
Wanlass successfully patented CMOS in 1967
(US Patent 3,356,858).

 CMOSBattery- Is

abuttoncell battery
that gives power to
CMOS so that theBios
settingis retain when
the PC is turn off.

Memory

Memory- is technically
any form of electronic
storage, it is used most
often to identify fast,
temporary forms of
storage

Read-only Memory
(ROM)
Basic instructions for booting the computer and loading the
operating system are stored in ROM.
ROM
Types

ROM Types

Description

ROM

Read-only memory chips

Information is written to a ROM chip when it is

manufactured. A ROM chip cannot be erased or
re-written and can become obsolete.

PROM

Programmable read-only
memory

Information is written to a PROM chip after it is

manufactured. A PROM chip cannot be erased
or re-written.

EPROM

Erasable programmable
read-only memory

Information is written to an EPROM chip after it

is manufactured. An EPROM chip can be erased
with exposure to UV light. Special equipment is
required.

Electrically erasable
EEPROM programmable read-only
memory

Information is written to an EEPROM chip after

it is manufactured. EEPROM chips are also
called Flash ROMs. An EEPROM chip can be
erased and re-written without having to remove
the chip from the computer.

Random-access Memory
(RAM)

Temporary storage for data and programs that are being

accessed by the CPU

Volatile memory, which means that the contents are erased

when the computer is powered off

More RAM means more capacity to hold and process large

programs and files, as well as enhance system performance.

Types of RAM:
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)
Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM Memory)
Extended Data Out RAM (EDO Memory)
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM)
Double Data Rate 2 SDRAM (DDR2 SDRAM)
RAMBus DRAM (RDRAM)

Types of Memory Socket or

Slot
Memory Socket or Slot- is commonly
refers to the slot in a motherboard were
the extended memory modules are
installed.

SIMM (Single-inline-memory module) slot,

72 pins

Memory Modules
Dual Inline Package (DIP) is an individual memory
chip. A DIP had dual rows of pins used to attach it
to the motherboard.

Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) is a small

circuit board that holds several memory chips.
SIMMs have 30-pin and 72-pin configurations.

RAM Bus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) is a

circuit board that holds RDRAM chips. A typical
RIMM has a 184-pin configuration.

DIMMs
Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) is a circuit board that
holds SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and DDR2 SDRAM chips. There are
168-pin SDRAM DIMMs, 184-pin DDR DIMMs, and 240-pin
DDR2 DIMMs.

DDR (Dual/Double Data Rate) DIMM slot. 184 edge

contacts (DDR 1)

DDR (Dual/Double Data Rate) DIMM slot. 240 edge contacts

(DDR 2 / 3)

SODIMM (SO-DIMM is short for Small Outline DIMM ) Slot A 72-pin

and 144-pin configuration. SO-DIMMs are commonly utilized in
laptop computers.

Computer System
Expansion Slots
The Expansion slot is a type of slot that
connects an expansion bus (Adapter
card), which allows the processor to
communicate with peripheral attached
to the adapter card. Data is transmitted
to the memory or the processor travels
from the expansion slot via the
expansion bus and the system bus.

The ISA Slot

ISA SLOT-Industry StandardArchitecture, is an a 8 bit and

16 bit wide bus, and runs at 4.77 mhz. The ISA bus was
developed by a team lead by Mark Dean at IBM as part of
the IBM PC project in 1981. It was originated as an 8-bit
system and was extended in 1983 for the XT system
architecture. The newer 16-bit standard, the IBM AT bus,
was introduced in 1984.

AGP Slot

AGP SLOT- AcceleratedGraphicsPort, also

calledAdvancedGraphicsPort, often shortened to AGP it is a
high-speed point-to-point channel for attaching a graphics
card to a computer's motherboard, primarily to assist in the
acceleration of 3D computer graphics. AGP controller is only
capable of controlling a single device.

PCI Slot

PCI SLOT- Peripheral Component Interconnect is a

specification that defines a 32-bit data bus interface.
PCI is a standard widely used byexpansion
cardmanufacturers.

Types of PCI Slots

PCI E- is a computerexpansion cardinterface

format introduced by Intel in 2004. It was designed

to replace the general purpose PCI expansion bus.

PCIe 1.1 (the most common version as of 2007)

each lane carries 250 MB/s.
PCIe 2.0 doubles the bus standard's bandwidth
from 2.5 Gbit/s to 5 Gbit/s, meaning a x32
connector can transfer data at up to 16 GB/s in
each direction.
PCI Express 3.0 will carry a bit rate of 8 giga
transfers per second.

PCI Express

Other Expansion Slots

AMR SLOT- Audio Modem Riser, Is a riser card that

supports sound or modem function.

ACR SLOT- Advance Communication Riser, this type

of slot is for communication and audio subsystem. The
slot supports modem, audio, LAN, and Home Phoneline
Networking Alliance (HPNA) or Home Networking
cards.

CNR SLOT- Communications network riser, this

connector supports specially designed network, audio,
or modem riser cards, main processing is done through
software and controlled by themotherboards system
chipset.

Adapter Cards
Increase the functionality of a computer by adding
controllers for specific devices or by replacing
malfunctioning ports.

Examples of adapter cards:

Sound adapter and video adapter
USB, parallel, and serial ports
RAID adapter and SCSI adapter
Network Interface Card (NIC),
wireless NIC, and modem adapter

Video Card
A video card, (also
referred to as a
graphics accelerator
card, display adapter,
graphics card, and
numerous other terms),
is an item of
personal computer
hardware whose function
is to generate and output
images to a display.

Hard Drives and Floppy

Drives
Reads or writes information to magnetic or
optical storage media

May be fixed or removable

The hard disk drive (HDD) is a
magnetic storage device installed
inside the computer. The storage
capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB).
A floppy disk drive (FDD) is storage
device that uses removable 3.5 inch
floppy disks that can store 1.44 MB of
data.

Optical Drives and Flash

An optical driveDrives
is a storage device that uses
lasers to read data on the optical media. The
two types are CD and DVD.

A flash drive is a removable storage device that connects

to a USB port. A flash drive uses a type
of memory that requires no power to maintain the
data.

Some common drive interfaces:

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE)
Parallel ATA (PATA)
Serial ATA (SATA)
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)

IDE Controller
IDE CONTROLLER- Integrated
Drive Electronics, Parallel ATA
(PATA) is an interface standard
for the connection of storage
devices such as hard disks,
solid-state drives, and CD-ROM
drives in computers. It uses the
underlying AT Attachment and
AT Attachment Packet Interface
(ATA/ATAPI) standards

 FDD CONTROLLERFloppy Disk Drive, an

onboard floppy drive
controller which make
your Floppy Disk Drive
operational.

 SATA CONTROLLER- Serial Advanced

Technology Attachment is a computer bus
primarily designed for transfer of data between
acomputer and storagedevices (like hard disk
drives or optical drives).

SATA 1.5 Gbit/s

SATA 3.0 Gbit/s
SATA 6.0 Gbit/s

SATA Controller
SATA CONTROLLER- Serial
Advanced Technology
Attachment is a computer
bus primarily designed for
transfer of data between
acomputer and
storagedevices (like hard
disk drives or optical
drives).
SATA 1.5 Gbit/s
SATA 3.0 Gbit/s
SATA 6.0 Gbit/s

Internal Cables
Data cables connect drives to the drive
controller, which is located on an adapter card
or on the motherboard.

Floppy disk drive (FDD) data cable

PATA (IDE) data cable
PATA (EIDE) data cable
SATA data cable
SCSI data cable

IDE Cable Design

This cable will work fine in two-drive configurations, but

there is a drawback: it's suboptimal for one-drive
installations. These high-speed disk cables really should
always have a drive on the physical far end of the cable to
reduce noise on the bus, but this cable puts the single drive
in the middle

SATA Cable Design

Power Supply
In a personal computer (PC), the
power supply is the metal box
usually found in a corner of the
case. The power supply is visible
from the back of many systems
because it contains the powercord receptacle and the cooling
fan.

Power Supply Design

Power Supply connectors

These connectors are for power supply,
the power supply plugs are designed to
fit these connectors in only one
orientation.

AT / ATX
Auxiliary power

Types of Power Supply Terminal

Connecting the Power Cables

SATA power connectors use either a 7pin or 15-pin connector to connect to
hard disk drives, optical drives, or any
devices that have a SATA power socket.

SATA

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.

Molex

4-pin Berg power connector supplies

power to a floppy drive.
Berg

Serial Ports and Cables

A serial port can be either a
DB-9, as shown, or a DB-25
male connector.

Serial ports transmit one bit

of data at a time.

To connect a serial device,

such as a modem or printer,
a serial cable must be used.

A serial cable has a

maximum length of 50 feet
(15.2 m).

USB Ports and Cables

USB is a standard interface for
connecting peripheral devices to
a computer.

USB devices are hot-swappable.

USB ports are found on
computers,
cameras, printers, scanners,
storage devices, and many other
electronic devices.

A single USB port in a computer

can support up to 127 separate
devices with the use of multiple
USB hubs.

FireWire Ports and

Cables

FireWire is a high-speed,
hot-swappable interface.

A single FireWire port in a computer

can support up to 63 devices.

The IEEE 1394a standard supports

data rates up to 400 Mbps and cable
lengths up to 15 feet (4.5 m). This
standard uses a 6-pin connector or a
4-pin connector.

The IEEE 1394b standard supports

data rates in excess of 800 Mbps and
uses a 9-pin connector.

Parallel Ports and Cables

Parallel ports can transmit

8 bits of data at one time
and use the IEEE 1284
standard.

To connect a parallel
device, such as a printer, a
parallel cable must be
used.

A parallel cable has a

maximum length of 15 feet
(4.5 m).

SCSI Ports and Cables

A SCSI port can transmit data at rates in

excess of 320 Mbps and can support up
to 15 devices.

Three different types of SCSI ports:

DB-25 female connector
High-density 50-pin female connector
High-density 68-pin female connector

NOTE: SCSI devices must be terminated at the

endpoints of the SCSI chain. Check the device
manual for termination procedures.

CAUTION: Some SCSI connectors resemble

parallel connectors. The voltage used in the

SCSI format may damage the parallel interface.

Network Ports and

Cables
A network port, also known as an RJ-45 port,
connects a computer to a network.

Standard Ethernet can transmit up to 10

Mbps.

Fast Ethernet can transmit up to 100 Mbps.

Gigabit Ethernet can transmit up to 1000
Mbps.

The maximum length of network cable is 328

feet (100 m).

PS/2 Ports and Audio

Ports

A PS/2 port connects a keyboard or a

mouse to a computer.

The PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN

female connector.

Line In connects to an external source

Microphone In connects to a microphone
Line Out connects to speakers or headphones
Gameport/MIDI connects
to a joystick or
MIDI-interfaced device

Video Ports
A video port connects a
monitor cable to a computer.
Video Graphics Array (VGA)
Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
High-Definition Multimedia
Interface (HDMi)
S-Video
Component/RGB

Fingerprint scanner

Input
Devices
Input devices used to enter data or
instructions into a computer:

Mouse and Keyboard

Digital camera and digital video
camera
Digital camera
Biometric authentication device
Touch screen
Scanner

Monitors
and
Projectors
The most important difference
between these monitor types is the
technology used to create an image:

Cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor is

the most common monitor type. Most
televisions also use this technology.

Liquid crystal display (LCD) is

commonly used in laptops and some
projectors. LCD comes in two forms,
active matrix and passive matrix.

Digital light processing (DLP) is

another technology used in
projectors.

Other Output Devices

Printers, Scanners, and Fax
Machines - Printers are output
devices that create hard copies of
computer files. Other all-in-one type
printers are designed to provide
multiple services such as printing,
fax, and copier functions.

Speakers and headphones are

output devices for audio signals.
Most computers have audio support
either integrated into the motherboard
or on an adapter card.
Audio support includes ports that allow
input and output of audio signals.

Headphones
Speakers

Part II

PC ASSEMBLY

Part 3 Activities
3.1 Open the case
3.2 Install the power supply
3.3 Attach the components to the motherboard
and install the motherboard
3.4 Install internal drives
3.5 Install drives in external bays
3.6 Install adapter cards
3.7 Connect all internal cables
3.8 Re-attach the side panels and connect
external cables to the computer
3.9 Boot the computer for the first time

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

Safety First

Safety First

Safety First

ESD Precautions

wrist strap
grounding mat
antistatic bags
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.

3.2 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

3.3 Attaching Components to the

Motherboard
As part of an upgrade or repair, a technician may need
to attach components to the motherboard, and then
install the motherboard.

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.

Installing the CPU

Examining the Socket

Interface
PGA

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 manufacturers
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

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.

3.4 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.

3.5 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 pin
twist
A drive on the end of the
ribbon cable after the
twist

If Pin 1 is backwards, the

LED stays on for floppy.

Connecting the Floppy Drives

The floppy drive exchanges data with the motherboard devices,
including the microprocessor, via a 34-pin flat ribbon (data) cable.
Current system BIOS versions can support up to two floppy drives
on one controller via a daisy chain cable arrangement. Cable pinouts 10 through 16 are cross-wired between the middle drive
connector and end drive connector, producing a twist that reverses
the Drive Select (DS) configuration of the drive plugged into the
end connector of the ribbon cable. This feature, called cable
select, automatically configures the drive on the middle connector
as Drive B and the drive on the end connector as Drive A.

3.6 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.

Video Card Installation

AGP

Video Card Installation

PCI

Video Card Installation

3.7 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.

Connecting the Power Cables

SATA power connectors use either a 7-pin or
15-pin connector to connect to hard disk
drives, optical drives, or any devices that
have a SATA power socket.

SATA

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.

Molex

4-pin Berg power connector supplies power

to a floppy drive.
Berg

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.
Types of 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 CDROM 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.

Attaching Hard Drive/CDROM

IDE ribbon cables: 40

pin/Ultra-ATA 80 connectors

Master / Slave / Cable

Select settings

user jumpers
CMOS auto select

Attaching Hard
Inside yourDrive/CD-ROM
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.

Cables
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 80conductor 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.

SATA Cables
The SATA data cable has a 7 or 15-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

data cable

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.

3.8 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 manufacturers 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.

Part III
PC
TROUBLESHOOTING
& MAINTENANCE

The Purpose of Preventive

Reduce the likelihood
of hardware or software
Maintenance
problems by systematically and periodically
checking hardware and software to ensure
proper operation.

Preventive Maintenance can be divided in:

Hardware maintenance
Software maintenance

 Benefits of preventive maintenance are:

Reduced computer down time and repair
costs.

Increased data protection

Extended life of the components
Increased equipment stability

PC Maintenance
When using your computer more than a
few hours per day, we suggest you not to
turn off your computer at the end of the
day. Instead turn off only the monitor to
save electricity.
The life-time of electronic components would
be increased if they are run at constant
temperature with adequate ventilation.
If your area experiences a few times of power
outage per year, it is necessary to use a UPS.
Sudden power downs while the system is running
may cause severe damage to hard drives.

Basic Maintenance Tips

Use your hand to touch and feel the cover
of your computer at least once a week. The
cover should be at room temperature. If it
feels warm there may be a problem! Check
to make sure that the cooling fans on the
power supply and CPU are working
properly.
Clean the air pathway on the back of the
power supply on a regular basis.

Basic PC
Troubleshooting

Data Protection

Before troubleshooting problems, always

follow the necessary precautions to protect

data on a computer.
If you are unsure that a backup has been
done, do not attempt any troubleshooting
activities until you check with the customer:
Date of the last backup
Contents of the backup
Data integrity of the backup
Availability of all backup media for
data restore
If no backup can be created,
ask customer to sign a release form.

The Troubleshooting
Process
Follow an organized and
logical procedure.

Eliminate variables one

at a time.

Troubleshooting is a skill
that is refined over time.

The first and last steps

involve effectively
communicating with the
customer.

Troubleshooting Tips
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

Trial-and-error
"It's the cable, s-----.
Don't be frustrated!
Take notes!
Take a look?

Monitors: Common
errors/problems &
solutions

Error/problem:

Possible Solution

The picture does

not appear

Check monitor power

The Screen is not

synchronized

Check monitor serial

The position of the

screen is not in
the center

Adjust monitor

The screen is too

bright or too dark

The screen is
shaking

cable
cable

settings

Motherboard: Common
errors/problems &
solutions
Error/problem
System has no power

at all. Power light

does not illuminate,
fan inside the power
supply does not turn
on, and indicator light
on keyboard does not
turn on.

System inoperative.

Keyboard lights are

on, power indicator
lights are lit, and hard
drive is spinning.

Possible Solution
Check power cable
Check LEDS
connections (PSW,
HDD, Reset,
speaker)

Check internal
cables

Check memory
modules

Motherboard: Common
Error/problem
problems/solutions cont..
Screen message says

"Invalid Configuration"
or "CMOS Failure."

Screen is blank.
System does not boot

from hard disk drive, can

be booted from floppy
disk drive.

Error reading drive

A: , C: drive failure.

Possible solution
Check CMOS/BIOS
settings

Check HDD/FDD
cables

Check jumper
settings

Check for viruses

Check for defective
HDD

Trouble Shooting Tips for

Video Cards
Check that the card is seated properly in

its expansion slot.

Ensure the display cable is securely
fastened to the card's display connector.
Make sure that the display and computer
are plugged in and receiving power
If necessary, disable any built-in graphics
capabilities on your motherboard.
Make sure you selected the appropriate
display device and graphics card when
you installed your enhanced driver.

Basic Troubleshooting
Verify compatibility
Tips Hard Drive

Check all cards

Check all connectors and cables
Verify jumper settings
Check your power-supply specifications
Verify the drive-type settings in the
system setup program

Check for viruses

Basic Troubleshooting
Tips for Memory modules

1.No Display, 3 short beep

2.computer always hang during
the boot process

3.The installation setup interrupt

THANK YOU