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Hardware Technologies and Architecture FUNDSYS
Hardware Technologies and Architecture FUNDSYS
Hardware Technologies and Architecture FUNDSYS
Lesson Objectives
To Be Able to Enjoy Building Your Own Personal Computer (P.C.)
Agenda
• Introduction – The Von Neumman Architecture
• How to Build a Computer
• The Processor
• Motherboard
• Processor, Memory, Expansion Slots, Graphics Ports, Storage Technologies, USB Ports
• Video / Graphics Card
• Power Supply Unit
• Managing Processor Temperature with a C.P.U. Heatsink
• Choosing a CPU Casing
• Choosing an Automatic Voltage Regulator or Uninterrupted Power Supply
Introduction – What Makes a Modern P.C.
• A modern PC typically composes of a Monitor, CPU, Keyboard and Mouse
• Programs are generally loaded from an I/O device like a hard drive to memory so it can be fetched and processed
by the Processor (CPU)
*
• Other I/O devices might require memory or be processed by the CPU straightaway
How to Build a Computer
• Most I/O devices can be purchased and requires no assembly
• i.e. Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, etc.
• I/O devices however will all be connected to a CPU (the casing not the processor), so much of the work in
assembling a PC has to do with the assembly of said CPU
• Memories are sold separately and are also connected to the CPU
Warning:
• CPU’s can refer to the Processor (i.e. Intel or AMD) or
• They can also refer to the casing where any I/O devices will be connected to
*
2 Meanings of CPU
• The next few sections will teach you what you need to know about building a CPU (the casing) and everything
in it including the Processor
• It will include connecting all the different I/O devices to build your PC from scratch
• It will also cover the different technologies involved in each component
The Processor
• The most important thing to do before building your computer is to decide on the processor
• Modern computers typically select from 1 of the 2 available Processor manufacturer, Intel or AMD
• Choosing a Processor is important because it allows you to select the appropriate motherboards with which
everything is going to be connected to
• And the best place to start learning more about your Processor is the manufacturer’s website as opposed to the
retailer’s website
The Processor – Specifications
When browsing Processor specifications consider the following:
• Essentials – Processor Generation / Socket Type, Technology
• Performance Considerations – Cores, Threads, Cache, TDP
• Memory Support – Max Memory, Memory Types
• Graphics Support – Memory, Screen Resolution, Graphics Libraries
• Expansion Support – PCI-e version and Max Lanes (more on this later)
Check out some specifications:
• Intel i7 9700K here
(https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/186604/intel-core-i7-9700k-processor-12m-cache-up-to-
4-90-ghz.html)
• AMD Ryzen 7 3700X here
(https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/186604/intel-core-i7-9700k-processor-12m-cache-up-to-
4-90-ghz.html)
The Motherboard
• After choosing a Processor, you then choose a Motherboard that is compatible with your processor
• Whereas the Processor is the Brain, a Motherboard is the backbone of your PC. I would liken the Motherboard
to a Spinal Column
• The Motherboard is a complex component and can be very overwhelming
Note: The Motherboard Package is also helpful when buying other components as it ensures that some
components fits onto the Motherboard if they were designed for its Package. See how packages affect your
purchasing selection here
(https://dynaquestpc.com/collections/motherboard-lga-1151)
The Motherboard
• The most important thing to know about your Motherboard is that it
can supports your Processor
The Motherboard – Memory Support
• Let learn all about Memory Modules here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmJWkfOTOPg)
Take away points:
• Form Factor
• LODIMM for Laptops
• SODIMM for Desktops
• M.2 for Laptops or Desktops (More on this later)
• Ensure you provide the correct DDR Generation
• DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4
• Ensure that you purchase memory speeds compatible with your Motherboard AND Processor
• DDR4 (2133, 2400, 2666, etc.)
• Dual Channel Memory is preferred
• Ensure that you match similar memory types with the same DIMM slot color
The Motherboard – Onboard Graphics
For Onboard Graphics consider:
• Supported Screen Resolution
• Supported Display Connectors – Learn all about it here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9c1SLX7Vog)
Take away points:
• If you’re not buying a video card, ensure that your monitor connectors are compatible with the available
connectors of your Motherboard
• Power Pins
• When selecting a PSU, make sure that you properly compute for your CPU’s power consumption and make a
20% additional provision for your PSU’s wattage
• To compute for Wattage requirements for your PSU add the following
• Processor’s TDP (this is given in watts)
• Video card’s power consumption (also given in watts)
• Allocate 3 to 5 watts per RAM module
• Allocate 10 watts for each mechanical hard drive (lesser if SSD)
• Allocate 5 watts for each fan (including CPU fan and other fan available through the CPU casing or custom
added fans)
*
• The Power Supply Unit makes use of power cables to connect to an outlet and/or AVR or UPS
Managing Processor Temperature
• Modern Processors always require a CPU cooling solution
• Processor temperature is typically managed using a heatsink that
comes with a fan
• A heatsink needs to be mounted on top of the Processor to properly
dissipate the generated heat
• Apply thermal paste before mounting the heatsink
• The CPU cooler is typically connected to the Motherboard through the CPU fan pins
• Make sure that you select a spacious CPU casing that will allow you to comfortably mount your heatsink even
if the Motherboard is already installed in the said casing
• Each CPU cooling solution will come with its own instruction for assembly
• Most cooling solutions can be configured to mount to both Intel and AMD Processors and their respective
Motherboards
CPU Casings
• How do you choose your CPU Casing/Chassis?
CPU Casing/Chassis?
• Form Factor
• Full Tower, Mid Tower, Mini Tower, Cube Case
• Fitting CPU components
• Motherboard, Video card/s, CPU heatsink, Storage drives, Power supply, Case fans
• Maintenance Considerations
• Can I make repairs when the system is already installed?
• Future Upgrades
• What peripherals / components do I want to add in the future?
CPU Casings – Install the Processor
WARNING: Please ensure that your motherboard socket type is that of the type of your processor
NOTE: Powerful graphics card may be able to support more than 1 display screen
NOTE: Some make use of multi-graphics technology to enable 2 video cards to work together to support multiple
display screens
You must ensure that you correctly identify the positive (+) from the negative (-) pins
The CPU Case’s ports must be connected to the Motherboard as well
• USB 2.0
• USB 3.0
• Some Case fans are connected to the Power Supply using Molex connectors
• Ensure that your fan is implemented to quickly cycle air in and out of your casing