UNIT

2
Computer Hardware and Peripherals

Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as a case

central processing unit (CPU), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage,
graphics card, sound card, speakers, and motherboard. By contrast, the software is the
set of instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. Hardware is so-termed
because it is "hard" or rigid concerning changes, whereas software is "soft". After all, it is
easy to change. Hardware is typically directed by the software to execute any command
or instruction. A combination of hardware and software forms a usable computing
system, although other systems exist with only hardware.

A peripheral is a piece of computer hardware that is added to a computer to

expand its abilities. The term peripheral is used to describe those devices that are
optional, as opposed to hardware that is either demanded or always required in
principle. There are all different kinds of peripherals you can add to your computer. The
main distinction among peripherals is the way they are connected to your computer.
They can be connected internally or externally.
 LESSON 1:
COMPUTER SYSTEM UNIT CASE

OBJECTIVES:
After reading this lesson, the student is expected to:

 Identify the different types of computer system unit case.

 Know how computer system unit case is important prior to each

relationships to other computer devices.

 Understand the importance of choosing a proper system unit

case to use depending to the user environment.
Name: __________________________________ Date: ____________________
Course & Section: ________________________ Result: __________________

You will be challenged to dig deeper into your prior knowledge about computer
hardware and peripherals.

Listed below are some of the skills that you must gain to render in the field of
computer hardware. Read the skills carefully. Write “YES “if you are familiar with the
skill and “NO “if not. Feel free to answer the skill.

Skills in Computer Hardware YES NO

I can open a computer case

I can connect the mouse

I can connect the keyboard

I can connect the monitor

I can apply occupational safety precautions while working

I can remove the system fan

I can detach the power supply from the unit

I know how to remove the RAM from the motherboard

I can remove the hard drive from the system unit

I can replace the power supply

I know how to install the motherboard

I know how to attach RAM from the memory socket

Computer System Unit Case

What is a System Unit Case?

The system unit case is a steel computer case that protects the internal parts
from electromagnetic interference. It provides physical strength for the internal parts of
the computer. This type of interference can badly damage the chipsets and memory
modules of the motherboard. The computer chassis is the body of the computer. Cases
allow for manufacturers to include all computer components together.

A computer case (also known as the computer chassis, cabinet, tower, box,
enclosure, housing, or simply case) is the enclosure that contains the main components
of a computer. As of 2007, the most popular form factor for desktop computers is ATX,
although micro ATX and small form factors have become very popular for a variety of
uses. Companies like Shuttle Inc. and AOpen have popularized small cases, for which
Flex ATX is the most common motherboard size. Apple Computer has also produced
the Mac Minicomputer, which is similar in size to a standard Template: Convert/inch
CD-ROM drive.

Internal Access

Many modern tower cases have a single side panel which may be removed so it
can access the internal components. Until recently, most computer cases required a
large number of screws to hold components and panels in place: motherboard, PSU,
drives, and expansion cards were all fastened with screws. As of 2006, there is a trend
toward "screwless" cases, in which components are held together with snap-in plastic
rails, thumbscrews, and other methods that do not require tools. This facilitates quick
assembly and modification of computer hardware.

Intrusion detection

Some computer cases include a biased switch (push-button) that connects to the
motherboard. When the case is opened, the switch position changes, and the system
record this change. The system firmware or BIOS may be configured to report this event
the next time it is powered on.
 This serves as a physical intrusion detection system and may help computer
owners to detect tampering with their computer. However, most such systems are quite
simple in construction; a knowledgeable intruder can open the case or modify its
contents without triggering the switch, for example by reaching inside the case through
a drive bay.

Components inside a Computer Case

1. DVD ROM/Blu Ray Disc Drive

2. Hard Disk Drive

3. Floppy Disk Drive

4. Motherboard

5. Power Supply Unit

6. Auxiliary Fan

Figure 2.1 Components inside the Computer case

Source: https://turbofuture.com/computers/Pcs-system-unit
LAYOUT

Computer cases usually include sheet metal enclosures for a power supply unit
and drive bays, as well as a rear panel that can accommodate peripheral connectors
protruding from the motherboard and expansion slots. Most cases also have a power
button or switch, a reset button, and LEDs to indicate power status, hard drive usage,
and network activity. Some cases include built-in I/O ports (such as USB and
headphone ports on the front of the case). Such a case will also include wires needed to
connect these ports to the motherboard.

Major Components Locations

 The motherboard is usually screwed to the bottom or the side of the case
(depending on the form factor and orientation).
 Form factors such as ATX provide a backplate with cut-out holes to expose I/O
ports provided by integrated peripherals.
 The power supply unit is often housed at the top rear of the case; it is usually
attached with several screws to support its considerable weight.
 Most cases include drive bays on the front of the case; a typical ATX case
includes four 5.25" and three 3.5" bays. In modern computers, the former is used
mainly for optical drives, while the latter is used for hard drives, floppy drives, and
card readers.
 Buttons and LEDs are typically located on the lower part of the front of the case;
some cases include additional I/O ports, or temperature or processor speed
monitors, in this area as well.
 The ATX form factor has a lid panel that opens on both sides of the case to gain
access to its internal components
 A rear-panel located at the lower part on the back of the case which exposes
additional ports provided by expansion cards.
 The faceplate in front of the case is usually removed to install and expose the
front of an optical disk drive or the legacy floppy disk drive
 A metal enclosure for the auxiliary fan is usually located either at the back of the
casing or in the side lid panel.

System Panel Connections

Alternatively referred to as the “fpanel” or front panel connector, the system panel
connector or system panel header controls a computer power button, reset button, and
LED. The System panel cables are two-wire cables that are color-coded to help identify
where they connect to the motherboard system panel connector. The black or white
wire is the ground (GND) wire and the colored wire is the powered wire. The cables,
colors, and connections vary depending on the computer case and motherboard you
have.

Each LED and switch on the front panel has a connector attached to it that must
be connected to the appropriate pins on the motherboard. Some of the connectors
(especially the LEDs) are polarized, meaning that they have to be connected in the
correct polarity. Polarized connectors have a little arrow or a plus sign by the positive
wire, but no keyway to prevent you from attaching them backward. If the LED cables are
plugged in backward, the LED light will not work. Usually, with most modern
motherboards you can identify what cable goes where by looking at the motherboard for
a + and a - symbol. The colored wire (powered wire) would connect to the + symbol and
a white or black cable (ground) would connect to the - symbol.

Figure 2.2 Front Panel Connections

Source: https://freesvg.org/atx-front-panel-connectors

Unfortunately, there's no universal rule

about the positions of these pins. To
determine the correct pins to attach the
connectors to, you will have to consult the
motherboard manual or look for the teensy
lettering on the motherboard adjacent to the
pins.

Types of System Panel Cables

 HDD LED (IDE LED) - The LED

activity light for the hard drive.
This is the LED that flashes as
 information is being written and read from the hard drive.
 Power LED (PLED) - The LED power light, which indicates when the
computer is on, off, or in Standby.
 Power SW (PWRSW) - Controls the power button that allows you to turn
on and off the computer.
 Reset SW - Handles the reset button to restart the computer.
 Speaker - The internal speaker used to sound the beep noises you hear
from your computer when it is booting.

Figure 2.3 System Panel Cables

Source:https://www.istorya.net/forums/computer-hardware-21/712142-front-panel-connectors.html

FRONT PANEL USB PORT CONNECTION

Figure 2.4: Typical front-panel USB connector pinouts (image courtesy of Intel
Corporation)
FRONT PANEL AUDIO PORT CONNECTION

Figure 2.5 front panel audio ports

Source: https://superuser.com/questions/378082/how-to-connect-my-front-audio-panel

Types of Computer Case

A. Mini-ITX is a 17 × 17 cm (6.7 × 6.7 in) motherboard, developed by VIA

Technologies in 2001. They are commonly used in small-configured computer systems.
Originally, they were a niche product, designed for fan-less cooling with a low power
consumption architecture, which made them useful for home theater PC systems,
where fan noise can detract from the cinema experience.

B. Mini Tower – The mini-tower has an excellent size which can be placed on top
or below of a computer desk. However, it can be filled up much faster than the mid-
sized casing. The mini-tower is suitable for end-users and small businesses.

C. Mid-size Tower – It is an excellent case that can fit below and on top of your
computer desk. It offers plenty of expandability for new devices for businesses, end-
users, and advanced users. There is also a lot of room inside for air circulation thus
avoiding excess temperature inside the motherboard components. This casing is an
excellent choice for all users and businesses.

D. Full-Sized Tower – The tower is excellent for upgrading because there is plenty
of room for other devices it is also used for server machines. The only problem is the
cost because it is a lot more expensive than a standard case. This casing is for
advanced users or users who plan to have a standalone machine as a server.

Figure 2.6 Differences between PC case sizes

Source: http://www.buildcomputers.net/computer-case-sizes.html

E. Desktop – It is an excellent desk computer that uses great desk space when the
monitor is placed on top of the computer. The only drawback is that some types of
desktop cases can be very difficult to upgrade. It is an excellent choice for a business
and home user computer. However end-users planning to upgrade will have to settle for
a tower casing because the desktop casing does not offer a lot of room for upgrading.

Figure 2.7 Desktop PC case

 Source: https://www.tech-faq.com/types-of-computer-cases.html

F. Slimline Desktop – They are excellent for workstations in large companies or

even in small companies. It is an ideal computer case for locations that may not have a
large area of the workspace. Generally, this case has little or no room for adding
additional peripherals. Usually, require an LPX motherboard.

Figure 2.8 Slimline Desktop PC Case

Source: https://voltelectronics.weebly.com/cases.html

Using the Proper Tools

There is a need for a few basic tools when you are troubleshooting and repairing PC
systems. These basic tools that should be in every troubleshooter’s toolbox are:
 Basic hand tools for system teardown and assembly procedures

Figure 2.9 Basic Hand tools in Assembly/ Disassembly of PC

Source: http://andreiradaza2.blogspot.com/2014/08/tools-for-pc-assembly.html

 Diagnostic software for testing motherboard components

Figure 2.10 PC Doctor Environment for Windows

Source: https://www.pc-doctor.com/solutions/preload
  A digital multi-meter that allows accurate
measurements of voltage and resistance of
electricity. A device that can take many types of
measurements. It tests the integrity of circuits and
the quality y in computer components. A digital
multimeter displays the information on an LCD or
LED.

Figure 2.11 Digital Multi-meter

Source: https://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=2086239&seqNum=7

 Contact cleaners and compressed air for cleaning hard to reach areas of the
motherboard and its components.

Figure 2.12 Example of Contact cleaners with compressed air

Source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4FHjf74D1c
System Unit Case Problems

1. The system is always restarting – a possible problem with the casing is when
the motherboard is not properly grounded to the casing. Make sure that the
motherboard is properly grounded to the casing so that the static electricity that is
being produced by the motherboard is properly absorbed by the casing.

2. Radio and TV experiences interferences – Seal up all the openings at the

back of the CPU, and check the voltage output of the system power supply.