BACS1024 Introduction to Computer Systems

Computer Hardware
1. Hardware Components of a Personal Computer
2. The Visible Hardware Components of a Personal Computer
3. Guidelines to Select Computer Hardware Components
4. Disassembling and Reassembling Computer Components
5. Computer Hardware Toolkit
6. Safe Lab Procedures

1. Hardware Components of A Personal Computer

1) Computer Systems

Figure: Desktop computer and laptop computer

a) A computer is a stationary location for information processing.

b) The key functions of a computer systems are including the followings:
 Input function provides the computer with data via input devices such as
keyboard, mouse, etc.
 Processing function occurs when the computer processes or manipulates
data.
 Output function produces the result of processing.
 Storage function keeps data for later use.
c) The operation model of a computer system also known as Information
Processing Cycle (IPC) model.
d) The IPC model is supported by basic computer hardware components.

STORAGE COMMUNICATION
DEVICES DEVICES
CPU | | MEMORY
| |
INPUT OUTPUT
DEVICES DEVICES

Figure: The basic components of a computer system.

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BACS1024 Introduction to Computer Systems

2) Components of Computer Hardware

a) Desktop computer

Figure: The system unit of a desktop computer

b) Laptop computer

Figure: The key components of a laptop computer.

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2. The Visible Hardware Components of A Personal Computer

1) Cases and Power Supply

● Cases
 Influences the motherboard form
factor choice.
 Must allow for good air flow.
● Power supply
 Provides power to all computer
components.
 Deliver different voltage levels to
meet different internal
component needs.
● Power supply wattage
 Power (in watts) = Current (in
amps) x Voltage (in volts)

Figure: A power supply.

2) System unit
● Motherboards
 Backbone of the computer.
 Interconnects computer
components.
● CPU
 The brain of the computer.
 Most processing is done by the
CPU.
● Cooling Systems
 Dissipates heat generated by
computer components.
● Memory (ROM and RAM)
 RAM: Stores data temporarily,
aiding processing.
Figure: A computer system unit.
 ROM: Stores data permanently,
often storing firmware and low-
level programs.
● Adapter Cards and Expansion Slots
 Adapter Cards extend computer
functionality.
 Adapter Cards connect to the
motherboard through Expansion
Slots.
● Storage Devices
 Designed to permanently store
user data, user applications and
the Operating System.
 Can be internal or external to the
computer.

Figure: A computer motherboard.

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3) External ports and cables

● Video Ports and Related Cables PS/2 PS/2
 A few different standards govern port port
video traffic between the
computer and external video USB Ethernet
devices. ports port
 HDMI and display Port are
examples of video ports that
require a specific cable to
Serial
operate. port
● Other Ports and Related Cables
 Motherboards have a number of Printer
other ports used for device port
connectivity; USB is a common
VGA
example.
ports
● Adapters and Converters
 Adapters and converters can be
a solution if a motherboard does
not have the proper port to Speaker
connect to a device.
 Adapters do not usually process Line in Game
port
the signal; they simply redirect it
to another pin. Mic
 Converters are more likely to
process and transform the
Figure: Ports
signal, converting it to be
accepted by an existing port.

Figure: Adapter & converter

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BACS1024 Introduction to Computer Systems

3. Guidelines to Select Computer Components

1.) Select motherboard, CPU and

memory
● CPU, memory, motherboard and
case choices are inter-related.
● The motherboard should support all
required applications and still fit
properly in the case.
● The case should host the
motherboard, the power supply and
provide good airflow for the internal Figure: A motherboard.
components.
● The CPU must be compatible with
motherboard CPU slot and voltage.
● It should be compatible with the
chosen memory speed for maximum
performance. Figure: Processor / CPU.
● The memory must also be
compatible with motherboard
memory slots and voltage.
● The amount of memory will depend
on the type of applications
requested by the customer.

Figure: Computer memory.

2.) Select the case and fans

● Case and fans must be chosen to
maximize internal airflow.
● The fans must fit the case and be
within the power limits provided by
the power supply.

Figure: Computer case and fa.

3.) Select the power supply

● The power supply should be
selected based on the maximum
amount of power required by all the
internal components.
● Remember that some components
will draw more power while under
heavy load.

Figure: Computer power supply.

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BACS1024 Introduction to Computer Systems

4.) Select the adapter cards

● Make sure the motherboard has
compatible expansion slots to
support the adapter cards.
● The motherboard must also have
enough expansion slots to receive
all the required adapter cards.

Figure: Adapter card.

5.) Select hard drives

● Important hard drive factors to be
considered are speed, storage
space and communication interface
type.
● The drive’s underlying technology
(HDD vs SSD) directly impacts
speed.

Figure: Hard drives

6.) Select a media reader

● The media reader must be
compatible with customer media.

Figure: Media reader

7.) Select external storage

● Factors to be considered: storage
space, speed and communication
interface.
● Make sure the computer has enough
ports to accommodate the external
devices and peripherals.
● Note: Some external devices do not
require an external power supply but
rely on a second USB port for power. Figure: External storage.

8.) Select I/O devices

● The selection of I/O devices is application specific and will depend on customer
requirements.
● Make sure the computer has enough communication ports and that they are
compatible with the types required by the I/O devices.

4. Disassembling and Reassembling Computer Components

1.) Physical Disassembling / Reassembling Computer Component

(a) To disassemble / re-assemble a hard disk drive

1. Remove the power cable from hard disk drive
2. Remove the data cable from hard disk drive and motherboard

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BACS1024 Introduction to Computer Systems

3. Remove the hard disk drive

4. Inspect the hard disk drive

(b) To disassemble / re-assemble a power supply unit (PSU)

1. Unplug the PSU connector from motherboard (press and pull)
2. Remove the PSU
3. Inspect the power supply

(c) To remove / install the CPU

1. Remove the CPU fan connector
2. Loosen the CPU fan levers
3. Release the four clips from mounting point
4. Lift the lever beside the CPU socker to release the CPU
5. Carefully remove the CPU without bending the pins underneath

(d) To remove / install a memory

1. Press both the clips on left and right of the RAM slot
2. Remove the RAM carefully

5. Computer Hardware Toolkit

Figure: Toolkits

Common tools used are including:

1) ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) tools, an antistatic wrist strap and antistatic mat.
2) Hand tools, include screwdrivers, flashlights and pliers.
3) Cable tools, include wire cutters and strippers, crimpers and punch down tool.
4) Cleaning tools, include special cloths, chemicals and cable ties.
5) Diagnostic tools, include digital multimeters, loopback adapters, Wi-Fi analyzer.

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6. Safe Lab Procedures

1) General safety ● Make sure a first-aid kit is available.

● Unsecured cables create tripping hazards.
● Food and drinks should not be in the workspace.
2) Electrical safety ● Computer power supplies are dangerous when
disassembled.
● Watch for printer areas that are hot or that use high
voltage.
● Check the voltage output of AC adapters and chargers
before connecting them to devices.
3) Fire safety ● Turn off the power and unplug equipment before
performing service.
● Different types of fires require different types of fire
extinguishers. Make sure to use to correct one.
● Be alert for odors emitting from computers and electronic
devices.
4) Protection on ● ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) and EMI
equipment (Electromagnetic Interference)
 ESD can cause damage to computer equipment if
not discharged properly.
 ESD can build up on you as you walk on a carpeted
floor.
 EMI distorts the signals, degrading computer
communication.
 EMI can be generated by large motors, power lines,
electrical storms, or any other source of
electromagnetic energy.
 Wireless networks are affected by RFI (Radio-
Frequency Interference).
 RFI is caused by radio transmitters transmitting in
the same frequency.
● Environmental temperature and humidity levels also
affect computers
● Power Fluctuation Types
 Power fluctuations may impact the operation of
computer components.
 Blackouts, brownouts, noise, spike and power
surge are types of power fluctuations that can cause
data loss or hardware failure.
● Power Protection Devices
 Surge suppressors, UPSs (Uninterruptible Power
Supply), SPSs (Standby Power Supply) are devices
designed to protect computer systems from power
fluctuations.
 Laser printers should not be plugged to UPSs.
5) Protection on ● Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
environment  Use an SDS to obtain information about a material,
including procedures for proper disposal.
 The SDS contains information on the material’s
composition, how it can affect personal health, fire
hazards, and first-aid requirements.

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BACS1024 Introduction to Computer Systems

 It also includes protective measures for the safe

handling and storage of materials and spill, leak,
and disposal procedures.
● Equipment Disposal
 Computer equipment contains hazardous materials
and should be properly disposed.
 Follow regulations to protect the environment and
avoid fines.
 Batteries, monitors, toner kits, cartridges,
developers, chemical solvents and aerosol cans are
examples of equipment that must be properly
disposed.