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Assembly / Disassembly / Reassembly: Computers
Assembly / Disassembly / Reassembly: Computers
Computers
Chapter Objectives
After completing this chapter you will:
Understand how static electricity can damage a computer.
Understand what type of equipment causes RFI and EMI.
Know which tools a technician needs.
Understand the importance of diagramming when disassembling a
computer.
Be able to disassemble and reassemble a computer.
Disassembly Overview
Seldom is it necessary to completely disassemble a computer, however
when a technician is first learning microcomputers, it can be both very
informative and fun.
Sometimes disassembly is accomplished to perform a preventive
maintenance cleaning.
Other instances where disassembly is helpful is in diagnosing a problem
of undetermined cause by removing components one by one or to
outside the case. It can also help with diagnosing grounding problems.
Grounding Occurs when motherboard or adapter isnt properly
installed and a trace (metal line on the motherboard or adapter) touches
the computer frame and causes the adapter or other components to stop
working.
Disassembly Figure #1
Tools
Having the proper tools to disassemble the computer can make the task
easier and prevent damage to computer components.
Reassembly
Reassembly is easily accomplished if the user is careful and diagrams
properly during disassembly. Exercise care and reinstall all components
to their original location.
Three major reassembly components are :
Motherboards: have plastic connectors on the bottom called
standoffs.
Cables
Connectors
Standoffs Plastic connectors on the bottom side of a motherboard that
attach it to the case and prevent it from being in contact with the metal of
the computer case.
Disassembly Figure #2
Disassembly Figure #3
Disassembly Figure #4
Disassembly Figure #5
Disassembly Figure #6
Hard Drives
Hard drives must be handled carefully during disassembly because of
the delicate nature of their very intricate construction.
The read/write heads are located only millimeters from the platter
storing all the data. A small jolt can cause them to make contact with
the platter and cause permanent physical damage.
Older hard drives had utility programs to park, or lock, the heads in
place away from the platters when not in use.
Self-Parking Heads Hard drives that have read/write heads which pull
away automatically when the computer powers off. This feature still
would not prevent damaged caused by an accident or mishandling.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance Certain procedures performed to prolong the
life of the computer, such as cleaning the computer, drive heads,
keyboard keys, printers, and monitor screen.
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) Sheets that contain information
about a product, its toxicity, storage, and disposal.