Computer Assembly: IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0

Chapter 3:
Computer
Assembly
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0
ITE PC v4.0
Chapter 3 © 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 1
Chapter 3 Objectives
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
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Chapter 3 Labs
3.2 Lab: Install the Power Supply
3.3.3 Lab: Install the Motherboard
3.5.2 Lab: Install the Drives
3.6.3 Lab: Install Adapter Cards
3.7.2 Lab: Install Internal Cables
3.8.2 Lab: Complete the Computer Assembly
3.9.2 Lab: Boot the Computer
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Optional Virtual Desktop Activities
3.2 Virtual Desktop Power Supply
3.3.3 Virtual Desktop Motherboard
3.4 Virtual Desktop Internal Drives
3.5.2 Virtual Desktop External Bay Drives
3.6.3 Virtual Desktop Adapter Card
3.7.2 Virtual Desktop Internal Cables
3.8.2 Virtual Desktop External Cables
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3.1 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
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Safety First
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Safety First
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Safety First
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ESD Precautions
 wrist strap
 grounding mat
 antistatic bags
 humidity (30-50%)
 touch chassis to
discharge static electricity
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Installing the CPU
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Examining the Socket Interface
 PGA
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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 manufacturer’s
recommendations
about applying the
thermal compound.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 pin-
outs 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Video Card Installation
AGP
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PCI
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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.
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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.
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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 SATA
have a SATA power socket.
 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 Molex
and a SATA power connector on the same
drive at the same time.
 4-pin Berg power connector supplies power
to a floppy drive.
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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.
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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.
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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 CD-

ROM 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.
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Attaching Hard Drive/CD-ROM
 IDE ribbon cables: 40 pin/Ultra-

ATA 80 connectors
 Master / Slave / Cable Select
settings
– user jumpers
– CMOS auto select
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Inside your 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.)
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 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.
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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...
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Cables
Connector Assignments and Color
Coding: For the first time, the 80-
conductor 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.
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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.
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SATA Drives and Connectors
1. Power connector
2. Data cable connector
3. SATA power cable
4. SATA data cable
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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
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SATA (Serial ATA) vs. PATA (IDE)
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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.
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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.
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Attaching the LEDs, Keylock and Speaker
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Attaching the LEDs
Plug the reset-switch, power-switch, HDD-LED, speaker,

and power-LED connectors into the motherboard, all labels
facing upwards.
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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.
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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 manufacturer’s 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.
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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.
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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.
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3.9 Booting the Computer for the First Time
 The BIOS is a set of instructions stored in a nonvolatile
memory chip.
 When the computer is booted, the basic input/output
system (BIOS) will perform a power-on self test (POST) to
check on all of the internal components.
 A special key or combination of keys on the keyboard is

used to enter the BIOS setup program.
 The BIOS setup program displays information about all of
the components in the computer.
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Identifying Beep Codes
 POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the

computer is operating correctly.
 If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a beep code
alerts the technician that there is a problem.
 Typically, a single beep denotes that the computer is
functioning properly.
 If there is a hardware problem, the computer may emit
a series of beeps.
 Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to
indicate hardware problems.
 Consult the motherboard documentation to view beep
codes for your computer.
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BIOS Setup
 The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure
settings for hardware devices.
 The configuration data is saved to a special memory
chip called a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS).
 CMOS is maintained by the battery in the computer.
 If this battery dies, all BIOS setup configuration data
will be lost.
 Replace the battery and reconfigure the BIOS settings.
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BIOS Setup Program
BIOS settings are configured in the BIOS setup program.
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Entering the BIOS Setup Program
 CMOS determines what types of

options are installed
 CMOS password can be configured to
protect settings.
– If forgotten, use jumper on
motherboard to reset or remove
battery.
 System BIOS allows access to
configuration information in CMOS
setup utility
– proper key combination
 Registers are examined each time the
system is booted up.
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Standard CMOS Setup Screen
 The standard CMOS

setup screen includes the
basic operating
parameters that need to
be set for the system to
work correctly.
– Date / Time
– Hard Disks
– Boot Order
– Video
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BIOS Features and Chipset Features Setup
Screens
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Power Management and Plug and Play
Screens
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Integrated Peripherals and Fixed Disk
Detection Screens
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Password Screens and the Load Setup
Defaults Screen
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BIOS Exit Options
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Chapter 3 Summary
Computer Assembly
 Installation of all computer components
 Connection of all cables
 Description of BIOS
 Description of POST
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Additional Resources
 Whatis?com: IT Encyclopedia and Learning Center http://whatis.com
 TechTarget: The Most Targeted IT Media http://techtarget.com
 ZDNet: Tech News, Blogs and White Papers for IT Professionals
http://www.zdnet.com
 HowStuffWorks: It's Good to Know
http://computer.howstuffworks.com
 CNET.com http://www.cnet.com
 PC World http://www.pcworld.com
 ComputerWorld http://www.computerworld.com
 WIRED NEWS http://www.wired.com
 eWEEK.com http://www.eweek.com
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Let’s see what you have learned . . .
Q: A technician is installing a new power supply in a computer. Which type
of power connector should be used to connect to a PATA hard drive?
A: Molex
Q: A technician is installing a new power supply in a computer. Which type
of power connector should be used to connect to a floppy drive?
A: Berg
Q: A technician is installing a new CPU in a ZIF socket on a motherboard.
What is the primary way of securing the CPU in place?
A: locking lever
Q: What two components should be installed on a motherboard before it is
mounted in the case?
A: CPU and RAM
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Let’s see what you have learned . . .
Q: Which solution should be used to clean a CPU and a heat sink?
A: isopropyl alcohol
Q: A technician is troubleshooting a computer that has a malfunctioning
floppy drive. The technician observes that the floppy drive light remains
lit constantly. How should the technician attempt to repair the problem?
A: Connect the data cable making sure that the colored stripe on the
cable is aligned with pin 1 on the drive and the motherboard
Q: A sound card, a NIC, and a modem can be installed on which type of
slots?
A: PCI and PCIe
Q: Which port is typically used for external wireless NICs?
A: USB
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Chapter 3:

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0

 Pin 1 – Red Stripe

 The floppy drive exchanges data with the motherboard devices,

 Current system BIOS versions can support up to two floppy drives

2. Plug the Molex power connector into the optical drive.

3. Plug the 4-pin Berg power connector into

4. Connect the 3-pin fan power connector into the

 First, the jumper settings should be

 The designation of a hard drive or CD-

 The only exception is if the drive is

 IDE ribbon cables: 40 pin/Ultra-

Inside your computer,

The 80-wire (conductor) cables are not called 80-pins!

A 7-pin Serial ATA

 Motherboards have one floppy drive controller which

1. Plug the motherboard end of the PATA cable into the

Plug the reset-switch, power-switch, HDD-LED, speaker,

 Now that all the internal components have been

 A special key or combination of keys on the keyboard is

 POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the

 CMOS determines what types of

 The standard CMOS

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