TLE-ICT-CHS - 9

Personal Computer Disassembly

Step 1. Unplugging - The first thing you do is to unplug every cable that is plugged in to your computer. That includes the
cables such as Power, USB, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet, Ethernet, Modem, AM\FM Antenna, Cable TV, etc. Just unplug
all the cables for safety purposes. Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work space
Step 2. Opening the Outer Shell/Case - First, unscrew the four screws at the back of the computer. On most computer
cases, there will be large knobs that you can unscrew by hand or by screw driver on the back-right side of the computer.
The left side has small screws because on that side you can't access much on the inside. Once the screws are removed,
you can remove the side panels. On most computers, they just slide off. Start with the left side panel (the side that once
had the knobs), slide it towards the back of the computer. Now you can remove the left panel. Just like the other side,
slide it towards the back of the computer.
NOTICE: If you are working on a carpet, about every five minutes touch something that is grounded (Sink faucet / pipe,
wire coming from the ground part of a wall outlet). This is done so you do not shock your motherboard or other parts.
Step 3. Removing the System Fan - First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You can find the plug by following the
wire from the fan. It should be labeled "SYS_FAN1". Next, you will have to unscrew the fan from the outside.
Step 4. Removing the CPU Fan - The CPU fan is located right on top of the CPU heat sink, which is a large piece of metal
with fins on the top. The CPU fan plugs into the motherboard in an awkward place that is hard to access. But just follow
the wires and you should easily find it. It is labeled "CPU FAN1". To remove the fan from the heat sink, remove the four
screws securing it in place.
Step 5. Power Supply - The first thing to do is unplug every wire coming from the power supply. You must disconnect
the motherboard (very large connector/plug), CD/DVD drive(s) power, internal hard drive power and portable hard drive
slot power. Once everything is unplugged, unscrew the four screws holding the power supply in place, on the back of the
computer. Next, push the power supply from the outside, and then lift it out.
Step 6. CD/ DVD Drive(s) - First, unplug the ribbon from the back of the drive. Once that is completed, pull on the tab
securing the drive in place, and then push it out from the inside.
Step 7. Hard Drive - First, unplug the connector at the back of the slot, and unplug the other end from the motherboard.
Also unplug the SATA cable from the motherboard and the hard drive. The portable hard drive slot is secured the same
way the CD/DVD drive is, with a tab. Pull on the tab, then slide the slot out.
To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws securing it in place. You must be very careful
not to drop the hard drive, since it is very delicate!
Step 8. Memory (RAM) - To remove the RAM, push down on both tabs holding the RAM in place, which are located at
both ends of the RAM.
Step 9. Motherboard - The motherboard has seven screws holding it to the frame, which are indicated by large white
circles around them. Remove them and then lift the motherboard out of the frame.

Personal Computer Assembly

Step 1. Prepare your workplace
1. Take Inventory:
Before you start, take an inventory of your parts. Do not begin assembling your computer if you don't have everything
you need. Begin the step-by-step process once you are ready with everything you need.
2. Make Space, Make Time:
Building a PC takes up space - about a dining room table worth. So make sure you have plenty of working room and a
few hours to proceed with minimal interruption. Work on a flat, stable table top surface, or bare floor, where you have
room to layout all of the items.
3. Prepare Grounding Protection:
Use an inexpensive antistatic wrist strap. Make sure you are wearing your antistatic wrist strap correctly (it does you no
good at all if you do not wear it!), and you are ready to proceed.
4. Have the Drivers Ready:
Assuming you have another internet connected PC, download the latest drivers from the vendors' websites for each
component you will be installing. Sometimes drivers are updated between the time the component was manufactured
and the time you are installing it. It is always best to have the latest. Copy them to a CD for easy access.
Step 2. Prepare the Motherboard
1. Great care should be taken when installing the motherboard. First, take the board out of its packaging and put it on
top of the antistatic bag it came in (see Figure 45). Remember, you always want to safeguard your components from
potentially hazardous static electricity (wear your strap).
2. Before you secure the motherboard onto the PC case/chassis, inspect it carefully for any visible defects.
3. Next, review the motherboard manual, to make sure you are familiar with the motherboard layout and understand
which socket is which. Manuals are extremely helpful, usually easy to read, and include illustrations. Below you can find
instructions on how to install the processor, the heat sink and the memory modules on the motherboard. You should
not place the motherboard in the computer case until you are told to do so.
Step 3. Install the CPU
1. Use the unlocking mechanism to open the CPU socket which is usually a lever.
2. Carefully line up the pins and place the chip in its socket; it will fit only when oriented the proper way. An arrow or a
missing pin on one corner of the chip will show you how to line things up.
3. Align Triangular CPU and socket key marks as shown in Figure 46.
4. Lower the lever to lock the CPU into place.
Step 4. Install the CPU Heat Sink
1. Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the heat sink and the fan that will cool the processor. If you bought an
OEM CPU and a separate heat sink, you may need to spread a thin layer of the thermal grease that came with the heat
sink over the chip to ensure proper transfer of heat (some heat sinks come with this grease already applied).
2. Attach the clip that holds the heat sink in place keeping in mind that it may require a fair amount of force. Again,
follow the instructions that came with the heat sink. They will show you how to fit it correctly. If you are in doubt, you
can visit the manufacturer's website for more information.
3. Plug the CPU fan's power connector into the proper connector on the motherboard.
Step 5. Install Memory (RAM Modules)
Step 6. Place the motherboard into the case
Step 7. Connect the Power Supply Making the proper connections are crucial to successfully assembling your PC system.
Fortunately, manufacturers provide color-coded power cables and unique connector shapes to make the job easy.
1. First, plug the large ATX power connector (Figure 53) from your power supply into the matching port on your
motherboard. Look Figure X for details.
2. Locate the smaller, square processor power connector (Figure 54) (you cannot miss it - it is the one sprouting the
yellow and black wires) and attach it to the motherboard. Note: your connector is usually located near the processor.
As always, refer to your motherboard's manual for the exact locations.
3. Use your motherboard user manual and find the description about front-panel connectors.
Step 8. Install Graphics / Video Cards
1. Begin by removing the backplane cover from the AGP or PCI Express X16 slot (the metal piece where the monitor
connector will emerge)
2. Install the graphics board in that slot, and then secure the card with a screw
Step 9. Install Internal Drives
Now it is time to install your drives. This is an easy process, but it requires attention to detail.
Step 10. Install the Add- in Cards

Steps in Connecting Peripherals of a PC

Step 1.Attach the monitor cable to the video port.
Step 2.Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.
Step 3.Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.
Step 4.Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.
Step 5.Plug the USB cable into a USB port.
Step 6.Plug the network cable into the network port.
Step 7.Plug the power cable into the power supply.