TLE/

TVL

Computer Systems
Servicing NC II
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Assemble Computer Hardware

Self-Directed Learning Module

Department of Education – Republic of the Philippines
TLE/TVL - Computer Systems Servicing NCII
Self-Directed Learning Material
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Installing Front Panel Connectors
First Edition, 2020

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the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for the exploitation of such work for a profit.
Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
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over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Glenn T. Zabate
Editors: Marcelo O. Roco, PhD
Reviewers: Cosette Navales
Illustrator: Name
Layout Artist: Name
Management Team: Reynaldo M. Guillena, CESO V
Emma A. Camporedondo, CESE
Basilio P. Mana-ay Jr., CESE
Alma C. Cifra, EdD
Aris B. Juanillo, PhD
Marcelo O. Roco, PhD

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Region XI Davao City Division

Office Address : DepEd Davao City Division, E. Quirino Ave.,

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Telefax : (082) 224 0100
E-mail Address : [email protected]
 TLE/TVL

Computer Systems
Servicing NC II
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Assemble Computer Hardware
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the TLE/TVL - Computer Systems Servicing NCII Self-Directed Learning

Module (SDLM) on Assemble Computer Hardware.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed, and reviewed by educators

both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher, or facilitator in
helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st-century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners
as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the TLE/TVL - Computer Systems Servicing NCII Self-Directed Learning

Module (SDLM) on Assemble Computer Hardware

The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action, and purpose. Through our hands, we may learn, create, and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

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 Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends to the
retention of learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain a deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the lesson on the Assemble Computer Hardware specifically on the Installation of
Front Panel Connectors. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary
level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the
course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with
the textbook you are now using.

This module was anchored on the Curriculum Guide in TLE/TVL-Computer Systems

Servicing NCII under the Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
component.
Understand concepts related to the Computer Systems Servicing NCII.
LO 1. Assemble computer hardware
1.1 Plan unit assembly to ensure OHS policies and procedures are followed in
accordance with systems requirements
1.2 Prepare unit assembly to ensure OHS policies and procedures are followed
in accordance with systems requirements
1.3 Identify materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with
established procedures and check against system requirements
1.4 Obtain materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with
established procedures and check against system requirements
1.5 Obtain tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out
installation work in accordance with established procedures and check for
correct operation and safety
1.6 Assemble computer hardware in accordance with established procedures
and system requirements
1.7 Perform BIOS configuration in accordance with hardware requirements

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify the pin assignments of front panel connectors and their function;
2. Enumerate the safety procedures, when working in a sensitive electronic
component;
3. Identify the location of the front panel header on the system board.

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 What I Know

Read each question carefully and encircle the letter that corresponds to the best
answer.
1. Where is the front panel header generally located?
a. the lower-left side of the system board
b. the lower right side of the system board
c. the upper left side of the system board
d. the upper right side of the system board

2. What pin on the front panel header that is blank or empty?

a. pin 4 c. pin 9
b. pin 5 d. pin 10

3. What is the label of the front panel header on the system board?
a. F_CONNECTOR c. FRONT_P
b. F_PANEL d. FRONT_C

4. What pin is assigned to the positive terminal of the power LED?

a. pin 1 c. pin 6
b. pin 3 d. pin 8

5. Which of the connectors below are considered No polarity?

a. power LED and power switch c. power LED and HDD LED
b. HDD LED and reset switch d. power switch and reset switch

6. What pins are assigned for the power switch?

a. 1 and 2 c. 6 and 7
b. 3 and 4 d. 8 and 9

7. Which LED is activated when the computer is turned ON?

a. power switch c. power LED
b. reset switch d. HDD LED

8. What pins in the front panel header that is used for the reset button?
a. 1 and 2 c. 5 and 6
b. 3 and 4 d. 8 and 9

9. What pin is assigned to the negative pin of the HDD power LED?
a. pin 2 c. pin 6
b. pin 4 d. pin 8

10. What type of electronic component that emits light when current is passed
through it?
a. Light-dependent resistor
b. Light-emitting diode
c. Light-dependent capacitor
d. Light-emitting transistor
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 Lesson

1 Front Panel Connectors

The front panel connectors are connected to the front panel header located on the
system board and it is labeled as “F_Panel”. The front panel connectors usually
consist of an array of activity LED indicators shown in the table below.

This is the activity indicator of the hard disk drive, the LED
flashes when it is reading or writing. The colors of the wires
are black (negative) and violet (positive).

It indicates when the computer is ON or OFF. The colors of the

wires are white(negative) and violet (positive).

This will control the power button that allows you to turn ON
or OFF the computer. This connector has no polarity so you
can plug the connector in any orientations.

It handles the reset button to restart the computer. This

connector has no polarity so you can plug the connector in any
orientations.

Front Panel Header- located on the system board with a 10-pin

connector (pin 10 is empty) labeled as F_panel and numbered from
1-10. The front panel connectors are inserted in the front panel
header.

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 What’s In

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) can damage electronic components. To prevent

damage to your system board, it is important to handle it very carefully. The following
measures are generally sufficient to protect your equipment from ESD.

True or False: Write True if you agree with the statement and False if you do not.
Write your answer on the space provided before each number.

______1. Use a grounded wrist strap designed to prevent static discharge.

______2. Touch a grounded metal object before removing the board from the
antistatic bag when the antistatic device is not available.

______3. Handle the board by its edges only; do not touch its components,
peripheral chips, memory modules, or gold contacts.

______4. When handling chips or modules, avoid touching their pins.

______5. Put the system board and peripherals back into their antistatic bags when
not in use.

______6. For grounding purposes, make sure your computer chassis provides
excellent conductivity between the power supply, the case, the mounting
fasteners, and the system board.

______7. Use only the correct type of CMOS onboard battery as specified by the
manufacturer.

______8. Do not install the CMOS onboard battery upside down, which may result
in possible damage to the system board or the battery.

______9. We need to use an anti-static device when repairing a computer power

supply.

_____10. Computer system boards are considered sensitive electronic components.

Notes to the Teacher

To learn more about the basics of Electrostatic Discharge,
please visit the link provided below.
https://youtu.be/bWXNOemu2j4

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 What’s New

The front panel connectors are not keyed so they can be plugged in any direction.
Except for the power LED and HDD LED cables, the front panel connector cables can
be plugged in any direction. 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.

In the example picture above, copied from forums.evga.com. Please take note that
pin 10 is missing or empty and pin 9 has no connection. The power switch is assigned
to Pin 8 and 9, pin 3 and 4 are for the reset button. The remaining two connectors
have a polarity, namely HDD LED and power LED this will not function if connected
improperly. Pin 1 is positive and pins 2 is negative for the HDD activity LED, the
power LED pin 6 is positive, and pin 7 is negative.

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 What is It

One of the most important connectors in the front panel is the power switch
connector. The power switch connector has no polarity, meaning it can be inserted
in any orientation as long as it is in the correct pin headers. Another connector that
doesn't have a polarity is the reset switch.

The Power LED and HDD LED indicators will not function if the positive and negative
terminal are interchanged because the light-emitting diode will only allow current to
pass through in one direction.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a planned system of working to prevent

illness and injury where you work by recognizing and identifying hazards and risks.
Health and safety procedure are the responsibility of all persons in the computer and
technology industries.

Source: http://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/pressroom/news/occupational-health-and-safety.jpg

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The workplace should have safety guidelines to follow:
• Protect people from injury
• Protect equipment from damage
• Protect the environment from contamination

Safety Precautions when working:

• Always ground or discharge yourself before touching any part of the
computer.
• Do not work alone so that there is someone who can take care of you in case
of an accident or emergency.
• Be careful with the tools that may cause short circuits.
• Always pull the cable connector on the handle and not hold on the cable itself.
• Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when connecting a cable
connector.
• Always power off and unplug the computer before working on it.
• Take away any liquid such as mineral water or soft drinks near your working
area or near computers.
• Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire, and other
emergencies are recognized.
• Personal protective equipment is correctly used following organizational
procedures and practices.
• Hazard/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are
identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co‐workers, workplace, and
environment.
• Take necessary precautions to protect the component of the computer from
damage caused by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
• Hold the components by edges and do not touch the IC’s.
• Read and follow instructions on the manual carefully.
• Do not use excessive force if things do not quite slip into place.

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 What’s More

A. Criss Cross Puzzle

Supply the missing words that are related to the Front Panel Connectors and Front
Panel Header.

Across Down

2. blank 1. NC

3. warm boot 2. cold boot

4. status LED

5. flashes when it is reading or writing

B. TRUE or FALSE. Write the word TRUE if the sentence is correct and FALSE if it
is not. Write your answer on the space provided for.

_______1. Used personal protective equipment properly following organizational

procedures and practices.

_______2. Health and safety procedure are the responsibility of the person in charge
of the computer and technology industries.
_______3. It is more comfortable to work alone so that you can concentrate and focus
on your task.

_______4. Do not bring any food or drinks near your working area or near computers.

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 What I Have Learned

A. Below are the questions or blank sentences/paragraphs to be filled in to process

what you learned from the lesson.

1. The location of the front panel header is on the __________.

2. Blank or empty pin of the front panel header is __________.
3. Pin 8 and 9 are used for the ________.
4. Pin 3 and 4 are used for the ________.
5. The connectors that have no polarity are _______.

B. Below are the pictures of the front Panel Header and connectors. Locate the pin
assignments of the front panel connectors namely POWER SW, RESET SW, POWER
LED and HDD LED, write the PIN on the space provided below.

______HD_LED+ ______ PWR_BTN

______ HD_LED- ______ GND

______ PWR_LED+ ______ RST_BTN

______ PWR_LED- ______ GND

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 What I Can Do

Identify the correct pin assignment of the front panel header. Select your answer
from the box and write it on the space provided below.

NC PWR_BTN + PWR_LED + RST_BTN+ HDD LED+

Blank PWR_BTN - PWR_LED - RST_BTN – HDD LED-

Front Panel Header

1 6

2 7

3 8

4 9

5 10

Fig. 1a

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 Assessment

Read each question carefully and encircle the letter that corresponds to the best
answer.
1. What type of electronic component that emits light when current is passed
through it?
a. Light-dependent resistor
b. Light-emitting diode
c. Light-dependent capacitor
d. Light-emitting transistor

2. Where is the front panel header generally located?

a. the lower-left side of the system board
b. the lower right side of the system board
c. the upper left side of the system board
d. the upper right side of the system board

3. What pins are assigned for the power switch?

a. 1 and 2 c. 6 and 7
b. 3 and 4 d. 8 and 9

4. What pins in the front panel header that is used for the reset button?
a. 1 and 2 c. 5 and 6
b. 3 and 4 d. 8 and 9

5. What pin is assigned to the positive terminal of the power LED?

a. pin 1 c. pin 6
b. pin 3 d. pin 8

6. Which LED is activated when the computer is turned ON?

a. power switch c. power LED
b. reset switch d. HDD LED

7. What pin is assigned to the negative pin of the HDD power LED?
a. pin 2 c. pin 6
b. pin 4 d. pin 8

8. What is the label of the front panel header on the system board?
a. F_CONNECTOR c. FRONT_P
b. F_PANEL d. FRONT_C

9. Which of the connectors below are considered No polarity?

a. power LED and power switch c. power LED and HDD LED
b. HDD LED and reset switch d. power switch and reset switch

10. What pin on the front panel header that is blank or empty?
a. pin 4 c. pin 9
b. pin 5 d. pin 10

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 Additional Activities

Word Search: Search the words related to Front Panel Connectors, you can use
Microsoft paint or any editing software to answer this question.

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 13
What I have learned (A) (B)
1. Lower right portion of the systemboard 1 8
2. pin-10 2 9
3. Power switch 6 3
4. Reset switch 7 4
5. Power switch and reset switch
Additional Activities Assessment What I can do
1. B 1 hdd LED +
2. B 2 hdd LED –
3. D
4. B 3 reset switch+
5. C 4 reset switch-
6. C
7. A 5 NC
8. B
9. D 6 power LED+
10 D 7 power LED-
8 power switch+
9 power switch-
10 blank or empty
What's More
A. CrissCross Puzzle What’s in What I Know
Across
2- pin10 1.b
3- reset switch 1. True 2.d
4- power LED 2. True 3.b
3. True 4.c
5- HDD LED
4. True 5.d
Down 5. True 6.d
1- pin5 6. True 7.c
2- power switch 7. True 8.b
B. True of False 8. True 9.a
9. False 10.b
1. True
10. True
2. False
3. False
4. True
Answer Key
References

Thewordsearch.com (n.d) Create a word puzzle. Accessed on August 11, 2020

from https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/1235103/front-panel-
connectors/downloadable/

Frontx.com (n.d) Dual USB type internal. Accessed on August 11, 2020 from
http://www.frontx.com/cpx108_2.html

Manualslib.com (n.d) Supero H8DA8-2 User Manual. Accessed on July 12,

2020 from https://www.manualslib.com/manual/631204/Supero-
H8da8-2.html?page=4#manual

Sandy Berger 2020 Hardware Secrets. Accessed on August 11, 2020 from
https://www.hardwaresecrets.com

GIGABYTE 2020 Installing CPU and CPU cooler. Accessed on August 11, 2020
from www.gigabyte.com/fileupload/us/WebPage/141/step1.html

EVGA 2020 Front Panel Header. Accessed on July 12, 2020 from
https://forums.evga.com/MB-Front-Panel-Header-Problem-
m2656178.aspx

Teacher Gelo’s Notes 2017 Occupational Health and Safety Procedures.

Accessed on June 12, 2020 from
http://teachergelo.blogspot.com/2017/01/grade-7-lesson3-
occupational-health-and.html

Titech.com 2019 Major Computer Components List. Accessed on August 11,

2020 from http://titech.com.ng/computer-components-list/

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Para sa mga katanungan o puna, sumulat o tumawag sa:

Department of Education – Region XI Davao City Division

Elpidio Quirino Avenue, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines

Telephone: (082) 224 0100 / 228 3970

Email Address: [email protected] / [email protected]