SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PARAÑAQUE

FIRST QUARTER WEEK 2

TVL 12 - Computer Systems Services
ICCS: INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Learning Outcome 1:
ASSEMBLE COMPUTER HARDWARE
TLE_IACSS9-12ICCS-Ia-e-28
Module 2:
ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

This module is written in support of the K-12 Basic Education Curriculum basically composed of Most
Essential Learning Competencies to cope up for the new normal modalities due to Covd-19 pandemic this School Year
2020 – 2021. This was developed to assure that the learners achieve the expected learning competencies for the Grade
Level.

INTRODUCTION
This unit discusses the physical aspects of a computer such as the different computer hardware and
its corresponding roles and processes within the whole computer system. This unit also helps students how
to understand the system flow inside a computer by studying the computer architecture. To complete the
discussion on handling computer system, the different occupational
safety procedures are also discussed.

Let’s Recall (Review)

Review Questions
1. What can you recall about architectural structures of a computer?

2. What is the importance of the architectural structures of a computer?

The previous unit discussed the different elements of the computer architecture. But how do
these components interact with each other? How do these components perform the different
tasks performed? Knowing the architectural structure of a computer provides a general
understanding when you are choosing the perfect or most appropriate specifications for your hardware when assembling your
desired computer. It can also help you troubleshoot minor computer problems.

Let’s Understand (Study the Concept)

THE CONNECTIONS INSIDE THE COMPUTER

 Using the Basic Computer Architecture Servicing Computer Systems can be made easier by tracing and determining the
connections from both the CPU and Motherboard to the Random-Access Memory (RAM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid
State Drive (SSD), Local Area Network (LAN) card, and video card. Meanwhile, the motherboard alone is connected to the
monitor, scanner, printer, mouse, keyboard, and all other peripheral devices. Analyzing how the computer parts are
physical connected in the architecture diagram is a very useful way in having a deeper understanding of computer
processes. This lets you easily determine the different basic peripherals such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse by
knowing where they are directly connected. This also gives you a brief idea how the different components are directly or
indirectly connected or related to each other. Other common computer processes that can easily be traced using the basic
architecture shown in Figure 1 Let’s Review are:
o Selecting a file or folder
o Moving an icon from one place to another
o Clicking and opening a program
o Viewing an image file or video file
o Opening any other file types

UNDERSTANDING DEEPER THE COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE:

 The basic computer architecture shown in Figure 1 just shows the big picture of
the different components inside a computer. But in reality, there are more
components that should be considered when studying a computer’s
architecture. Refer to Figure 2 below and see a more intensive diagram of a
computer architecture.
DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURES
Before starting the disassembly (preparation):
 Check the tools that you will be using
 Check the place where you will place the component for illustration

During the actual disassembly of the peripherals devices:

 Always turn off the peripheral devices
 Unplug the power cord of the peripheral devices (applicable for printer, scanner, speaker, etc.)
 Disconnect the cables that connect from the system unit to the peripheral devices.
 Disconnect the smallest peripherals and cables first (such as the headset and speaker) so that they will not get tangled to
the other cables
 Organize the wires so that they will not get tangled

Reminders in PC Disassembly
1. Make sure that all power cables are disconnected.
2. Remove the peripheral devices and their power cables (if applicable)
- Mouse, Keyboard, Speaker, Printer, Scanner, Headset, Monitor, Joystick / Game Controller
3. Remove the chassis or the computer system unit cover.
4. Remove the Molex cables from the power supply
a. Other Cables
- Front Panel, Hard Disk Drive Cable IDE / SATA, CPU / Chassis Fan Cable, USB cable connector
b. RAMs
5. Remove the expansion cards
- Graphics / Video Card (AGP / PCIe), LAN Card, Wireless LAN Card, Bluetooth Card

PERIPHERAL DEVICES
Peripheral devices work dependently and are designed to support the core components of the computer. Most people consider the
external peripheral devices as the only peripheral devices. But this is not the case. There are also internal peripheral devices such
as the video and LAN cards which will be discussed later. Let us talk about the different technical peripheral devices.

THE STEP BY STEP DISASSEMBLY GUIDE

This guide walks you through step-by- step in disassembling a desktop computer. Disassembling the computer means removing the
different components one-by-one by unplugging, unscrewing, and lifting them. The following are the parts of the system unit which
will be dissembled:
 Motherboard
 Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)
 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
 Power Supply Unit (PSU)
 Graphic / Video Card
 Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Card
 Random Access Memory (RAM) Package
 Cables
 Speaker
 Cabinet/Casing

1. Perform OSHP
Before starting with any assembly and disassembly procedures, the most important thing for a servicer is to do the OSH
Procedures. Take note of these reminders in order to avoid accidents and/or injuries.
12 SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR COMPUTER SERVICING
 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) refers to the legislation, policies, procedures, and activities that aim to protect the
health, safety, and welfare of all people at the workplace. These procedures are usually used by organizations to assess
the awareness, knowledge, and understanding of workers regarding the safety standard procedures. You may also use
these for self-evaluation to measure your readiness to perform computer servicing. Below are the most commonly used
and most recommended OHS procedures for computer servicing.

o To avoid accidents and dangerous situations:

1. Do not work alone so that there's someone who can take care of you in case of emergency.
2. Always turn off the power and unplug the computer before working on it.
3. Take away any liquid near your working area to avoid getting electrocuted or accidentally damaging computer parts.
4. Prepare contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire, and other emergencies.
5. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with the organization's OHS procedures and
practices.
6. Clean the area before and after using it to maintain sanitation and prevent accidents.

o To avoid damage to equipment:

1. Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when connecting a cable connector.
2. Do not use excessive force if things don't quite slip into place.
3. Hold the components on the edges and do not touch the Integrated Circuit (IC) parts.
4. Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit.
5. Use brush, compressed air, or blower in cleaning the computer system.
6. Always ground or discharge yourself before touching any part of the computer.
2. Unplug every cable that’s plugged in to the computer.
Here are the cables that should be unplugged:
 Power  Ethernet
 Universal Serial Bus (USB)  Modem
 Firewire  AM/FM Antenna
 Mouse  Cable TV
 Keyboard  Printer
 Internet  Others

3. Remove the casing of the system unit.

Unscrew the four screws at the back of the system unit. For some desktop
computers that have a door type casing, just pull the lever and open it. Snap out the
casing by sliding it. Removing the casing varies on the model of the system unit. Use
the appropriate screw driver size and check for the proper alignments to avoid
loosening the threads.

4. Remove the System Fan.

Most of the time, there are two fans inside a computer: the system fan and the CPU fan. The
system fan is usually located at the back or on the sides of the computer wherein a screen for
ventilation is visible from the outside. Unplug the fan from the motherboard. Then, unscrew the fan
from the outside of the system unit. By this time, it is possible to detach the system fan. The system
fan in the picture above is an example of a fan that can’t be removed easily. Removing it will depend
on the chassis layout and the placement of components inside it.

5. Remove the CPU Fan.

The CPU fan is located on top of the CPU heat sink. Unplug the fan from the motherboard. Afterwards,
unscrew the four screws and then detach the CPU fan.

6. Remove the power supply unit.

The power supply provides power to all of the components in the system unit, therefore, there
are lots of cables connected to it. Disconnect all of the cables connected to the power supply. Refer to
the PSU lecture for the discussion. Once everything is unplugged, lay down the system unit or position it
in a manner that can support the power supply and prevent it from falling once it’s been unscrewed.
Remove the four screws connecting it to the system unit and then gently lift it out of the system unit.

7. Remove the CD/DVD drive.

Disconnect the Molex and data cables at the back of the CD/DVD drive then snap the tab that
secures the drive in-place. Pull the drive out from the inside.

8. Remove the card reader.

As always, unplug the wires first. After unplugging the wires, unscrew all the screws holding the
card reader. Then, detach the card reader from the computer. In most cases, integrated card readers are
not used in newer computers anymore. Either an external USB card reader or a cellular phone is being
used to connect memory cards to the computer.

9. Remove the hard disk drive (HDD).

Steps in removing the HDD:
a) Detach the connector at the back of the slot.
b) Unplug the other end from the motherboard.
c) Unplug all SATA cables from the hard drive and motherboard.
d) Unscrew the HDD from the chassis or unclip it from its compartment
e) Pull out the hard drive with the same manner as the CD/DVD drive. Be extra careful on handling the
hard drive disk for it is very delicate. As a general rule, do not shake HDDs to prevent internal damage.

10. Remove the expansion cards.

There are different kinds of expansion cards, examples are listed below:
 Bluetooth
 Wireless Ethernet
 Ethernet
 Coaxial Cable / TV
 Graphics
 Sound Card
To remove the expansion cards, unscrew the screws on the occupied card slots. Afterwards,
carefully pull the cards upwards. Perform this as delicately as possible to avoid damaging the
expansion cards. Then, detach all the cables plugged-in to the cards. Unscrew the expansion
cards. After unscrewing the expansion cards, gently pull the card one side at a time (like a see-
saw) while pushing the motherboard. This expansion card slot can be detached easily by
unscrewing it from the chassis and gently pulling it from the motherboard. But some expansion
cards, such as high-end graphic cards, get its power from the PSU, so be certain to remove all
Molex connections first before detaching your Graphic

11. Remove the random-access memory (RAM)

 Simultaneously push down the tabs (white notch in the pictures) on both ends of the slot then remove the RAM card gently
by pulling it on both ends. Slightly push it away from the motherboard RAM slot if it is rather hard to disconnect.
12. Remove the power button, power LED, and HDD LED.
If there are cable ties holding the cables together, cut the cable ties first to untie the cables.
Afterwards, disconnect them one by one. Take note that not all computers are set up in the same way. It
depends on what type of motherboard and casing it has. If you have a rather rare setup, make sure to
disconnect it properly based on the manual (if there is any). Just to make sure, take pictures of the
connections inside to guide you later on when assembling back the system unit.

13. Remove the motherboard.

The motherboard is the center of connection that links every component on the system
unit. It has seven screws connecting it to the frame. Remove the screws and lift out the
motherboard. The motherboard should only be removed after detaching all other components
inside the computer system unit that are connected to it. Make sure all other components are
removed from the board and the casing to prevent hitting them while unscrewing the
motherboard. Carefully handle the motherboard by holding it on its edges. Place it to non-
conducting at surface. Prevent the soldered and electronic component in the board from being
pressed. The motherboard is prone to dust, The motherboard is prone to dust, so carefully brush
it or use compressed dry air to spray out all the dust from the motherboard. All pins and ports of the motherboard are important
because all components are connected to it. So, remove any dust on them as well. Dust might cause your computer to malfunction
by short circuiting the electronic components or blocking the low of electricity for components involved.

THE STEP BY STEP ASSEMBLY GUIDE

This guide enumerates the steps in assembling a desktop computer. Assembling a computer means putting together all of the
components in a computer to the motherboard inside the system unit and connecting all other external peripherals.
Parts commonly inside the system unit:
 Motherboard
 Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)
 Hard Disk Drive / Solid State Drive (HDD/SSD)
 Power Supply Unit
 Display Card
 Sound Card
 RAM DIMM Package
 Cables (Molex, SATA and other cable

Make sure that the fan, chassis, and other components are cleaned already by a dry brush,
vacuum, or dry blower.
1. Open the case/chassis.
2. Install the power supply. Place the power supply unit where the fan won’t not be blocked. Be aware of the correct
positioning of the screws of the case and the power supply unit.
3. Install the motherboard into the casing and attach the components to the motherboard. For some casing designs, it is
suggested to lay down the casing sideways so that you will be able to install and screw the motherboard and its
components more easily.
4. Install the internal peripherals.

Install the following internal peripheral components:

 Hard Drive Disk
 Solid State Disk
 Optical Disk Drive
 Graphics card/video card
 Sound card
 RAM
 For the RAM module, video/graphics card, sound card, network card, and for all other expansion
 cards, just position and place the conductor first then gently push it.

Expansion Card Assembly

1. Check the type of expansion slot available.

2. Position and place the card in the slot.

3. Gently push the card on both ends simultaneously into the motherboard.

4. Screw the card to the computer casing.

 5. The installation is complete.

5. Connect all internal cables.

a) Connect the power cables from the Power Supply Unitto the following:
 Motherboard (MOLEX)  Optical Disk Drive (MOLEX)
 Hard Disk Drive (MOLEX)  Motherboard to CPU Fan
 Solid State Drive (MOLEX)  Motherboard to Case Fan
b) Connect the following Data Cables (SATA):
 Motherboard to Hard Drive Disk  Motherboard to Optical Disk Drive
 Motherboard to Solid State Disk  Connect all casing cable wires

6. Connect all external cables and peripherals devices.

Make sure to connect the following basic peripherals and cables:
 Monitor cable  Monitor
 Mouse  Power cables of monitor and system unit (from the
 Keyboard PSU)
 Speaker

Let’s Apply
A. DIRECTION: Arrange the following step by step pc disassembly procedures using letters A to M.
_____1. Remove the motherboard.
_____2. Remove the power button, power LED, and HDD LED.
_____3. Remove the random-access memory (RAM)
_____4. Remove the expansion cards.
_____5. Remove the hard disk drive (HDD).
_____6. Remove the card reader.
_____7. Remove the CD/DVD drive.
_____8. Remove the power supply unit.
_____9. Remove the CPU Fan.
____10. Remove the System Fan.
____11. Remove the casing of the system unit.
____12. Unplug every cable that’s plugged in to the computer.
____13. Perform OSHP

A. DIRECTION: Arrange the following step by step pc assembly procedures using letters A to G.
_____1. Remove the motherboard.
_____1. Connect all internal cables.
_____2. Install the internal peripherals.
_____3. Connect all external cables and peripherals devices.
_____4. Install the power supply.
_____5. Place the power supply unit where the fan won’t not be blocked. Be aware of the correct positioning of the screws of the
case and the power supply unit.
_____6. Open the case/chassis.
_____7. Install the motherboard into the casing and attach the components to the motherboard. For some casing designs, it is
suggested to lay down the casing sideways so that you will be able to install and screw the motherboard and its
components more easily.

Let’s Analyze
DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions briefly.
1. What are the things that you should keep in mind before, during, and after the assembly and disassembly of computers?
2. Why is it important to know the different computer components and understand the functions of each?
3. What is the significance of following the correct steps in assembling and disassembling a computer?

Let’s Try (Evaluation)

DIRECTIONS: Using Google Meet or Zoom the students will perform Disassembly Exercise Summative: Students will be given an
example system unit to be provided by the school. For 30 mins. maximum per batch (10 students with 1 computer each per batch)
Students are assessed after several days of practicing or after the entire class has practiced the disassembly and assembly of the
computer. Learning Task – The teacher tests the students’ safety awareness and proper use of tools and disassembly procedure.
Purpose – Students test their disassembly skills using the criteria to evaluate.
1. The teacher and student sets up the workstations of the students for their individual summative assessment on the assembly
and disassembly of computer system. The computers must be turned over to the students in their respective houses or
location.
2. Students perform the disassembly of the computer. The teacher observes the student/s virtually. It will be 4 students per batch
or per Google Meet/Zoom. A maximum of 30 minutes will be allotted for each batch.
 For the first 5 minutes, the student must turn off the computer and check the power cable connected to it, then make sure
that it is disconnected. Disassemble the external peripherals including the power cables, cable monitor, mouse, keyboard,
speaker, and monitor.
  For the next 15 minutes, disassemble the components in the system unit by following the demonstration that the teacher
performed during the disassembly lecture.
3. The teacher must regularly check and observe every station to ensure the safety of the students and the computer components.

4. The teacher will ask questions verbally to the student. The teacher will choose two (2) questions and its corresponding follow-up
question from section A and one (1) question from the alternative questions.
A. What is the function of the following:
a. Motherboard
b. Random Access Memory
c. Central Processing Unit
d. Power Supply Unit?
e. Read-Only Memory?
f. Hard Disk Drive and Solid-State Disk?
B. Alternative questions for the part functions:
a. What are the uses and functions of the slots and ports in the motherboard?
5. What Peripheral components can be connected to the motherboard?
The same student who disassembled the computer will perform the assembly of the computer he/she disassembled for 5-10
minutes.
 For the first 5 minutes, place and install the motherboard inside the tower casing. Afterwards, place also the RAM, Power
Supply Unit, Hard Drive Disk, and Optical Driver inside tower casing.
 For the next 5 minutes, attach the Power Cables, Data cables, and External Peripherals to the computer system.
6. Teacher must check the following as a basis for the student’s grades:
 Check if the computer can be booted.
 Check the correctness and functionality of the computer after the assembly.
 Check the carefulness of assembly on the ports and other components into the computer tower case.

YOUR RUBRIC / CHECKLIST: the following activities are 5 points each.

1) Did you follow the correct safety procedures?
2) Did you follow the correct assembly procedure?
3) Did you assemble the component correctly?
4) Were there no damages to the hardware and computer as a whole?
5) Were there no injuries during the assembly procedure?
6) Q&A: Were you able to identify the component you were assigned to assemble? (5 points)
7) Q&A: Were you able to explain the function of the said component? (5 points)
8) Is the computer functioning?

Criteria for Assessment: Assembling and Disassembling of System Unit Rating Scales
Points Earned Numerical Descriptive
31 – 40 95 – 100 Very Good
21 – 30 90 – 94 Good
11 – 20 85 – 89 Average
5 – 10 80 – 84 Fair
1–4 75 – 79 Needs Improvement