ICT-CMR12

MODULE 7: SYSTEM UNIT ASYMBLY PT1.

(INFOGRAPIC)
INTRODUCTION
System unit assembly is the process of fitting all the internal components of a computer
system to make it functional. The main components include the CPU, motherboard,
memory, disk drives, etc. There is a proper process of attachment and installation of
each and every component. Some of the components in the system unit include random
access memory (RAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), hard disk,
motherboard, fan, processor or central processing unit (CPU), power supply, and floppy
disk drive.
CONTENT

DIY Computer Assembly: An Infographic

Planning Your Build (Safety First!)
If this is the first computer you’ve built, it can pay to make sure you do a bit of forward
planning.
1. Have a suitable work area, with good lighting and plenty of space.
2. Ensure you have all required tools on hand for easy access. Consider keeping a
container nearby to hold loose parts like screws.
3. Have a guide/reference material nearby (this guide, or an instructional video). You
may also want to quickly skim over the relevant sections of the manuals for the
individual parts you’re about to assemble. These are typically included as a paper
insert in the product packaging.
4. Ensure your area is not at risk of static electricity, which has the potential to
damage your parts.
5. Be aware of safety precautions.
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Tools
Surprisingly, you don’t need many tools to put a PC together.
 Screwdriver (Philips head) – Used for nearly all screws including case and
various component mounting screws
 Screwdriver (Flat head) – You may need this for installing your CPU cooler, so it’s
best to have one on hand just in case
Optional extras include:
 Anti-Static Wrist strap – If you are worried about static damaging your parts, you
can opt to use an anti-static wrist strap
 Cable ties – A must for cable management (unless your case has some included
with it). These will keep all cabling in your case nice and neat
 Scissors – For cutting excess length off cable ties and making short work of any
pesky plastic packaging on your computer parts
 Flashlight – In case you need a little extra light to see what you’re doing
About Our Step-by-step Guide to Building Your Own Computer
There are a few different ways you can tackle building a computer, and when it comes
down to it, take the one you feel most comfortable with.
The process we’ve outlined in our computer build infographic is just one of the ways we
prefer to build PCs, but there is some flexibility around it.
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For instance, you could easily switch around steps (and in fact, we did when we went
through our detailed build guide), or even do what’s called an ‘out of the case’ build.
Over the internet you’ll find opinions everywhere, and the truth is, nearly all of the
different methods are justifiable with their own pros and cons. Examples of other build
orders that can work and some popular ‘build methods’ are:
1. Building Outside of the Case:
This method involves partially assembling the motherboard and associated units (CPU,
CPU cooler, and RAM) outside of the case, then transplanting this whole unit to within
the case before continuing with the build assembly.
Pros:
 When outside of the case, you’ve plenty of ‘working space’ to mount the CPU,
cooler and RAM
 You have better visibility to ensure components are mounted correctly
Cons:
 Mounting the components on the motherboard without it suitably supported has
the potential to cause damage
 Trying to install the motherboard into the case with components like the CPU
cooler already mounted to it may be difficult depending on where the
motherboard mounts are located. Sometimes you may not be able to fit your
screwdriver where it needs to be if other parts like the CPU cooler or RAM get in
the way.
 If you have an aftermarket CPU cooler it may have a back bracket that needs to
be fixed to the read of the motherboard. In this case, install hardware on the
motherboard before mounting the motherboard into the case (though some
cases may have a cutout in the motherboard mounting plate that allows you to
access this section of the motherboard – depending on your case).
2. Changing Up the Order of Mounting Components
Whether you choose to build ‘inside the case’ or ‘outside the case’, you can still
assemble individual parts in nearly any order you choose.
Examples:
 Power supply -> Motherboard -> CPU -> RAM -> Graphics card -> Storage and
optical drives
 Motherboard -> Power supply -> Storage and optical drives -> CPU -> RAM ->
Graphics card
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 It’s up to you! However, if you’re new we suggest following a build guide until you
get an idea of your personal preferences when it comes to build order.
Pros/Cons:
 Depending on the order of assembly, some parts can get in the way of other
parts when trying to mount them, or result in less working space/room inside the
case for installing other parts.
 Be careful as there are some items which must be installed in a certain order (for
instance, you cannot install the CPU cooler without first installing the CPU).
 If you are deviating from the suggested order, be sure to think ahead, as
sometimes you may not be able to access fastening points (for example, some
graphics card/motherboard combinations can result in not being able to release
the RAM fastening clips once the graphics card is installed; in which case you
would need to install your RAM before your graphics card).

APPLICATION
Essential Tools: Give the Description and Typical usage of each tool.
Screwdrivers:
Philips Head Screwdriver:
Description:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Typical Usage:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Flat Head Screwdriver:
Description:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Typical Usage:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Anti-Static Wrist Strap:
Description:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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Typical Usage:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Cable Ties:
Description:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Typical Usage:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Scissors:
Description:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Typical Usage:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Flashlight:
Description:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Typical Usage:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE ACTIVITIES
Activity Reflection:
1. Review the Steps: Reflect on each step and identify any challenges or areas
where you were unsure.
Consider how you might address these issues in a real assembly scenario.
2. Check Understanding:
What were the key considerations when installing the CPU and cooler?
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___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Why is cable management important, and how did you approach it in this
activity?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
What potential issues might arise from building outside the case or
changing the order of component installation?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3. Prepare for Real Assembly:
Based on this practice, how would you adjust your approach or planning
for a real computer build?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
What additional resources or guides might you consult before starting a
real build?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

ASSESSMENT
Multiple choice: Choose the best answer.
1. What is the primary purpose of system unit assembly?
A) To upgrade software
B) To connect external peripherals
C) To fit all internal components to make the computer functional
D) To configure the operating system
2. Which tool is essential for nearly all screws in computer assembly?
A) Flat head screwdriver
B) Philips head screwdriver
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C) Hammer
D) Pliers
3. What is a recommended precaution to avoid static electricity damage during
assembly?
A) Use a flashlight
B) Wear an anti-static wrist strap
C) Keep all parts in their packaging
D) Work in a damp environment
4. Which component is typically installed first in the 'inside the case' build method?
A) Graphics card
B) Power supply
C) Hard disk drive
D) Optical drive
5. What is a potential disadvantage of building a computer outside the case?
A) Increased working space
B) Better visibility of components
C) Difficulty in mounting components correctly without case support
D) Easier to access motherboard mounting points
6. What might be a necessary step before mounting an aftermarket CPU cooler into the
case?
A) Installing the power supply
B) Installing a graphics card
C) Fixing a back bracket to the rear of the motherboard
D) Connecting external drives
7. Why might you choose to change the order of mounting components?
A) To improve cooling efficiency
B) To simplify the wiring process
C) To better manage cable routing and accessibility
D) To ensure the motherboard is compatible with the case
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8. What is a common issue with installing a graphics card before RAM?
A) Difficulty accessing CPU mounting points
B) Limited space for connecting the power supply
C) Inability to release RAM fastening clips
D) Incompatibility with the motherboard
9. Which component should be installed before the CPU cooler?
A) Power supply
B) Hard disk
C) CPU
D) Graphics card
10. What is an optional tool for cable management during computer assembly?
A) Flashlight
B) Scissors
C) Anti-static wrist strap
D) Cable ties