CHAPTER 10: PC ASSEMBLY &

DISASSEMBLY
 At the end of this Chapter, the student is expected to:
• Discuss how to PC Assembly and Disassembly;
• Learn how to disassemble a system unit;
• Explain step by step how to disassemble a system
INTENDED unit;
LEARNING • Learn how to BIOS Setup;
OUTCOMES
• Apply the learnings in the real world; and
(ILOS)
• Learn what are the basic things one must do before
and after opening a system unit.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 1: TURN OFF THE SYSTEM UNIT

• STEP 2: UNPLUG ALL THE CONNECTED

EXTERNAL WIRES AND PERIPHERALS FROM
THE SYSTEM UNIT
PC DISASSEMBLY

• STEP 3: DRAIN FLEA THE POWER

OF THE SYSTEM

• STEP 4: ONCE YOU HAVE

EVERYTHING, TIME TO REMOVE
THE CASE COVER OR CHASSIS
COVER FROM THE SYSTEM UNIT
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 5: SYSTEM FAN
To remove the system fan:
• Check the system that is usually
located at the back (inside) of the
PC case.
• There are usually 4 screws.
• Get a screw driver and loosen them.
• Make sure to keep the screws
properly.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 6: CPU FAN
To remove the CPU fan:
• Trace the connection or cables of the fan
to the motherboard.
• There are usually 4 locking the fan to the
heatsink.
• Carefully loosen the screws and remove
the CPU fan from the heatsink.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 7: CD/DVD DRIVE
To remove the CD/DVD Drive:
• Remove the ribbon (IDE) or cable (SATA)
connected to the
motherboard.
• Remove the screws or lock securing the drive to
the chassis.
• Push the drive out from the inside of the system
unit.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 8: POWER SUPPLY UNIT
To remove the PSU:
• Switch off the power supply.
• Remove the cables connected to
other components.
• Remove the screws securing the
power supply to the chassis.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 9: HARD DRIVE
To remove the Hard Drive:
• Remove the power and data cables
from the hard drive and the
motherboard.
• Remove the screws or lock
securing the hard drive to the
chassis.
• Push the drive out from the inside
of the system unit.
 PC DISASSEMBLY

• STEP 10: EXPANSION CARDS

To remove any expansion
cards
• Locate the screw or screws
securing the expansion cards
• Carefully remove the card by
pulling it away from the
motherboard.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 11: CONNECTIVITY CENTER CABLES
To remove the connectivity center cables:
• Trace the cables down to the
motherboard.
• Make sure to remember where they are
connected as it can be
tricky sometimes in connecting it back.
• Unplug all the cables connected to the
slot from the motherboard.
 PC DISASSEMBLY

• STEP 12: RAM (Random Access Memory)

To remove the memory or RAM
modules:
• Carefully holding down the tabs
(located to the both end) securing
the modules simultaneously.
• Take it out from the motherboard.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 13: HEATSINK
To remove the Heat Sink:
• Loosen the 4 locks securing it
to the motherboard. There
should be a label
on how you will rotate it.
• Carefully pull it out of the
motherboard.
 PC DISASSEMBLY
• STEP 14: CPU or PROCESSOR
To remove the processor:
• Carefully lift the metal bar to lift the
clamp securing the processor.
• Using your two fingers, gently move
the processor UPWARD away
from the motherboard. Make sure it
won’t slide or have contact to
any objects to avoid frying the
component.
 PC DISASSEMBLY

• STEP 15: MOTHERBOARD

To remove the motherboard:
• Check all the location of the
screws securing the
motherboard to the PC case.
• Loosen all the screws.
• Gently lift the motherboard
from the PC case and place it
on an
anti-static mat.
 PC ASSEMBLY

• In this section, you will know how to assemble a system unit or

PC.
Although you will just pretty much reverse what you have done in
the disassembly section, you can still use this as a guide.
 PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 1: PC CASE
• Remove the screws securing the
side panels.
• Pull the side panel or door from
the PC case.
 PC ASSEMBLY
• STEP 2: PREPARE THE
MOTHERBOARD
1. Install RAM or Memory
Modules.
• Open the memory slots by
replacing the lock outside.
• Carefully place the RAM in
the memory slots.
• The tabs will automatically
lock to confirm that you
have put
the RAM properly.
PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 2: PREPARE THE

MOTHERBOARD
2. Install the CPU or Processor.
• Open the CPU socket of the
motherboard.
• Gently place the CPU in the
socket- making sure it won’t
contact
to any obstruction to
prevent the pins from bending
and damaging the whole
system.
PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 2: PREPARE THE MOTHERBOARD

3. Install the Heatsink & Fan
• Put a pea-size amount of
thermal paste at the back of
the processor.
• Gently place the heatsink &
fan at the top of the processor.
• Lock the component by
following how to rotate the
tabs
located at the corner of the
heatsink & fan.
 PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 2: PREPARE THE

MOTHERBOARD
4. Place the motherboard in the PC case.
• Gently place the
motherboard in the case.
• Secure the motherboard to
the case by locking it with
screws.
 PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 3: INSTALL THE POWER SUPPLY

UNIT
To install:
1. Place the power supply unit in
the space specifically provided
for the part.
2. Secure the power supply unit
with the screws.
PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 4: CONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY

TO THE MOTHERBOARD
1. Connect the 24-Pin cable
from the power supply to the
motherboard.
This is mode of transport of
electricity of the motherboard.
2. Connect the 24-Pin cable
from the power supply to the
motherboard.
This is for the processor.
 PC ASSEMBLY
• STEP 5: CONNECT THE CPU FAN AND SYSTEM FAN TO THE
MOTHERBOARD
• After connecting the power cables to the motherboard, connect the system and
CPU fan too.

• STEP 6: INSTALL HARD DRIVE

• Mount the hard drive to the PC case.
• Secure the hard drive to the case by tightening the screws.
• Connect the hard drive data and power cables to the motherboard.
 PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 7: CONNECT THE FRONT PANEL HEADER TO THE MOTHERBOARD

• This is the main reason why you can use the PC case ports and power button of the
system unit. Some FPH are ready to connect to the port but some are not:

• STEP 8: INSTALL EXPANSION CARDS

To install:
• Place the expansion card to the compatible port in your motherboard (e.g.
PCI,PCI-E,AGP)
• Secure the expansion card with the screws to the chassis.
 PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 9: CLOSE THE CHASSIS

• Place the door or side panel of your chassis in its allotted space.
• Secure the door or side panel with the screws.

• STEP 10: CONNECT THE MONITOR

• Connect the display cable from the monitor to the system unit (e.g. VGA, HDMI,
DVI, DP, etc.)
 PC ASSEMBLY

• STEP 11: CONNECT PERIPHERALS

• Connect your mouse, keyboard, USB drivers, speakers, printers, etc. This
peripherals’ ports are usually located at the back (e.g. keyboard and mouse).

• STEP 12: CONNECT YOUR SYSTEM TO THE POWER OUTLET

• After putting it all together, connect the power cable to the power outlet.
 PC ASSEMBLY
• STEP 13: TURN IT ON
• Work in a logical, methodical manner
when working with computer
components.
• Improve computer assembly skills
dramatically with practice.
 OPENING THE CASE

Computer cases are produced in a variety of form factors.

• Form factors refer to the size and shape of the case.
• Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case:
• There should be adequate lightning, good ventilation, and a comfortable room
temperature.
• The workbench or table should be accessible from all sides.
• Avoid cluttering the surface with tools and computer components.
• An antistatic mat on the table will help prevent physical and ESD damage to
equipment.
 OPENING THE CASE

• Small containers can be used to hold screws and other small parts as they are
being removed.

• There are different methods for opening cases. Some of the methods include the
following:
1. The computer case cover may be removed as one piece.
2. The top and side panels of the case may be removed.
 OPENING THE CASE

3. The top of the case may need to be removed before the side panels
can be removed.
• INSTALL THE POWER SUPPLY
• A technician may be required to replace or install a power supply.
Most power supplies can only fit one way in the computer case.
Power supplies have fans that can vibrate and loosen screws that
are not secured.
 OPENING THE CASE

• POWER SUPPLY INSTALLATION STEPS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Insert power supply into the case.
2. Align the holes in the power supply with holes in the case.
3. Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws.
• ATTACH COMPONENTS TO THE MOTHERBOARD

As part of an upgrade or repair, you may need to install components

on the motherboard, and then install the motherboard into the
computer case.
 OPENING THE CASE

CPU ON MOTHERBOARD
• INSTALL A CPU AND A HEAT SINK/FAN ASSEMBLY
The CPU and the heat sink/fan assembly may be installed on the motherboard before the
motherboard is placed in the computer case.
• The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a CPU or
motherboard, make sure that you place them on a grounded antistatic mat. You should also
wear an antistatic wrist strap.

CAUTION: When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts.

 OPENING THE CASE
• The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly.
The CPU sockets today are ZIF sockets. You should be familiar with the locking
assembly before attempting to install a CPU into the socket on the motherboard.
• THERMAL COMPOUND
• Install a CPU and a heat sink/fan assembly
Thermal compound helps to keep the CPU cool. It is a substance that increases the
transfer of heat from the CPU to the heat sink, where it can be dissipated.
To install a used CPU, clean it and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol to
remove the old thermal compound.
 OPENING THE CASE
• 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.
• Install Heat sink/Fan Assembly
To install the 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

3. Close the CPU load plate secure it by closing load lever and moving it under
the load lever retention tab.
4. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU and spreads 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

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.
• INSTALL RAM
RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is
operating. RAM is volatile memory and the contents are lost when the computer is shut down.
Typically, adding more RAM will enhance the performance of your computer.
 OPENING THE CASE

• RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is
operating. RAM is volatile memory and the contents are lost when the computer
is shut down. Typically, adding more RAM will enhance the performance of your
computer.
 OPENING THE CASE

• RAM should be installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is

placed in the computer case.

• Before you install a stick of RAM, consult the motherboard documentation

or
website of the manufacturer to ensure that the RAM is compatible with the
motherboard.
 OPENING THE CASE

The following are 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.

Repeat these steps for additional RAM modules.

 OPENING THE CASE

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
and metal portions of the case. You should 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

The following are motherboard installation steps:

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.
 OPENING THE CASE
INSTALL 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. The following are
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.
 OPENING THE CASE

INSTALL EXTERNAL DRIVES

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.
 OPENING THE CASE

INSTALL THE OPTICAL DRIVE

An optical drive is a storage device that reads and writes information
to CDs or DVDs. A Molex power connector provides the optical drive with
power
from the power supply. A PATA cable is used to connect the optical drive to the
motherboard.
 OPENING THE CASE

The following are optical drive installation steps:

1. Position the optical drive so that it aligns 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

INSTALL THE ADAPTER CARDS

Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer. Adapter
cards must be compatible with the expansion slot. This section will focus on
the installation of three types of adapter cards.
• PCIe x1 NIC
• PCI Wireless NIC
• PCI x16 video adapter card
 OPENING THE CASE

INSTALL THE ADAPTER CARDS

• A video adapter card is the interfere between a computer and a display monitor.
An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphic capabilities for
games and graphic programs. Video adapter cards use PCI,AGP, and PCIe
expansion slots on the motherboard.
 OPENING THE CASE

The following are video adapter card installation steps:

• Align the video card to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.

• Press down gently on the video adapter card until the card is fully seated.

• Secure the video adapter card PC mounting bracket to the case with the
appropriate screw.
 OPENING THE CASE

CONNECT 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

CONNECT DRIVE POWER CABLES

• Just like other components, motherboards require power to operate. The
Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) main power connector will have 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

The following are motherboard power cable installation steps:

1. Align the 20-pin ATX power connector to the socket on the motherboard.
2. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
3. Align the 4-pin AUX power connector to the socket on the motherboard.
4. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
 OPENING THE CASE

CONNECT POWER CABLES

• SATA power connectors use a 15-pin connector. SATA power connectors are used to
connect to hard disk drives, optical drives, or any devices that 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 and a SATA power connector on the same
drive at the same time.
• 4-pin Berg Power Connector supplies power to a floppy drive.
 OPENING THE CASE

Power Connector Installation Steps

• To connect the power cables
• The following are 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 to 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

PATA CABLES
To connect the data cables
• Drives connect to the motherboard using data cables. Types of data cables are PATA,SATA,
and floppy disk.
• The PATA cable is sometimes called a ribbon cable because it is wide and flat. The PATA
cable can have either 40 or 80 conductors. A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin
connectors. One connector at the end of the cable connects to the motherboard. The other
two connectors connect to drives. If multiple hard drives are installed, the master drive will
connect to the end connector. The slave drive will connect to the middle connector.
 OPENING THE CASE

PATA CABLES
• A stripe on the data cable will denote Pin 1. Plug the PATA cable into the drive
with the pin 1indicator on the cable aligned to the pin 1 indicator on the drive
connector. The pin 1 indicator on the drive connector is usually closest to the
power connector on the drive. Many motherboards have two PATA drive
controllers. This provides support for a maximum of four PATA drives.
 OPENING THE CASE

SATA CABLES
To connect the drive data cables.
• The SATA data cable has a 7-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.
 OPENING THE CASE

Connect all Internal Cables

• The floppy drive data cable has a 34-pin connector. Like the PATA data cable,
the floppy drive data cable has a stripe to denote the location of pin 1. A floppy
drive cable usually three 34-pin connectors. 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.
 OPENING THE CASE

Connect all Internal Cables

• Plug the floppy drive data cable into the drive with the pin 1 indicator on the
cable aligned to the pin 1 indicator on the drive connector. Motherboards have
one floppy drive controller which provides support for a maximum of two
floppy drives.
NOTE: If pin 1 on the floppy drive data cable is not aligned with pin 1 on the drive
connector, floppy drive will not function. This will not damage the drive, but the drive
activity light will display continuously. To fix this problem, turn off the computer and re-
connect the data cable so that the pin 1 on the cable and the pin 1 on the connector are
aligned. Reboot the computer.
 OPENING THE CASE

The following are data cable installation steps:

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.
 OPENING THE CASE
• Re- attach Panels, Connect External Cables
• Re-attach Side Panels
Most computer cases have two panels, one on each side. Some computer cases have one three-
sided cover that slides down over the case frame.
Once the cover is in place, make sure that it is secured at all screw locations. Some computer
cases use screws that are inserted with a screwdriver. Other cases have knob-type screws that can
be tightened by hand.
Refer to the documentation or website of the manufacturer for more information if you are ensure
about how to remove or replace the computer case.
CAUTION: Handle case parts with care. Some computer case covers have sharp or
jagged edges.
 OPENING THE CASE

CONNECT EXTERNAL CABLES

After the case panels have been re-attached, connect the external cables to the
back of the computer. Here are some common external cable connections:
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• USB
• Ethernet
• Power
 OPENING THE CASE
Connect External Cables
The following are external cable installation steps:
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.
 OPENING THE CASE
BOOT COMPUTER FOR THE FIRST TIME
• When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system BIOS will perform a check on all
of the internal components. This check is called a power-on self test (POST). The BIOS is a
set of instructions stored in nonvolatile memory chip. Nonvolatile means that the memory
retains its contents even if the power is disconnected.
• A special keys or combination of keys on the keyboard is used to enter the BIOS set up
program. Most computers use the DEL key. Your computer may use another key or
combination of keys.
• The BIOS setup program displays information about all of the components in the computer.
The BIOS setup program is used to configure any settings that the computer components may
have. The BIOS setup will allow you to modify settings that control how the computer will
boot.
 OPENING THE CASE
IDENTIFY 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 emits 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.
 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.
 BIOS SETUP
• BIOS SETUP PROGRAM
BIOS settings are configured in the BIOS setup program. To enter this program, you
must press the proper key or key sequence during POST. Most computers use the DEL
key. Your computer may use another key or combination of keys.
Here are some common BIOS setup menu options:
• Main- System time, date, HDD type, etc.
• Advance- Infrared port settings, parallel port settings, etc.
• Security- Password settings to setup utility
• Others- Low battery alarm, system beep, etc.
• Boot- Sets the boot order of the computer
• Exit- Exits the setup utility