Chapter: 3 Computer Assembly

3.1 Computer Assembly
1. 3.1.1 Open the Case and Install the Power Supply
  1. 3.1.1.1 Open the Case
    1. Computer cases are produced in a variety of form factors. Form factors refer to the size and shape of the case.Most computer cases are opened in one of the following ways:
      1. The computer case cover is removed as one piece.
      2. The top and side panels of the case are removed.
      3. The top of the case is removed before the side panels can be removed.
      4. A latch is pulled to release the side panel, which can swing open.
  2. 3.1.1.2 Install the Power Supply
    1. When installing a power supply, make sure that all the screws are used and tightened correctly. To install a power supply, follow these steps:
      1. Step 1. Insert the power supply into the case.
      2. Step 2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case.
      3. Step 3. Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws
2. 3.1.2 Install the Motherboard
  1. 3.1.2.1 Install the CPU, Heat Sink and Fan Assembly
    1. The CPU, heat sink and fan assembly might be installed on the motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the computer case.
      1. CPU
        The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a CPU and motherboard, make sure that you place them on a grounded antistatic mat. Wear an antistatic wrist strap while working. When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts at any time. Thermal compound helps to conduct heat away from the CPU. clean the top of the CPU and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth.
      2. Heat Sink and Fan Assembly
        It 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 assembly usually has a 3-pin power connector.
  2. 3.1.2.2 Install RAM
    1. RAM provides fast, temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is operating. RAM is volatile memory, which means that its contents are lost when the computer is powered off.
  3. 3.1.2.3 Install the Motherboard
    1. Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the motherboard and to prevent it from touching the metal portions of the case.The I/O connector plate is installed on the inside of the back of the computer case to allow the connectors to be used when the motherboard is installed in the case.
3. 3.1.3 Install the Drives
  1. 3.1.3.1 Install the Internal Drive
    1. Drives that are installed in internal bays are called internal drives. A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example of an internal drive.
  2. 3.1.3.2 Install the Optical Drive
    1. Optical drives write information to and read information from removable media, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Optical drives are installed in drive bays that are accessed from the front of the case. The external bays allow access to the media without opening the case. A Molex or SATA power connector provides the optical drive with power from the power supply. A PATA or SATA data cable connects the optical drive to the motherboard.
  3. 3.1.3.3 Install the Floppy Drive
    1. A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads information from and writes information to a floppy disk. A Berg power connector provides the FDD with power from the power supply. A floppy drive data cable connects the FDD to the motherboard. A floppy disk drive fits into the 3.5 inch (8.9 cm.) bay on the front of the computer case.
4. 3.1.4 Install the Adapter Cards
  1. 3.1.4.1 Types of Adapter Cards
    1. Adapter cards add functionality to a computer. Adapter cards must be compatible with the expansion slots on the motherboard. You will install three types of adapter cards:
      1. PCIe x1 NIC
      2. PCI wireless NIC
      3. PCIe x16 video adapter card
  2. 3.1.4.2 Install a NIC
    1. A NIC enables a computer to connect to a network. NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
  3. 3.1.4.3 Install a Wireless NIC
    1. A wireless NIC enables a computer to connect to a wireless network. Wireless NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.
  4. 3.1.4.4 Install a Video Adapter Card
    1. A video adapter card is the interface between a computer and a display monitor. An upgraded video adapter card can provide improved graphic capabilities for games and graphic programs. Video adapter cards use PCI, AGP, and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
5. 3.1.5 Install the Cables
3.2 Boot the Computer
1. 3.2.1 Open the Case and Install the Power Supply
2. 3.2.2 Install the Motherboard
3. 3.2.3 Install the Drives
4. Enter text here
3.3 Upgrading and Configuring a PC

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Chapter: 3 Computer Assembly

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