Computer Hardware
Basics
Module 4
Computer Assembly
1
Computer Assembly
Install Power Supply Unit
Step 1: Open the computer case
Step 2: Align the screw holes on the power
supply with the mount on the computer case.
Step 3: screw the power supply into place.
2
Computer Assembly
Select Case and Fans
• The choice of motherboard and external components influences the selection of the case
and power supply.
• The motherboard form factor must be matched with the correct type of computer case
and power supply.
Factors affecting the choice of a computer case include:
• Model Type – The motherboard determines the type of case you can use. The size and
shape must match.
• Size – A computer with many components will need more room for airflow to keep the
system cool.
• Power Supply – Match the power supply rating and connection type to the motherboard.
• Appearance – There are many case designs to choose from.
• Status Display – LEDs mounted on outside of case tell you if the system has power,
when the hard drive is in use, and when the computer is in sleep or hibernate mode.
• Vents – All cases have a vent on the power supply, and some have a vent in the back to
draw air out of into the system. Some cases have even more vents. 3
Computer Assembly
Case fans should be installed to move cooler air into the computer case while moving heat
out of the case.
4
Computer Assembly
• Power supplies convert AC input to DC output voltages.
• Power supplies typically provide voltages of 3.3V, 5V, and 12V, and are measured in
wattage.
• The power supply must provide enough power for the installed components and allow for
other components that may be added at a later time.
• If you choose a power supply that powers only the current components, you might need
to replace the power supply when other components are upgraded.
5
Computer Assembly
Install CPU
Step 1: Orient the CPU to the CPU slot.
Step 2: Press the CPU into the CPU slot.
Step 3: Lock the CPU into place.
Step 4: Apply thermal paste to the CPU.
Step 5: Install the heatsink.
Step 6: Secure the heatsink.
6
Computer Assembly
Install the RAM
Step 1: Open the RAM slot levers.
Step 2: Orient the RAM chip to the motherboard slot.
Step 3: Lower the RAM chip into the slot.
Step 4: Press down firmly to lock the RAM chip.
Install the Motherboard
Step 1: Align the motherboard in the correct direction.
Step 2: Locate the standoffs.
Step 3: Install standoffs in the computer case.
Step 4: Align I/O plate to back of computer case.
Step 5: Lower motherboard into place.
Step 6: Install the screws into the standoffs.
7
Computer Assembly
Hard Drive
Step 1: Position the HDD so that it aligns with the drive ay opening. The power and
interface connectors should be facing out towards the motherboard.
Step 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.
Step 3: Secure the HDD to the case using the proper screws.
8
Computer Assembly
Optical Drive
Step 1: From the front of the case, choose the drive bay
that you want to hold the drive. Remove the faceplate from
that bay if necessary.
Step 2: Position the optical so that it aligns with the 5.25
inch (13.34 cm.) drive bay opening at the front of the case.
Step 3: Insert the optical drive into the drive bay so that
the optical drive screw holes align with the screw holes in
the case.
Step 4: Secure the optical drive to the case using the
proper screws.
9
Computer Assembly
Selecting Hard Drive
• You may need to replace an internal storage device when it no longer meets your
customer’s needs, or it fails.
• Signs that an internal storage device is failing might be unusual noises, unusual
vibrations, error messages, or even corrupt data or applications that do not load.
• Internal drives usually connect to the motherboard with SATA while external drives
connect with USB, eSATA, or Thunderbolt.
• Legacy motherboards may only offer the IDE or EIDE interface.
• When selecting a HDD, it is important to choose one that is compatible with the
interfaces offered by the motherboard.
• Most internal HDDs are available in the 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) form factor, however 2.5 inch
(6.4 cm) drives are becoming popular. SSDs are generally available in the 2.5 inch (6.4
cm) form factor.
• Note: SATA and eSATA cables are similar but they are not interchangeable.
10
Computer Assembly
Install Adapter Card
Step 1: Find an empty PCIe x16 slot on the case and remove the small metal cover.
Step 2: Align the video adapter card to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
Step 3: Press down gently on the video adapter card until it is fully seated.
Step 4: Secure the video adapter card mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate
screw.
11
Computer Assembly
Install the Adapter Cards
Expansion cards are installed into an appropriate slot on
the motherboard.
• Many video adapter cards require separate power
from the power supply using a 6-pin or 8-pin power
connector.
• Installation Tip: Research the length of the video
card. Longer cards may not be compatible with certain
motherboards. Some adapter cards may come with
mounting brackets of different heights to
accommodate these cases.
• Installation Tip: Some cases have small slots at the
bottom of the hole where the cover was removed.
Slide the bottom of the mounting bracket into this slot
before seating the card. 12