Subsidiary ICT — Computer Assembly
ST. EDWARD'S SS BUKUUMI
Subsidiary ICT — Senior Five
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY
Disassembling and Reassembling the System Unit
Fig 1: A labelled overview of components inside the system unit
Practical Lesson Notes for Learners and Facilitators
Topic: Computer Hardware | NCDC Subsidiary ICT Curriculum
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Subsidiary ICT — Computer Assembly
Lesson Overview
Item Details
Subject Subsidiary ICT
Class Senior Five (S.5)
Topic Computer Hardware
Sub-topic Computer Assembly — Disassembling & Reassembling the System Unit
Duration 3 double lessons (240 minutes) — Theory + Practical
Lesson Type Hands-on practical, group-based
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to:
1. Identify and name every major component found inside a desktop system unit.
2. State the correct safety precautions to observe before opening a system unit.
3. Disassemble a desktop computer's system unit, removing each component in the correct order.
4. Reassemble the system unit correctly, returning it to full working condition.
5. Explain the function of each component removed and reinstalled.
6. Demonstrate proper handling and storage of sensitive electronic components (ESD awareness).
Instructional Materials / Resources
• At least one working (or decommissioned) desktop system unit per group of 4–5 learners
• Phillips (cross-head) and flat-head screwdrivers
• Anti-static wrist strap and/or anti-static mat
• A small container or magnetic tray for screws
• Thermal paste (for CPU heat sink reinstallation, if available)
• Torch/flashlight for viewing inside the case
• Labels/masking tape and marker for tagging cables
• Projector/screen for diagrams and this lesson note
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Subsidiary ICT — Computer Assembly
Key Vocabulary
Term Meaning
System unit The case/box that houses the main internal components of a desktop computer.
The main circuit board that connects and allows communication between all
Motherboard
components.
CPU (Processor) The 'brain' of the computer; executes instructions and performs calculations.
Random Access Memory; temporary, high-speed memory used while the
RAM
computer is running.
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Converts mains AC power into DC power usable by internal components.
Storage drive A device (HDD or SSD) that permanently stores data and programs.
Expansion card A card (e.g. graphics card) inserted into a slot to add extra functionality.
Heat sink A metal component that draws heat away from the CPU to prevent overheating.
Electrostatic Discharge — a sudden flow of static electricity that can damage
ESD
components.
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Subsidiary ICT — Computer Assembly
Safety Precautions Before You Begin
Computer components are sensitive to static electricity, heat, and physical shock. Observe the following
precautions strictly:
Essential Safety Rules
⚠ Switch off the computer and unplug the power cable from the mains before opening the case.
⚠ Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds after unplugging to discharge any residual electricity.
⚠ Wear an anti-static wrist strap, clipped to an unpainted metal part of the case, throughout the exercise.
⚠ Work on a flat, clean, anti-static surface — avoid carpets on dry days.
⚠ Hold circuit boards and cards by their edges only; avoid touching gold connectors or chips.
⚠ Keep liquids and food away from the workstation at all times.
⚠ Group screws and small parts by component so nothing gets lost or mismatched during reassembly.
⚠ Never force a component into place — if it does not fit easily, check the orientation.
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Subsidiary ICT — Computer Assembly
Step 1: Identify the Components
Before disassembling, learners should be able to point out and name each component while the case is open.
Use the diagram below as a guide, then let learners physically locate each part in their group's system unit.
Fig 2: System unit components and their approximate positions
Component Primary Function
Motherboard Connects and allows communication between all other components
CPU (Processor) Processes instructions; the computer's brain
RAM Temporary memory that holds data/programs currently in use
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Supplies regulated power to all components
Storage drive (HDD/SSD) Permanently stores the operating system, programs and data
Expansion card (e.g. GPU) Adds extra capability such as improved graphics
CPU heat sink & fan Cools the processor to prevent overheating
Case fan(s) Circulates air to cool the whole system unit
Front panel connectors Link the case's power button, LEDs, and USB ports to the motherboard
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Step 2: Disassembling the System Unit
Learners should follow this sequence strictly, placing each removed component on the anti-static mat and
labelling any disconnected cable.
Fig 3: Recommended disassembly sequence
Detailed Procedure
7. Power off the computer, switch off at the socket, and unplug all external cables (power, monitor, USB,
network).
8. Press the power button briefly to discharge any electricity remaining in the system.
9. Place the system unit on a flat surface and remove the screws securing the side panel; slide or lift the panel
off.
10. Put on the anti-static wrist strap and clip it to the case chassis.
11. Take a photo (or sketch) of the internal cable layout for reference during reassembly.
12. Disconnect the main power cable and CPU power cable from the motherboard.
13. Disconnect data and power cables from the storage drives and optical drive.
14. Disconnect the front-panel connector cables (power button, LEDs, USB) from the motherboard, noting their
pin positions.
15. Unscrew and gently remove any expansion cards (e.g. graphics card) by releasing the retention clip first.
16. Unscrew and slide out the storage drive(s) and optical drive from their bays.
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Subsidiary ICT — Computer Assembly
17. Release the RAM slot clips outward and lift the RAM modules straight out.
18. Unclip and lift off the CPU heat sink and fan (twist gently if attached with thermal paste).
19. Release the CPU socket lever and carefully lift the CPU straight out by its edges.
20. Unscrew and remove the Power Supply Unit (PSU) from the rear of the case.
21. Finally, unscrew the motherboard standoffs and lift the motherboard out of the case.
Practical Task Box — Disassembly
In groups of 4–5, disassemble your assigned system unit following the steps above.
As you remove each component, state its name and function aloud to your group.
Place all screws for each component in a separately labelled container.
Time yourselves — aim to complete safe disassembly within 40 minutes.
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Subsidiary ICT — Computer Assembly
Step 3: Reassembling the System Unit
Reassembly is essentially the disassembly sequence in reverse. Precision matters most here — components
must be seated correctly before securing screws.
Fig 4: Recommended reassembly sequence
Detailed Procedure
22. Fit the motherboard onto the case standoffs, aligning the rear I/O ports, and secure with screws.
23. Mount the Power Supply Unit (PSU) into its bay at the rear of the case and screw it in firmly.
24. Align the CPU using the notch/triangle marker and lower it gently into the socket; close and lock the
retention lever.
25. Apply a small pea-sized dot of thermal paste to the centre of the CPU (if the old paste was cleaned off),
then attach the heat sink and fan; clip or screw it down evenly.
26. Insert RAM modules into their slots at the correct angle and press down firmly until both side clips click into
place.
27. Mount the storage drive(s) and optical drive into their bays and secure with screws.
28. Insert expansion cards (e.g. graphics card) firmly into their slots until the retention clip clicks.
29. Reconnect all internal cables: motherboard power, CPU power, drive data/power cables, and front-panel
connectors — use your earlier photo/sketch as a guide.
30. Double-check every cable and component is firmly and correctly seated with no loose connections.
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31. Replace the side panel and secure it with its screws.
32. Reconnect all external cables and power on the system to confirm it boots successfully.
Practical Task Box — Reassembly
Using the components and cables you removed, reassemble the system unit in the correct order.
Before powering on, ask your facilitator to inspect your work.
Power on the system and confirm it boots to the operating system without error.
If it fails to boot, systematically recheck RAM, power cables, and front-panel connections.
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Troubleshooting Common Assembly Faults
Symptom After Reassembly Likely Cause Suggested Fix
Check main power cable and PSU
No power / nothing happens Power cable loose or PSU switch off
rear switch
Reseat RAM and expansion card
System powers on, no display RAM not fully seated or GPU loose
firmly
Recheck CPU seating and RAM clip
Beeping sounds on startup CPU or RAM not properly installed
engagement
System restarts / overheats Reapply thermal paste and refit
Heat sink not making full contact
quickly heat sink
Front panel buttons/LEDs not Recheck pin orientation against
Front panel cable misaligned
working motherboard manual
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Assessment
A. Oral/Practical Assessment (during the lesson)
• Can the learner correctly name each component as it is removed?
• Does the learner follow the correct safety precautions throughout?
• Is the disassembly and reassembly completed in the correct sequence?
• Does the reassembled system unit power on and boot successfully?
B. Written Questions
33. List any five components found inside a desktop system unit and state the function of each.
34. Explain three safety precautions a technician must observe before opening a system unit.
35. Describe the correct order of removing components during disassembly, giving a reason for the order.
36. Explain why thermal paste is applied to the CPU before fitting the heat sink.
37. A learner reassembles a computer but it powers on with no display. Suggest two possible causes and how
to resolve them.
C. Group Practical Rubric
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Weak (1)
Strict adherence
Safety practice Minor lapses Several lapses Safety ignored
throughout
Perfect order One step out of Several steps out No clear
Correct sequence
both ways order of order sequence
Careful, edge- Some rough
Component handling Mostly careful Careless handling
only handling handling
Boots
Boots after minor Boots after major
Final function test successfully first Does not boot
fix fix
try
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Lesson Summary
A desktop system unit is built from interdependent components — the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage drives,
expansion cards, and power supply — each with a distinct function. Disassembling and reassembling the system
unit correctly requires strict safety practice (especially anti-static precautions), a clear order of operations, and
careful, patient handling of every part. Mastery of this practical skill builds the foundation for further study in
computer maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Key Takeaways
• Always power down, unplug, and discharge static before opening a system unit.
• Disassemble outward-in: cables → cards → drives → RAM → CPU/heat sink → PSU → motherboard.
• Reassemble inward-out: motherboard → PSU → CPU/heat sink → RAM → drives → cards → cables.
• Label cables and group screws to avoid confusion during reassembly.
• Always test the system after reassembly before closing the case fully.
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