INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY – COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING 9

INSTALLING COMPUTER SYSTEM

(System Unit Disassembly)

Objective: After you finished this module, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the steps on how to disassemble a System Unit
2. Observe OHS Procedures while performing disassembly of a System Unit
3. Appreciate the importance of learning the skills on disassembling a System Unit.

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Direction: Match the image below with its correct name. Write your answers in your Notebook.

Column A Column B
a. RAM

1.
b. Hard Disk Drive

2.
c. Expansion Card

3.
d. Motherboard

4.
e. CPU

5.

Lesson 1: Assembly and Disassembly of System Unit of a Desktop PC

One of the basic skills that you must acquire in computer hardware servicing is to independently
assemble and disassemble a personal computer or simply setting up a PC. After familiarizing with all the tools
and safety precautions I believe that you are now ready to gain another experience in CHS by going through
this lesson.

System Unit Disassembly

Before starting computer disassembly, make sure you have the tools you need and they're all close
by and handy and be sure to have a container to keep the screws in so you have them when you want to put
things back together.
Step1. Unplugging - The first thing you do is to unplug every cable that is plugged in to your
computer. That includes the cables such as Power, USB, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet, Ethernet,
Modem, AM\FM Antenna, Cable TV, etc. Just unplug all the cables for safety purposes.

Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work space, preferably
a carpet. The carpet is better than tile, because screws and other small parts will roll around.

Step2. Opening the Outer Shell/Case- First, unscrew the four screws at the back of the computer.
On most computer cases, there will be large knobs that you can unscrew by hand or by screw
driver on the back-right side of the computer. The left side has small screws because on that side
you can't access much on the inside.

Figure 33. Screw at the back of computer chassis

Once the screws are removed, you can remove the side panels. On most computers, they just slide
off. Start with the left side panel (the side that once had the knobs), slide it towards the back of the computer.
Now you can remove the left panel. Just like the other side, slide it towards the back of the computer.

Side
Pane

Figure 34. Removing the side panel

NOTICE:
If you are working on a carpet, about every five minutes touch something that is grounded (Sink faucet /
pipe, wire coming from the ground part of a wall outlet). This is done so you do not shock your motherboard
or other parts.

Step3. Removing the System Fan - First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You can find the plug by
following the wire from the fan. It should be labeled "SYS_FAN1". Next, you will have to unscrew the fan from
the outside. You should now be able to lift the fan out of the PC.
 System Fan

Figure 35. Removing the system fan

Step4. Removing the CPU Fan- The CPU fan is located right on top of the CPU heat sink, which is a large
piece of metal with fins on the top. The CPU fan plugs into the motherboard in an awkward place that is hard
to access. But just follow the wires and you should easily find it. It is labeled "CPU FAN1". To remove the fan
from the heat sink, remove the four screws securing it in place.

CPU
Fan

Figure 36. Removing the CPU fan

Step5. Power Supply - The first thing to do is unplug every wire coming from the power supply. You must
disconnect the motherboard (very large connector/plug), CD/DVD drive(s) power, internal hard drive power
and portable hard drive slot power.

Once everything is unplugged, unscrew the four screws holding the power supply in place, on the back
of the computer. Next, push the power supply from the outside, and then lift it out.

Figure 37. Unscrew the power supply

Step6. CD/ DVD Drive(s)- First, unplug the ribbon from the back of the drive. Once that is completed, pull on
the tab securing the drive in place, then push it out from the inside.
 CD / DVD
Drive

Figure 38. Location of CD / DVD Drive

Step7. Hard Drive - First, unplug the connector at the back of the slot, and unplug the other end from the
motherboard. Also unplug the SATA cable from the motherboard and the hard drive. The portable hard drive
slot is secured the same way the CD/DVD drive is, with a tab. Pull on the tab, then slide the slot out.

Figure 39. Unplugging the Hard Drive connector

To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws securing it in place. You must be
very careful not to drop the hard drive, since it is very delicate!

Figure 40. Removing the hard drive from the side of the slot

Step8. Memory (RAM) - To remove the RAM, push down on both tabs holding the RAM in place, which are
located at both ends of the RAM.
 Figure 41. Removing the Memory

Step9. Motherboard - The motherboard has seven screws holding it to the frame, which are indicated by
large white circles around them. Remove them and then lift the motherboard out of the frame.

Figure 42. Removing the Motherboard

Now that you are done with the disassembly, you have gained enough skills. Next in line is the
PC Assembly, exert more effort and patience. Just follow the step by step procedures and illustrations
below and surely you can make it. Good Luck!!!

Task 1: Rearrange the Procedures

Direction: Rearrange the following procedures in their proper order. Use letters a-h to indicate their order of
precedence. Write your answers on your Answer Sheets.

System Unit Disassembly

____1. Detaching the Hard Drive

____2. Detaching the power supply
____3. Opening the outer shell / case
____4. Pull Out the Motherboard
____5. Removing the CD / DVD Drives
____6. Removing the CPU fan
____7. Removing the system fan
____8. Unplugging all the cables and wires

Task 2: Assessment: System Unit Disassembly

1. **What is the first step to take before beginning the disassembly of a system unit?**
- a) Removing the motherboard
- b) Unplugging all cables
- c) Opening the outer shell
- d) Removing the RAM

2. **What is the purpose of touching something grounded, like a sink faucet, when working on a computer?**
- a) To clean your hands
- b) To prevent static discharge
- c) To make the fan run smoothly
- d) To cool down the CPU

3. **Which tool is typically needed to open the outer shell of a computer?**

- a) Hammer
- b) Screwdriver
- c) Wrench
- d) Pliers

4. **In what order should you remove the components from the system unit?**
 - a) Motherboard first, then power supply
- b) Power supply first, then hard drive
- c) CD/DVD drives before RAM
- d) System fan before CPU fan

5. **Where is the system fan plug labeled on the motherboard?**

- a) SYS_FAN1
- b) CPU_FAN1
- c) HDD1
- d) PWR_FAN

6. **How is the CPU fan removed?**

- a) Unplugging and pulling it directly
- b) Unscrewing the fan from the heat sink
- c) Twisting it off the motherboard
- d) Unsnapping it from the case

7. **What should you be careful of when removing the hard drive?**

- a) Ensure it’s cool before touching
- b) Make sure the screws are not removed
- c) Handle it carefully as it is delicate
- d) Use both hands for extra support

8. **How is RAM typically removed from a motherboard?**

- a) By unscrewing the side clips
- b) Pushing down on the tabs at each end
- c) Twisting it out carefully
- d) Sliding it upwards

9. **How many screws typically hold the motherboard in place?**

- a) 3
- b) 5
- c) 7
- d) 10

10. **Which of the following is NOT a step in the system disassembly process?**
- a) Removing the power supply
- b) Detaching the Ethernet cable
- c) Formatting the hard drive
- d) Unplugging the CPU fan