Lesson 1: Computer Hardware Disassembly and Assembly

Materials, Tools, Equipment and Testing Devices

The following tools and equipment are classified according to their functions and uses.

Equipment and Accessories Tools Materials

LAN Card Screwdriver(Flathead) Software applications

UPS Screwdriver(Philips) Network OS Software
Server Long nose pliers RJ 45
24 port-hub Mechanical pliers UTP Cat 5 cable
Modem Allen wrench Motherboard‟s manual
Fax machine Multi-tester and installer
PC Video camera Crimping tools Sound device driver
USB External CD writer Soldering iron (30 watts) installer
USB scanner Wire stripper
USB printers LAN Tester
USB Flash Drive Anti-static wrist wrap
Device drivers/installers

LAN Card – is a network interface card. This is a computer circuit board

or card that is installed in a computer so that it can be connected to a
network.

Server – is a part of a network. It is a special computer that users on

the network can access to carry out a particular job.

Port hub/Port – is a connector on the back of a computer or other

device. A port is either a serial port or a parallel port.

Modem - (Modulator-Demodulator) The modem is a device that

allows a given computer to share data or otherwise a device which let
computers exchange information

Scanner - it is an input device that reads text or illustration printed on

paper, translates the information into a form that a computer can use.

Printer - is a piece of hardware that produces a paper copy (also

known as “hardcopy‟) of the information generated by the computer.

Pliers is a hand tool used to hold objects firmly, for bending, or physical
compression.
Soldering gun is a tool for soldering metals using tin-based solder to
achieve a highly conductive contact.

Desoldering tools are used for removing the molten solder so that the
joint may be separated.

Flat Screw Driver – is used to drive or fasten negative slotted screws.

Philips Screw Driver - is used to drive or fasten positive slotted

screws.

Allen wrench (also known by various other synonyms) is a tool of

hexagonal cross-section used to drive bolts and screws that have a
hexagonal socket in the head.

Pliers and tweezers - are used for picking small parts in the computer
unit.

Crimping tool - is a device used to crimp the RJ45 connector to the

UTP cable.

Multi-meter or a multi-tester, also known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm

meter), is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several
measurement functions in one unit.

LAN Tester – is a device used for testing the network connection.

Protective Eyewear - enclose or protect the eye area in order to

prevent particulates, infectious fluids, or chemicals from striking the
eyes.
Face Mask - covering for the face to prevent the inhaling or absorbing
dust and other chemicals.

Anti-static wrist strap, mat and spray- are used for eliminating
electrostatic discharge in the work area.

A gloves are garments for covering and protecting the whole hand.

Apron A garment worn over the front of the body as a protection for
one‟s cloth.
 Rubber Sole A special type of shoes used to prevent electrical shock
and for waterproofing and insulating purposes.

Thermal paste - is a paste used for heat dissipation of the processor.

Computer case screws are the hardware used to secure parts of a

desktop computer to the system case.

RJ45 is a type of connector commonly used for Unshielded Twisted

Pair (UTP) cable to set up Ethernet networks.

UTP Cat 5 Cable is a network cable that consists of four twisted pairs
of copper wire terminated by an RJ-45 connector.

INSTALLATION OF HARDWARE COMPONENTS AND OTHER PERIPHERALS

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

Personal Computer 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.

Step 1. Unplugging - The first thing you do is to unplug every cable that is plugged into your computer. That
includes 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 workspace.

Step 2. 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 screwdriver 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.
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.

Step 3. 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.

Step 4. 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.

Step 5. 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.

Step 6. 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.

Step 7. 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.

Step 8. 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.

Step 9. 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.

Personal Computer Assembly

Now that you have the skills in disassembling a personal computer, I believe that you are ready to take another
step of this module which is assembling a personal computer. All you need to do is to follow the step by step
procedures provided in this module.

Step 1. Prepare your workplace

1. Take Inventory:
Before you start, take an inventory of your parts. Do not begin assembling your computer if you don't have
everything you need. Begin the step-by-step process once you are ready with everything you need.
● Computer Case
● Motherboard
● Ram
● Power Supply
● Hard Disk Drive
● CPU Fan with HeatSink
● DVD Drive
● Case Fan
● Video Card
● SATA Cables
● Sound Card

2. Make Space, Make Time:

Building a PC takes up space - about a dining room table worth. So make sure you have plenty of working
room and a few hours to proceed with minimal interruption. Work on a flat, stable table top surface, or bare
floor, where you have room to layout all of the items.

3. Prepare Grounding Protection:

Use an inexpensive antistatic wrist strap. Make sure you are wearing your antistatic wrist strap correctly (it
does you no good at all if you do not wear it!), and you are ready to proceed.

4. Have the Drivers Ready:

Assuming you have another internet connected PC, download the latest drivers from the vendors' websites for
each component you will be installing. Sometimes drivers are updated between the time the component was
manufactured and the time you are installing it. It is always best to have the latest.

Step 2. Prepare the Motherboard

1. Great care should be taken when installing the motherboard. First, take the board out of its packaging and
put it on top of the antistatic bag it came in. Remember, you always want to safeguard your components from
potentially hazardous static electricity (wear your strap)
2. Before you secure the motherboard onto the PC case/chassis, inspect it carefully for any visible defects.
Step 3. Install the CPU
1. Use the unlocking mechanism to open the CPU socket which is usually a lever.
2. Carefully line up the pins and place the chip in its socket; it will fit only when oriented the proper way. An
arrow or a missing pin on one corner of the chip will show you how to line things up.
3. Align Triangular CPU and socket key marks as shown in Figure 46.
4. Lower the lever to lock the CPU into place.

Step 4. Install the CPU Heat Sink

1. Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the heat sink and the fan that will cool the processor. If you
bought an OEM CPU and a separate heat sink, you may need to spread a thin layer of the thermal grease that
came with the heat sink over the chip to ensure proper transfer of heat (some heat sinks come with this grease
already applied).
2. Attach the clip that holds the heat sink in place keeping in mind that it may require a fair amount of force.
Again, follow the instructions that came with the heat sink. They will show you how to fit it correctly. If you are in
doubt, you can visit the manufacturer's website for more information.
3. Plug the CPU fan's power connector into the proper connector on the motherboard.

Step 5. Install Memory (RAM Modules)

In order to install the memory modules, insert them into the proper sockets (Figure 48) and push down firmly
but evenly until the clips on both sides of the socket pop into place. If your motherboard supports dual-channel
memory, consult the user manual to determine which pairs of RAM sockets you should use. The motherboard
and the CPU are the brain and nerve center of your PC, so selecting these components is the most important
decision you'll make.

Step 6. Place the motherboard into the case

1. Note the pattern of the holes in your motherboard, and screw brass standoffs into the motherboard tray or
into the PC case in the correct locations (ALWAYS check the manual and follow their instructions to the letter).
2. Check the layout of the sockets on the motherboard, and confirm that the ports on your motherboard's back
panel match the holes on the case's Input/Output (I/O) shield that is installed in your case. If necessary, remove
the old I/O shield by tapping it firmly a few times with the butt-end of a screwdriver, and
3. Carefully position the motherboard on top of the brass standoffs, line up all the holes, and use the screws
that accompanied the case to fasten down the motherboard. If you are using a removable tray in your system,
slide the tray and motherboard back into the case and then secure the tray.

Step 7. Connect the Power Supply

Making the proper connections is crucial to successfully assembling your PC system. Fortunately,
manufacturers provide color-coded power cables and unique connector shapes to make the job easy.
1. First, plug the large ATX power connector from your power supply into the matching port on your
motherboard.
2. Locate the smaller, square processor power connector (you cannot miss it - it is the one sprouting the
yellow and black wires) and attach it to the motherboard. Note: your connector is usually located near
the processor. As always, refer to your motherboard's manual for the exact locations.
3. Use your motherboard user manual and find the description about front-panel connectors.
4. Attach each of the tiny leads from the power and reset switches, the hard-disk activity lights, the PC
speaker, and any front-panel USB and FireWire ports to the corresponding pin on your motherboard.
The needle-nose pliers are useful for manipulating small pieces.

Step 8. Install Graphics / Video Cards

1. Begin by removing the backplane cover from the AGP or PCI Express X16 slot (the metal piece where the
monitor connector will emerge).
2. Install the graphics board in that slot, and then secure the card with a screw.

Step 9. Install Internal Drives

Now it is time to install your drives. This is an easy process, but it requires
attention to detail. The hard drive is the device that stores all of your data. It is 3.5" wide and needs to be
mounted so that you can gain access to the cable connections on the back. If that is not possible you may need
to connect cables before you install the drive. To mount the drive:
1. Find a 3.5" drive bay to install the drive in. If you have trouble finding a place to mount the drive
consult
your case documentation for suggestions.
 2. Slide the drive into place until the screw holes on the sides are lined up with the holes in the case.
3. Install the screws.

Step 10. Install the Add- in Cards

1. For each add-in card, you must choose a free PCI slot.
2. Remove its backplane cover to allow access from the rear of the case.
3. Carefully position the card above the slot, and press down firmly to seat the card.
4. Secure the card with a screw.

Many motherboards have additional sound connectors or ports housed on small add-in boards. Some of these
plug into slots on the motherboard; others screw into the back of the case in place of slot covers. Usually the
additional ports are not essential to your PC's operation. For example, if you install a sound card, you do not
need connectors to the motherboard's built-in sound chip. Check your motherboard manual to determine what
each of these boards does.