Lab 03: Looking inside the system unit and getting familiar with internal | 1

components

Lab 03: Looking inside the system unit and

getting familiar with internal components
Upon successful completion of this lab the students will be able to:
 Getting familiar with internal components of system unit.
 Getting familiar with motherboard slots and sockets.
3.1 Tools
 System unit and screw driver.
3.2 Background
3.2.1 System Unit
System unit is the technical term that refers to the box that houses the components
which make up your computer. A system unit is sometimes called a box or main unit.
The system unit includes:
 Chassis
 RAM and ROM
 Motherboard
 Microprocessor
 Power Supply
 Expansion Cards
 Hard Disk
Drive  Ports and Connectors
 Floppy Drive  Sockets and Slots
 CD/DVD Drive  Chipsets

3.2.2 Chassis
Chassis also called the computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the
main components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processing
unit (CPU), power supply, and more. Computer cases come in different shapes and
sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A
tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. The front of the case
usually has an on/off switch and one or more optical drives. See figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1: Chassis Figure 3.2: Power Supply Unit (PSU)

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components

3.2.3 Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The PSU is an internal hardware component used to supply the components in a
computer with power by converting potentially lethal 110-115 or 220-230 volt
alternating current (AC) into a steady low-voltage direct current (DC) usable by the
computer. A power supply is rated by the number of watts it generates. See figure
3.2.
3.2.4 Power Supply Unit Connectors
3.2.4.1 Molex Connector
Molex is 4-pin power connector (see figure 3.3) used to power devices such as hard
disk drives, CD/DVD drives and fans. Figure 3.4 shows the pin description of Molex
connector.
3.2.4.2 Berg/Mini-Molex Connector
Berg is 4-pin power connector (see figure 3.5) used to power floppy diskette drives
and other parts of the computer such as the front panel lights, reset, or turbo
button. It is also referred to as Min- Molex connector.

Figure 3.3: Molex connector Figure 3.4: Pin description for Molex and
Berg

3.2.4.3 ATX Connector

This connector is one of the largest connectors inside your computer that connects
the computer power supply to an ATX style motherboard. This 20-pin cable is a
multi-color cable and may be labeled as P1. With the introduction of ATX-2, this
cable is now a 24-pin cable and no longer a 20- pin cable. See figure 3.6.

Figure 3.5: Berg/Mini-Molex connector Figure 3.6: ATX connector

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components

3.2.4.4 P4 Connector
A 12V power supply cable used with motherboards that have an Intel Pentium 4
processor. It can also power few of the fans. See figure 3.7.
3.2.4.5 PCIE/PEG Connector
PCI Express graphics power connectors are often called PEG power connectors. It is
6 or 8 pin connector used to power graphic cards, see figure 3.8. A 6 pin PEG
connector can deliver 75W of 12V power and 8 pin PEG connector can deliver 150W
of 12V to the graphics card.
3.2.4.6 AUX Connector
The auxiliary connector is a 4 or 6 wire power supply connector that connects to the
motherboard. It provides additional power to the processor and other power hungry
devices like a video. See figure 3.9.

Figure 3.7: P4 connector Figure 3.8: PCIE/PEG connector

3.2.4.7 SATA Connector
The SATA power connector is a special 15-pin connector fed by only five wires,
meaning three pins are connected directly to each wire. It is used to power SATA
drives including hard disk, CD and DVD drives. See figure 3.10.

Figure 3.9: AUX connector Figure 3.10: SATA connector

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3.2.4.8 Fan Power Connector

Chassis and CPU fans may use either 3-pin or 4-pin power connectors. 3-pin
connectors are usually used for the smaller chassis fans with lower power
consumption. 4-pin connectors are usually used by CPU fans with higher power
consumption. See figure 3.11.

Figure 3.11: 3-pin and 4-pin fan power connector

3.2.5 Motherboard
The motherboard is a printed circuit board that is the foundation of a computer,
located at the bottom of the computer case. It serves to connect all of the parts
of a computer together. The CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video
card, sound card and other ports and expansion cards all connect to the
motherboard directly or via cables. The motherboard is considered to be "back
bone" of the PC. See figure 3.12.

Figure 3.12: Motherboard

3.2.6 Random Access Memory (RAM)

Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory.
Random Access Memory (RAM) stores the data and instructions (temporarily)
needed by the processor. The data is stores randomly hence, the access is
faster.

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As the computer boots up, parts of the operating system and drivers are loaded
into memory, which allows the CPU to process the instructions much faster,
hence taking less time before your machine is operational. After the operating
system has loaded, each program you open such as the browser you're using to
view this page is loaded into memory while it is running.
3.2.7 RAM Modules
3.2.7.1 Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM)
SIMM module usually comes in 30-pin and 72-pin variants. Identify a SIMM chip by
looking at the notch next to the contacts on one side. The 72-pin SIMM has a
notch in the middle.
3.2.7.2 Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
DIMM modules are of two types: Single Data Rate DIMM (SDR DIMM) and Double Data
Rate DIMM (DDR DIMM). DDR are of four types: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4.

Type Name Pin Voltage Identification

s
SDR Single Data Rate 16 3.3V 2 notches.
8
DDR1 Double Data Rate 18 2.5V/2.6V 1 notch to right of center.
1 4
DDR2 Double Data Rate 24 1.8V 1 notch to right of center close to it.
2 0
DDR3 Double Data Rate 24 1.5V/ 1 notch to left of center.
3 0 1.35V
DDR4 Double Data Rate 28 1.05V/ 1 notch, taller than DDR3, curved
4 8 1.2V edges.

Small Outline DIMM (SO-DIMM) is 72 or 144-pin small module used in laptops.

Figure 3.13: SIMM module Figure 3.14: SDR DIMM module

Figure 3.15: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 modules Figure 3.16: SO-DIMM module

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3.2.7.3 Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM)

RIMM is 184 or 232-pin module, developed by Kingston Technology Company in
conjunction with Intel and Rambus, Inc. RIMMs are faster than DIMMs but
generate more heat. For preventing overheating, aluminum heat spreaders are
used. Small Outline RIMM (SO-RIMM) is 160-pin module used in small form factor
devices.
With RIMMs all memory slots on the motherboard must be filled to maintain
continuity throughout all slots. If the slot is not filled with ram it must have a
placeholder module called a C-RIMM (Continuity RIMM) to ensure continuity
throughout all slots.

Figure 3.17: RIMM modules Figure 3.18: C-RIMM module

3.2.8 Read Only Memory (ROM)
Read-Only Memory, stores the data permanently to be read only. ROM typically
stores special software called BIOS (Basic Input Output System).
3.2.9 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Hard Disk Drive is computer’s main storage media device that permanently
stores all data on the computer. HDD can be internal (connected using IDE or
SATA cables) or external (connected using USB cable). Two major HDD interfaces
for internal HDDs are: IDE and SATA.
3.2.9.1 Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
More commonly known as ATA or Parallel ATA (PATA) and is a standard interface
for IBM compatible hard drives. HDD IDE has 40-pins. Whereas floppy IDE has 34-
pins.
3.2.9.2 Serial Advance Technology Architecture (SATA)
It is a replacement for the Parallel ATA interface used in IBM compatible
computers. Serial ATA is capable of delivering 1.5Gbps (150MBps) of
performance to each drive within a disk array, offers a thin, small cable solution.

Figure 3.19: SATA HDD and data cable Figure 3.20: IDE HDD and data cable

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3.2.10 Floppy Diskette Drive (FDD)

FDD is a computer disk drive that enables a user to save data to removable floppy
diskettes.
Floppy diskette can be in variety of sizes: 8”, 5.25” or 3.5”. It uses 34-pin IDE data
connector.

Figure 3.21: FDD Figure 3.22: Floppy Figure 3.23: DVD ROM
3.2.11 Optical Disc Readers
An optical disc can be in the form of CD, DVD, HD-DVD and BRD. The reader can
read the data out of optical discs using laser light. The optical discs have different
capacity of data storage:
Disc Name Capacity
CD Compact Disc 700MB
DVD Digital Video Disc 4.7GB
HD-DVD High Definition DVD 15GB/30GB
BRD Blu-Ray Disc 25GB/50GB/100GB/
128GB
The recorders and rewriters can write the data on the blank discs. Where, CD-R is
Recordable Disc and CD-RW is rewritable Disc.
3.2.12 Expansion Slots
Expansion slots on the motherboards allows additional boards to be connected to
it. For example, if you wanted to install a new video card in the computer,
purchase a video expansion card and install into the compatible expansion slot.
Slot Name Pin Bits Year
s
ISA Industry Standard Architecture 98 8/16 1980

EISA Extended ISA 19 32 1988

8

Video Electronics Standards Association

VLB 11 32 1992
Local Bus (VESA LB) 2

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PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect 12 32/6 1992

4 4

PCI-X Peripheral Component Interconnect eXtended - 64 1990

x 18/
1 32/
PCI-E Peripheral Component Interconnect Express - 2004
x 49/
4 82
x8
x1
6

Personal Computer Memory Card

PCMCIA 68 16 1990
International Association

AGP Accelerated Graphics Port 32 132 1997

3.2.12.1 Random Access Memory (RAM) Slots

RAM slots allows RAM modules to be inserted into the computer. Depending on
the motherboard, there may be 2 to 4 memory slots (sometimes more on high-
end boards).

Figure 3.24: RAM slots

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3.2.13Microprocessor
Also referred to as processor, CPU or brain of computer. The computer CPU is
responsible for processing all the instructions it receives from hardware and
software running on the computer. There are two main classifications of
processors found in computers today: 32-bit and 64-bit. The processor is placed
and secured into a compatible CPU socket / slot found on the motherboard.
3.2.13.1 Microprocessor Packages
 Pin Grid Array (PGA)
A pin grid array, often abbreviated PGA, is a type of integrated circuit packaging.
In a PGA, the package is square or rectangular, and the pins are arranged in a
regular array on the underside of the package.
 Land Grid Array (LGA)
The land grid array (LGA) is a type of surface-mount packaging for integrated
circuits (ICs) that is notable for having the pins on the socket rather than the
integrated circuit. An LGA can be electrically connected to a printed circuit board
(PCB) either by the use of a socket or by soldering directly to the board.
 Single Edge Contact Cartridge (SECC)
Short for Single Edge Contact Cartridge, SECC is also known as a Slot 1 processor
cartridge or Single Edge Processor Package (SEPP). This cartridge is used by Intel
Pentium II and III processors.

Figure 3.25: LGA processor Figure 3.26: PGA processor

Figure 3.27: SECC processor Figure 3.28: Heat sink with fan

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3.2.14 Heat Sink

The heat sink also referred to as heat spreader is the component that cools down
the heat dissipating device. Heat sinks are of two types: active and passive.
Active heat sinks utilize power such as fan. Passive heat sinks are 100% reliable,
as they have no mechanical components. Passive heat sinks are made of an
aluminum-finned radiator that dissipates heat through convection.
3.2.15 Chipset
Chipset is the collection of chip combined as a single chip to perform one or
more related functions. Motherboard holds many types of chipsets two of the
important are: Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets.
3.2.15.1 Southbridge Chipset
The Southbridge is an integrated circuit on the motherboard that is responsible
for the hard drive controller, I/O controller and integrated hardware such as
sound card, video card if present on the motherboard, USB, PCI, ISA, IDE, BIOS,
and Ethernet. The southbridge gets its name for commonly being South of the
PCI bus.
3.2.15.2 Northbridge Chipset
Alternatively referred to as the PAC (PCI/AGP Controller) is an integrated circuit
that is responsible for communications between the CPU interface, AGP, and the
memory. Unlike the Southbridge the Northbridge is directly connected to these
components and acts like a "bridge" for the Southbridge chip to communicate
with the CPU, RAM, and graphics controller.

Figure 3.29: Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets

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3.3 Procedure
3.3.1 Identify the system unit components
Step 01: Turn off the power and detach all power cords from the
system unit. Step 02: Remove device connectors from the ports.
Step 03: Lie the system unit with left side
upwards. Step 04: Unscrew the top cover from
the system unit.
Step 05: Identify the power supply connectors by their shape, number of pins, color,
device to which they are attached.
Step 06: Identify the Memory modules as (SIMM, DIMM or RIMM) by looking at the
notches and number of pins.
Step 07: Identify, count and record the number of RAM slots.
Step 08: Identify the Read Only Memory (ROM) on the
motherboard. Step 09: Identify the type of HDD interface
i.e. SATA or IDE.
Step 10: Record the parameters of HDD i.e. capacity, brand name, access time,
transfer rate. Step 11: Identify the type of CD/DVD Drive interface i.e. SATA or
IDE.
Step 12: Identify the type of expansion slots by its shape and
number of pins. Step 13: Count and record the number of each of
the expansion slot.

Step 14: Identify the processor socket/slot i.e. (LGA, PGA, SECC).

Step 15: Record the parameters of processor i.e. clock frequency, brand name,
model number, number of cores.
Step 16: Identify the Northbridge chipset by its location with reference to
the processor. Step 17: Identify the Southbridge chipset by its location with
reference to the processor. Step 18: Screw back the system unit’s the top
cover.

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EXERCISE

Exercise 3.1: Label the name for each of the following PSU connector:

A. B.

C.
E.
D.

H.
F. G.

I.

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Exercise 3.2: Identify the following system unit internal components:

A. B.

C. D.

E. F.

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Exercise 3.3: Identify the following RAM modules: (SIMM, SDR DIMM, DDR1
DIMM, DDR2 DIMM. DDR3 DIMM, DDR4 RIMM, SO-DIMM, RIMM,
SO-RIMM)

A.

B.

C.

D.

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E.

F.

G.

H.

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I.

Exercise 3.4: Identify and label different expansion slot in the following
motherboard:

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Exercise 3.5: Label different components of the following motherboard:

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Exercise 3.6: What is the orientation of your PC’s System Unit? What other
orientations are
Available?
The orientation of my personsal computer’s (PC’S) system unit is
tower form . There are two types of PC’S system unit:
Tower Shape.
Desktop Shape.
Tower Shape:

Exercise 3.7: Check in your PC, and specify the number of following PSU
connectors:
a) Molex:
b) Mini-Molex:
c) SATA:
d) P4:
e) PCIE:
f) ATX:

Exercise 3.8: Check in your PC, and specify the followings:

a) Number of RAM slots:
b) Type of RAM modules (SIMM, DIMM or RIMM) :
c) Size of Each of the RAM module:
d) Number of PCI Slots:
e) Number of PCIE Slots:
f) Number of PCI-X Slots:
g) Number of ISA Slots:
h) Number of AGP Slots:
i) Type of CPU Chip (LGA, PGA, SECC) :
j) Number of Heat Sinks and associated components:
k) BIOS Manufacturer:
l) Number of HDDs attached:
m) Number of FDDs attached:
n) Types of HDD (IDE, SATA) :
o) Types of CD/DVD ROM (IDE/SATA) :
p) Number of IDE Connectors on motherboard:
q) Maximum number of IDE devices supported by motherboard:

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