“Familiarization of

Personal Computer”

A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION OF
Vincent C. Quintero
“Familiarization of Personal Computer”
 Parts of the Computer

 How to Assemble the Parts of the Personal

Computer

 How to Disassemble the Parts of the Personal

Computer
Parts of the
Computer
“Parts of the Computer”
If you use a desktop
computer, you might already
know that there isn't any single
part called the "computer." A
computer is really a system of
many parts working together.
The physical parts, which you
can see and touch, are
collectively called hardware.
(Software, on the other hand,
refers to the instructions, or
programs, that tell the hardware
what to do.)
The illustration on the next slides shows the most common
hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system may look a little
different, but it probably has most of these parts.
“Parts of the Computer”

Monitor
A monitor displays
information in visual form, using
text and graphics. The portion
of the monitor that displays the
information is called the screen.
Like a television screen,
a computer screen can show
still or moving pictures.

There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube)
monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce
sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much
thinner and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally more
affordable.
“Parts of the Computer”
System Unit
The system unit is the core of
a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed
on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many
electronic components that process information. The
most important of these components is the central
processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as
the "brain" of your computer. Another component is
random access memory (RAM), which temporarily
stores information that the CPU uses while
the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is
erased when the computer is turned off.
Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit
using cables. The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the
back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is
sometimes called a peripheral device or device.
“Parts of the Computer”

Keyboard
A keyboard is used mainly for typing text
into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for
letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:

 The function keys, found on the top row, perform different

functions depending on where they are used.
 The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most
keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.
 The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to
move your position within a document or webpage.
“Parts of the Computer”
Mouse
A mouse is a small device used to point to
and select items on your computer screen. Although
mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does
look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and
connected to the system unit by a long wire that
resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the

left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between
the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of
information.
“Parts of the Computer”

Speakers
 A device that converts analog
audio signals into the equivalent
air vibrations in order to make
audible sound.

 Speakers are used to play

sound. They may be built into the
system unit or connected with
cables. Speakers allow you to
listen to music and hear sound
effects from your computer.
“Parts of the Computer”

CD/DVD Drive
Nearly all computers today come
equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually
located on the front of the system unit. CD
drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data
from a CD, and many CD drives can also
write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a
recordable disk drive, you can store copies
of your files on blank CDs. You can also use
a CD drive to play music CDs on your
computer.
DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If
you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD
drives can record data onto blank DVDs.
“Parts of the Computer”

CD/DVD Discs
 A device that converts analog
audio signals into the equivalent
air vibrations in order to make
audible sound.

 commonly used to deliver

programs and store large
multimedia files.
“Parts of the Computer”

Hard Disk Drive

Your computer's hard disk drive
stores information on a hard disk, a rigid
platter or stack of platters with a magnetic
surface. Because hard disks can hold
massive amounts of information, they
usually serve as your computer's primary
means of storage, holding almost all of your
programs and files. The hard disk drive is
normally located inside the system unit.
“Parts of the Computer”

Floppy Disk Drive

Floppy disk drives store
information on floppy disks, also called
floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs
and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a
small amount of data. They also retrieve
information more slowly and are more
prone to damage. For these reasons,
floppy disk drives are less popular than
they used to be, although some
computers still include them.
“Parts of the Computer”

Floppy Disk
Is a hardware device that reads
data storage information. It was invented in
1967 by a team at IBM and was one of the
first types of hardware storage that could
read/write a portable device. FDDs are
used for reading and writing on
removable floppy discs.
“Parts of the Computer”

Flash Memory Card

Reader
A peripheral device that reads
and writes a memory card made of flash
memory chips. First available as
external devices for one type
of card, readers were subsequently built
into the computer to handle all popular
formats. See flash memory. See also USB
drive.
“Parts of the Computer”

Microphone
A device that converts sound
waves into analogous electrical waves.
Usually called a "mic" or "mike," it contains
a flexible diaphragm composed of film or
foil that vibrates as it makes contact with the
sound. The diaphragm movement
modulates an electrical current by various
methods.
“Parts of the Computer”

Printer
A printer transfers data from
a computer onto paper. You don't need a
printer to use your computer, but having
one allows you to print e-mail, cards,
invitations, announcements, and other
materials. Many people also like being
able to print their own photos at home.

The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser
printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They
can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality
photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and
generally better able to handle heavy use.
“Parts of the Computer”

Modem
To connect your computer to the
Internet, you need a modem. A modem is
a device that sends and
receives computer information over a
telephone line or high-speed cable.
Modems are sometimes built into the
system unit, but higher-speed modems
are usually separate components.

BACK
 How to Assemble
the Parts of the
Personal Computer
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer

Step 1 - Procuring
Parts First you will need to buy the parts necessary to build the
computer. The parts we will use in this project are labeled in figure 1:

1. Processor (CPU)
2. Computer Case
3. Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA capable)
4. Memory (RAM)
5. Power Supply
6. SATA Cables
7. Motherboard (SATA Capable)
8. Processor Fan
9. Case Fan
10. Hard Drive (SATA Capable)
11. Assortment of case and drive screws
(Not Pictured)
12. Flowers (necessary if you are invading the
space of your significant other)
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies
Gather the tools you will need for the project:

 Screwdriver (for slotted and Phillips

head screws)
 Wire cutters and strippers
 Needle-nosed pliers
 Utility knife
 Small flashlight
 Adjustable wrench
 Small container to hold screws
 Heat sink compound
 Grounding Strap

Warning: Using incorrect tools for a task (such as turning a screw with a knife
blade) can cause equipment damage and bodily injury.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 3: Open the Case

Open the computer case by removing the side panels. Find the
screws that hold the side panels in place and remove them (shown in
figure 3 circled in red). The panel is removed by first sliding it back
(figure 4) then lifting it away from the case (figure 5).

Warning: Case may have sharp edges. Handle with care to avoid injury.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 4: Prepare the Case for
Assembly
Three things need to be done before assembly begins:

 Remove any parts or packaging materials

that may have been shipped inside the case
(figure 6).
 Remove the cover for the optical drive. On
our case, we will be removing the cover on the
highest drive bay to mount our DVD drive as
shown in figure 7. Do this by pressing in the
retaining tabs shown in figure 8.
 Make note of the cables pre-installed in the
case. These should be front panel connections
for features such as the power switch, audio
jacks and USB ports. If they are not labeled,
consult the manufacturer’s documentation and
label them yourself now before other parts are
installed in the case (figure 8).
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 5: Ground Yourself

Put the grounding strap on your wrist

(Figure 10) and connect the other end to the
computer case. If your strap is not equipped
with a clip to hook to the case, find a place to
wedge against the metal as shown in figure 11.
This will prevent any buildup of static
electricity on your body from damaging the
computer components.

Caution: Static electricity can ruin computer components. Always wear a grounding strap when handling
any internal components.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 6: Install Motherboard
To install the motherboard we need parts that should have been included with
your purchased components:
Follow these steps to install the motherboard
in the case:

1. Install the I/O bezel plate into the opening

in the back of the case (figure 14). It pushes in
from the inside.
2. Install standoffs in the case. The standoffs
screw into the motherboard mounting holes
shown in figure 14. Check the screw hole
locations on the motherboard for exact
placement.
3. Lower the motherboard into the case and
align with the I/O bezel.
4. Install the screws.

Figure 15 shows the motherboard installed in

the case. It works best to leave the screws
loose until all of them have been started and
the board is aligned with the bezel.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 7: Install Hard Drive

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 (figure 16). 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.

 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 8: Install Optical Drive

The optical drive is 5.25" wide and is installed in

the drive bay that we removed the cover from in a
previous step. Cable access considerations apply
to this drive also. To install the drive:

1. Slide the drive into the drive bay until the screw
holes are lined up and the front of the drive is
flush with the front of the case (figure 18). Make
sure that it is orientated correctly.

2. Install the screws.

 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 9: Install the CPU

The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is

installed on the motherboard in the socket shown
in figure 20.To install the CPU:

1. Find the corner marking that designates pin 1

of the CPU as shown in figure 19. On this AMD
brand processor, the corner is marked with an
arrow. Consult the manufacturer's documentation
for specific information about your processor.

2. Lift the small metal rod next to the socket as

shown in figure 20.

3. Find the corresponding marking on the CPU

socket and insert the CPU so that the markings
are lined up.

4. Push the rod down to lock the processor in

place (figure 21).
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 10: Install the RAM

The RAM is the temporary memory location that the

processor works from. Permanently stored data is pulled
from disks and stored in RAM while the processor works
with it. The memory is easy to install:

1. Set the RAM board in the socket as shown in figure

22. Check to see that the notch in the board is in the
correct location. If it is not, turn it around 180º.

2. Press firmly on both ends of the board to set it into

the socket. Make sure the tabs lock into place as shown
in figure 23.

Caution: Pressing the boards in when the tab is not aligned could cause damage to the RAM boards as
well as the motherboard.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 11: Install the CPU Fan
The CPU fan is really a combination of a heat sink
and fan together. The unit draws heat away from
the CPU . To install the fan:

1. Place thermal compound to the CPU following

the instructions provided with the compound.

2. Set the fan assembly on the CPU with mounting

tabs aligned.

3. Pull the locking rod down on the fan assembly to

lock into place.

4. Connect the fan assembly's power connector to

the motherboard. Consult the manual to determine
proper placement.

Caution: Failure to apply thermal compound will result in insufficient cooling and will cause damage to
the CPU and/or motherboard.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 12: Install Case Fan
The case fan is usually installed on the back
panel of the case. If the fan mount is not obvious
consult the case documentation. To mount the
fan:

1. Align the mounting holes by holding the fan

to the mounting pad on the inside of the case as
shown in figure 25. The fan needs to be
mounted so that it blows air out of the case.

2. Insert the screws from the outside of the case

and tighten.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 13: Install Power Supply

Consult your case documentation for

details and then follow these
directions to install the power supply:

1. Align the mounting holes in the case

and power supply as shown in figure
26.

2. Insert screws and tighten.

 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 14: Connect Cables
With all of the components installed in the case, the
jungle of wires can be daunting. It is important to consult
the motherboard manual in order to make sure proper
connections are made. There are two kinds of
connections, power and data.

 Every device that has been installed needs power. In

figure 27, the power supply connectors are shown. The
motherboard has two power connections, and there are
two connectors specifically for SATA devices (drives). The
other connectors will run fans and other non-SATA
devices.

 Data cables connect drives and front panel devices to

the motherboard. Please consult the motherboard
documentation for the exact placement of connectors.

Warning: Incorrect connections can damage components and cause bodily injury.
 How to Assemble the Parts of the
Personal Computer
Step 15: Wrap Up

Now that the components are

completely installed, the last thing to do is to
reinstall the side panels on the case. The
computer is now ready to be turned on and
to have software loaded on it. If the computer
has problems starting up, check all
component connections and mounting to
make sure that you have hooked everything
up correctly. Consult individual component
manuals for specific troubleshooting
information if problems persist.

BACK
How to Disassemble
the Parts of the
Personal Computer
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 1 - Unplugging
The first thing you do, is unplug every cable that's plugged in to your
computer. That includes the following cables:

• Power
• USB
• Firewire
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Internet
• Ethernet
• Modem
• AM\FM Antenna
• Cable TV
• etc...

So pretty much just unplug

every cable from your computer.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 2 – Outer Shell/ Casing
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.

First off, unscrew the four screws on 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.

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 one, slide it towards the back
of the computer.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 3 – Outer Shell/ Casing
Continuation
In the last step I removed both side panels. In this step, I will be removing the front and top panels.

Just like the side panels, the top panel slides

off. Also like the side panels, the top one
slides toward the back of the computer. The
front panel clips on to the metal frame with
four tabs, so you must push them in and slide
the whole panel forward.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 4 – System Fan
Now that the case is off, I will begin to remove the internal components.

Most computers have two fans: the system fan, the one
blowing air into the computer, and the CPU fan, the one
blowing air onto the CPU heat sink. I will start by removing the
system fan first. It is located at the back side of the computer,
the side with all the component plug-in.

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.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 5 – CPU Fan
Now that the system fan is out, we can remove 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.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 6 – Power Supply
The power supply manages all the power for the machine.

•The power supply is a large metal box located at the upper-

back part of the computer. They sometimes come with an on/off
switch that is accessible from the back of the computer. The main
power cord also plugs into the back of the power supply.

The power supply supplies power to every component in a

computer, therefore it has the most wires out of every other
component in the computer. The first thing I will do is unplug
every wire coming from the power supply. The list below is every
thing that I had to disconnect:

- Motherboard (very large connector/plug)

- CD/DVD drive[s] power
- Internal hard drive power
- 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, then lift it out.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 7 – CD/DVD Drives

•The CD/DVD drive is one of the easiest components to

remove. 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.

If you don't have a second drive, there should be a flat

piece of metal covering the drive slot. Follow the
inscribed instructions to remove it.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 8 – Card Reader
Most new computers have built in card readers, but old computers almost never have them.

Just like every other component, unplug the wire

first. On my computer, there is just one screw
holding the card reader in place. Your computer
might have more, so just unscrew them all! After
that, the card reader should be removable.

Most card readers have a protective plastic cover

on the part that you can see from the external
computer, which can be removed by lifting the tabs
on the top and bottom. Refer to the pictures.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 9 – Hard Driver & Portable Hard Drive
Slot
In order to remove the hard drive, you must remove the portable hard drive slot first.

First off, de-attach 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.

To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot,

unscrew the four screws securing it in place. You must
be very careful to not drop the hard drive, as it is very
delicate!
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 10 – Expansion Cards
Expansion cards are like small upgrades to your computer.

Expansion cards give a computer new capabilities, once installed.

Different examples are:

- Bluetooth
- Wireless Internet
- Ethernet
- TV

Different computers come stock with different cards. My computer

came stock with a TV and Ethernet card. If you only have one,
remove that one. If you have two, remove the two!

There should be a single screw on top of each expansion card slot,

whether it's occupied, or empty. Remove the screws on the
occupied card slots. Once the screws are removed, you should be
able to remove the cards by pulling them carefully upward. Some
expansion cards have cables leading to other parts of the
computer, for example, my TV card is connected to the
connectivity center on the front of my computer. You will have to
unplug any cables attached to an expansion card.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 11 – Connectivity Center Cables
Most new computers have a connectivity center located at the front of the computer.

The connectivity center is the area on

the front of the computer where there is
many input sections, like usb, firewire,
microphone, headphones, video, etc.. I
won't remove the whole connectivity
center in this step, but I will unplug all
the cables coming from it.

Do that (unplug all cables), then unplug

the wires leading from the power
button, hdd light, and power light.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 12 – RAM (Random Access
Memory)
RAM allows for the near instantaneous transfer of information to and from the CPU.

So pretty much, the more RAM you have,

the faster your computer runs. Most
computers have 4 RAM slots, and two
RAM chips. My computer came stock
with two, but yours might have more or
less. To remove the RAM, push down on
both tabs holding the RAM in place,
which are located at both ends of the
RAM. Please see the pictures.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer

Step 13 – Power Button & Power LED + HDD

LED
The power button, power LED, and hard drive LED are all within a plastic "chasis".

There is a zip tie holding the wires/cables for the

front connectivity center and front power
button/LEDs. Cut it.

To remove the chasis, press in on the tabs that are

located on the chasis' side. Refer to the pictures to
see the tabs. Once the tabs are being pressed in, pull
the whole chasis out of the computer.

To remove the LEDs from the "chasis", push them

from the front with a screw driver. To remove the
button, you will need to push it from the back, the
side with the wires. For clarification, see the pictures.

Not all computers may be set up like this, so your

computer will probably be different. Just use
common sense to find a way!
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 14 – Connectivity Center
Not every computer has a connectivity center, but most new ones do.

Like I said in step 11, "The connectivity center is the

area on the front of the computer where there is
many input sections, like usb, firewire, microphone,
headphones, video, etc.". But this time, I will remove
the whole component, not just unplug the
cables\wires!

First thing, unscrew the single screw holding it in

place. There might be a different amount of screws,
in different locations on your computer, but just
unscrew them all! One the screw[s] are removed, the
whole component should slide into the inside of the
computer, which can then be removed.

Just like every other step, refer to the pictures if you

are confused!
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 15 – Motherboard
The motherboard is well, the mother of the computer! It is what links every component in the computer together.

The motherboard links every component

in the computer together. The CPU, RAM,
and expansion cards are attached
directly to it, and every other part of the
computer is in one way or another
attached to it.

The motherboard has seven screws

holding it to the frame, which are
indicated by large white circles around
them. Remove those seven, then lift the
motherboard out of the frame.
 How to Disassemble the Parts of
the Personal Computer
Step 16 – Done!
This concludes my Instruct able "Disassemble a Computer"!

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