Course Code :

BISF 1104

Course Description:
Installation and Customization
Lesson 3a : Computer Disassembly and Reassembly
& Upgrading a Computer
Lecturer Name: Eric G Kariuki
Email: ekariuki@kcau.ac.ke
Tel: 0721487915
Preparing to Work on a Computer
 Documentation is key to preparation.
 Collect the following before starting a job:
 Computer configuration sheet
 Computer and motherboard documentation
 List of all installed expansion cards
 Operating system (OS) documentation
 A plan of action that includes a checklist of tasks,
tools, and parts

2
Questions to Ask Before Starting a
Job
 Is this the right computer?
 Why am I taking it apart?
 Do I have everything necessary to do the
job?
 Do I need more information before starting
the job?
 Are there any proprietary hardware
components in this machine?
 Do any of these tasks require the assistance
of a third-party technician?
3
Tools and Components
 Assemble a toolkit that contains standard tools and a
DOS boot floppy disk.
 During planning, ensure that you have all items
required.
 Have on hand:
 The original OS disks

 A rescue disk for the version of Microsoft Windows

you are working with
 The correct utilities for the OS version

 Virus-checking utilities, with up-to-date signature

files

4
Disassembling a Computer
 Removing the computer case gives you
access to memory, expansion slots and cards,
and the CPU.
 Each computer brand has some custom
components or layout.
 Use the manual and other documentation
that came with the computer.
 The extent to which you have to disassemble
a computer depends on the specific problem
or repair.
5
Procedure for Disassembling a
Computer
1. Make a complete backup of necessary OS
and working files.
2. Document the system (hardware and
software).
3. Create a clean work area with plenty of
room and light.
4. Gather all the necessary tools for the job.
5. Implement all proper safety procedures.
6. Turn off the computer.

6
Procedure for Disassembling a
Computer (Cont.)
7. Disconnect the power cables.
8. Wear an antistatic wrist-grounding strap.
9. Locate the screws for the cover.
10. Remove the screws.
11. Remove the cover from the computer.
12. Document the location of expansion cards
and drives.

7
Procedure for Disassembling a
Computer (Cont.)
13. Remove all the cards and place them in
antistatic bags.
14. Document the location and connections for
each drive.
15. Remove the interface and power connection
cables.
16. Remove the drives from their bays.
17. Remove the motherboard.

8
Reassembling a Computer
 Follow the disassembly procedure in reverse
order.
 Do not force connectors into place.
 Do not force expansion cards into the slots.
 When removing cables, remember the pin 1
locations.
 Connect the cables to the drives before
installing the drives in the bays.
 Test the system before replacing the cover.

9
Preparing to Upgrade: the
Configuration Sheet

10
Memory
 As programs and hardware get faster, memory is
more important.
 Memory upgrades are simple to perform.
 Purchasing the right type of memory is critical.
 Consider memory chip format, speed, extended data
out random access memory (EDO RAM), parity, and
cache memory.
 Check the motherboard documentation to determine
the memory type, population scheme, and location of
memory slots.
 Two basic formats for memory are single inline
memory modules (SIMMs) and dual inline memory
modules (DIMMs).
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SIMM Formats
30-Pin SIMM

 Contains memory in 8-bit chunks

 A 32-bit processor requires four SIMMs
72-Pin SIMM

 Contains memory in 32-bit chunks

 A 32-bit processor requires one SIMM
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DIMM Formats
 DIMMs are easier to install than SIMMs.
 A “key” or notch cut into one edge prevents
incorrect installation.
 When you buy a DIMM, you must know the
exact memory type.
 DIMMs are found in larger memory sizes than
SIMMs.

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Memory Considerations
 Memory speed is measured in nanoseconds
(one-billionth of a second).
 The lower the number, the faster the chip speed.
 All chips in the same computer should run at the
same speed.
 Typical speeds are 50, 60, 70, and 80
nanoseconds.
 The motherboard documentation should list the
appropriate speed.

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EDO RAM
 EDO RAM can improve read times and overall
performance by up to 30 percent.
 The chip outputs data from one address while
setting up a new address.

15
Parity
 Parity is used to check the reliability of data.
 Parity requires an additional bit.
 Memory can be purchased with or without parity;
the cost is higher with parity.
 System specifications indicate if parity is required.
 Parity and nonparity chips cannot be mixed.
 Some systems allow parity to be turned on or off
in the basic input/output system (BIOS).

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Cache Memory
 L1 cache is built into the processor and
cannot be changed.
 L2 cache can be built into the processor or on
the motherboard.
 Check the motherboard documentation to
determine if you can upgrade the L2 cache.

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Installing a SIMM

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CPU Upgrades
 CPU upgrades are becoming less common.
 The first task is to determine if the CPU can
be upgraded and which CPU upgrade will
work.
 The motherboard documentation specifies
compatible CPUs.
 Check on required BIOS upgrades or jumper
settings.
 A new motherboard is required for upgrading
a 386 to a Pentium or a Pentium to a Pentium
III, or for CPUs from different manufacturers.
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General Procedure for Installing a
CPU
1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord.
2. Disconnect external devices (AC power and
monitor power).
3. Follow the appropriate electrostatic
discharge (ESD) safety precautions.
4. Remove the cover of the computer.
5. Locate the socket for the CPU on the
motherboard.
6. Remove the old processor.
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General Procedure for Installing a
CPU (Cont.)
7. Install the new processor by aligning the
chip properly.
8. Set any jumpers or switches on the
motherboard.
9. Reconnect any peripherals (keyboard,
mouse, monitor).
10. Replace the cover and power up the
computer.
11. Make changes to the BIOS, if required, using
the complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) setup program.
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Additional Considerations for
Installing a New CPU
 Some CPU upgrades require installing a new
voltage regulator and cooling fan.
 In motherboards that support more than one
CPU, all CPUs must be of the same type and
from the same manufacturer.
 Some Pentium II and later motherboards
have a special card that is inserted in any
empty CPU slot.

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Expansion Cards
 Install an expansion card to add faster video,
add more ports, or improve sound quality.
 Ensure that the expansion card will work in
the system to be upgraded.
 Ensure that the appropriate drivers are
available for the OS.

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Considerations for Installing an
Expansion Card
 Ensure that adding a new card is the most
cost-effective way to upgrade.
 If no expansion slots are available, free up
space by
 Replacing single-port cards with one multifunction
card
 Using a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
card and a chain of SCSI devices
 Using a universal serial bus (USB) if available

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Considerations for Installing an
Expansion Card (Cont.)
 Ensure that the card fits in the slot and
matches the bus type of the motherboard.
 Document available I/O ports and interrupt
requests (IRQs) on the system.
 Ensure that enough RAM is available to
support the device and driver.
 Ensure that a direct memory access (DMA)
channel is available if required.
 Identify potential conflicts with other cards
and devices.
 Obtain the appropriate driver for the OS.
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Installing a Non–Plug and Play
Expansion Card
1. Read the expansion card documentation and
note special requirements.
2. Check the computer configuration to
determine available I/O addresses and IRQs.
3. Configure jumpers or switches on the card if
required.
4. Turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord.

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Installing a Non–Plug and Play
Expansion Card (Cont.)
5. Follow the appropriate ESD safety
precautions.
6. Remove the cover from the computer.
7. Install the card in a free slot and power up
the computer.
8. Replace the cover.
9. Power up the computer.
10. Install any software drivers or applications.

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Installing a Plug and Play Expansion
Card
 Plug and Play allows for changes to computer
configuration with minimal intervention.
 Plug and Play devices allow the system to
configure the card.
 To allow Plug and Play devices to work
immediately, the computer hardware, OS,
and card must all be Plug and Play compliant.
 Some systems require enabling Plug and Play
in the system BIOS.

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Considerations for Installing Hard
Disk Drives
 Ensure that the drive fits. If not, use a SCSI,
USB, or parallel port interface drive.
 Ensure that the system BIOS supports the
size of the new drive.
 Ensure that the drive controller supports the
new drive.
 Ensure that you have enough cables to install
the drive.

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Preparing to Install an Integrated
Device Electronics (IDE) Drive
 Hardware preparation consists of ensuring
that
 You have the correct drive
 The drive fits into the computer
 You have the proper cables to connect the drive
 Software preparation consists of having a
floppy boot disk with the format and fdisk
utilities.

30
Installing an IDE Drive
1. Collect all necessary documentation for the
drive and computer.
2. Back up any data you want to keep.
3. Turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord.
4. Follow the appropriate ESD precautions.
5. Open the computer case.

31
Installing an IDE Drive (Cont.)
6. Check the documentation and set the
jumpers for the drive, if required.
7. Connect the cable to the drives.

32
Installing an IDE Drive (Cont.)
8. Connect the power connection cable.
9. Install the drive in its bay.
10. Reconnect the computer power and boot up
the system. Run the CMOS setup program if
necessary.

33
Additional IDE Drive Installation
Considerations
 Set up and test a drive before final
installation in the bay.
 Avoid ESD and protect the drive from
overheating.
 Use disk management software in older
systems that require it.

34
Additional Steps After the Physical
Installation
1. Boot the computer from the bootable floppy
disk, and run fdisk to create and set the
partitions.
2. Format the drive. If it is the only drive,
format it with system files.
3. Replace the cover on the computer.

35
Operating System Driver Installation
 Device driver setup is no longer a complex
task.
 Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows
Me, and Microsoft Windows 2000 have
reduced the need for manual intervention.
 Windows recognizes and configures Plug and
Play devices automatically.
 A wizard installs the appropriate drivers and
resolves any device issues.

36
Using the Add/Remove Hardware
Wizard

37
Motherboard Installation
Considerations
 Replacing the motherboard may be the most
inexpensive way to completely overhaul a computer.
 Some motherboards are proprietary and can be
replaced only with one made by the same
manufacturer.
 The motherboard must fit into the existing case.
 The motherboard must have the same built-in COM
and LPT ports as the old one.
 You should determine if the new motherboard has a
built-in video card.

38
Motherboard Installation
Considerations (Cont.)
 The new motherboard must accommodate the
existing expansion cards.
 The power supply connector should be as close to
the power supply as possible.
 The existing drives must work with controllers on the
new motherboard.
 The memory on the old motherboard must work with
the new one.
 The upgrade should meet your current and future
requirements.

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Replacing a Motherboard
 Replacing a motherboard is similar to
building a computer.
 The procedure is as follows:
1. Complete an installation checklist.
2. Follow the steps for disassembling a computer.
3. Check the settings on the new motherboard.

40
Replacing a Motherboard (Cont.)

4. Install the new motherboard.

5. Reconnect the case switches.
6. Follow the steps for computer reassembly
(outlined in Slide 9).
7. Test the computer to ensure that it boots.
8. Complete the final testing and close the case.

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Chapter Summary
 Preparation is key to a successful upgrade or repair.
Document everything.
 Have a complete toolkit and take safety and ESD
precautions.
 Memory is probably the simplest upgrade performed
by a technician.
 Installing a new CPU and installing an expansion card
are common ways to upgrade older computers.
 Installing a new drive is not difficult when you follow
the procedure carefully.
 Installing a new motherboard completely overhauls
the computer.
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