PROJECT REPORT ON

COUPLING OF A DESKTOP COMPUTER SYSTEM

BY

OLUMEKUN EMMANUEL SEUN

FPA/CS/20/2-0059

SUBMITTED TO:

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ADO EKITI

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT

FOR THE AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA {ND} IN

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

DECEMBER, 2022

1
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this project work was prepared by OYENIRAN FATEEMAH
TOYOSI and submitted to the Department of Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic,
Ado-Ekiti in partial fulfillment for the award of National Diploma {ND} in computer
science

………………….……. …………………….

MR AKINWAMIDE S.O DATE &

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE

……………………. …………………….

MRS ABIODUN O. DATE &

COORDINATOR SIGNATURE

………………………………

EXTERNAL SUPERVISOR

2
 DEDICATION

I dedicate my project to Almighty God, who has given me the grace to participate in the
project.

I specially dedicate this work to my parents and as many that have contributed greatly to
the success of my project.

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I could specific my unique thank you of gratitude to Almighty GOD who stored us alive
to finish this challenge successfully. This challenge wouldn’t had been a success without
the aid of my supervisor, MR AKINWAMIDE S.O for his complete aid and
recommendation in supervising this project. Also, my appreciation is going to my
parents, MR AND MRS OLUMEKUN for their support, they in reality had extremely
good affects at the achievement of this challenge.

4
 ABSTRACT

The coupling/assembling of a desktop compuer to save cosy and improve system

performance is necessary in an ICT working environment.

This project focus more on how a computer system could be coupled and maintained
effectively without any fault during assembling of the system.

Throughout this project we shall focus on each and every components needed for
assembling and also there functions. The main reason why people go for assembling of
system instead of buying a new system is to allow them to have good and satisfactory
quality of want. Buying a new computer system might not solve the problem of some
people but coupling it themselves ease their wounds when it comes to satisfaction.

The main important of coupling a computer system is to have access to all those
components and to know how to couple and dissemble it when the system is faulty.

This research has manage to purchase the Sub-Assembly computer component and
couple it to make a computer system that could rival the performance of the branded
version.

5
 TABLE OF CONTENT

TITLE PAGE 1

CERTIFICATION 2

DEDICATION 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 4

ABSTRACT 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6-8

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.2 MOTIVATION

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

1.5 METHODOLOGY

1.6 EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 HISTORY OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

2.2 FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

2.2.1 BROWSING THE INTERNET

2.2.2 DATA PROCESSING IN THE OFFICES

6
2.2.3 GAMING SYSTEM

2.2.4 VIDEO EDITING

2.2.5 MUSIC PRODUCTION

2.2.6 ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM/MEDIA CENTER

2.3 WHERE TO GET THE PARTS/COMPONENTS

2.4 THE COMPONENTS/PARTS REQUIRED FOR PC ASSEMBLY

2.4.1 COMPUTER SYSTEM CASE AND POWER PACK

2.4.2 MOTHERBOARD

2.4.3 HARD DISK

2.4.4 CD/DVD-ROM

2.4.5 RAM (RANDOM ACESS MEMORY)

2.4.6 TYPES OF CARDS (VIDEO CARD, SOUND CARD, NETWORK CARD)

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 THE EXTERNAL AND PERIPHERAL COMPONENTS

3.1.1 KEYBOARD

3.1.2 MOUSE

3.1.3 SPEAKER

3.14 MONITOR

3.1.5 USB FLASH DRIVE

3.1.6 MODEMS

3.2 CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE ASSEMBLING OF THE SYSTEM

3.3 TOOLS REQUIRED TO SET UP A WHOLE COMPUTER

3.4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND EVALUATION

7
3.5 FEATURES OF THE COMPUTER

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 INSTALLATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS

4.2 INSTALLATION OF HARDWARE COMPONENTS

4.2.1 INSTALL THE MOTHERBOARD

4.2.2 INSTALL THE PROCESSOR (CPU)

4.2.3 INSTALL THE CPU HEAT SINK

4.2.4 INSTALL THE MEMORY MODULES

4.2.5 INSTALL THE GRAPHICS/VIDEO CARD

4.3 INSTALLING THE OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)

4.3.1SETTING THE BIOS

4.3.2 Step Two: INSTALLING THE WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

4.3.3 Step Three: ACTIVATING THE WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

4.4. INSTALLATION OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

4.5. INSTALL WINDOW UPDATES

4.5.1 INSTALLATION OF PEER TO PEER NETWORK

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION
5.1 RECOMMENDATION

REFERENCES

8
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Coupling of a desktop computer system, gives maximum satisfaction to the user and a very
rewarding experience. To Assembles Desktop PC (Personal Computer) the users/builders of
such systems are probably contemplating building or assembling a computer instead of
purchasing one pre-built or pre-assembled. This project is to enlighten us on how a computer
students can build a computer and peer to peer network with less stress and less amount of
money, and how the computer built can meet up with the processing requirement of the
school Laboratory. This research has managed to purchase the Sub-Assembly computer
components and couple it to make a computer system that could rival the performance of the
branded version.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Assembling/Coupling of a computer system gives maximum satisfaction to the users and a

very rewarding experience. To Assembles Desktop Personal Computer (PC) the
users/builders of such systems are probably contemplating building or assembling a
computer instead of purchasing one pre-built or pre-assembled. This project is to enlighten
us on how a computer student can build a computer with less stress and fewer amounts of
money, and how the computer built can meet up with the processing requirement of the
school laboratory. This research has managed to purchase the Sub-Assembly computer
components and couple it to make a computer system that could rival the performance of the
branded version.

Assembling the computer system on this research embarks on gathering different

components/devices of computer system together in other to make a well functioning
computer system available to the computer laboratory (The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti
computer laboratory) and to enable students to be more familiar to each components of the
computer system. Thus, this project will cover all the process of purchasing components,
assembling, and the process of installing the operating system (OS) into the computer
system. Assembling corei3 computer brings significant benefits such as:

9
Know about computer components and how they fit and work properly, understanding the
internal and hardware working of a computer, and learning computer hardware
terminologies. Also, there is need for ability to customize a computer according to
specialized specifications. Assembling computer system from components is an interesting
task.

1.2 MOTIVATION

It was observed that the computer built by manufacturers only fit in to general purpose
computing which is quite different from the most required and needed specification most
time such as, using the computer as a server for database.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective is to build well functioning computer with purpose of:

i.             Identifying computer components and how they fit and work together.

ii.            Understanding the internal and hardware workings of a computer.

iii.           Learning computer hardware terminology and geek-speak

iv.          Ability to customize a computer according to specialized specifications.

v.            Building and assembling computer system from components,

vi.          The satisfaction of a job well-done

vii.         Gathering technical problem solving ability.

viii.        Reduce the cost of buying new computer system

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this research is to show how computer system could be purchased in parts,
assembled and installed with required software to match a given configuration for the use in
the laboratory.

10
1.5 METHODOLOGY

Methods used in assembling a computer system are:

Knowing the market price between a whole PC Desktop and Sub-assembly computer and
choosing the components that make a complete system such as: the system casing,
Motherboard, Hard disk, CDROM, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse and some internal
components. Also buying tools that will be use to assemble the system these are: Needle
nose pliers, Screwdriver, small plastic bin to put your screws and other small parts into,
small flashlight. Then the procedure for assembly and installation process begins.

1.6. EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE

The study is expected to specify the fact that computer is made up of several components
functioning together as a single unit.

It will enable us to know that hardware cannot work alone to makes a computer without
software being installed.

It gears us up to know the functionality of human to computer system.

1.7 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

i. Computer: is an electronic device that is capable of accepting data and processing

data to give a desired output.
ii. Computer Case: This is the actual case that will house all your other parts. Consider it
your computers house. It will dictate how your machine looks at first glance as well
as what and how many parts you can put into your machine.
iii. Hard Drive/Hard Disk: This is the “long-term memory” of the computer, used for
persistent storage i.e. the things stored on it remains even when the computer is
powered down. The operating system and all your programs and data are stored here.
It is also known as mass storage device.

11
iv. Optical Drive Device: This is used for reading/writing disks. May read CDs, DVDs,
optical media depending on its types. It is essential for installing operating systems
and programs.
v. The Motherboard: is also called a main board, is an electronic circuit board that
provide and attachment for other internal and external components of the computer
system to be fixed on. Examples are RAM slot, PROCESSOR socket etc.
vi. RAM: also known as random access memory is volatile memory storage that
computer used to run programs.
vii. Processor: is the brain of the computer that performs the major operation that is being
done inside of the computer system.

12
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Assembling of computer system primarily specifics the ability of a computer science student
to have the technical know how about and how to choose between buying a whole or sub
assembly computer system. Assembling of a computer system regards as step by step
procedure for coupling computer components for the purpose of achieving a set of
configuration required by the users.

2.1 HISTORY OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Computers and electronics play an enormous role in today's society, impacting everything
from communication and medicine to science. Although computers are typically viewed as a
modern invention involving electronics, computing predates the use of electrical devices (Dr.
Ogunnusi O.S 2017). The ancient abacus was perhaps the first digital computing device.
Analog computing dates back several millennia as primitive computing devices were used as
early as the ancient Greeks and Romans, the most known complex of which being the
Antikythera mechanism. Later devices such as the castle clock (1206), slide rule (c. 1624)
and Babbage's Difference Engine (1822) are other examples of early mechanical analog
computers.

The introduction of electric power in the 19th century led to the rise of electrical and hybrid
electro-mechanical devices to carry out both digital (Hollerith punch-card machine) and
analog (Bush’s differential analyzer) calculation. Telephone switching came to be based on
this technology, which led to the development of machines that we would recognize as early
computers. The presentation of the Edison Effect (Edison 1885) provided the theoretical
background for electronic devices. Originally in the form of vacuum tubes, electronic
components were rapidly integrated into electric devices, revolutionizing radio and later
television. It was in computers however, where the full impact of electronics was felt.
Analog computers used to calculate ballistics were crucial to the outcome of World War II,
and the Colossus and the ENIAC, the two earliest electronic digital computers, were
developed during the war. With the invention of solid-state electronics, the transistor and
13
ultimately the integrated circuit, computers would become much smaller and eventually
affordable for the average consumer.

Today “computers” are present in nearly every aspect of everyday life, from watches to
automobiles.

2.2 FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

2.2.1 Browsing the internet

To provide basic functionality to a user who just needs web surfing, a little-word processing,
and the occasional game of solitaire, it’s important not to go overboard. Such a user has no
need for a top of the line processor or 3D graphics card. A modestly configured system with
an adequate internet connection will suit this user best and can be assembled quite cheaply.
This usage pattern is not going to stress any particular component, you should be looking at a
mid-to low-level processor historically, and current, enough RAM for the OS (operating
system) and a mother board with built in Ethernet, video and audio. If you have a little extra
money, spend it on a better monitor, mouse/keyboard, and case power supply in that order.

2.2.2 Data processing in the offices

An office computer can be expected to do word processing, spreadsheet and database work,
internet and intranet access (including e-mail) and a little light development of spreadsheets,
databases, and presentations. It might also be called on to do page layout work, some 2D
graphic creation, and/or terminal emulation.

2.2.3 Gaming System

We are not talking here about the occasional game of solitaire or a secret late night Zuma
obsession. We are talking about cutting edge 3D gaming first-person-shooters or real-time
strategy games with thousands of troops on the screen at the same time, specula reflections
and a lot of other confusing terminology that describes visual effects designed to make your
system fall down on its knees and cry like a little girl.

14
So you are going to need a fast processor that’s affordable and has plenty of RAM, as well as
a motherboard to match, since the speed of the motherboard buses can limit high-end
components.

2.2.4 Video editing

Big and fast hard drives are key, 10000 RPM Raptors in Raid 0 as working space with
multiple 750 GB drives or I terabyte drives for storage is a good target. SATA/300 is highly
recommended and SCSI subsystems should also be considered. A large amount of memory
(2GB, 3GB, even 4GB) would be beneficial.

2.2.5 Music production

Plenty of disk space is important, but a music production (recording and mixing) workstation
is chiefly distinguished by specialized external components studio reference monitors instead
of speakers, mixing consoles, microphones, etc.

One piece of advice, if you have extra money, get better microphones, even if you have to
trade the blues mobile.

2.2.6 Entertainment system/media center

This is a computer designed to sit in the living room with the rest of A/V gear. The idea is
that it will record and serve audio and video files foreplay via your existing television and
stereo.

2.3 WHERE TO GET THE PARTS/COMPONENTS

Once you have decided what you’re going to use your computer for, and have reviewed
which parts are available for reuse, you should make a list of what components you will need
to buy. A few hours of research can save your years of regret, so make sure that the computer
builds will do need it to do.

There are several places to buy parts, these includes:

15
i. Internet retailers generally offer the best price for new parts. If a part needs to
bereturned, you may be stuck for the shipping; check return policies before it can be
purchase (Computer Village Ikeja Lagos)

ii. Auction sites like eBay, Amazon and several others offer very good prices for used parts.
This isespecially useful for parts which do not wear out. Return scan be problematic or
impossible. Some auctions may not be legitimate. Always check the shipping cost before
you bid.

iii. Local PC shops their prices are often higher, but they may make up for this by
providinga lot of expertise. Get opinions from other sources, however, as they may be
eager to sell you parts you don’t need. Big Local retailers often lack technical expertise
and higher prices, but can be useful because they usually handle returns quickly. Also is
good if you needed something right there.

iv. Trade shows that occur from time to time also provide a good to shop, as the prices
areoften significantly reduced. Also, your local town dump may have a special section for
computers & monitors that others have got rid of. These can be more or less brand new
computers with trivial problems such as a busted power supply or faulty cables.

Of course if the dump does have such a section, you should ask permission of those in
charge. They are usually glad to let you go through it, but don’t leave mess. Taking
advantage of this can yield incredible finds, with a price tag of nothing or very little.

v. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vs. retail

Many hardware manufacturers will sell the same components in both OEM and Retail
versions. Retail hardware is intended to be sold to the end-user through retail channels, and
will come fully packaged with manuals, accessories, software, etc. Items labeled as such are
intended to be sold in bulk for use by firms which integrate the components into their own
products

However, many online stores will offer OEM hardware at cheaper prices than the
corresponding retail versions. You will usually receive such an item by itself in an anti-static
16
bag. It may or may not come with a manual or a CD containing drivers. Warranties on OEM
parts may often be shorter, and sometimes require you to obtain support through your
vendor, rather than the manufacturer. OEM components are also sometimes specified
differently than retail counterparts, parts may be clocked slower, and ports or features maybe
missing.

2.4. THE COMPONENTS/PARTS REQUIRED FOR PC ASSEMBLY

The components that make a whole PC cannot be over emphasized because they all have
various functions and tasks they perform, these has made it known to the users that they
come one after the other thereby assembling it in procedural process (step by step). The
majorly components that will must put into consideration are.

2.4.1 Computer system case and power pack

This is the actual case that will house all your other parts. Name it computers house. It will
dictate how your machine looks all first glances as well as what and how many parts you can
put into your machine. It also let you know the type of motherboard you be going for. The
type of casing going for hare is ATX casing, it should be noted that most motherboard in this
new age also comes up with ATX power pack. So you need not to go for a power separately
except the voltage of the power pack is either high or low to supply the motherboard.

Figure a: Computer Casing Figure b: ATX Power Pack

17
2.4.2 Motherboard

A motherboard is also called a main board or just “The Board”. So don’t get confused, this is
your core computer part. It is where all your components will plug into.

It’s the electronic circuit that provides and attachment for other internal components of
computer system to be fixed on it, some of the attachments it provides are: RAM slot.

Figure 2.4.2: Motherboard

2.4.3 Hard Disk

This is where your computer stores your programs, personal data and operating System.

The bigger the hard drive the more stuff you can fit on it. It’s also known as mass storage
which stores information for other time consultations.

Figure 2.4.3: Hard Disk Drive

18
2.4.4 CD/DVD-ROM

This is your optical drive. Optical drives are very handy and nowadays are in more systems
than floppy drives. You use this type of drive to listen to music, watch videos or to
backup/move data.

This optical drive can be a CD-Rom/DVD-Rom capable only of reading CD’s/DVD’s or a

CD/DVD-RW that can read, write and re-write CD’s/DVD’s.

Figure2.4.4: DVD-ROM

2.4.5 RAM (Random Access Memory)

Your RAM (Random Access Memory) is what the computer uses to run programs. The more
RAM you have on your machine the easier you make it for your computer to perform its
functions. Is the one that first holds the data you inputted for processing, it is volatile in
nature.

Figure 2.4.5: RAM (Random Access Memory)

19
2.4.6 TYPES OF CARDS: (Video card, Sound card, Network card)

These cards mentioned above has different functions they performed on computer, the

I. Video card:A video card (also known as graphics card) is an expansion card whose
function is to generate and output images to a display. Some video cards offer added
functions, such as video capture, TV tuner adapter, ability to connect multiple monitors,
and others. Most video cards all share similar components. They include a graphics
processing unit (GPU) which is a dedicated microprocessor optimized for 3D graphics
rendering. It also includes video BIOS that contain the basic program that governs the
video card’s operations and provides the instructions that allow the computer and
software to interface with the card. If the video card is integrated in the motherboard, it
may use the computer RAM memory. If it is not it will have its own video memory
called Video RAM. This kind of memory can range from 128MB to 2GB. A video card
also has a RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital-to-Analog Converter) which
takes responsibility for turning the digital signals produced by the computer processor
into an analog signal which can be understood by the computer display. Lastly, they all
have outputs such as an HD-15 connector (standard monitor cable), DVI connector, S-
Video, composite video or component video.

FIGURE 2.4.6i: video Card

20
II. Sound Card: A sound card is an expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio
signals to a computer under control of computer programs. Typical uses for sound cards
include providing the audio component for multimedia applications such as music
composition, editing video or audio, presentation, and entertainment. Many computers
have sound capabilities built in,, while others require additional expansion cards to provide
for audio capability.

FIGURE 2.4.6ii: Sound Card

III. Network card: A network card is an expansion card that allows computers to communicate
over a computer network. It allows users to connect to each other either by using cables or
wirelessly. Although other network technologies exist, Ethernet has achieved near-ubiquity
for a while now. Every Ethernet network card has a unique 48-bit serial number called a
MAC address, which is stored in ROM carried on the card. You can learn more about
networking in the introduction to networking lesson.

Figure 2.4.6iii: Network card

21
 CHAPTER THREE

3.1 THE EXTERNAL AND PERIPHERALS COMPONENTS

3.1.1 Keyboard

Keyboard is a set of keys that enables you to enter data into computer. It is the main input
device of the computer.

There are two major types of computer keyboards: Basic and Extended.

i. The Basic keyboard: it contains 104 keys and is enough to perform all the
functions that can be done on a Windows PC

Figure3.1.1 i: Basic keyboard

ii. The Extended keyboard may have additional keys, and the design varies among
the companies manufacturing them. A keyboard for Macintosh computers that
contains up to 15 function keys above the alphanumeric keys, and a numeric
keypad. It is sometimes called an enhanced keyboard because of its similarity to
the PC enhanced keyboard.

22
 Figure 3.1.1 ii: extended keyboard

3.1.2 Mouse

It is use to point and click to the desire icon/program that one need to make use of at any
point in time.

Figure 3.1.2: keyboard

3.1.3 Speaker

Speaker produces the sound made by the computer system to the outside world.

Figure 3.1.3: Speaker

23
3.1.4 Monitor

The monitor is the TV type screen that you view your programs on. They are supplied in
different sizes, common sizes range from 15" to 21" screens. You should be aware that poor
quality or badly maintained monitors could harm your eyesight. Monitor display processed
data made by the computer to the outside word for visualization. It can be LCD/CRT.

Figure 3.1.4: Monitor (LCD Display)

3.1.5 USB Flash Disk

A USB flash drive consists of a flash memory data storage device integrated with a USB
(universal serial bus) interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable,
much smaller than a floppy disk (1 to 4 inches or 2.5 to 10 cm), and weigh less than 2 ounces
(56 g). Storage capacities typically range from 64 MB to 64 GB with steady improvements in
size and price per gigabyte. Some allow 1 million write or erase cycles and have 10-year data
retention, connected by USB 1.1 or USB 2.0.

24
 Figure 3.1.5: A 16 GB USB flash drive.

3.1.6 Modems

A modem is a device that is used to attach your computer to the telephone system.

The modem converts data into sound that is sent over the telephone line, the receiving
modem turns the sounds back into data. If you wish to connect to the Internet, you will need
a modem.

Figure 3.1.6: Modem

3.2 CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE ASSEMBLING OF THE SYSTEM

Various challenges encountered during the assembling process were:

i. Time consuming: it takes longer time in assembling a computer system since it is the
first time of doing the practical. Most especially when it fails to turn on then the computer
system will have to be dissembling to check for the possible problems.

ii. Troubleshooting: the affected components such as when the monitor screen warning
appeared in disk boot failure, and when the computer system cannot be completely on then
there is need to troubleshoot it.

3.3 TOOLS REQUIRED TO SETUP A WHOLE COMPUTER

i. Human effort and composure

ii. A small plastic bin(s) to put your screws and other small parts into. Needle nose
pliers, Screwdriver with a good collection of bits.

iii. A small flashlight. Used to check in to some internal component that is not seen clear.

25
iv. Antistatic Wrist Bank: Computer components are very sensitive to static electricity.

3.4 SYSTEM DESIGN AND EVALUATION

This phase describes the process of how the components of the computer system are to be
assembled right from the major components/devices to the least. Thereafter the
installation of the operating system comes in to check and test for the required
configuration of the system.

3.5 FEATURES OF THE COMPUTER

PROCESSOR SPEED 3.0GHZ

RAM 2GB

HDD 320G

MONITOR LCDSCREEN

KEYBOARD PS2

MOUSE USB

ABILITY TO RUN PROGRAMS like Java, VB, and Fortran etc.

26
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1. INSTALLATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Installing a socket processor, the heat sink on the motherboard and the cooling fan:

Lift up the lever that is on the side of the socket. This unlocks the mechanism and gets it
ready for you to insert the processor. Carefully match up the pins on the bottom of the new
processor with the holes in the socket, and then VERY gently insert the processor into the
socket. If you don’t get it right on the first shot pull it straight back up, avoid bending the
pins and try again. Use the corner arrow reference marks on the processor and socket to align
the processor in the socket correctly. Do not force the processor into the socket or you could
damage the processor, It should go in smooth and fit like a glove. Placing the heat sink
follows immediately. Connect the fan power cable to the power cable connector on the
system board.

Figure: Placing of the heat sink

27
Figure: Placing of the cooling Fan

4.2 INSTALLATION OF HARDWARE COMPONENTS

4.2.1. INSTALL THE MOTHERBOARD

To install the motherboard, the following steps are to be taken;

I. Take the board out of its package and put it on top of the antistatic bag it came with.
Wear your strap for you to safe guard your components from potentially hazardous
static electricity.

II. Inspect the motherboard carefully for any visible defects before you secure the
motherboard onto the PC case/ chassis.
28
III. Review the motherboard manual to make sure you are familiar with the motherboard
layout and understand what each sockets stand for. Great care should be taken when
installing the motherboard.

Figure: Installing the Motherboard

4.2.2. INSTALL THE PROCESSOR (CPU)

To install the processor, the following steps should be taken;

I. Remove the processor from its protective bag. Be sure to grip it by the edges and
avoid touching any pins or contacts.

II. Line up the notches or triangle on the processor with the socket. Depending on the
processor and socket you are using, you may have several notches around the edges
or a small triangle in one corner. These guides are designed to ensure that you are
installing your CPU in the correct position.

III. Gently lay the processor into the socket. After ensuring that you have the processor
oriented correctly, gently place the processor directly in the socket. You should never
force the processor into place, as you may bend or break the pins, rendering the
processor inoperable.

29
IV. Relatch the socket cover. Once the processor has been properly inserted, close the
socket cover over it and relatch it so that the processor is securely held in place.

4.2.3 INSTALL THE CPU HEAT SINK

i. Ensure that the CPU is seated properly in its socket.

ii. Clean the CPU and heat sink surfaces.

iii. Prime the CPU and heat sink surfaces with thermal paste.

iv. Apply thermal interface material.

v. Mount the CPU cooler.

Figure: Placing of the heat sink

30
4.2.4. INSTALL THE MEMORY MODULES

The installation of the memory is presented as below

i. Find out what type of RAM is required for your desktop computer.

ii. Check how many sockets you have for RAM. Some motherboard supports only two
while others support four, six or even more.

iii. Locate your RAM sockets. RAM sockets are typically located near the CPU, though
their location may vary depending on the manufacturer or model.

iv. Insert the RAM into the RAM slot.

Figure: Placing of the memory modules

Place the motherboard into the case

i. Locate the screw package that came with the case and what you are looking for is the
motherboard standoffs.

ii. Locate the holes that the screws will pass through and into the standoffs in the
motherboard.

31
 iii. Now you can set the motherboard on the standoff screws and while lining up the
screw holes, you also have to make sure that the back I/O panel is lining up with the
connectors that are on the motherboard. Some cases have a removable motherboard
tray which allows you to do all this on a flat surface and then slide it into the case.

Figure: Placing the motherboard into the case

Connect the power supply

1. Plug the last ATX power connector from you power supply into the matching port on
the motherboard.

2. Locate the smaller, square processor power connector and attach it to the
motherboard.

3. Use the motherboard user manual and find the description about front panel
connectors.

4. Plug in the connectors.

32
Figure : Connecting the power supply

4.2.5 INSTALL THE GRAPHICS/VIDEO CARD

I. Check your power supply. Video cards are one of the largest draws on the computer’s
power supply, so you will want to ensure that it is up to the task.

II. Ensure that your motherboard is compatible. Most modern motherboards have a PCI-
E slot which is what virtually all modern graphics card use. Measure the available
space in the motherboard to the graphics card you are about to use.

III. Insert the graphics card. Remove your graphics card from its antistatic bag carefully
gripping it on the edges.

IV. Use case screws to secure the video card to the bay openings on the back of the case.

V. Plug in the power connectors of the graphics card.

Figure: Placing of
the graphics/video card

33
Connect the keyboard, mouse and monitor

The keyboard, mouse and the monitor are the easiest components you can connect to your
case. You just need to consult the user manual to know the appropriate place to connect
them. After all these are connected, the power cable should be connected too and you can
turn on the system.

4.3 INSTALLING THE OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)

Now that you have put everything together, you’ve past all the difficult stages the rest is a
cakewalk. Here’s how to install your operating system and get everything up and running.

If you’ve never installed an OS before, it’s remarkably easy, if you have, I’d still suggest
reading through this guide to make sure you’ve got it all down. Installing Windows on a
custom machine can take a few extra steps than installing it on a pre-built machine. For this
guide, we’re going to use Windows 7 as an example, but you can of course install Window
XP, Linux, or even Mac OS X, if you’re building a Mackintosh. Refer to our Getting Started
with Linux series and easy Mackintosh guide if you’re using those OS instead.

4.3.1 SETTING THE BIOS

When you first start up your computer, it’ll tell you to press a key to enter setup, usually
DEL. This takes you to the setup of your Basic Inputs/Outputs System, or BIOS, here; you
can configure some of the lowest-level aspects of your new machine. You may not actually
need to edit any of these settings, but it’s a good idea to go through, get acquainted with
them, and make sure everything’s in good order before moving on.

Note that BIOS will be a little bit different on different brands of motherboard, so your
screen may not look exactly like the images here, but it should be close.

34
First, we should make sure that everything’s been installed correctly. If you have a System
Information page in your BIOS, head there and make sure the amount of RAM listed is the
same amount you put in. if it isn’t detecting all of your RAM, some of it might not be seated
correctly, so go back and fix that before continuing. If there isn’t a System Information page
in your BIOS, your motherboard probably lists the amount of RAM it detects on the POST
screen, right after you press the power button.

Fin the SATA configuration option, and make sure it’s configured as AHCI. If you’re
running Window XP you’ll need to change this to IDE, otherwise AHCI is probably what
you want to go with.

Lastly, find the “Boot Order” or “Boot Priority” page. Make sure your DVD drive is the first
drive on the list (or your USB drive if you’re installing from a flash drive), and that the hard
drive you’ll be installing to is second. Note that some BIOS utilities split this up into two
menus one for setting the boot order for your different media (CD-ROM, hard disks, USB
disks) and another that lets you choose the order of just the hard drives. If you don’t see your
hard drive listed, it may not be plugged in correctly or it may be dead. Turn your computer
off and re-check the connection if necessary.

4.3.2 Step Two: INSTALLING THE WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

Next, grab your Windows installation DVD (or flash drive, if that be the case) and pop it
in. Start up your computer and it should automatically boot into the Windows installer. If
you ever get a “Press any key to boot from CD” option, make sure to hit a key on your
keyboard to continue. Once the installer loads, hit the “Install Now” button, accept the
terms of use, and choose “Custom (advanced)” when asked what type of installation you
want. Find your primary hard drive (if you have more than one), click on the Unallocated
Space” partition, and Windows should start installingIf you aren’t using a brand new
drive, you may have to format it first. Click on the currently- used partition, click “Drive
options (advanced)”, and then hit “Format”, It should format the drive to be Widows-
compatible, after which you can hit next and let the installation run.

From there, the rest is just a waiting game. Leave your computer alone to do its thing. It ’ll
copy all the necessary files to your disk and reboot a number of times in the process.

35
You’ll know you’re done when you hear the familiar startup chime and boot into the
default Windows 7 desktop.

4.3.3 Step Three: ACTIVATING THE WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

The last thing you need to do before you actually use your computer is install your
drivers. If your Ethernet or Wi-Fi works out-of-the-box, Windows may find most or all of
your drivers for you. If not, you’ll need to pop in the CD that came with your
motherboard to install the Ethernet or Wi-Fi drivers you need to access the internet. Don ’t
install any other drivers from that CD just yet.

Once you’ve got the internet up and running, Windows will install drivers for you. It
might not catch everything though, so you’ll have to install some manually. The CDs that
came with your motherboard, video card, and other hardware are probably already out of
date, so I don’t recommend using these to install those drivers.

Instead, you’ll want to download the drivers manually from the manufacture’s web site.

Open up Device Manager by opening up the Start menu and searching for “Device
Manager”. Look for anything that has a question mark or an exclamation point next to it.
Often, it’ll tell you what the missing driver is for say, SATA and you can then head to
your motherboard manufacture’s web site, go to their support page, and download the
drivers manually. If it’s your video card that’s missing a driver, you’ll want to head to

Fig.4.3.3

NVIDIA or ATIs web site instead.

If it says “Unknown Device” next to the driver-fewer devices, try inserting the CD that
came with your motherboard and seeing if there are any drivers that aren ’t listed in the
Device manager, and try installing those from the manufacturers web site. Eventually,
you should be able to get everything installed.

36
4.4. INSTALLATION OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

You can follow the steps below to install an application from an .exe file.

1. Locate and download an .exe file.

2. Locate and double-click the .exe file. (It will usually be in your Downloads folder.)

3. A dialog box will appear. Follow the instructions to install the software.

4. The software will be installed

4.5. INSTALL WINDOW UPDATES

 If you want to install the upgrade now, select Start > Settings > Windows

Update > Check for updates. If the upgrade is available, you can choose to install it.

 If you run into problems updating your device, including problems with previous
major updates, see common fixes at Troubleshoot problems updating Windows, or
use Fix Windows update issues to step you through the troubleshooting process.

 If you're warned by Windows Update that you don't have enough space on your
device to install the upgrade, see Free up space for Windows updates.

The last thing you will want to do is get Windows up to date. Chances are, you’ve already
gotten a notification from Windows Update at this point, but if not, head into your Start
Menu, go to Programs, and hit Windows Update. Install all the updates it gives you, and
reboot your computer. Check for updates again and it’ll have a whole new slew of them
for you. You’ll have to do this quite a few times, but eventually it should stop serving you
notifications and you’ll be all up to date. When you are, you ’re ready to actually start
using your computer.

This is also a good time to get some antivirus on your machine, as well as any other
basic apps you want.

37
4.5.1 INSTALLATION OF PEER TO PEER NETWORK

During the installation process computer and workgroup name are automatically
generated. You could use these names but it would be better to have a good and
descriptive name. To change computer and workgroup name Right-click on My
Computer and select Properties, or open the System applet from Control Panel.

Select the Computer Name tab ==> click Change to open the Computer Name Changes
dialog box.

Follow this guideline while choosing name for computer and workgroup

Computer name should be unique in a workgroup.

Workgroup name should be same for all computer.

Workgroup name may be up to 15 characters long and may contain any alphanumeric (a-
z and 0-9) characters, as well as special characters except for; : " < > * + = \ | ?.

Computer name can be up to 15 characters long and have the same naming restrictions as
workgroup. In addition, the computer name cannot be the same as the workgroup name.

38
Enter a new computer name in the Computer Name field and new workgroup name in
Workgroup field and click OK.

Fig. 4.5.1

You will be prompted to restart your computer to complete the name change. Click yes to
restart your computer.

We have completed our first necessary step. Now it ’s time to configure LAN card.
Configure LAN card

First check LAN card driver

Right Click on My Computer ==> properties ==> Hardware ==> Device manager ==>
Network Adaptor ==> Check here (also check under the other devices tag) Situation:-
Showing

Fig. 4.5.5

Description:- Installed and working properly

Situation:-Showing with Yellow sign

39
Description: - LAN card driver is corrupted

Solution: - Install LAN card driver.

Situation:-Showing with Red Cross

Description: - Either cable is unplugged or LAN card is disabled

Solution: - My network places ==> properties ==> local area connection ==> right click
==> Enable (Follow only if LAN card is disable)

Check whether network cable is plugged

or not Situation:-Not Showing

Description: LAN card is not detected yet (check for physical installation)

Solution:- Open the cabinet and check for physical detection Check Bios ==> On bord
LAN Option should be enable

Checking LAN card in Network place

How to show my network place on Desktop?

40
Right click on the free space of desktop ==>Customize desktop ==>check mark on My
network places ==> Apply ==> Ok My network place ==> properties ==> local area
connection Situation:- Showing

Description:- Installed and working properly

Situation:-Showing with Red Cross

Description:-cable is unplugged

Solution:-Check whether network cable is plugged or not

Situation:-Showing with Yellow sign

Description:-LAN is working on Automatic private IP.

Solution:- assign manually IP address

Situation:-Showing with disable

Fig. 4.6

Description:-LAN is disabled Solution:-My network places ==> Local area connection

==> Right click ==> Enable (Follow only if LAN card is disable)

41
Situation:-Showing with firewall

Description:-LAN is firewall protected

Solution:-There is no need to on firewall unless you are connecting with internet. To turn
off firewall my network place ==> properties ==>local area connection ==> properties
==>Advanced ==>Settings

General==> Off

Next step is to check 4 necessary configuration in LAN card properties

LAN cards drives

Client for Microsoft network

Building and assembling a computer system

42
File and printer sharing services

Internet protocols (TCP/IP)

43
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 CONCLUSION

The whole research is concerned on building CORE I3 computer which has gather stages on
how each components of the computer system can be fitted.

I managed to identify each components/devices with their functions and specifications and
the required tools were used; screwdriver, tester, multi-meter, nose-pliers and blower
machine. The components and their specifications are; HP DC 6000(small form factor), Dual
core 2.8GHz/3.0GHz processor speed, 500GB HDD, 4GB RAM, LCD monitor, keyboard
and mouse.

This research has purportedly achieved the aim of assembling the computer system that will
be used in the school laboratories’.

5.1 RECOMMENDATION

Satisfactorily arriving at the pace of achieving a PC assembles that has the functionality
required. Its durability which is well guarantee is therefore recommended to be used in the
school laboratories and offices.

44
 REFERENCES

Assembly, C. (n.d.). Computer Assembly 3.0.

Bellos, Alex (2012). “Abacus adds up to number joy in Japan”. The Guardian

(London). Retrieved 2013.

Casey, J. (2015). ARROW @ TU Dublin Computer Hardware : Hardware Components

and Internal PC Connections.

Cragon, Harvey G. (2000). Computer Architecture and implementation. Cambridge:

Cambridge University Press. Pp. 1-13. ISBN 0-521-6516-9.

COMPUTER HARDWARE Text Book Intermediate Vocational Course - I. (2005).

David J. Eck (2000). The Most Complex Machine: A Survey of computers and

computing. A K Peters.Lid. P. 54.1SBN 978-1-56881-128-4.

Erricos John Kontoghiorghes (2006). Handbook of Parallel Computing and Statistics.

CRC Press.P. 45, ISBN 978-0-8247-467-2.

Fullerton, Eric (March 2014). “5 Non-Volatile Memories workshop (NVMW 2014)

(PDF).IEEE. Retrieved April 23, 2014

Ifrah, Georges (2001). The Universal history of computing: From the abacus to the

quantum computer. John Wiley & Sons.ISBN 0-471-39671-0.

Murray, Matthew. “Build a gaming PC for any budget”, PCMAG. Retrieved 19

August 2012.

Nureni, Y., & Olawale, O. I. (2017). Assembling of Desktop Computer System with In-

Built Uninterrupted Power Supply ( UPS ) Assembling of Desktop Computer System

with In-Built Uninterrupted Power Supply ( UPS ), (January).

45
 https://doi.org/10.21276/sjeat.2017.2.3.2

Oyagbile, O. (2020). CLONING OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH SPECIFICATION

TESTING ANALYSIS Author : Oyagbile Oluwaseun Victor Co author : Mr

Oyekola olaitan Submission Files Included in this PDF Research Data Related to this

Submission, (November 2018). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29433.42081

Rojas, R. (1998). “How to make Zuse’s Z3 a universal computer”. IEEE annals of the

history of computing 20 (3): 51-54. Doi: 10. 1 109/85.707574.

Tedre, Matti (2014). The science of computing: Shaping a discipline. CRC Press.

Tuncer Oren (2001). * Advances in computer and information sciences: from abacus

to holonicagents”, Turk J ElecEngin 9 (1), p. 63-70 {64).

Wang, P. and D. Nikolie (2011) An LCD monitor with sufficiently timing for research

in vision. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 5:85

46
 PROJECT REPORT ON

COUPLING OF A DESKTOP COMPUTER SYSTEM

BY

ADEYEMO JOHN ADEYEMI

FPA/CS/20/2-0009

SUBMITTED TO:

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ADO EKITI

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

THE AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA {ND} IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

47
 DECEMBER, 2022

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I could specific my unique thank you of gratitude to Almighty GOD who stored us alive to
finish this challenge successfully. This challenge wouldn’t had been a success without the
aid of my supervisor, MR AKINWAMIDE S.O for his complete aid and recommendation
in supervising this project. Also, my appreciation is going to my Mummy, MRS
ADEYEMO R.O. for their support, they have greatly and extremely contributed to the
achievement of this challenge.

48
 PROJECT REPORT ON

COUPLING OF A DESKTOP COMPUTER SYSTEM

BY

SAMUEL RAYMOND OLAMILEKEN

FPA/CS/20/2-0070

SUBMITTED TO:

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ADO EKITI

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

NATIONAL DIPLOMA {ND} IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

DECEMBER, 2022

49
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I could specific my unique thank you of gratitude to Almighty GOD who stored us alive to
finish this challenge successfully. This challenge wouldn’t had been a success without the
aid of my supervisor, MR AKINWAMIDE S.O for his complete aid and recommendation in
supervising this project. Also, my appreciation is going to my parents, MR AND MRS
SAMUEL for their support, they in reality had extremely good affects at the achievement of
this challenge.

50
 PROJECT REPORT ON

COUPLING OF A DESKTOP COMPUTER SYSTEM

BY

ODUOLA OLUWASEUN VICTOR

FPA/CS/20/2-0175

SUBMITTED TO:

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ADO EKITI

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

NATIONAL DIPLOMA {ND} IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

DECEMBER, 2022

51
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I could specific my unique thank you of gratitude to Almighty GOD who stored us alive to
finish this challenge successfully. This challenge wouldn’t had been a success without the
aid of my supervisor, MR AKINWAMIDE S.O for his complete aid and recommendation in
supervising this project. Also, my appreciation is going to my parents, MR AND MRS
ODUOLA for their support, they in reality had extremely good affects at the achievement of
this challenge.

52