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Assemble Computer
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Configure a computer.
2. Set the computer system properly.
3. Learn how to assemble/disassemble computer.
INTRODUCTION
In order to begin a simple work using computer, we should build first our system unit,
and basic computer configuration setup.
This information sheet informs you how to build a computer in very plain simple
instruction.
How to Build a PC
Before you begin building or refitting a computer, you should have some basic tools:
1. Phillips-head (cross-shaped) screwdriver

2. Needle-nose pliers
3. Anti-static Wrist Strap
4. A large level working space
Optional, but useful tools
Some other tools and equipment can come in handy as well, such as:
1. Electrical tape
2. Wire or nylon ties
3. Flashlight, preferably hands-free
4. A second, working computer to swap parts, look for tips, ask for help on-line,
download drivers and patches, etc. - very useful
5. A can of compressed air - useful when working with older parts that have
collected dust. A better alternative but also expensive, is a vacuum cleaner
designed for cleaning electronics.
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Install and configure computer systems
LO 1 assemble Computer Hardware
6. Proper preparation is the key to a successful build. Before you begin, make sure
you have all the tools you will need, secure a clear, well-lit workspace, gather all
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the components you’ll be using and unpack them one at a time, verifying that
everything that is supposed to be there is actually present. At this point you
should leave the parts themselves in their protective anti-static bags and
assemble all the accompanying manuals. Now I know you want to get started,
but trust me, read the manuals, check the diagrams, make sure you
understand where each part goes and how it attaches. If there is anything you
don’t understand, now is the time to do a little extra Internet research or call
the manufacturer with your questions.
7. Find a dry, well-ventilated place to do your work. You should have plenty of
light and if possible, you should choose an area without carpet on the floor, as
carpet tends to generate a lot of static. An unfurnished basement is a good work
location.
INSTALLING MOTHERBOARD COMPONENT
Before proceeding
Take note of the following precautions before installing motherboard components or

changing any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the wall socket power cord before touching any component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or metal object,
such as a power supply case, before handling components to avoid damage due
to static electricity.
• Hold edge components to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the
component whenever you uninstall any component.
• Make sure that the ATX power supply is switched off before installing or
removing any component. Failure to do so can cause serious damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, or components.
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure
that the motherboard fits into it.
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as
indicated in the image below.
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Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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INSTALLING CPU
This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the
Intel® 4th generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®
processors.
H81M-D PLUS CPU socket LGA1150
Safety Procedure
• Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket
and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the
PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket
contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if
the damage is shipment/ transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with
the cap on the LGA1150 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting
from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect
removal of the PnP cap.
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CPU Heatsink and Fan assembly installation
Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU
before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
How to install
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INSTALL SYSTEM MEMORY
This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory
Module (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2
module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect
the CPU.
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets.
Channel Sockets
Channel A DIMM_A1
Channel B DIMM_B1
Memory Configurations
• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system
maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel
configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then
mapped for single-channel operation.
• Due to Intel® chipset limitations, DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules
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on XMP mode will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR3 1600MHz.
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• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code
(D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory
modules.
• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you
install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for
the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend
that you do any of the following:
o Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit
Windows® OS.
o Install a 64-bit Windows® OS if you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512 megabits (Mb) chips
or less.
• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its
corresponding timing or the loaded X.M.P. Profile is not the JEDEC memory
standard. The stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on
the CPU’s capabilities and other installed devices.
• The maximum 16GB memory capacity can be supported with 8GB or above
DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the
market.
• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence

Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a
memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for
overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.
• For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a
full
• memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
• Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)
Installing DIMM
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system
components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and
the components.
1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DIMM socket.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the
DIMM slot key on the socket.
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A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a
DIMM into
a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in
place and the DIM is properly seated.
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Removing a DIMM
1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips

outward to unlock the DIMM.
Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers
when pressing the retaining clips. The
DIMM might get damaged when it
flips out with extra force.
2. Remove the DIMM from the
socket.
Expansion Slots
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do
so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
To install an expansion card:
1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it
and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for
later use.
4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is
completely
5. seated on the slot.
6. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
7. Replace the system cover.
CONFIGURING AN EXPANSION CARD

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.
1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.
2. Assign an IRQ to the card.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or
that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the
two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.
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PCI Express x1 slots
This motherboard supports two PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other
cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.
PCI Express x16 slot
This motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphics card that complies with the
PCI Express specifications.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A B C D E F G H
LAN - - share - - - - -
d
PCIE x16 shared - - - - - -
PCIE x1_1 shared - - - - - - -
PCIE x1_2 - shared - - - - - -
Intel PCH SATA - - - share - - - -
Controller d
HD Audio - - - - - - share
d
USB2.0_1 - - - - - - - share
d
USB2.0_2 - - - - share - - -
d
USB3.0 - - - - - share -
d
Jumpers
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear
the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS
RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which
include system setup information such as system passwords.
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H81M-D PLUS Clear RTC RAM
To erase the RTC RAM
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins
2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-
enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to
clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature. Shut
down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter settings to
default values.
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7. IO CONNECTORS
1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. LPT connector. This port supports LPT devices such as printers.
3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network
(LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other
audio sources.
5. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel,
6- channel, and 8-channel configurations, the function of this port becomes Front
Speaker Out.
6. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone
7. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for
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USB 2.0/1.1 devices.
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8. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 9-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect
to USB 3.0/2.0 devices.
• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitations, USB 3.0 devices can only be used
under a Windows® OS environment and after USB 3.0 driver installation.
• The plugged USB 3.0 device may run on xHCI or EHCI mode, depending
on the operating system’s setting.
• USB 3.0 devices can only be used for data storage.
• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0
ports for faster and better performance from your USB 3.0 devices.
9. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other
VGA-compatible devices.
10. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. DVI-D can’t be
converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I.
11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.
8. INTERNAL CONNECTORS
1. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel
audio I/O module cable to this connector.
2. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port.
Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a
slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
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3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN)
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside
the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not
place jumper caps on the fan connectors! The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of
maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.
4. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these
connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specifications and supports up to 480Mbps
connection speed.
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Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
5. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are
designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
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•
It is recommended that you use an ATX 12V Specification 2.0-compliant
power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This
PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
• DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise,
the system will not boot up.
• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when
configuring a system with more power-consuming devices or when you
intend to install additional devices. The system may become unstable or
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for
your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage
Calculator at
http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SL
anguage=en-us for details.
6. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)
The 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
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7. Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G 1~2 [brown])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 3.0
Gb/s signal cables.
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to [AHCI].
8. Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~2 [yellow])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
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9. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power
LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on
the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDD_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity
LED cable to this connector. The HDD LED lights up or flashes when data is
read from or written to the HDD.
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR_BTN)
This connector is for the system power button.
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot
without turning off the system power.
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10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable
to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the
system chassis.
11. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_E12)*

These connectors allow you to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB
3.0 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy
all the benefits of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps,
faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency and
backward compatibility with USB 2.0.
*H81M-D PLUS model only.
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Onboard LEDs
Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate
that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below
shows the location of the onboard LED.
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INSTALLING SOUND CARD
Most new desktop computers come with a built-in sound card that you can replace. If
your computer doesn't have a sound card installed or you want to upgrade the sound
playback or recording capabilities of your computer, you can install a sound card.
Before installing a sound card, you'll need the following:
• The sound card you want to install.

• A Phillips screwdriver to open your computer, if needed.
• An empty PCI slot inside your computer, unless you plan to replace an existing
sound card (in which case you can put the new card into that slot).
If your sound card came with a CD, DVD, or other removable media, it might
contain a driver for your sound card. Hold on to that until Windows has finished
looking for and installing a driver. Windows does this automatically after you
install the sound card in your computer and turn the computer back on. If
Windows can't find a good driver for your sound card, then try installing the driver
that came with the sound card. Software from the manufacturer might also include
other programs for your sound card.
Figure 2.21 Audio ports
Most sound cards have at least one line-out jack to connect speakers and a line-in
jack to connect an audio input device.
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Installation Procedures
To Open Your Computer Case
1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from its power source. This is very
important. Installing a card in a computer that's plugged in could shock you or
damage the card and computer.
2. Open the computer case. Look on the computer cover (usually on the back) for
screws or clasps to undo the case. Computer documentation typically includes
instructions on how to open the case.
3. After opening the case, ground yourself by touching the metal casing that
surrounds the jack where the power cord plugs in. This can help protect you from
an electric shock and can help protect the new card and existing computer
components from static electricity.
To Remove an Existing Sound Card
If you have an existing internal sound card, you should remove it before installing
the new card. If your computer has a built-in sound processor, you can proceed
to the "To install your new sound card" section of this topic.
1. Locate your sound card. If you're not certain which card is your sound card,
follow the wires from your speakers to the back of the card, and then note which
slot that card is in.
2. Unplug any speaker and microphone cables from the back of the sound card.
3. If there's a cable inside your computer connecting the sound card to your CD
drive, disconnect it. Many newer computers don't have this cable, so if it's not
there, you can skip this step.
4. Remove any screw or hook holding your sound card in place.
5. Carefully pull the sound card straight out of the slot. Be careful not to twist or
bend the card as you remove it.
Note
o The card might need one or two gentle up-and-down nudges to come loose.
Even if you're throwing away the old sound card, use caution when
removing it to avoid damaging the motherboard. If it seems stuck, it's better
to spend a few extra minutes tugging gently than to rip the card out too
quickly.
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6. If you're not installing a new sound card, install a slot cover if you have one, and
replace the screw. Then, close the computer case and replace any screws you
removed when opening the case.
To Install Your New Sound Card
1. Locate an empty expansion slot in the computer that will accept your new sound
card.
If your computer doesn't have an empty slot, you'll have to remove another card
before you can install the new one. If you removed an existing sound card, you
can use the same slot if your new card uses the same type of expansion slot.
Check your computer's documentation if you need to determine the types of
expansion slots it has available.
2. Gently place the sound card on top of the slot. Line up the pins on the sound
card with the slot and push the card gently down so that it sits in the slot. Be
sure that the card is pushed all the way in and that it's secure. If the pins on the
card aren't perfectly aligned with the pins in the expansion slot, the card won't
work properly.
3. If your computer has an audio cable that connects the CD drive directly to the
sound card, plug it into the card. Check the information that came with your
sound card to determine the location of the CD audio connector on the card. This
cable is rarely necessary with current audio hardware, and in most cases,
plugging it in is optional.
4. Screw the sound card to the frame. Don't bend the sound card or the frame while
tightening the screw. It might be best to tighten the screw barely more than you
can tighten it with your fingers.
5. Close the computer case and replace any screws you removed when opening the
case. Plug your speakers into your new sound card and, if applicable, plug your
microphone in too.
6. Plug your computer back into its power source and then turn it on.
Windows will install the necessary drivers for your new sound card. If your sound
card came with a disc containing software, install that now. Check the
information that came with your sound card for the installation steps.
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INSTALLING HARD DISK
a. Internal Hard Disks
Internal hard disks connect to your computer's motherboard using an IDE interface or
SATA interface. Most new hard drives come with either an IDE or SATA connection
cable, depending on the type of drive.
Installing an internal hard disk takes a bit more work, especially if you plan to make
the new disk your primary hard disk where you install Windows. To install an internal
hard disk, you should be comfortable opening your computer case and connecting
cables.
Most desktop computers have room for at least two internal hard disks. Laptops have
room for only one hard disk. If you are replacing the primary hard disk rather than
adding a secondary disk, you'll have to install Windows after you connect the disk.
Note
• Many internal hard disks contain jumper pins that you must set to designate a
hard disk as a primary (master) disk where you install Windows or as a secondary
(subordinate) disk where you store programs and files. These jumpers are small
plastic sleeves that you must place on the correct metal jumper pins. For additional
instructions, check the information that came with the internal hard disk.
To Remove and Replace an Internal Hard Disk
1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer’s
cover. If you have a laptop, check the information from the manufacturer to find
out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.
2. Unplug all cables connected to the hard disk, and then remove the hard disk.
Pay attention to which cables you unplug, since you will plug the same cables
into the new hard disk. If there are any screws holding in the hard disk, you'll
need a small screwdriver to unscrew them. Many hard disks slide in and out of
the case on rails. If you have questions, check the information that came with
your computer.
3. Insert the new hard disk and connect it to the same cables that are in the same
places as the hard disk you removed. One cable connects the disk to the
computer’s power supply, and the other cable connects the disk to the computer’s
motherboard.
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To Add A New Internal Hard Disk (Without Removing an Existing Disk)
1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer’s
cover. If you have a laptop, check the information from the manufacturer to find
out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.
2. Insert the new hard disk into an empty hard disk bay in your computer case. You
might need a small screwdriver to screw the disk into your case. Different cases
have different ways of holding hard disks. Many slide in and out of the case on
rails.
3. Connect one cable from the computer’s power supply to the power connector on
the back of the hard disk.
4. Depending on what type of hard disk you have, connect the IDE cable or SATA
cable from the back of the disk to the IDE or SATA connector on the computer’s
motherboard. IDE cables are wide and flat with large connectors, while SATA
cables are thin with small connectors. For more information, check the
information that came with the hard disk.
B. External hard disks
The simplest way to add more hard disk space is to plug in an external hard disk. If you
add an external hard disk, it can't function as your primary hard disk where you install
Windows, but you can use it as a secondary disk to store programs and files. Adding an
external hard disk is a good way to create plenty of extra space to store digital photos,
videos, music, and other files that require a large amount of disk space.
Figure 2.22 Removing old video card
To install an external hard disk, all you have to do is plug it into your computer and
connect the power cord. Most of these hard disks plug into a USB port, but some plug
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into a Firewire (also known as IEEE 1394) or external Serial ATA (eSATA) port. For
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additional instructions, check the information that came with your external hard disk.
You might also need to install any software that came with the hard disk.
Installing the NIC
A network interface card (NIC) enables a computer to connect to a network. NICs

use peripheral component interface (PCI) and PCIe expansion slots on the
motherboard, as shown in Figure 3-6.
Figure 2.23 NIC Interface
Procedures
1. Remove the blank from the case where the new card will be installed so that
the port can be accessed.
2. Align the NIC with the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
3. Press down gently on the NIC until the card is fully seated.
4. Secure the NIC PC mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.
INSTALL THE WIRELESS NIC

A wireless NIC, as shown in figure, enables a computer to connect to a wireless
network. Wireless NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. Some
wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.
Follow these steps for wireless NIC installation:
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Figure 2.24 Wireless NIC Interface
1. Align the wireless NIC with the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
2. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until the card is fully seated.
3. Secure the wireless NIC PC mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate
screw.
POWER SUPPLY INSTALLATION
WARNING: Don’t ever open your power supply or try to fix it yourself. The power supply
stores powerful jolts of electricity, even when the computer is turned off and unplugged.
Power supplies are safe until you start poking around inside them.
TIPS: If you’re confused about which power supply to buy, bring your old one with you
to the computer store and match its connectors and screw holes with a new one, making
sure the wattage is the same or higher.
Procedure
1. Which PSU to buy?
While PC case styles can vary wildly in exterior design, their interior dimensions have
to match the ATX specification. This means they have to accept a PSU 15x9cm and at
least 14cm long. There of course exceptions to the rule, firstly mini-cases can use
smaller microATX, or entirely custom-designed PSUs, where the physical PSU size
differs from this standard as seen here. Check before buying.
2. How much power?
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Figure 2.25 Power Supply Unit Details
Make sure you choose a suitably powerful PSU. As a rough guide you need to add the
wattage used – sometimes called the TDP – for the processor and graphics card. These
are the two main power eaters and it's important the 12V rail on your new PSU will
supply enough power to both. If in doubt use an online PSU calculator.
3. Mount the PSU
Figure 2.26 Mounting the PSU
the same. In some cases you may need to remove the CPU cooler or top of the case to
gain full access. For tower cases it's usually easiest to place the case on its side, as
then you can rest the PSU on its side.
4. Secure it
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Figure 2.27 Attaching PSU
The PSU is screwed in place using four standard ATX case screw, make sure you can
see all four before screwing it into place, as it is possible to get the PSU the wrong way
around.
5. ATX power
Figure 2.28 ATX Power Connector
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This is the 20/24-pin ATX main motherboard power connector, older systems only
use the first 20-pin. In this case the extra 4-pins can simply over hang the socket or
some PSUs have a connector where the last four pins unclip.
6. ATX12V power
Figure 2.29 ATX 12V Power connector
The oddly name ATX12V connector is specifically designed to power the processor
with a clean 12v supply and should be powered from its own 12V rail. The original and
current version is a square 4-pin design that is suitable for more motherboards,
however high-end Intel motherboards – mostly socket 1366 models – require an up-
rated 8-pin version. So check your motherboard before buying.
7. PCI Express power
Figure 2.30 PCIExpress Power connector
6-pin and 8-pin PCI Express power connectors are almost only every required by mid-
to high-end graphics cards. Depending on the model a card may require one or two 6-
pin connectors, or one 6-pin and one 8-pin. If you plan to run dual-graphics cards
then this is obviously doubled!
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MOLEX AND SATA
Figure 2.31 Molex and SATA connectors
The remaining power connectors are usually used to power any optical drives and
hard drives in a system, the old 4-pin Molex connectors mostly come into play here.
SATA hard drives is the final exception requiring the SATA power connectors, but
many drives provide connectors for Molex as well, in this circumstance only use one or
the other not both.
9. Adaptors
Figure 2.32 SATA power connector, Molex power connector
As connectors and requirements have increased or changed over the years, instead of
making older PSUs redundant companies have simply offer adaptors. These take one
or two Molex connectors and convert them into SATA, PCIe 6-pin and PCIe 8-pin
power connectors.
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10. Tidy up
A tidy case is a happy case. Leaving cables rumbled all around inside a case inhibits
air flow and can lead to a system running hotter than it has to. It's always worth
taking a little time to wrap, tuck and tie-up cables for a neat finish, plus your mum
would be proud
CONNECT ALL INTERNAL CABLES
Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the power supply to the
motherboard and other components. Data cables transmit data between the
motherboard and storage devices, such as hard drives. Additional cables connect the
buttons and link lights on the front of the computer case to the motherboard.
Connect the Power Cables
Figure 2.33 From left to right, berg connector, molex connector, SATA connector
Power cables are brightly colored bundles of wires that branch out from the power
supply. As the name suggests, they provide internal devices with electricity. There are
several kinds of power connectors.
Motherboard Power Connections

Just like other components, motherboards require power to operate. The Advanced
Technology Extended (ATX) main power connector will have either 20 or 24 pins.
The power supply may also have a 4-pin or 6-pin Auxiliary (AUX) power connector
that connects to the motherboard. A 20-pin connector will work in a motherboard
with a 24-pin socket.
Procedures:
1. Align the 20-pin ATX power connector with the socket on the motherboard.
2. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
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3. Align the 4-pin AUX power connector with the socket on the motherboard.
4. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
SATA Power Connectors

SATA power connectors use a 15-pin connector. Serial advanced technology
attachment (SATA) power connectors are used to connect to hard disk drives,
optical drives, or any devices that have a SATA power socket.
Molex Power Connectors

Older Hard disk drives and optical drives that do not have SATA power sockets use a
Molex power connector.
Berg Power Connectors
The 4-pin Berg power connector supplies power to a floppy drive.
1. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.

2. Plug the Molex power connector into the optical drive.
3. Plug the 4-pin Berg power connector into the FDD.
4. Connect the 3-pin fan power connector into the
appropriate fan header on the motherboard, according to
the motherboard manual.
5. Plug the additional cables from the case into the
appropriate connectors according to the motherboard
manual.
Connect the Data Cables

Drives connect to the motherboard using data cables. The drive being connected
determines the type of data cable used. The types of data cables are PATA, SATA, and
floppy disk.
PATA Data Cables

The parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA) data cable is sometimes
called a ribbon cable because it is wide and flat. The PATA cable can have either 40 or
80 conductors. A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin connectors. One connector at
the end of the cable connects to the motherboard. The other two connectors connect
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to drives. If multiple hard drives are installed, the master drive connects to the end
connector. The slave drive connects to the middle connector.
A stripe on the data cable denotes the location of Pin 1. Plug the PATA cable into the
drive with the Pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned with the Pin 1 indicator on the
drive connector. The Pin 1 indicator on the drive connector is usually closest to the
power connector on the drive. Many motherboards have two PATA drive controllers,
providing support for a maximum of four PATA drives.
SATA Data Cables

The SATA data cable has a 7-pin connector. One end of the cable is connected to the
motherboard. The other end is connected to any drive that has a SATA data
connector.
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SETTING-UP COMPUTER
You have a new computer and are ready to set it up. While this may seem like an
overwhelming and difficult task, it is really quite simple. It does not matter what name
brand of computer you have because most computers are set up in a similar way.
If you are setting up a newly purchased computer that's still in the box, you will
probably find a how-to guide in the packaging that includes step-by-step details.
However, even if it didn't include instructions you can still set up the computer in just
a few easy steps. In this lesson, we'll go through the different steps that are needed to
set up a typical computer.
a. Setting up a laptop computer
Figure 2.35 Laptop
If you have a laptop, setup should be very easy: Just open it up and press the power
button. If the battery isn't charged, you'll need to plug in the AC adapter. You can
continue using the laptop while it charges.
If your laptop has any peripherals, such as external speakers, you may want to read
the instructions below, since laptops and desktops generally use the same types of
connections.
b. Setting up a desktop computer
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Figure 2.36 Desktop Computer
1. Think about where you want your desk or work area to be located, as well as where
you want your monitor, computer case, and other hardware. Be sure to place your
computer case in an area that is well-ventilated and that has good air flow. This will
help to prevent overheating.
Figure 2.37 VGA Cable
2. Locate the monitor cable. It will usually be either a VGA or DVI cable. VGA cables
will often have blue connectors to make them easier to identify. (If you have an all-in-
one computer that's built into the monitor, you can skip to Step 4).
2.38 Connecting VGA connector
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3. Connect one end of the cable to the monitor port on the back of the computer
case and the other end to the monitor. Hand-tighten the plastic-covered screws on
the monitor cable to secure it.
Many computer cables will only fit a specific way. If the cable doesn't fit, don't force it
or you might damage the connectors. Make sure the plug aligns with the port, then
connect it.
Figure 2.39 Connecting Connectors
4. Unpack the keyboard and determine whether it uses a USB (rectangular) connector
or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB
ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into
the purple keyboard port on the back of the computer.
Step 5
Figure 2.40 Connecting USB connectors
5. Unpack the mouse and determine whether it uses a USB (rectangular) connector or
a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports
on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into the green mouse
port on the back of the computer.
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If your keyboard has a USB port, you can connect your mouse to the keyboard instead
of connecting it directly to your computer.
If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a

Bluetooth dongle (USB adapter) to your computer. However, many computers have
built-in Bluetooth, so a dongle may not be necessary.
Figure 2.41 connecting audio devices
6. If you have external speakers or headphones, you can connect them to your
computer's audio port (either on the front or the back of the computer case). Many
computers have color-coded ports. Speakers or headphones connect to
the green port, and a microphone can connect to the pink port. The blue port is
the line in, which can be used with other types of devices.
Some speakers, headphones, and microphones have USB connectors instead of the
usual audio plug. These can be connected to any USB port. In addition, many
computers have speakers or microphones built into the monitor.
Figure 2.42 connecting power cable
7. Locate the two power supply cables that came with your computer. Plug the first
power supply cable into the back of the computer case, and then into a surge
protector. Then, using the other cable, connect the monitor to the surge protector.
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Step 8
Figure 2.43 Connecting surge protector to the power outlet
Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may also need to
turn the surge protector on if it has a power switch.
If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into the
wall. However, this is not recommended, as electrical surges can damage your
computer.
Your basic computer hardware is now set up. Before you start it up, spend some
time arranging your workspace. A workspace that is arranged well can improve
your productivity and promote health.
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COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. select computer components based on the customer’s needs

2. identify the components best suited for a particular computing environment
3. know how to design for specific computer subsystems, such as the video or
storage subsystem
INTRODUCTIONS
Why would employers want technicians to be able to design computers? If you needed
a car repaired, wouldn’t it be nice to have a person who could design cars to advise
you? They would know the best engines, the most fuel-efficient body design, what
parts might not work well with other parts, and so on. They would know a lot about all
parts of the car. The same is true about those who can design computers: They know
a lot about computer parts and how those parts interact with one another. When you
first learn about computers, you learn the language, or lingo. You learn terms such as
RAM and processor. Later, when you hear such words, you form images in your mind.
You do more than just recognize the words; you actually know what different parts
look like. You can explain to someone else what a part does. You continue to grow in a
particular area. Designing something is right up there with troubleshooting something
well. It involves knowing what you are talking about. Benjamin Bloom chaired a
committee that created a classification of learning objectives that was named Bloom’s
Taxonomy. Look at Image 1 to see how people normally progress through the learning
process from the bottom to the top. Notice that creating is at the top. Of course,
employers want people who can design...those are the folks who know all the things
that it takes to be able to design.
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Image 1: Learning Process
COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN
Computer users need different types of computer systems. What the user does with
the computer dictates the components and peripherals needed. Looking at the
computer systems by purpose is a good place to start with design.
CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems are
used in manufacturing plants by engineers or design engineers to create things.
A graphics/CAD/CAM design workstation would need the following key components:
• *Powerful multi-core processor(s)

• Maximum system RAM
• High-end video card(s) with maximum video RAM and graphics processing unit
(GPU) Large display or dual displays Large-capacity hard drive(s) and an
• SSD Possible peripherals include digital tablets, scanners, plotters, and 3D
printers Quality mouse or input device.
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Image 2 CAD/CAM Design workstation
Gaming PCs
Gaming computers are a set of their own. Gamers frequently build their own systems,
but some computer manufacturers do make gaming PCs. A gaming PC (see Figure 3)
tends to have the following key components:
• Powerful multi-core processor(s)

• High-end video cards (with maximum video RAM and specialized GPU)
• High-definition sound card and speakers
• High-end system cooling Large amount of RAM Large display or dual displays
(see Image 3)
• Quality mouse Possible gaming console Headphones with microphone Possible
3D glasses (if supported by the video card and monitor).
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Image 3: Gaming PC
Audio/Video Editing Workstations
An audio/video editing workstation (see Image 4) is used to manipulate sounds

(shorten, add, overlay, and so on) or video. This type of system requires a lot of hard
drive space and RAM. Here are the most common configuration elements for such a
computer:
• Specialized video card with maximum video RAM and GPU

• Specialized audio (sound) card and speakers
• Very fast and large-capacity hard drive
• Dual monitors Powerful multi-core processor(s)
• Large amount of system RAM Quality mouse Possible digital tablet or scanner
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Image 4: Audio/video editing workstation
Virtualization Workstations
A virtualization workstation can mean two things: (1) a workstation that has at least
one operating system, in its own virtual machine that is separate from the host
operating system (see Image 5), or (2) a workstation that uses hardware and software
virtualization techniques to provide an end user with a controlled workstation
environment. Each of these situations requires different hardware and software. A
virtualization workstation is considered to be the first example (a computer that has
more than one operating system in a virtual environment). A virtualization workstation
would have the following components:
• Maximum CPU cores

• Maximum RAM Multiple, fast, large-capacity hard drives
• Possible SSDs
• Possible network-attached storage (NAS) for increased storage space that can be
shared with other devices
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Image 5: Virtualization Concept
Thin Client Workstations

A thin client workstation is a desktop or laptop that has a display, mouse, keyboard,
and network connectivity and runs applications from a server. Thin client computers
are less expensive than a normal workstation (but the network infrastructure such as
servers, software, storage area network [SAN], and so on to support thin clients costs
money). Storage tends to be cloud-based or on remote storage media. Both the
hardware (hard drives, number of processors, and so on) and software environment
could be virtualized (commonly called desktop virtualization) in order to provide a
controlled environment. Corporations use thin clients. Characteristics to look for in a
thin client computer include the following:
• Meets minimum requirements for selected operating system

• 1Gb/s preferred network connectivity
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• Basic applications Optional display privacy screen
Thick Client Workstations

In contrast to a thin client workstation, a thick client computer is the most common
type of desktop or laptop in the work environment. Applications are installed and
documents are commonly stored on the local hard drive. An all-in-one computer could
be a thick client computer. Computers in small businesses tend to be thick client
workstations. A standard thick client computer has the following characteristics:
• Meets recommended hardware requirements for selected operating system

• Meets recommended hardware and software requirements for running desktop
applications
• Optional dual displays
Home Servers
A home server computer is used to store data, function as a web server, print server,
or file server, control media streaming, be accessible from outside the home, control
devices, and manage backups of other computers. Notice in Image 6, how the home
server in the top-right corner physically connects to the wireless router. Typical
components found in a home server include the following:
• Multiple hard drives in a RAID array configuration

• 1Gb/s (1000Mb/s) NIC Medium to large case
• Multiple processors or multiple cores in the processor
• Lots of RAM
• Server applications including media streaming, file sharing, and print sharing
• Possible NAS
• Possible KVM switch
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Image 6: Home server
Industrial Computers
An industrial computer is one used for a specific industry. For example, in a car repair
shop, the standard computers used both inside the showroom and in the service and
repair center might be in an enclosure (see Image 7) or have keyboard coverings. A
kiosk in a mall or school might contain or be controlled by a computer. A kiosk is
commonly used to show maps, provide directions, locate personnel, or provide
information. Here are some things to consider for an industrial computer:
• Meets recommended hardware requirements based on applications installed

• Optional enclosure for wet, dry, or outdoor environments
• Optional enclosure for a laptop’s external keyboard and mouse for unsecure or
outdoor environments
• Optional LCD enclosure for harsh, outdoor, public, high-traffic, or industrial
environments
• Optional privacy display screen
• Case with air filters that may be removable for cleaning.
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Image 7: Industrial computer
Mobile Computers
A mobile computer for someone who travels as part of his job also needs special design
considerations. Considerations for an “on-the-road” computer design include the
following:
• Laptop, Ultrabook, or tablet Sufficient RAM Might need mobile broadband

connectivity
• Possible SSD (if shaking or dropping due to handling is a concern or if high
speed is needed)
• Compatible smartphone
• Possible projector Possible thermal printer for sales-oriented tasks
• Possible portable speakers and headphones with noise cancellation
When you are planning to design an entire computer system, looking at what the user
will be doing with the computer is important. Keep in mind that there are many ways
to go green and conserve energy in your computer design. The company requesting the
design may require green specifications. Cases, motherboards, processors, power
supplies, printers, displays, and other computing devices can be designed with energy
conservation in mind.
The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) can help with that.
The EPEAT rating system was designed to work with the EPA in identifying products
that have a green (and clean) design. ENERGY STAR is another program that has
strict energy efficiency standards that a product must meet in order to be ENERGY
STAR compliant. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR rating today have low total
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energy requirements, low power modes, and efficient power supplies. You can also be
conscientious of energy requirements when designing a subsystem. Many times, the
request for an upgrade will not be for the entire computer, but only for a subsystem.
In such a case, the best practice is to look at the subsystem as a unit.
MOTHERBOARD AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENT DESIGN

The motherboard, chipset, and CPU are all directly related to one another and should
be designed in conjunction with one another. Some technicians choose a motherboard
based on a specific chipset. Why? Because there might be issues with a specific
chipset, but the customer might still need high-end video or USB version 3.0 ports.
There might be only one chipset that gives you two PCIe v3.0 slots for bridging video
cards or a high number of USB 3.0 ports. In any case, this is something to consider.
You also have to remember that things change all the time. Newer technologies such
as Skylake, Broadwell, USB 3.1, Thunderbolt, and DDR4 may influence your choices.
Choosing a processor involves selecting Intel or AMD, determining how many
processor cores you want, and selecting a specific model. Throughout the years, both
manufacturers tend to have had a low-end model for cheaper, less powerful
computers, a midrange processor that gives pretty good bang for the buck (price), and
very powerful processors. Don’t forget CPU cooling either. If you select one of the high-
end CPUs, you must have appropriate cooling for it.
Memory ties into processor technology because the type of motherboard/chipset you
have will dictate the type of memory supported, the maximum amount of memory the
motherboard manufacturer might consider putting on the motherboard, and the
maximum memory speed that can be used. Whenever a technician is upgrading or
replacing a motherboard, compatibility with existing components is a must.
The most important design consideration for memory is to take advantage of dual-,
triple-, and quad-channeling when possible. Ensure that the DIMMs and SO-DIMMS
are purchased together and installed according to the recommendations set forth in
the motherboard/computer manual. Encourage the end user to buy as much RAM as
he or she can initially afford. This area is one of the most influential considerations on
the user computing experience. Beef up this subsystem component as much as
possible.
When dealing with the motherboard, consider the following:
• Motherboard form factor

• Chipset
• Whether the CPU is included or needs to be purchased separately
• CPU size
• Motherboard socket size
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• Nanotechnology used with the processor and/or chipset (14nm, 22nm, 32nm,
45nm, and so on)
• CPU cooling
• RAM
• Number and type of input/output (I/O) ports
• Traditional BIOS or UEFI (replacement for traditional BIOS)
Power Supply and Case Design
When selecting a power supply, it is all about the size (form factor), total wattage for
specific voltage levels, number of connectors, and power efficiency. One issue you
must consider is how many connectors connect to the same cable. When you have
several high-powered devices, you want to be able to connect them with separate
power cables, if possible, instead of using two connectors along the same cable. Also,
be careful with cables that do not have at least four wires. These are peripheral cables
to power 12-volt fans and are normally labeled as fan connectors. Some power
supplies have detachable cables that connect between a power supply connector and a
device connector. You attach the number and type of cables you need. Buy additional
cables of a specific type, as needed. Image .8 shows detachable cables.
Image 8: power connectors
When replacing, upgrading, or purchasing a power supply, consider the following:

Enough power cables for video cards
Number and type of power cables (SATA, Molex, PCIe, and fan)
• Form factor Wattage for the 12-volt line

• Total wattage—use an online power-use calculator
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• Quietness
• Mean time between failures (MTBF)
• Overvoltage, overcurrent, undervoltage, and short-circuit protection
• Warranty
Keep in mind that the power supply and the case (and the motherboard, too) have to
be the same form factor. Some cases accept multiple motherboard form factors. Cases
may or may not include the fans that go with the cases. Most cases have at least two
locations for fans—one at the front of the case and one at the rear. Fans tend to come
in 40-, 60-, 80-, 90-, 92-, 120-, or 140-mm sizes. Look for the following key features in
a new case:
Size (ATX, micro-ATX, BTX, ITX, mini-ITX, and so on), type (desktop, tower, or all-in-
one), and physical dimensions
• Number and type of front panel ports

• Number and placement of fans
• Cable management
• Number of expansion slots (need to match or come close to how many are on
the motherboard)
• Number and type of accessible drive bays including internal or external
• Outside texture and design (metal, aluminum, plastic, acrylic, see-through)
• Ease of cover removal
• Method of securing expansion cards (screw, plastic tab, and single plastic bar)
• Ability to lock case panels to deter entry
Use Design considerations
Graphic/CAD/CAM, gaming PC, Server 500-W or higher power supply ATX mid
PC, audio, /video editing computer, or or full-size tower, two or more cooling
virtualization computer fans
Home media center, or thin client 300-W or higher power supply ATX mini
or micro-sized tower
Thick client or normal user 300-W or higher power supply ATX-mini,
micro, or mid-sized tower.
Power Supply and case design
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Storage Design
The storage subsystem consists of magnetic or flash technologies for internal or

external hard drives, flash storage (including SSDs), or optical drives. When adding,
replacing, or building a storage subsystem, you must consider the customer needs,
how long the customer plans on storing the data, and how long the customer thinks
the storage subsystem will be in use before being upgraded or replaced.
Storage subsystem design considerations

Feature Design considerations
Internal connectivity SATA or M.2
Internal power Molex or SATA power connector
Internal physical size 1.8, 2.5, 3.5, or 5.25 inches nd must
have available expansion slots in the
case.
Externa connectivity USB,IEEE 1394 (Firewire), eSATA, and
eSATAp port. A NIC may be required for
cloud storage. May need media reader for
flash media.
Storage technology Magnetic (hard drive or optical drive);
SATA 1.5,3 or 6Gb/s (SATA1, SATA2,
SATA3), M.2, flash memory (SSD, flash
drives, and flash media) or hybrid
(magnetic and SSD)
Special storage consideration RAID requires multiple drives.
NAS to share storage with other
computers
Storage device speed 5400, 5900,7200,10000,15000 RPM for
magnetic drives. Transfer rate for SSDs.
Input/output operations per seconds
(IOPS) for both magnetic drives and
SSDs, which is measurement that
considers sequential reads/writes as well
as random reads/writes.
Optical drive capability Red-violet and/or blue lasers
Drive buffers Both hard drives and optical drives can
have buffers that can increase data
transfer rates.
External considerations What other devices may share the port.
External cages/enclosures can be
purchased to turn an internal device into
external device.
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AUDIO SUBSYSTEM DESIGN
The audio design consists of the audio ports and speakers. When upgrading or
building, let the customer listen to the speakers, if possible.
Audio design considerations

Feature Design consideration
Number of speakers Two for casual use or gamer.
Three to seven for a music, video, gaming
enthusiast.
A 5.1 surrounds-sound systems
commonly has a center channel speaker,
two front channel speakers for left/right
audio, two rear channel speaker for
left/right audio, and a sub-woofer for low
frequency (bass) sound effects. A 7.1
surrounds-sound system has the same
speakers as 5.1, with two additional
center channel speakers for left/right
audio
Microphone Integrated into the display, headset, or
external. Headset is the best for
conference calls.
2.0,2.1 A 2.0 audio system has two channels
(left/right), with the amplifier with one of
the two speakers.
A 2.1 audio system has two speakers
and subwoofers for the low frequency
sounds.
Port connectivity 3.5mm mini plug, S/PDIF TOSLINK,
S/PDIF fiber, or wireless
Sound card PCI, PCIe, or integrated into the
motherboard. Number of type of ports
need to match speaker connectivity.
Logistics Avoid trip hazards.
Shelving, wall plates, wall inserts, wall
hangers, speaker location planning.
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Image 9: Home theatre audio placement
Display Subsystem Design Displays are important to the computing experience. With
respect to replacing, upgrading, and installing displays, design specifications are
important.
Design considerations for displays

Feature Design considerations
Size/aspect ratio Physical location, space available, and
cost are normally the dictating features.
Common aspect ratio includes 4:3, 16:9,
16:10, 1.9:1.
Number of displays Two display or single wide screen display
is popular in home and work
environments.
Type of display Plasma, LCD with CCFL backlight, LCD
with LED backlight (LED), OLED or
FlexOLED
Display conferencing features Integrated microphone or webcam
Contrast ratio A higher number is better (but not all
vendors give true numbers).
Video adapter Slot type
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Number and type of ports
Number of cards and support for sharing
of resources (scalable link interface [SLI]
and CrossFire for example). RAM
GPU
Power and cooling requirements
Power and connectivity requirements
Mobility Design
Today’s computing environment has a lot of mobile devices. Mobile devices are critical
to a design solution. Mobile devices will most likely be in addition to more stationary
devices such as workstations, printers, and scanners. Laptops and Ultrabooks
frequently have external peripherals, and few internal parts except for the memory and
the SSD can be upgraded. Tablets and smartphones have few or no internal
upgradable components. Keep in mind that these components are constantly being
upgraded, and new processors and memory speeds, for example, may be available in
different models.
Desktop and laptop comparison
Components Desktop Laptop
Processor Intel or AMD processors that use Intel or AMD mobile processor
the following sockets: Intel LGA that are either surface mounted
775, 1155,1156,1366, and 2011; and socketed.
AMD socket AM3, AM3+, FM1,
FM2, and FM2+
Memory DDR3 DIMMs 1066, DDR3 SO-DIMMs
1333,1600,1866,2000,2400,2600 1066,1333,1600,1866, or 2133
,2666,2800,2933,3000, 3100, or
3200. DDR4 SO-DIMMs
DDR4 DIMMs 2133,2400,2666,2800
2800,3000,3200,3300,3333,3400
Power supply ATX, mini-ATX, micro-ATX, ITX or Proprietary
proprietary
Network 10/100 or 10/100/1000Mbps 10/100 or 10/100/1000Mbps
port port
802.11 May be installed Normally included
wireless
Hard drive Internal 2.5 or 3.5-inch SATA Internal 1.8 or 2.5-inch SATA
3Gbps or 6Gbps running at 1.5, 3, or 6Gbps running at
5400,5900, or 7200 RPM, SSD, or 5400, 5900, or 7200 RPM, SSD,
hybrid mechanical/SSD or hybrid mechanical/SSD.
Bluetooth May be installed May be installed.
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Optical drive SATA 3Gbps or 6Gbps CD/DVD SATA 1.5, 3 or 6Gbps CD/DVD
RW and/or Blu-ray RW and/or Blu-ray
Keyboard Wired or wireless Integrated
Mouse Wired or wireless Integrated touch pad/touch
stick
Mobile device design

Mobile device Common features
Laptop Requires higher-than-normal RAM and
video, if used for gaming
Normally has the most powerful
processor, RAM, and storage capability
of mobile devices
Possible touch screen
Possible SSD
Ultrabook No optical drive
May not be able to upgrade RAM
Low weight
Low cost
Possible touch screen
Possible SSD
Tablet PC Touch screen
Android, Apple iOS, Windows or Google
chrome OS, proprietary operating system
Little, if any, port connectivity
Integrated camera
Integrated microphone
Smartphone Android, Apple iOS, Windows, or

proprietary operating system
Upgradable flash media
Touch screen
Integrated camera
Integrated microphone
If you can design computer subsystems or an entire computer, you know a lot about
the pieces that go into a computer and how they interact. Practicing with different
scenarios can help, and there are exercises at the end of the chapter to help you build
this skill. You won’t believe how much you will learn by looking at component
specifications. Investigate component specifications when you shop to increase your
knowledge.
Page | 18
STORAGE, INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, STUDENT(S) MUST be able to:
1. identify the output and input device
2. explain, elaborate and classify the different computer peripherals and its
components
INTRODUCTION
A peripheral is a piece of computer hardware that is added to a computer
in order to expand its abilities. The term peripheral is used to describe those
devices that are optional in nature, as opposed to hardware that is either
demanded or always required in principle. There are all different kinds of
peripherals you can add your computer. The main distinction among
peripherals is the way they are connected to your computer. They can be
connected internally or externally.
A computer peripheral is any external device that provides either input or

output. Peripherals typically fall into the hardware category and include
optional system components.
Computer peripherals are add-on hardware to the computer to expand
its abilities or improve its performance. By adding memory, computers are able
to perform a lot better, or by adding video cards, the computers graphics create
more detail. These are just some of the peripherals, although there is a lot more
you can put on your PC some of them may not be compatible.
Compatibility maybe an issue to some of the peripherals and may even
cause the worst outcome –the PC refuses to boot or the PC refuses to recognize
the peripheral being added. The easiest way to solve that would be figuring out
where it started, and you can start from there.
Technically, every piece of hardware inside your PC requires a driver to

communicate and function with the operating system, the software
applications, and other hardware components in your computer.
Page | 1
LO 1 storAGE, I O DEVICE
INPUT DEVICE
In computing, an input device is any peripheral (piece of computer

hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information
processing system such as a computer or other information appliance.
Examples of input devices include keyboards, mouse, scanners, digital
cameras and joysticks.
Many input devices can be classified according to:
• modality of input (e.g. mechanical motion, audio, visual, etc.)

• the input is discrete (e.g. key presses) or continuous (e.g. a mouse's
position, though digitized into a discrete quantity, is fast enough to be
considered continuous)
• the number of degrees of freedom involved (e.g. two-dimensional
traditional mice, or three-dimensional navigators designed
for CAD applications)
Pointing devices, which are input devices used to specify a position in

space, can further be classified according to:
Whether the input is direct or indirect. With direct input, the input space
coincides with the display space, i.e. pointing is done in the space where visual
feedback or the pointer appears. Touchscreens and light pens involve direct
input. Examples involving indirect input include the mouse and trackball.
Whether the positional information is absolute (e.g. on a touch screen) or
relative (e.g. with a mouse that can be lifted and repositioned)
Commonly used input devices
• A 'keyboard' is a human interface device which is represented as a

layout of buttons. Each button, or key, can be
used to either input a linguistic
character to a computer, or to call upon a
particular function of the computer.
Traditional keyboards use spring-based buttons, though newer
variations employ virtual keys, or even projected keyboards.
o A pointing device is any human
interface device that allows a user
to input spatial data to a computer.
In the case of mice and touchpads,
this is usually achieved by
detecting movement across a
physical surface.
Page | 2
• Audio input devices
In the fashion of video devices, audio devices are used to either capture
or create sound. In some cases, an audio output device can be used as
an input device, in order to capture produced sound.
o Microphones
o MIDI keyboard or other digital musical instrument
• Image and Video input devices are used to digitize images or video from
the outside world into the computer. The information can be stored in a
multitude of formats depending on the user's requirement.
o Digital camera
o Digital camcorder
o Webcam
o Microsoft Kinect Sensor
o Image scanner
o Fingerprint scanner
o Barcode reader
o 3D scanner
o Laser rangefinder
Page | 3
OUTPUT DEVICE
An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to

communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information
processing system (such as a computer) which converts the electronically
generated information into human-readable form.
A display device is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and
video information. Information shown on a display device is called soft
copy because the information exists electronically and is displayed for a
temporary period of time. Display devices include CRT monitors, LCD monitors
and displays, gas plasma monitors, and televisions.
The following are also examples of input devices
• Speakers – an output device that produce sounds

• Headphones – it is an output device use to listen sounds in a single mode
function. Normally used for a single person who do not want to interrupt
in specific area with annoying noise. E.g. public places.
• Screen (Monitor)
• Printer
• Voice output communication aid

• Automotive navigation system
• Braille embosser
• Projector
Page | 4
• Plotter
• Television
• Radio
• Punched card input/output
STORAGE DEVICE
What are storage devices?
A storage, storage media, or storage medium, a storage device is a hardware

device capable of holding information. The computer has many types of data
storage devices. Some of them can be classified as the removable data Storage
Devices and the others as the non-removable data Storage Devices.
Primary Storage
is also known as main storage or memory, is the main area in a computer in

which data is stored for quick access by the computer's processor.
Secondary Storage
Referred to as external memory and secondary storage is a storage medium that
holds information until it is deleted or overwritten regardless if the computer
Page | 5
has power. It refers to storage devices and storage media that are not always
directly accessible by a computer. This differs from primary storage technology,
such as an internal hard drive, which is constantly available.
Hard disk drive vs. Solid state drive
Meanwhile, a hard drive uses a mechanical arm with a read/write head

to move around and read information from the right location on a storage
platter. This difference is what makes SSD so much faster. As an
analogy, what’s quicker? Having to walk across the room to retrieve a
book to get information or simply magically having that book open in
front of you when you need it? That’s how an HDD compares to an SSD;
it simply requires more physical labor (mechanical movement) to get
information.
Page | 6
Page | 7
Solid State Drive
Hard Disk Drive
http://www.storagereview.com/ssd_vs_hdd
To aid you even more, here are some rules to follow when you
decide which drive is best for you:
If:
• You need lots of storage capacity, up to more TB

• Don’t want to spend much money
• Don’t care too much about how fast a computer boots up or opens
programs - then get a hard drive (HDD).
If:
• You are willing to pay for faster performance

• Don’t mind limited storage capacity or can work around that -
then get a solid-state drive (SSD).
Page | 8
ODD (Optical Disc Drive)
• CDs tend to be used for large files (but smaller than 1Gb) which
are too big for a floppy disc to hold such as music and general
animation.
• DVDs are used to hold very large files (several Gb) such as movie
films. Both CDs and DVDs are portable i.e. they can be
transported from one computer to another. Both can be used to
store computer data.
• CD ROM/DVD ROM Applications which require the prevention of
deletion of data, accidental or otherwise. CDs used by software
companies for distributing software programs and data.
• CD R/DVD R Applications which require a single
‘burning’ of data, e.g. CDs - recording of
music downloads from the Internet,
recording of music from MP3 format,
recording of data for archiving or
backup purposes. DVDs – recording of
film movies and television programs.
• CD RW/DVD RW Applications
which require the updating of information and
ability to record over old data. Not suitable for music recording but
is very useful for keeping generations of files. DVDs have between
five and ten times the capacity of CDs.
USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable,

much smaller than a floppy disk. Storage capacities
typically range from 64 MB to 64 GB. USB flash
drives offer potential advantages over other
portable storage devices, particularly the
floppy disk.
They have a more compact shape, operate faster,

hold much more data, have a more durable design, and
operate more reliably due to their lack of moving parts. Flash drives are
widely used to transport files and backup data from computer to
computer.
Page | 9
Flash memory cards
A memory card or flash memory card is a solid-state electronic flash

memory data storage device used with digital cameras, handheld and
Tablet/Mobile computers, music players, video game consoles, and other
electronics.
External/Portable hard disk are good fun because you can carry data
about all over the place and transfer information, programs, pictures,
etc. between computers.
Nowadays, most new PCs have built-in slots for a variety of memory
cards; Memory Stick, CompactFlash, SD, etc. Some digital gadgets
support more than one memory card to ensure compatibility.
Page | 10
Cloud Storage
It is a model of networked storage where data is stored not in the user's

computer, but in virtualized pools of storage which are usually hosted by third
parties.
• OneDrive formerly SkyDrive is a file hosting service that allows users

to upload and sync files to cloud storage and then access them from a
Web browser or their local device.
• Dropbox is a cloud storage service that lets you easily store and share
files with other people, and it lets you access your files from a mobile
device as well.
• Evernote lets you type notes, clip web pages, take photos, and
organize all of them from your computer or mobile device.
Page | 11
• Mozy and Carbonite can automatically back up your data in case your
computer is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Google Drive - is a cloud storage service that owned by Google, Inc. lets
you save and retrieve files anytime, anywhere
Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level computer data storage connected to a

computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients.
Basic Input Output System
Page | 1
LO 1 BIOS (BASIC INPUT OUTPUT system)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Know how to configure a computer basically.
2. Set the computer system properly
INTRODUCTION
Basic Input/output System, the BIOS, ROM BIOS, or System BIOS is a chip
located on all motherboards that contain instructions and setup for how your
system should boot and how it operates. In the picture below, is an example of
what a BIOS chip may look like on your computer motherboard. In this
example, this is a picture of an early AMIBIOS, a type of BIOS manufactured by
the AMI. Another good example of a BIOS manufacturer is Phoenix.
In IBM PC compatible computers, the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), also

known as System BIOS, ROM BIOS or PC BIOS, is a de facto standard defining
a firmware interface. The name originated from the Basic Input/Output System
used in the CP/M operating system in 1975. The BIOS software is built into the
PC, and is the first software run by a PC when powered on.
The four main functions of a PC BIOS

• POST (Power On Self Test)- Test the computer hardware and make sure
no errors exist before loading the operating system.
• Bootstrap Loader - Locate the operating system. If a capable operating
system is located, the BIOS will pass control to it.
• BIOS drivers - Low level drivers that give the computer basic operational
control over your computer's hardware.
• BIOS or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) Setup -
Configuration program that allows you to configure hardware settings
including system settings such as computer passwords, time, and date.
Page | 2
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System)
Setup Utility displays the system’s configuration status and provides you with
options to set system parameters. The parameters are stored in battery-backed-
up CMOS RAM that saves this information when the power is turned off. When
the system is turned back on, the system is configured with the values you
stored in CMOS.
The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals
• Video display type and display options
• Password protection from unauthorized use
• Power Management features
The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs. Before
using the Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.
The Standard Configuration
A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However, we
recommend that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in
the future.
This Setup Utility should be used:
• when changing the system configuration
• when a configuration error is detected, and you are prompted to make
changes to the Setup Utility
• when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts
• when making changes to the Power Management configuration
• when changing the password or making other changes to the Security
Setup
UEFI
The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a specification that
defines a software interface between an operating system and platform
firmware. UEFI is meant to replace the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
firmware interface, present in all IBM PC-compatible personal computers. In
practice, most UEFI images provide legacy support for BIOS services. UEFI can
support remote diagnostics and repair of computers, even without another
operating system.
Page | 3
The original EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) specification was developed by
Intel. Some of its practices and data formats mirror ones from Windows. In
2005, UEFI deprecated EFI 1.10 (final release of EFI). The UEFI specification is
managed by the Unified EFI Forum.
BIOS vs. UEFI

UEFI enables better use of bigger hard drives. Though UEFI supports the
traditional master boot record (MBR) method of hard drive partitioning, it
doesn't stop there. It's also capable of working with the GUID Partition Table
(GPT), which is free of the limitations the MBR places on the number and size of
partitions. GPT ups the maximum partition size from 2.19TB to 9.4 zettabytes.
UEFI may be faster than the BIOS. Various tweaks and optimizations in the
UEFI may help your system boot more quickly it could before. For example:
With UEFI you may not have to endure messages asking you to set up
hardware functions (such as a RAID controller) unless your immediate input is
required; and UEFI can choose to initialize only certain components. The degree
to which a boot is sped up will depend on your system configuration and
hardware, so you may see a significant or a minor speed increase.
Technical changes abound in UEFI. UEFI has room for more useful and usable
features than could ever be crammed into the BIOS. Among these are
cryptography, network authentication, support for extensions stored on non-
volatile media, an integrated boot manager, and even a shell environment for
running other EFI applications such as diagnostic utilities or flash updates. In
addition, both the architecture and the drivers are CPU-independent, which
opens the door to a wider variety of processors (including those using the ARM
architecture, for example).
However, UEFI is still not widespread. Though major hardware companies have
switched over almost exclusively to UEFI use, you still won't find the new
firmware in use on all motherboards—or in quite the same way across the
spectrum. Many older and less expensive motherboards also still use the BIOS
system.
A master boot record (MBR) is a special type of boot sector at the very
beginning of partitioned computer mass storage devices like fixed disks or
removable drives intended for use with IBM PC-compatible systems and
beyond. The concept of MBRs was publicly introduced in 1983 with PC DOS
2.0.
Page | 4
BIOS Environment (Asus UEFI BIOS Utility)
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed
to the system.
The Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is
installed to the system.
Page | 5
Menu Bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
My For saving the frequently-used system settings and

Favorites configuration
Main For changing the basic system configuration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings
Monitor For displaying the system temperature, power status, and

changing the fan settings
Boot For changing the system boot configuration
Tool For configuring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
Page | 6
Main menu
The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS
Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system
information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security
settings.
Page | 7
Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items.
Page | 8
Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and
other system devices.
Page | 9
Monitor menu
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status and allows
you to change the fan settings.
Page | 10
Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
Page | 11
Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions.
Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS
items and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the
EZ Mode from the Exit menu.
Page | 12

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Assemble Computer

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

2. Set the computer system properly.

3. Learn how to assemble/disassemble computer.

1. Phillips-head (cross-shaped) screwdriver

Optional, but useful tools

INSTALLING MOTHERBOARD COMPONENT

Take note of the following precautions before installing motherboard components or

H81M-D PLUS CPU socket LGA1150

• Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips

CONFIGURING AN EXPANSION CARD

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

8. Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~2 [yellow])

System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED)

11. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_E12)*

Standby Power LED

Before installing a sound card, you'll need the following:

• The sound card you want to install.

Figure 2.21 Audio ports

To Open Your Computer Case

To Remove an Existing Sound Card

To Install Your New Sound Card

a. Internal Hard Disks

To Remove and Replace an Internal Hard Disk

B. External hard disks

Figure 2.22 Removing old video card

Installing the NIC

A network interface card (NIC) enables a computer to connect to a network. NICs

Figure 2.23 NIC Interface

INSTALL THE WIRELESS NIC

POWER SUPPLY INSTALLATION

1. Which PSU to buy?

2. How much power?

3. Mount the PSU

Figure 2.26 Mounting the PSU

Figure 2.28 ATX Power Connector

Figure 2.29 ATX 12V Power connector

7. PCI Express power

Figure 2.30 PCIExpress Power connector

Figure 2.31 Molex and SATA connectors

Figure 2.32 SATA power connector, Molex power connector

CONNECT ALL INTERNAL CABLES

Motherboard Power Connections

SATA Power Connectors

Molex Power Connectors

1. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.

Connect the Data Cables

PATA Data Cables

SATA Data Cables

a. Setting up a laptop computer

Figure 2.35 Laptop

b. Setting up a desktop computer

Figure 2.37 VGA Cable

2.38 Connecting VGA connector

Figure 2.39 Connecting Connectors

Figure 2.40 Connecting USB connectors

If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a

Figure 2.41 connecting audio devices

Figure 2.42 connecting power cable