Information Technology

LABORATORY ACTIVITY NO. 2

NOVEMBER 26, 2018

NAME Kenneth Z. Baisac COURSE & YR BSEE- 5th year

Steps in Assembling a Basic Desktop PC

Procedure: Answer the questions below. List down what is required and include its function. Insert
pictures for each question.

1. What are the necessary parts to build the computer?

 Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the engine of your computer and sets the performance expectations for the entire
build. Memory and storage fuel the processor, which controls every data transaction within the
PC. When you’re determining which CPU to install, pay attention to the gigahertz (GHz) – the
higher the GHz, the faster the processor. However, more GHz also means the CPU consumes
more energy, which could lead to higher system temperatures that require better airflow or
heat dissipation within the computer.

 Computer Case
The primary function of a computer case is to protect the computer's components from harm. A
secondary function is to easily transport the computer from place to place.
 Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA capable)
Optical Drive which is mainly used as input device can read and write data from optical disks
through an emerged technology of laser beaming. Can be also known as optical disk drives. User
is allow to retrieve, edit and delete his inputted content from the disk such as DVDs, CDs and
Blu-ray disks. Optical drive is of no use if it is not used with optical disk and it works by rotating
disks inserted at the constant speed calculated as revolutions per minute abbreviated as RPM
ranging from 1600 to 4000.

 Memory (RAM)
Adding memory (RAM) is one of the fastest, easiest, and most affordable ways to amplify the
performance of the computer you’re building because it gives your system more available space
to temporarily store data that’s being used. This is where data relating to what you are currently
doing is stored. It is a very fast-access type of memory, but it is volatile, meaning that it is not for
long term storage, and loses all the data it holds when powered off. RAM is made in chips, but
each chip holds very little. In desktops and laptops, there are multiple chips that are surface
mounted to a PCB that is inserted into RAM slots on the motherboard.

 Power Supply
The power from a wall outlet is high-voltage AC. The type of power computers need is low-
voltage DC. All computer parts (the electronic chips on the motherboard and adapters, the
electronics on the drives, and the motors in the hard drive and optical drive) need DC power to
operate. Power supplies in general come in two types: linear and switching. Computers use
switching power supplies. The main functions of a power supply include the following:
a. Convert AC to DC
b. Provide DC voltage to the motherboard, adapters, and peripheral devices
 SATA Cables
These cables let the drives exchange data with the computer through the motherboard. SATA
cables can transmit data faster than the older EIDE ribbon cables, and new hard drives, in
particular, need the higher data transmission speed because they are larger and read and write
data faster.

 Motherboard (SATA Capable)

A large printed circuit board that connects all the parts together. Most of the computer’s ports
are located on the motherboard. It also holds some lesser chips such as the Chipset (which is
actually one chip. It used to be multiple chips, but on modern platforms the functions of these
chips have been either moved directly onto the CPU, or onto one chip which is surface mounted
to the motherboard.) It holds a socket for the CPU, slots for RAM, as well as various other
connectors for expansion, including PCIe, USB and SATA. It also holds the CPU voltage regulation
module as well as other power delivery circuitry. Features and exact expansion and ports vary
from one model to another. It is the primary determiner of features on the computer.

 Processor Fan
A computer fan is any fan inside, or attached to, a computer case used for active cooling, and
may refer to fans that draw cooler air into the case from the outside, expel warm air from
inside, or move air across a heat sink to cool a particular component.
  Case Fan
Fans Cool Computers. The role of the computer fan is to pull cooler air into the computer to cool
the hot circuitry, particularly the CPU. In a desktop the fan is typically a part of the power supply
and draws air through it, helping to keep that part of the computer cool.

 Hard Drive (SATA Capable)

Hard Disk Drives (HDD) Hard disk drives have been the dominant type of storage since the early
days of computers. A hard disk drive consists of a rigid disc made with non-magnetic material,
which is coated with a thin layer of magnetic material. Data is stored by magnetizing this thin
film.

 Assortment of case and drive screws

Computer case screws are the hardware used to secure parts of a PC to the case. Although there
are numerous manufacturers of computer cases, they have generally used three thread sizes.
The Unified Thread Standard (UTS) originates from the United States, while the ISO metric screw
thread is standardized worldwide. In turn, these thread standards define preferred size
combinations that are based on generic units—some on the inch and others on the millimetre.

2. What are the tools needed in building the computer?

 Screwdriver (for slotted and Phillips head screws)

Ensure that you have a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver. You will be using these items to
mount components inside the case.
 Wire cutters and strippers
A wire stripper is a portable handheld tool used by workers, especially electricians, for removing
the protective coating of an electric wire in order to replace or repair the wire. It is also capable
of stripping the end portions of an electric wire in order to connect them to other wires or to
terminals. A wire stripper is often considered an important tool for professional electricians and
other related personnel.

 Needle-nosed pliers
Very small needle-nosed pliers are very handy for removing and inserting jumpers on
motherboards and hard drives. (A pair of tweezers or surgical forceps also works well for this
purpose.)

 Utility knife
The utility knife was originally a fixed blade knife with a cutting edge suitable for general work
such as cutting hides and cordage, scraping hides, and other tasks.

 Small flashlight
Usually use to see the smallest area wherein the part are been need to look for. When in
troubleshooting usually it used to give light to the part that has needed to be repair.

 Adjustable wrench
 Small container to hold screws
 Heat sink compound
  Grounding Strap

3. How to open the computer case?

4. What are necessary in preparing the case for assembly?

5. Why is it necessary to ground yourself?

6. How to install motherboard?

7. How to install hard drive?

8. How to install optical drive?

9. How to install the CPU?

10. How to install RAM?

11. How to install the CPU Fan?

12. How to install Case Fan?

13. How to install Power Supply?

14. How to connect cables?

15. How to wrap-up your computer