Computer Assembly—Step by Step

Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to answer the following questions:
■How do I open the case? ■How do I install adapter cards?
■What is the process to install the power supply? ■What is the process to connect all internal
■How do I attach the components to the cables?
motherboard and install the motherboard? ■How do I reattach the side panels and connect
■How do I install internal drives? external cables to the computer?

■How do I install drives in external bays? ■What happens when I boot the computer for the
first time?

Key Terms
This chapter uses the following key terms. You can find the definitions in the Glossary.
electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Berg power connector adapter card
power supply page network interface card (NIC)
motherboard page video adapter card
central processing unit (CPU) Advanced Technology Extended (ATX)
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
zero insertion force (ZIF)
power connector

socket thermal compound Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment

(PATA) Data cable
isopropyl alcohol
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) data
heat sink/fan assembly
cable
random-access memory (RAM)
basic input/output system (BIOS)[em]page 96

volatile memory beep code

hard disk drive (HDD) complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

(CMOS)
optical drive page
floppy disk drive (FDD)
Molex power connector
 Assembling computers is a large part of a technician’s job. As a technician, you will need to
work in a logical, methodical manner when working with computer components. As with
any learned trade, your computer assembly skills will improve dramatically with practice.

Open the Case

Computer cases are produced in a variety of form factors. Form factors refer to the size and
shape of the case.
Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case. There should be adequate light-
ing, good ventilation, and a comfortable room temperature. The workbench or table should
be accessible from all sides. Avoid cluttering the surface of the workbench or table with
tools and computer components. An antistatic mat on the table will help prevent physical
and electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to equipment. Small containers can be used to
hold small screws and other parts as they are being removed.
There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how to open a particular computer
case, consult the user manual or the manufacturer’s website. Most computer cases are
opened in one of the following ways:
■The computer case cover can be removed as one piece.
■The top and side panels of the case can be removed.
■The top of the case may need to be removed before the side panels can be removed.
■Tool-less entries allow technicians to enter a case without the use of tools.

Install the Power Supply

A technician may be required to replace or install a power supply, as shown in Figure 3-1.
Most power supplies can fit into the computer case in only one way. There are usually
three or four screws that attach the power supply to the case. Power supplies have fans that
can vibrate and loosen screws that are not secured. When installing a power supply, make
sure that all of the screws are used and that they are properly tightened.
These are the power supply installation steps:

How To Step 1. Insert the power supply into the case.

Step 2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case.
Step 3. Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws.
Figure 3-1 Power Supply

Virtual Desktop Activity: Power Supply

Complete the power supply layer in the Virtual Desktop. Refer to the Virtual Desktop soft-
ware on the CD that comes with this book.

Virtual Desktop Activity: Motherboard

System requirements for the Virtual Desktop include a minimum of 512 MB RAM and
Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.

Lab 3.2.0: Install the Power Supply

In this lab, you install the power supply in the computer. Refer to the lab in IT Essentials:
PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual, Fourth Edition. You may perform this lab now or
wait until the end of the chapter.

Attach the Components to the Motherboard and

Install the Motherboard
This section details the steps to install components on the motherboard and then install the
motherboard into the computer case.
After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:
■Install a CPU and a heat sink/fan assembly.
■Install the RAM.
■Install the motherboard.
Install a CPU and a Heat Sink/Fan Assembly
The central processing unit (CPU) and the heat sink/fan assembly may be installed on the
motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the computer case.

CPU
Figure 3-2 shows a close-up view of the CPU and the motherboard. The CPU and mother-
board are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a CPU and motherboard, make
sure that you place them on a grounded antistatic mat. You should wear an antistatic wrist
strap while working with these components. Key electrostatic-sensitive components include
the following:
■CPUs
■Motherboards
■RAM
■Expansion cards
■Hard disk drive electronics

Figure 3-2 CPU and Motherboard

Caution
When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts at any time.

The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly. The CPU
sockets today are zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets. You should be familiar with the
lock- ing assembly before attempting to install a CPU into the socket on the motherboard.
Orient the missing pin in the corner of the CPU to the missing hole on the socket.
Thermal compound helps to conduct heat away from the CPU. Figure 3-3 shows thermal
compound being applied to the CPU.

Figure 3-3 Thermal Compound on the CPU

Caution
Silver-oxide thermal compound is toxic. Use rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after-
ward. It does not take very much compound to fill the space between the CPU and heat sink. If you
use too much it will leak onto the motherboard.

When you are installing a used CPU, clean the CPU and the base of the heat sink with
isopropyl alcohol. Doing this removes all traces of old thermal compound. The surfaces are
now ready for a new layer of thermal compound. Follow all manufacturer recommendations
about applying the thermal compound.

Heat Sink/Fan Assembly

Figure 3-4 shows the connector and the motherboard header for the heat sink/fan
assembly. It is a two-part cooling device. The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU.
The fan moves the heat away from the heat sink. The heat sink/fan assembly usually has a
3-pin power connector.
 Figure 3-4 Heat Sink/Fan Assembly on the Motherboard

Follow these instructions for CPU and heat sink/fan assembly installation:
Step 1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the
How To
CPU socket. Doing this ensures that the orientation notches on the CPU are
aligned with the orientation keys on the CPU socket.
Step 2. Place the CPU gently into the socket.
Step 3. Close the CPU load plate and secure it in place by closing the load lever and
moving it under the load lever retention tab.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU and spread it evenly.
Follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Step 5. Align the heat sink/fan assembly retainers with the holes on the motherboard.
Step 6. Place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket, being careful not to pinch
the CPU fan wires.
Step 7. Tighten the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place.
Step 8. Connect the heat sink/fan assembly power cable to the header on the mother-
board.

Install the RAM

Like the CPU and the heat sink/fan assembly, random-access memory (RAM) is
installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is secured in the computer case.
Before you install a memory module, consult the motherboard documentation or website
of the manu- facturer to ensure that the RAM is compatible with the motherboard.
 RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is operating. RAM
is volatile memory, which means that its contents are lost when the computer is shut down.
Typically, more RAM will enhance the performance of your computer.
Follow these steps for RAM installation:
Step 1. Align the notches on the RAM module with the keys in the slot and press down
How To
until the side tabs click into place.
Step 2. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module. Visually check for
exposed contacts.
Repeat these steps for additional RAM modules.

Install the Motherboard

The motherboard is now ready to install in the computer case. Plastic and metal standoffs
are used to mount the motherboard and to prevent it from touching the metal portions of the
case. You should install only the standoffs that align with the holes in the motherboard.
Installing any additional standoffs may prevent the motherboard from being seated properly
in the computer case.
Follow these steps for motherboard installation:
Step 1. Install standoffs in the computer case.
How To
Step 2. Align the I/O connectors on the back of the motherboard with the openings in
the back of the case.
Step 3. Align the screw holes of the motherboard with the standoffs.
Step 4. Insert all of the motherboard screws.
Step 5. Tighten all of the motherboard screws.

Virtual Desktop Activity: Motherboard

System requirements for the Virtual Desktop include a minimum of 512 MB RAM and
Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.
Complete the motherboard assembly in the Virtual Desktop motherboard layer. Refer to the
Virtual Desktop software on the CD that comes with this book.

Lab 3.3.3: Install the Motherboard

In this lab, you install the CPU, heat sink/fan assembly, RAM, and motherboard. Refer to
the lab in IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual, Fourth Edition. You may
perform this lab now or wait until the end of the chapter.
 Install Internal Drives
Drives that are installed in internal bays are called internal drives. A hard disk drive (HDD)
is an example of an internal drive.
Follow these steps for HDD installation:

How To Step 1. Position the HDD so that it aligns with the 3.5-inch drive bay.
Step 2. Insert the HDD into the drive bay so that the screw holes in the drive line up
with the screw holes in the case.
Step 3. Secure the HDD to the case using the proper screws.

Virtual Desktop Activity: Internal Drives

System requirements for the Virtual Desktop include a minimum of 512 MB RAM and
Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.
Complete the hard drive installation in the Virtual Desktop internal drive layer. Refer to the
Virtual Desktop software on the CD that comes with this book.

Install Drives in External Bays

Drives, such as optical drives and floppy disk drives (FDD), are installed in drive bays
that are accessed from the front of the case. Optical drives and FDD store data on removable
media. Drives in external bays allow access to the media without opening the case.
After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:
■Install the optical drive.
■Install the floppy drive.

Install the Optical Drive

An optical drive is a storage device that reads and writes information to CDs and DVDs. A
Molex power connector provides the optical drive with power from the power supply. A
PATA cable connects the optical drive to the motherboard. If you use a PATA data connec-
tor you might need a berg connector. To provides power to the (FDD), you will need the
smaller berg power connector.
Follow these steps for optical drive installation:

How To Step 1. Position the optical drive so that it aligns with the 5.25-inch drive bay.
Step 2. Insert the optical drive into the drive bay so that the optical drive screw holes
align with the screw holes in the case.
 Step 3. Secure the optical drive to the case using the proper screws.
Caution
If you use screws that are too long, you may damage the drive you are mounting.

Install the Floppy Drive

A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads and writes information to a floppy
disk. A Berg power connector provides the FDD with power from the power supply. A
floppy drive data cable connects the FDD to the motherboard.
A floppy disk drive fits into the 3.5-inch bay on the front of the computer case, as shown in
Figure 3-5.
Follow these steps for FDD installation:

How To Step 1. Position the FDD so that it aligns with the 3.5-inch drive bay.
Step 2. Insert the FDD into the drive bay so that the FDD screw holes align with the
screw holes in the case.
Step 3. Secure the FDD to the case using the proper screws.

Figure 3-5 Floppy Disk Drive Installed

Virtual Desktop Activity: Drives in External Bays

System requirements for the Virtual Desktop include a minimum of 512 MB RAM and
Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.
Complete the optical and floppy drive installation in the Virtual Desktop drives in the exter-
nal bays layer. Refer to the Virtual Desktop software on the CD that comes with this book.
88 IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide

Lab 3.5.2: Install the Drives

In this lab, you install the hard drive, optical drive, and floppy drive. Refer to the lab in IT
Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual, Fourth Edition. You may perform this
lab now or wait until the end of the chapter.

Install Adapter Cards

Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer. Adapter cards must be com-
patible with the expansion slot. This section focuses on the installation of three types of
adapter cards:
■PCIe x1 NIC
■PCI wireless NIC
■PCIe x16 video adapter card
After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:
■Install the NIC.
■Install the wireless NIC.
■Install the video adapter card.

Install 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 3-6 PCIe Network Interface Card

 Chapter 3: Computer Assembly—Step by Step 89

Follow these steps for NIC installation:

How To Step 1. Remove the blank from the case where the new card will be installed so that the
port can be accessed.
Step 2. Align the NIC with the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
Step 3. Press down gently on the NIC until the card is fully seated.
Step 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 3-7, enables a computer to connect to a wireless net-
work. 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:

How To Step 1. Align the wireless NIC with the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
Step 2. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until the card is fully seated.
Step 3. Secure the wireless NIC PC mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate
screw.

Figure 3-7 Wireless NIC

Install the Video Adapter Card

A video adapter card, as shown in Figure 3-8, is the interface between a computer and a
display monitor. An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphic capabilities for
games and graphic programs. Video adapter cards use PCI, advance graphics port (AGP),
and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. If the BIOS does not automatically sense the
 new video card and disable the integrated one, you may need to do that manually through
BIOS settings.

Figure 3-8 Video Adapter Card

Follow these steps for video adapter card installation:

How To Step 1. Remove the expansion slot case blank.

Step 2. Align the video adapter card with the appropriate expansion slot on the mother-
board.
Step 3. Press down gently on the video adapter card until the card is fully seated.
Step 4. Secure the video adapter card PC mounting bracket to the case with the appro-
priate screw.

Virtual Desktop Activity: Adapter Cards

System requirements for the Virtual Desktop include a minimum of 512 MB RAM and
Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.
Complete the NIC, wireless NIC, and video adapter card installation in the Virtual Desktop
adapter card layer. Refer to the Virtual Desktop software on the CD that comes with this
book.

Lab 3.6.3: Install Adapter Cards

In this lab, you install the NIC, wireless NIC, and video adapter card. Refer to the lab in IT
Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual, Fourth Edition. You may perform this
lab now or wait until the end of the chapter.
 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.
After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:
■Connect the power cables.
■Connect the data cables.

Connect the Power Cables

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 con-
nects to the motherboard. A 20-pin connector will work in a motherboard with a 24-pin
socket.
Follow these steps for motherboard power cable installation:

How To Step 1. Align the 20-pin ATX power connector with the socket on the motherboard.
Step 2. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
Step 3. Align the 4-pin AUX power connector with the socket on the motherboard.
Step 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

Hard disk drives and optical drives that do not have SATA power sockets use a Molex
power connector.
92 IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide

Caution
Do not use a Molex connector and a SATA power connector on the same drive at the same time. It
will prevent the drive from working properly.

Berg Power Connectors

The 4-pin Berg power connector supplies power to a floppy drive.
Follow these steps for Berg power connector installation:

How To Step 1. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.
Step 2. Plug the Molex power connector into the optical drive.
Step 3. Plug the 4-pin Berg power connector into the FDD.
Step 4. Connect the 3-pin fan power connector into the appropriate fan header on the
motherboard, according to the motherboard manual.
Step 5. Plug the additional cables from the case into the appropriate connectors accord-
ing 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
rib- bon 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 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 maxi-
mum 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 moth-
erboard. The other end is connected to any drive that has a SATA data connector.
 Chapter 3: Computer Assembly—Step by Step 93

Reattach the Side Panels and Connect External

Cables to the Computer
Now that all the internal components have been installed and connected to the motherboard
and power supply, you need to reattach the side panels to the computer case. The next step
is to connect the cables for all computer peripherals and the power cable.
After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:
■Reattach the side panels to the case.
■Connect external cables to the computer.

Reattach the Side Panels to the Case

Most computer cases have two panels, one on each side. Some computer cases have one
three-sided cover that slides down over the case frame.
When the cover is in place, make sure that it is secured at all screw locations. Some com-
puter cases use screws that are inserted with a screwdriver. Other cases have knob-type
screws that can be tightened by hand. Tool-less cases simply “click” closed.
If you are unsure about how to remove or replace the computer case, refer to the documen-
tation or website of the manufacturer for more information.
Caution
Handle case parts with care. Some computer case covers have sharp or jagged edges.

Connect External Cables to the Computer

After the case panels have been reattached, connect the cables to the back of the computer.
Here are some common external cable connections:
■Monitor
■Keyboard
■Mouse
■USB
■Ethernet
■Power
When attaching cables, ensure that they are connected to the correct locations on the com-
puter. For example, some mouse and keyboard cables use the same type of PS/2 connector.
 Floppy Drive Data Cables
The floppy drive data cable has a 34-pin connector. Like the PATA data cable, the floppy
drive data cable has a stripe to denote the location of Pin 1. A floppy drive cable usually
has three 34-pin connectors. One connector at the end of the cable connects to the mother-
board. The other two connectors connect to drives. If multiple floppy drives are installed,
the A: drive connects to the end connector. The B: drive connects to the middle connector.
Plug the floppy drive data cable into the drive with the Pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned
with the Pin 1 indicator on the drive connector. Motherboards have one floppy drive con-
troller, providing support for a maximum of two floppy drives.
Note
If Pin 1 on the floppy drive data cable is not aligned with Pin 1 on the drive connector, the floppy
drive does not function. This misalignment does not damage the drive, but the drive activity light dis-
plays continuously. To fix this problem, turn off the computer and reconnect the data cable so that
Pin 1 on the cable and Pin 1 on the connector are aligned. Reboot the computer.

Follow these steps for data cable installation:

How To Step 1. Plug the motherboard end of the PATA cable into the motherboard socket.

Step 2. Plug the connector at the far end of the PATA cable into the optical drive.

Step 3. Plug one end of the SATA cable into the motherboard socket.

Step 4. Plug the other end of the SATA cable into the HDD.

Step 5. Plug the motherboard end of the FDD cable into the motherboard socket.
Step 6. Plug the connector at the far end of the FDD cable into the floppy drive.
Step 7. Double check to make sure all cables are securely connected to the devices and
to the motherboard.

Virtual Desktop Activity: Internal Cables

System requirements for the Virtual Desktop include a minimum of 512 MB RAM and
Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.
Complete the internal cable installation in the Virtual Desktop internal cable layer. Refer to
the Virtual Desktop software on the CD that comes with this book.

Lab 3.7.2: Install Internal Cables

In this lab, you install internal power and data cables in the computer. Refer to the lab in IT
Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual, Fourth Edition. You may perform this
lab now or wait until the end of the chapter.
When attaching cables, never force a connection.

Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other cables.

Follow these steps for external cable installation:

Step 1.Attach the monitor cable to the video port.

Step 2.Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.

Step 3.Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.

Step 4.Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.

Step 5.Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

Step 6.Plug the network cable into the network port.

Step 7.Connect the wireless antenna to the antenna connector.

Step 8.Plug the power cable into the power supply.

Figure 3-9 shows all of the external cables plugged into the back of the computer.

Figure 3-9 All External Cables Plugged into the Back

Virtual Desktop Activity: External Cables

System requirements for the Virtual Desktop include a minimum of 512 MB RAM and Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating
system.
Complete the external cable installation in the Virtual Desktop external cable layer. Refer to the Virtual Desktop software on the CD
that comes with this book.
Boot the Computer for the First Time
When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) performs a check on all of the internal components,
as shown in Figure 3-10. This check is called a power-on self test (POST).
After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:
 Identify beep codes.
 Describe BIOS setup.

Figure 3-10 BIOS Setup Screenshot

Identify Beep Codes

POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a
beep code alerts the technician that there is a prob- lem. Typically, a single beep denotes that the computer is functioning
properly. If there is a
hardware problem, the computer might emit a series of beeps. Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware
problems. Table 3-1 shows a sample chart of beep codes. The beep codes for your computer might be different. Consult the
motherboard doc- umentation to view beep codes for your computer.

Table 3-1 Sample Beep Codes

Beep Code Meaning Cause

1 beep Passed POST Successfully passed POST
2 beeps Memory parity error Bad memory
3 beeps Base 64K memory failure Bad memory
4 beeps Timer not operational Bad motherboard
5 beeps Processor error Bad processor
6 beeps 8042 gate A20 failure Bad CPU or motherboard
7 beeps Processor exception Bad processor
8 beeps Video memory error Bad video card or memory
9 beeps ROM checksum error Bad BIOS
10 beeps CMOS checksum error Bad motherboard
11 beeps Cache memory bad Bad CPU or motherboard

Describe BIOS Setup

The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure settings for hardware devices. The configuration data is saved to a special
memory chip called a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). CMOS is maintained by the battery in the computer.
If this battery dies, all BIOS setup configuration data will be lost. If this occurs, replace the battery and reconfigure the BIOS settings.
To enter the BIOS setup program, you must press the proper key or key sequence during POST. Most computers use the Delete
key. Your computer might use another key or combi- nation of keys.
Figure 3-11 shows an example of a BIOS setup program.
 Figure 3-11 BIOS Setup Program

Here are some common BIOS setup menu options:

 Main: System time, date, HDD type, and so forth
 Advanced: Infrared port settings, parallel port settings, and so forth
 Security: Password settings to setup utility
 Others: Low battery alarm, system beep, and so on
 Boot: Boot order of the computer
 Exit: Setup utility exit
 Summary
This chapter detailed the steps used to assemble a computer and boot the system for the first time. These are some important
points to remember:
■Computer cases come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Many of the computer’s components must match the case’s form
factor.
■The CPU is installed on the motherboard with a heat sink/fan assembly.
■The power supply is installed in the PC.
■RAM is installed in RAM slots found on the motherboard.
■Adapter cards are installed in PCI and PCIe expansion slots found on the motherboard.
■Hard disk drives are installed in 3.5-inch drive bays located inside the case.
■Optical drives are installed in 5.25-inch drive bays that can be accessed from outside the case.
■Floppy drives are installed in 3.5-inch drive bays that can be accessed from outside the case.
■Power supply cables are connected to all drives and the motherboard.
■Internal data cables transfer data to all drives.
■External cables connect peripheral devices to the computer.
■Beep codes signify when hardware malfunctions.
■The BIOS setup program is used to display information about the computer compo- nents and allows the user to change
system settings.

Summary of Exercises
This is a summary of the Labs, Worksheets, Remote Technician exercises, Class Discussions, Virtual Desktop activities, and
Virtual Laptop activities associated with this chapter.

Labs
The following labs cover material from this chapter. Refer to the labs in IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab
Manual, Fourth Edition.
Lab 3.2.0: Install the Power Supply Lab 3.3.3: Install the
Motherboard Lab 3.5.2: Install the Drives
Lab 3.6.3: Install Adapter Cards
Lab 3.7.2: Install Internal Cables
Lab 3.8.2: Complete the Computer Assembly
Lab 3.9.2: Boot the Computer

Virtual Desktop Activities

The following Virtual Desktop activities cover material from this chapter. Refer to the
Virtual Desktop software on the CD that comes with this book.
Virtual Desktop Activity: Power Supply
Virtual Desktop Activity: Motherboard
Virtual Desktop Activity: Internal Drives
Virtual Desktop Activity: Drives in External Bays
Virtual Desktop Activity: Adapter Cards
Virtual Desktop Activity: Internal Cables
Virtual Desktop Activity: External Cables