CHAPTER 22 ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING A PC

	Introduction :
	Assembling a computer involves connecting internal and external computer components. Internal computer components include the ones that are installed inside a system case, such as motherboard, RAM, disk drives, and disk devices. External computer components are devices that are attached to the system case, such as mouse, keyboard, scanner, and modem. You need to first decide the type of components you want to install before starting to assemble a computer. There are different precautions you need to cater to in order to successfully assemble and disassemble a computer.
22.1 Assembling a PC
	There are certain key components that we need to consider while assembling a computer. Depending upon the requirements of the user, the components vary. The components that are necessary for starting a system are hard drive, memory modules, microprocessors, power supply, heat sync, fan, IDE cables and video card. The other components that are required while assembling a computer are : _ Network Interface Card (NIC) _ Sound Card _ CD ROM _ Audio Cable for CD ROM _ Floppy Drive _ Floppy Drive Cable
	Best practices
	1. Keep a static-sensitive device, such as anti-static wrist strap, to disperse static electricity. 2. Disconnect the unit completely before starting to work with the system case. 3. Use an air duster to blow the dust from the system case. 4. Make use of plastic ties to tie loose cabling inside the system case. 5. Use a small torch to see the connections in the system case. 6. Make note of all the important settings on a sheet of paper.
	Precautions
	1. Ensure that the power supply to the system is switched off. Disconnect the PC or any powered equipment before opening the system case. 2. Beware of sharp edges inside PC cases and the small solder pins on boards. 3. Handle PC peripherals with extreme care and always employ some method to disperse static electricity, such as anti-static wrist strap. 4. Never try to clean any part of your system with any liquid detergents or cloths, with the exception of the exterior of the case.
	22.1.1 System Case
	System case is the box that holds the different components of a computer. The method of opening a system case depends on the type of cases, or form factors that are available.
	Different Form Factor of System Case
	The system cases come in different shapes and sizes, such as : _ Mid-Tower _ Full-Tower _ Desktop/HTPC _ MicroATX _ FlexATX _ Rack Mount To ensure compatibility with the power supply and the motherboard, you must ensure that the case is of the correct form factor.
	22.1.2 Opening the Case
	You have to decide a few things before performing the first step of assembling the computer. You will have to decide type of internal components you require, such as : _ System case _ Motherboard _ Processor _ Memory _ Keyboard _ Mouse _ CD-ROM _ Hard Drive _ Video Card _ Sound Card The first step in assembling the computer involves opening an empty system case.
	Hands on exercise
	To open the system case : 1. You need to turn the knob present on the side of the case and then slide out the lid. Turn the knob
	Hands on exercise
	To open the system case : 1. You need to turn the knob present on the side of the case and then slide out the lid. Turn the knob
	System Case
	_ At times, there are system cases that have two covers, right and the left, which you have to remove. You have to unscrew the required screws in order to remove the covers. 2. Slide out the lid.
	Removing the System Case Cover
	3. Remove the system case and keep it aside so that the whole system can be seen.
	22.1.3 Installing the Power Supply
	Power supply box is the unit that supplies electricity to all the internal components of a system that are connected to it. System cooling fan is a device that cools out the heat that the internal components of the system generate. Nowadays, the system case comes equipped with the power supply box and system-cooling fan. This section includes the steps to install the power supply and the cooling fan, if the system case does not have them installed.
	Hands on exercise
	To install the power supply box : 1. Match the new power supply unit with the image of the power supply unit shown in the manual and then start the installation. 2. Search the location of the power supply unit in the system case. 3. Insert the power supply unit in the system case.
	Inserting Method of the Power Supply Unit
	4. Align the screw holes of the system case with the screw holes of the power supply unit. 5. Fix the screws of the system case with the screws of the power supply unit.
	IFasten the Screws of the Power Supply
	_ Hold the power supply box when you screw the first screw that holds the box from the system case to prevent it from falling down. 6. Place the system-cooling fan below the power supply box.
	Place the System Cooling Fan
	7. Fasten the screws to attach the fan from outside the system case.
	Fasten the Screws of the System Cooling Fan
	Also check for the LED that comes attached with the system case. The lights on the system case are called LEDs. Some of the LEDs such as Power LED are built into the case while others are the parts of the devices mounted on the case. You have to connect the LED to the motherboard as specified in the motherboard manual.
	22.1.4 Configuring the Motherboard
	Motherboard is an important component in a computer. A motherboard can be used to identify the internal parts that a system can support. The motherboard must be configured before it is installed in the system. Motherboard configuration is done with the help of jumpers, which are red, black or white plastic caps. You must set the clock frequency, PCU voltage and other settings with the help of the jumpers
	Best practice
	1. Study the motherboard manual thoroughly for instructions on configuration. The jumper settings vary in every motherboard. 2. Do not take the motherboard or the components out of the antistatic bag unless you are about to begin configuration. 3. Thoroughly inspect the motherboard for any signs of damage to the connectors, jumpers or connectors on the board.
	Precautions
	1. Before touching the motherboard or the components, ground yourself and remove any static electricity in your body. You can do this by touching a safely grounded object or a metal object such as the power supply case. Static electricity can cause damage to the components of the motherboard and CPU. You can also use a grounded wristband for this purpose. 2. Never touch the inside of any component where the ICs are placed. Always hold the components and the motherboard by their edges. 3. Be very careful about the jumper settings. Any incorrect jumper settings on the motherboard will cause permanent damage and data loss. 4. Some motherboard manufacturers set the jumper settings on the motherboard as required by the CPU and other hardware. Other manufacturers do not set the jumper settings as default. You must always cross-check the jumper settings to avoid serious problems later on. 5. Take care not to confuse the labels on jumpers and connectors. Some motherboards have jumpers labeled as JP and connectors as J. If you are not careful, you may interchange the connectors and jumpers. Some motherboards even have connectors and jumpers both labeled as JP. 6. Perform the jumper settings as per the actual bus speed and multiplier settings. Refer to the manual for these parameters of the motherboard.
	Hands on exercise
	To configure the motherboard : 1. Try to physically locate all of the jumpers on the motherboard by looking at the motherboard picture provided in the manual. 2. Set the jumpers for CPU voltage. New processors have two voltage specifications for the CPU and for the external voltages. 3. Set the jumper settings for system bus speed and the multiplier. Some CPUs use a multiplier that is interpreted differently by the CPU. 4. Some systems have a Flash BIOS jumper setting for enabling the Flash BIOS feature. Set this jumper to disabled. 5. Some systems have a CMOS Clear jumper for clearing the contents of the CMOS memory. This feature is required to clear the memory in case of a forgotten password. Ensure that this jumper setting is default, or you will not be able to make any BIOS settings. 6. A Battery Source jumper is available in some systems that decides whether the CMOS memory will be powered by the onboard battery or an external battery. Unless you are using an external battery, ensure that this setting is default (onboard battery). 7. Some motherboards have Disable jumpers that allow you to enable or disable motherboard parts. Ensure that these jumpers are set properly. However, it is best not to disable any parts of the motherboard.
	22.1.5 Installing the Motherboard
	Motherboard installation is a complicated task. You must read and understand the motherboard manual thoroughly before you attempt to install or configure the motherboard. You must be very careful while performing motherboard installation, as any incorrect step can cause permanent damage to the motherboard.
	Best practice
	1. Turn off the system and remove the power cord from the socket. 2. If you uninstall any component, never place it on the ground. You must always place it on an antistatic pad or in the bag that was provided with the component. 3. Do not connect power to the system if you suspect any damaged parts on the motherboard.
	Precautions
	1. Ensure that the motherboard power supply is switched off or that the power cord is detached from the power supply before you add or remove any components on the motherboard. If the motherboard power supply is switched on during installation, it will cause severe damage to the motherboard components.
	Hands on exercise
	To install the motherboard : 1. Remove the system case. 2. If the drive tray is removable, remove it out of the system case. This will make the process of motherboard installation easier.
	Removing the Drive Tray
	3. Install the ATX plate in the system case. While doing this, ensure that the mouse and keyboard connectors are towards the power supply. Align the plate in place by pressing from the inside.
	Aligning the ATX Plate
	4. Compare the drive tray to the motherboard layout. There must be a standoff installed on the drive tray at every location on the motherboard that has a mounting hole. These locations must match on the drive tray and the motherboard.
	Comparing the Motherboard to the Drive Tray
	5. Install the standoffs on the drive tray in the appropriate location. The standoffs that come with the motherboard may be of different varieties and must be positioned carefully, so that they are not interchanged.
	Installing the Standoffs
	6. Place the motherboard on the drive tray after fixing the standoffs. All the standoffs must be visible through the holes in the motherboard.
	Placing the Motherboard on Drive Tray
	7. Attach the motherboard to the drive tray by fixing the different screws. Start with the centermost screw and work outwards in a star pattern. You must not tighten the screws too much, as this will damage or crack the motherboard.
	Fixing the Motherboard to Drive Tray
	8. From the system case, find the different connectors such as the hard drive LED, speaker, and reset connectors. Follow the instructions on the manual to connect these parts to the connectors on the motherboard.
	Connecting to the Motherboard
	9. Fix the power connector from the power supply to the motherboard.
	Fixing the Power Supply
	10. Fix the drive tray back into the system case. Ensure that the motherboard does not touch the system case or the drive tray directly. Touch the motherboard gently to ensure that it is rigid and tightly fixed. The motherboard should not bend when touched.
	Fixing drive Tray to System Case
	11. Most of the present-day motherboards are provided with additional connector brackets for connecting USB ports, game ports and IEEE 1394. To properly connect the additional connector brackets, you must remove an adapter slot cover.
	Removing Adapter Slot Cover
	12. Fix the connector bracket onto the PCI slot.
	Fixing Connector Bracket
	13. Connect the different port connectors to the appropriate connectors or slots on the motherboard.
	- Connecting the Port Connectors
	14. To complete the system installation, you must connect the additional adapter cards and drives to the motherboard. After the system installation is complete, you must verify whether all the connectors and jumpers are properly installed. If any of these components do not work, refer to the motherboard manual and correct the connections.
	22.1.6 Installing the Microprocessor
	The microprocessor and the motherboard are dependent on each other. Before, you install microprocessor, you must check that the motherboard and the microprocessor voltage are compatible with each other.
	Best practice
	1. Check the voltage requirements from the motherboard and the microprocessor documentation. 2. Wear an anti-static wristband. 3. Place the motherboard on the work desk.
	The microprocessor and the motherboard are dependent on each other. Before, you install microprocessor, you must check that the motherboard and the microprocessor voltage are compatible with each other.
	Hands on exercise
	The Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket uses a lever that makes it simpler and safer to install the microprocessor on the motherboard. This socket also makes it easy to remove the microprocessor from the motherboard without damaging the pins located on the underside of the microprocessor or the microprocessor itself. To install the processor in the ZIF socket : 1. Take the microprocessor out from the anti-static bag by holding the microprocessor at the edges. 2. Check that all the pins on the underside of the microprocessor are straight. 3. Locate the socket where the microprocessor must be installed.
	Location to Install the Microprocessor
	4. Find the lever located besides the socket for the microprocessor. The Lever appears, as shown Space for microprocessor
	Viewing the Lever
	5. Raise the lever so that it is at the right angle with the motherboard.
	Raising the Lever
	Lever 6. Align the notch on the microprocessor with the alignment notch on the motherboard.
	Aligning the Microprocessor
	7. Gently place the microprocessor in the socket. 8. Press the microprocessor firmly in the socket keeping in mind that no damage is caused to the pins. 9. Push the lever back down such that it is parallel to the motherboard and locked in place, taking care not to break the lever while lowering it.
	22.1.7 Installing the Memory
	RAM is the main memory of the system and is in the form of computer chip. RAM provides fast storage for the computer. These chips plug into special connectors called RAM slots or memory sockets in your computer.
	Best practice
	1. Check the number of memory sockets present on the motherboard for installing the RAM module
	Precautions
	1. Hold the RAM module by its edges. Do not touch the chips mounted on the RAM module
	Hands on exercise
	To install a RAM : 1. Remove the anti-static cover of the RAM module. 2. Check the notches of the RAM module. 3. Hold the RAM module at an angle of 45 degree. 4. Match the line of the RAM module notches with the notches of the memory socket.
	Notches of the 72-pin SIMM package
	5. Place the RAM module on the memory socket in the perpendicular position. The chips placed on the module should be facing towards us. 6. Align the metal connectors of the RAM module with the metal connectors of the memory socket. 7. Put a slight pressure while inserting the RAM module on the memory socket. Notch 2 Notch 1 8. Check whether all the pins of the RAM module are in line with the memory socket. 9. Switch on the computer and follow the instructions given in the manual. The system may either recognize the new RAM on itself or display a message to update the configuration settings. 10. Follow the manual for configuring the new RAM for the system.
	22.1.8 Mounting the Disk Drives
	Hard disk is one of the important devices in the PC. You can install more than one hard disk as per your requirements.
	Best practices
	1. Check if the system supports the hard disk capacity. 2. Check the type of the hard disk that you can install. 3. Check the instructions and the settings specified on the label affixed on top of the hard disk. 4. The hard disk may be pre-configured as master as per the factory settings. Let this setting be as it is if you are installing only one hard disk on the system.
	Precautions
	1. Switch off the power supply before opening up the system. 2. Unplug all the cables of external devices connected to the system. 3. Do not drop the hard disk. 4. Inset the signal cables carefully into the hard disk taking care not to damage the pins. 5. Ensure that the marking and the signal cable is towards the power cable connector on the hard disk.
	Hands on exercise
	To install the hard disk : 1. Configure one hard disk as master and the other as slave if you are installing two hard disks in the system on the same IDE cable. 2. Open the system case. 3. Locate an empty drive bay in the system case. 4. Insert the hard disk into the drive bay and attach screws to hold it in place. 5. Connect one end of the signal cable to the motherboard.
	Inserting Signal Cable on the Motherboard
	6. Connect the other end of the signal cable to the hard disk.
	- Inserting Signal Cable on the Hard Disk
	7. Connect the power cable to the hard disk. Red marking
	22.1.9 Mounting a Floppy Disk Drive
	You must install the floppy disk drive to the motherboard to make it accessible to the system. To connect the floppy disk drive we require the floppy disk drive and the connecting cable.
	Best practices
	1. Check the front panel of the system case to check if there is a vacant slot to install the floppy disk drive. 2. Check the data cable if you can attach additional devices to it. 3. Check if there is a spare power supply cable to connect to the floppy disk drive.
	Precautions
	1. Wear an anti-static wristband. 2. Insert the connectors gently so as not to damage any hardware.
	Hands on exercise
	To install a floppy disk drive : 1. Open the system case. 2. Remove the plastic panel from the front of the system case. 3. Slide the floppy disk drive into the case opening from outside of the system case. 4. Attach screws to the hold the floppy disk drive in place. 5. Connect the power cable to the floppy disk drive.
	Attaching Power Cable to the Floppy Drive
	6. Connect one end of the data cable to the motherboard. 7. Connect the other end of the data cable to the floppy disk drive according to the drive letter that must be assigned to the floppy disk drive. Power Cable
	22.1.10 Mounting a CD-ROM
	Installing the CD drive connects the system and the CD drive. You must read the documentation supplied with the CD drive and the motherboard to check if the two are compatible. You may also have to configure the CD drive after installing it using the system BIOS.
	Best practice
	1. Write the details mentioned on the CD drive label such as the model number, and the serial number, in a safe place such as a diary. 2. Read the CD drive documentation thoroughly. 3. Check if there is a vacant slot available on the front panel of the system case to install the CD drive. 4. Check the motherboard to see if you can install another IDE cable, or if you must use the IDE cable connecting the hard disk to the motherboard. Data Cable 5. If you are using the hard disk IDE cable, check if it can accommodate the CD drive. Note that you have to change the IDE cable if it has only one connector with one that has multiple connectors.
	Precautions
	Wear an antistatic wristband.
	Hands on exercise
	To install a CD-ROM : 1. Adjust the jumper as required on the CD-ROM drive.
	Adjusting the Jumper
	T2. Open the system case. 3. Remove a plastic panel from the front of the system case.
	Removing the Panel
	4. Insert the CD-ROM drive in the system case.
	Inserting the Drive in the System Case
	5. Attach screws to fix the CD-ROM drive in the system case.
	Attaching Screws to the CD-ROM
	6. Connect the Audio CD cable to the CD-ROM drive, if specified in the CD-ROM documentation.
	CD Audio Cable
	7. Connect the other end of the CD Audio Cable to the motherboard or the sound card, as specified in the CD-ROM documentation.
	IDE Connecting Cable
	8. Connect the IDE cable to the motherboard.
	Connecting the IDE Cable to the Motherboard
	9. Select the required connector on the IDE cable to set the CD-ROM drive as master or slave, if the CD-ROM drive jumper is set to cable select. 10. Connect the IDE cable connector to the CD-ROM drive.
	Connecting the IDE Cable
	11. Connect the 4-pin power adapter to the CD-ROM drive.
	Connecting the Peripheral Devices
	After connecting the internal components, you can close the system case and then connect the external components, such as keyboard, mouse, modem, and scanner.
	Connecting the mouse
	Depending on the type of your mouse, you will connect it to the appropriate port on the back of the computer.
	Best practice
	1. Read the instruction manual of the device thoroughly. 2. After unpacking the device, check it for any signs of damage or missing parts. 3. Check the movement of the mouse by rolling it on the mouse pad. 4. Check the device and manual thoroughly to find the port that it will connect to. 5. Before connecting the mouse to the computer, it is safest to turn the computer off and unplug it. If your mouse is a USB device, your computer may be kept on. 6. If the pins bend while connecting it to the port you can realign the pins gently using a flat head screwdriver.
	Hands on exercise
	To connect a serial mouse : 1. Connect the mouse cable to the serial port. If there are no serial devices connected to the computer and there are two serial ports, take care to connect the mouse to the first serial port. To connect a PS/2 mouse : 1. Connect the mouse cable to the PS/2 port. Be careful to connect to the correct PS/2 port, since the keyboard and mouse PS/2 ports look identical. If the PS/2 ports on your computer are colored, the mouse PS/2 port is usually green in color. To connect a USB mouse : 1. Connect the USB mouse to the USB port on the PC. If there are other USB devices, connect the mouse to the USB hub. To configure mouse settings in CMOS : 1. If you installed a serial mouse, check the CMOS settings to ensure that the serial or COM ports are enabled and assigned. 2. If you installed a USB mouse, check the CMOS settings to ensure that the USB is enabled. Also ensure that USB Legacy Support is enabled.
	Connecting the Keyboard
	Depending on the type of your keyboard, you will connect it to the appropriate port on the back of the computer.
	Best practice
	1. Read the instruction manual of the device thoroughly. 2. After unpacking the device, check it for any signs of damage or missing parts. 3. Check the device and manual thoroughly to find the port that it will connect to. 4. Before connecting the keyboard to the computer, it is safest to turn the computer off and unplug it. If your keyboard is a USB device, your computer may be kept on. 5. If the pins bend while connecting it to the port you can realign the pins gently using a flat head screwdriver.
	Hands on exercise
	To connect a PS/2 keyboard : 1. Connect the keyboard cable to the PS/2 port. Be careful to connect to the correct PS/2 port, since the keyboard and mouse PS/2 ports look identical. If the PS/2 ports on your computer are colored, the keyboard PS/2 port is usually purple in color. To connect a USB keyboard : 1. Connect the USB keyboard to the USB port on the PC. If there are other USB devices, connect the keyboard to the USB hub. You will have to install the driver for your keyboard if it has additional advanced features. You will also have to install the software for the keyboard in this case. Refer to the keyboard manual.
	Installing Monitor
	Monitor is one of the important output devices. The monitor must be installed by attaching the signal cable to the system and the power cord to the power outlet. Installing monitor involves installing the monitor stand and the monitor itself.
	Best practice
	1. Check the back of the system case to check if the power cord from the monitor can be connected to the system power supply. The power cord connecting the monitor to the system appears. Connect to the monitor Connect to the system
	Precaution
	1. Ensure that the power supply is switched off before installing or uninstalling any hardware.
	Hands on exercise
	To install the monitor stand : 1. Turn the monitor upside-down.
	Upside-down Monitor
	2. Place the stand over the base of the monitor. 3. Slide the base to lock it to the monitor.
	Locking the Base to the Monitor
	4. Turn the monitor right side up. To install the monitor : 1. Connect one end of the power cord to the power port at the back of the monitor. 2. Connect the other end of the power cord to the power outlet or to the system power supply case. 3. Check the monitor using the built-in Power On Self Test (POST). 4. Connect one end of the signal cable to the video port at the back of the monitor, if it is not already connected to the monitor. 5. Connect the other end of the signal cable to the back of the system case, to the video adapter. 6. Turn the hand screws of the signal cable to lock the signal cable to the system case.
	Installing an External Modem
	Installing an external modem is very easy and simple. You just need to connect the modem with a computer and a telephone line.
	Hands on exercise
	To install the external modem : 1. Place the external modem on the desk. 2. Locate the serial cable that comes with the modem. Note that the cable has a 25-pin male connector at one end and 25-pin female connector on the other end. 3. Plug the female connector of the serial cable into the 25-pin serial port on the back of the system unit. 4. Now plug the male connector of the serial cable into the modem. 5. Secure the connectors with the help of screws on both the sides. 6. Plug the power cord of the external modem into the power outlet. 7. Locate the two phone jacks labeled Phone and Line on the back of the external modem. 8. Plug one end of the phone cable into the Line jack and another end of the phone cable into the phone outlet. 9. Plug one end of another phone cable into the Phone jack and the other end of the phone cable into the telephone. This step is optional. 10. Switch on the computer. Windows 2000 will automatically detect a new device and displays a wizard to install the modem driver. 11. Follow the steps to complete the installation.
	Installing a Scanner
	Many scanners use the parallel port connection. This connection provides the slowest means of data transfer between a scanner and the computer.
	Hands on exercise
	To install a parallel port scanner : 1. Place the scanner on a flat, smooth surface near the computer. The cable must be long enough to reach the computer. 2. Attach the 25-pin end of the cable to the parallel port of the computer. Fasten the side screws of the cable end. 3. Attach the other end of the cable to the appropriate slot on the back of the scanner. Refer to the scanner manual for the location of the slot. Secure the side screws or wire holders on the scanner. 4. Some scanners have a slot for printers. Such scanners can be used along with printers. In this case, connect the printer cable to the printer slot of the scanner. 5. Connect one end of the power cord to the scanner and the other end to a power outlet. Some scanners turn on by themselves at this stage. If your scanner has an on/off button, use that button to turn the scanner on. 6. Turn the computer on. Windows will detect the new software through its plug and play feature. 7. Follow the instructions on the computer and insert the installation CD or disk when prompted by Windows. 8. Read the manual for instructions on settings for the scanner and also to run a test scan. Many scanners come with additional software. Read the documentation that comes with the scanner and install any additional software if it comes with your scanner. 9. Calibrate the scanner according to instructions in the manual. Calibrating a scanner ensures better results.
22.2 Disassembling a PC
	The process of disassembling a computer is the reverse of assembling a computer. You have to disassemble a specific part of the system to replace a defective part of the system or to upgrade a part of the system.
	Best practices
	1. Keep a static-sensitive device, such as anti-static wrist strap, to disperse static electricity. 2. Disconnect the unit completely before starting to work with the system case. 3. Use an air duster to blow the dust from the system case. 4. Use paper cups or plastic bag to collect all the screws that you would remove while disassembling the computer. 5. Use a small torch to see the connections in the system case. 6. Make note of all the important settings on a sheet of paper such as the location and direction that the cables and connectors are inserted on the motherboard.
	Precautions
	1. Disconnect the PC or any powered equipment before opening the system case. 2. Beware of sharp edges inside PC cases and the small solder pins on boards. 3. Handle PC peripherals with extreme care and always employ some method to disperse static electricity, such as anti-static wrist strap. 4. Never try to clean any part of your system with any liquid detergents or cloths, with the exception of the exterior of the case.
	22.2.1 Removing the Case Cover
	The first step in disassembling the computer involves disconnecting all the peripherals, such as speakers, monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, and scanner from the system. After disconnecting all the external peripherals, it's time to remove the case outer cover. The method of removing the system case cover depends on the type of system case you have. For example, you can have a system case that opens from the side.
	Hands on exercise
	To open the system case : 1. You need to turn the knob present on the side of the case and then slide out the lid. Turn the knob
	System Case
	_ At times, there are system cases that have two covers, right and the left, which you have to remove. You have to unscrew the required screws in order to remove the covers. 2. Slide out the lid.
	Removing the System Case Cover
	3. Reset the system case to side so that the whole system can be seen.
	22.2.2 Disconnecting the Internal Cables
	Internal cables consist of power cables and IDE cables. Power cables are the wires that connect the computer power supply box and the various internal components of the computer. The power cables include disk drive connectors and motherboard connector. The disk drives connectors are wires that connect various devices to the power supply. The motherboard connectors connect the motherboard and the power supply box. The power cables are a combination of red, green, blue, black, yellow, green, orange, purple, and white wires. The motherboard connector is one of the power cables.
	Motherboard Connector
	The disk drive connectors are small in size.
	Disk Drive Connector
	_ The computer generally has disk drive connectors connected to the hard drive, floppy drive, and CD drives. IDE cables are cables that connect the different internal components to the motherboard. They are thick ribbon cables normally grey in color.
	Hands on exercise
	To disconnect the connectors and IDE cables : 1. To remove the motherboard connector from the motherboard, press the plastic clip on the connector.
	Plastic Clip on Connector
	2. Pull out the connector from the ATX power connector (socket) attached to the motherboard.
	Removing Motherboard Connector from Socket
	Plastic Clip ATX Power Connector 3. Pull out the wire from the ATX connector from the motherboard.
	Removing Disk Drive Connector from Socket
	4. Pull the disk drive connector out of the drive's power socket.
	Removing Disk Drive Connector from Power Socket
	Power Socket ATX Power Connector ATX Connector 499 5. Similarly, remove the connectors from the floppy drive and CD drive. 6. Pull out the IDE cable from the IDE connectors.
	Removing IDE Cable from IDE Connector
	7. Similarly, pull out any other IDE cable that is connected to the motherboard to any internal component in the system case.
	22.2.3 Removing the Device Cards
	Devices cards are cards that make the internally components or devices work. These cards have slots that, when fixed to the system case, can be viewed from outside the system case. The different internal components, such as floppy, CD-ROM, modem, mouse, and speakers, have devices cards. In recent times, motherboard comes equipped with in-built functionalities that do not require external cards. These external cards are also called as non-integrated cards. Some users prefer such non-integrated cards to better the performance and enhance functionality of the device.
	Device Card
	IDE Connector
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the device card : 1. Unscrew the screw of the related device card with the system case.
	Device Card
	2. Carefully pull out the card from the socket on the motherboard. The sockets can be seen on the motherboard.
	Device Card Sockets
	3. Similarly, you can remove the other device cards from the motherboard.
	22.2.4 Removing the Disk Drives
	After removing the internal cables and the device cards, you can now remove the disk drives. Removing these components is very easy.
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the disk drive : 1. Unscrew the screw with which the device is attached. Unscrew the screw Device Card
	Removing Hard Disk
	2. Slide out the device from the drive bracket. Unscrew the screw Hard Disk Drive Disk Bracket
	Sliding the Device from Device Bracket
	3. Similarly, remove the other drives from the devices brackets.
	22.2.5 Removing the RAM
	RAM is the memory chip that is attached to the motherboard. This chip is placed on the memory slots on the motherboard.
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the RAM from the memory slots : 1. Open both the clips present at the side of the memory slot. White Clips of the Memory Slot 2. Gentle pull the RAM from the memory slot.
	Removing RAM from Memory Slot
	White clip of RAM Socket
	22.2.6 Removing the Processor Fan
	The processor fan is used for cooling the processor chip. The chip is placed below the cooling fan. Processor Cooling Fan
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the processor cooling fan : 1. Pull out the power supply wire that connects the cooling fan and the motherboard. Power Supply of Cooling Fan
	Disconnecting the Power Supply of Cooling Fan
	2. Unlock the cooling fan with the help of the clips.
	Sliding the Device from Device Bracket
	3. Pull out the cooling fan, vertically up.
	22.2.7 Removing the Processor
	Processor is the chip that actually makes the computer work. It is placed exactly below the cooling fan. The processor is also called as microprocessor or CPU. Processor Chip
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the processor from the slot : 1. Pull the metal lever up.
	Lever of the Processor
	2. Gently pull out the processor from the slot.
	Removing the Processor Chip
	Metal Lever Processor Chip
	22.2.8 Removing the Cooling Fan
	Similar to the processor-cooling fan, the system-cooling fan, cools off the heat generated by the internal components of the system.
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the system cooling fan : 1. Unscrew the screws that attach the fan to the system case.
	Unscrew the Screws of Cooling Fan
	2. Pull out the fan from the inside of the system case.
	22.2.9 Removing the Motherboard
	After disconnecting all the wires that connect the motherboard with the internal components of the system, you can now remove the motherboard from the system case.
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the motherboard from the system case : 1. Unscrew all the screws that attach the motherboard to the system case.
	Unscrew the Screws to Detach the Motherboard
	2. Gently remove the motherboard from the system case and place it in a safe place.
	Removing the Motherboard from the System Case
	Unscrew the screw
	22.2.10 Removing the Power Supply
	Power supply is the box that supplies power to the system. All the internal components of the system case require power in order to function. Each internal component of the system is connected to the power supply box with the power cables.
	Hands on exercise
	To remove the power supply from the system case : 1. Unscrew all the screws that attach the power supply box to the system case.
	Unscrew the Screws of the Power Supply
	_ Hold the power supply box when you unscrew the last screw that holds the box from the system case to prevent it from falling. 2. Gently remove the power supply box from the system case.