PC Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Troubleshooting

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What is Troubleshooting?

Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed

products or processes.

Troubleshooting - It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem Troubleshooting - It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem

so that it can be solved, and so the product or process can be made operational

again.

Computer maintenance is the practice of keeping computers in a good state

of repair.

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Troubleshooting Process

• Step 1- Identify the problem

• Step 2 - Establish a theory of probable causes

• Step 3 - Determine an exact cause

• Step 4 - Implement a solution

• Step 5 - Verify solution and full system functionality

• Step 6 - Document findings

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Step 1 - Identify the Problem• Computer information

Manufacturer, model, OS, network environment, connection type

• Open-ended questions

o What problems are you experiencing with the Computer?

o What software has been installed recently?

o What were you doing when the problem was first identified?o What were you doing when the problem was first identified?

o What error messages have you received?

• Closed-ended questions (Can be answered with a ‘yes’ or no’)

o Is the computer under warranty?

o Is the Computer /laptop currently using the battery?

o Can the Computer operate using the AC adapter?

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Step 2 - Establish a Theory of Probable Causes

• The problem may be simpler than the customer thinks.

• Create a list of the most common reasons why the error would occur.

�Battery does not have a charge

��Battery will not charge

�Loose cable connections

�Keyboard does not work

�Num Lock key is on

�Loose RAM

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Step 3 - Determine the Exact Cause• Test your theories of probable causes one at a time, starting with the quickest and easiest.

� Use AC adapter with laptop

� Replace the battery

� Reboot the computer

� Check BIOS settings

� Disconnect and reconnect the cables� Disconnect and reconnect the cables

� Disconnect peripherals

�Toggle Num Lock key

�Remove and reinstall RAM

�If Caps lock key is on, turn it off

� Non-bootable media in a boot device

� Password has changed

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• If the exact cause of the problem has not been determined after you have

tested all your theories, establish a new theory of probable causes and test it.

Step 4 - Implement a Solution

• If a quick procedure does not correct the problem, you might need to research

the problem further to establish the exact cause.

•• Divide larger problems into smaller problems that can be analyzed and solved

individually.

• Create a list of possible solutions and implement them one at a time. If you

implement a possible solution and it does not work, reverse the solution and

try another.

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Step 5 - Verify Solution and System functionality

• Verifying full system functionality and implementing any preventive measures if

needed. This ensures that you have not created another problem while repairing the

computer.

� Reboot the laptop

�Attach all peripherals

�Operate Computer/laptop using only battery

�Print a document from an application

�Type sample document to test keyboard

�Check Event Viewer for warnings or errors

• Have the customer verify the solution and system functionality.Prepared by Mr. Rama 8

Step 6 - Document Findings

• Discuss the solution with the customer

• Have the customer confirm that the problem has been solved

• Give the customer all appropriate paperwork

• Document the process in the work order and in your technician’s journal:

�Problem description

�Solution

�Components used

�Amount of time spent in solving the problem

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Common Problems and Solutions

• Computer/Laptop problems can be attributed to hardware, software,

networks, or some combination of the three. You will resolve some

types of computer/Laptop problems more often than others.

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Basic Personal Computer System

� A computer system consists of hardware and software components.

� Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case, storage drives,

keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers.

� Software is the operating system and programs.

� The operating system instructs the computer how

to operate.

� Programs or applications perform different functions.

Computer Cases and Power Supplies

Computer case

• Provides protection and support for internal components

• Should be durable, easy to service, and have enough room for expansion

Power supply

• Converts AC power from the

wall socket into DC

• Must provide enough power

for the installed components

and future additions

Computer Cases / System Unit

• Contain the framework to support and enclose

internal components of the computer

• Typically made of plastic, steel, and aluminum

• Available in a variety of styles• Available in a variety of styles

• The size and layout of a case is called a form

factor

• Designed to keep internal components cool

• Helps to prevent damage from static electricity

Computer Cases / System UnitCase/system unit

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Case/system unit

Case/system unit

Case/system unit

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Case SelectionFactor Rationale

Model TypeTwo main case models (one for desktop PCs and the other for tower PCs). The type of motherboard determines the type of case. Size and shape must match exactly.

SizeIf a computer has many components, it will need more room for airflow to keep the system cool.

Available SpaceDesktop cases allow space conservation in tight areas because the monitor can be placed on top of the unit. The case design may limit the number and size of the components that can be added.components that can be added.

Power SupplyMatch the power rating and connection type of the power supply to the type of motherboard chosen.

AppearanceThere are many case designs to choose from if it is necessary to have a case that is attractive.

Status DisplayLED indicators that are mounted on the front of the case can tell you if the system is receiving power, when the hard drive is being used, and when the computer is on standby or sleeping.

VentsAll cases have a vent on the power supply. Some cases have more vents to dissipate an unusual amount of heat.

Power Supplies

• The power supply converts alternating-current (AC) power coming from

a wall outlet into direct-current (DC) power, which is a lower voltage.

• DC power is required for all of the components inside the computer.

• Cables, connectors, and • Cables, connectors, and

components are designed

to fit together comfortably.

Never force any connector

or component.

Power Supplies

CAUTION: Do not open a

power supply.

Electronic capacitors located Electronic capacitors located

inside of a power supply can

hold a charge for extended

periods of time.

Internal Components

Internal Components• What are common components inside the computer case

� Processor

� Memory

� Adapter cards

� Sound card

power supply

ports

drive bays

processor

memory

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� Sound card

� Modem card

� Video card

� Network card

� Ports

� Drive bays

� Power supply

ports

sound card

video cardmodem cardnetwork card

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Motherboards

• The main printed circuit board.

• Contains the buses, or electrical

pathways found in a computer.

Buses allow data to travel

among the various components. among the various components.

• Also known as the system board,

the backplane, or the main board.

• Accommodates CPU, RAM, expansion slots, heat sink/fan assembly, BIOS chip,

chip set, sockets, internal and external connectors, various ports, and the

embedded wires that interconnect the motherboard components.

Motherboards

processor chipadapter cards

memory chips

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memory slots

motherboard

Expansionslots for adapter cards

Motherboard Form Factors

• The form factor of motherboards pertains to the size and shape of the board.

• It also describes the physical layout of the different components and devices on the

motherboard.

• Various form factors exist for motherboards.

– AT – Advanced Technology– AT – Advanced Technology

– ATX – Advanced Technology Extended

– Mini-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX

– Micro-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX

– LPX – Low-profile Extended

– NLX – New Low-profile Extended

– BTX – Balanced Technology Extended

Role of motherboard

• The motherboard plays an important role in the following important aspects of your

computer system:-

– Organization: In one way or another, everything is eventually connected to

the motherboard. The way that the motherboard is designed and laid out

dictates how the entire computer is going to be organized.

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– Control:The motherboard contains the chipset and BIOS program, which

between them control most of the data flow within the computer.

– Communication: Almost all communication between the PC and its

peripherals, other PCs, and you, the user, goes through the motherboard.

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Role of motherboard

– Processor Support:The motherboard dictates directly your choice of

processor for use in the system.

– Peripheral Support:The motherboard determines, in large part, what types

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– Peripheral Support:The motherboard determines, in large part, what types

of peripherals you can use in your PC. For example, the type of video card your

system will use (ISA, VLB, PCI) is dependent on what system buses your

motherboard uses.

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Role of motherboard

– Performance: The motherboard is a major determining factor in your

system's performance, for two main reasons. First and foremost, the

motherboard determines what types of processors, memory, system buses, and

hard disk interface speed your system can have, and these components dictatehard disk interface speed your system can have, and these components dictate

directly your system's performance. Second, the quality of the motherboard

circuitry and chipset themselves have an impact on performance.

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Motherboard

– Upgradeability: The capabilities of your motherboard dictate to

what extent you will be able to upgrade your machine. For

example, there are some motherboards that will accept regular

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Pentiums of up to 133 MHz speed only, while others will go to

200 MHz Obviously, the second one will give you more room to

upgrade if you are starting with a P133.

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Known as the brain of the computer. Also referred to as the processor.

• Most important element of a computer system. Executes a program,

which is a sequence of stored instructions.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• To an operating system, a single CPU with hyper threading appears to be two

CPUs.

• The wider the processor data bus width, the more powerful the processor.

Current processors have a 32-bit or a 64-bit processor data bus.

• Over clocking is a technique used to make a processor work at a faster speed • Over clocking is a technique used to make a processor work at a faster speed

than its original specification.

• MMX enabled microprocessors can handle many common multimedia

operations that are normally handled by a separate sound or video card.

• The latest processor technology has resulted in CPU manufacturers finding ways

to incorporate more than one CPU core onto a single chip.

– Single core CPU and Dual core CPU

Cooling Systems

• Electronic components generate heat. Too

much heat can damage components.

• A case fan makes the cooling process more

efficient.efficient.

• A heat sink draws heat away from the core of

the CPU. A fan on top of the heat sink moves

the heat away from the CPU.

• Fans are dedicated to cool the Graphics-

processing unit (GPU).

Case Fan

CPU Fan

Read-only Memory (ROM)

ROM Types ROM Types Description

ROM Read-only memory chipsInformation is written to a ROM chip when it is manufactured. A ROM chip cannot be erased or re-written and can become obsolete.

� Basic instructions for booting the computer and loading the operating system are stored in ROM.

written and can become obsolete.

PROM Programmable read-only memoryInformation is written to a PROM chip after it is manufactured. A PROM chip cannot be erased or re-written.

EPROMErasable programmable read-only memory

Information is written to an EPROM chip after it is manufactured. An EPROM chip can be erased with exposure to UV light. Special equipment is required.

EEPROMElectrically erasable programmable read-only memory

Information is written to an EEPROM chip after it is manufactured. EEPROM chips are also called Flash ROMs. An EEPROM chip can be erased and re-written without having to remove the chip from the computer.

Random-access Memory (RAM)

• Temporary storage for data and programs that are being accessed by the CPU

• Volatile memory, which means that the contents are erased when the computer is powered off

• More RAM means more capacity to hold and process large programs and files, as well as

enhance system performance.

• Types of RAM:

– Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)

– Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)

– Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM Memory)

– Extended Data Out RAM (EDO Memory)

– Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)

– Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM)

– Double Data Rate 2 SDRAM (DDR2 SDRAM)

– RAMBus DRAM (RDRAM)

Memory Modules

• Dual Inline Package (DIP) is an individual memory chip. A DIP had dual rows of

pins used to attach it to the motherboard.

• Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) is a small circuit board that holds several

memory chips. SIMMs have 30-pin and 72-pin configurations.memory chips. SIMMs have 30-pin and 72-pin configurations.

• Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) is a circuit board that holds SDRAM,

DDR SDRAM, and DDR2 SDRAM chips. There are 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs,

184-pin DDR DIMMs, and 240-pin DDR2 DIMMs.

• RAM Bus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) is a circuit board that holds RDRAM

chips. A typical RIMM has a 184-pin configuration.

Cache and Error Checking

Cache

• SRAM is used as cache memory to store the most frequently used data.

• SRAM provides the processor with faster access to the data than

retrieving it from the slower DRAM, or main memory.

Error Checking

• Memory errors occur when the data is not stored correctly in the RAM

chips.

• The computer uses different methods to detect and correct data errors in

memory.

Adapter CardsIncrease the functionality of a computer by adding controllers for specific devices or by replacing

malfunctioning ports.

• Examples of adapter cards:

– Sound adapter and video adapter

– USB, parallel, and serial ports

– RAID adapter and SCSI adapter

– Network Interface Card (NIC),

wireless NIC, and modem adapterwireless NIC, and modem adapter

• Types of expansion slots:

– Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)

– Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA)

– Micro channel Architecture (MCA)

– Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

– Advanced Graphics Port (AGP)

– PCI-Express

Hard Drives and Floppy Drives

• Reads or writes information to magnetic or optical storage media May be fixed or removable

• The hard disk drive (HDD) is a magnetic storage device installed inside the computer.

• The storage capacity is measured in gigabytes • The storage capacity is measured in gigabytes

� A floppy disk drive (FDD) is storage device that uses removable 3.5 inch floppy disks that can store 1.44 MB of data.

Optical Drives and Flash Drives

• An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to read data on the optical

media. The two types are CD and DVD.

• A flash drive is a removable storage device that connects to a USB port. A flash

drive uses a type of memory that requires no power

to maintain the data.to maintain the data.

• Some common drive interfaces:

– Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)

– Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE)

– Parallel ATA (PATA)

– Serial ATA (SATA)

– Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)

Internal Cables

Data cables connect drives to the drive controller, which is located

on an adapter card or on the motherboard.

• Floppy disk drive (FDD) data cable• Floppy disk drive (FDD) data cable

• PATA (IDE) data cable

• PATA (EIDE) data cable

• SATA data cable

• SCSI data cable

Serial Ports and Cables

• A serial port can be either a DB-9, as

shown, or a DB-25 male connector.

• Serial ports transmit one bit of data at a

time.time.

• To connect a serial device, such as a

modem or printer, a serial cable must be

used.

• A serial cable has a maximum length of

50 feet (15.2 m).

USB Ports and Cables

• USB is a standard interface for connecting

peripheral devices to a computer.

• USB devices are hot-swappable.

• USB ports are found on computers,

cameras, printers, scanners,

storage devices, and many other electronic devices.

• A single USB port in a computer can support up to 127 separate devices

with the use of multiple USB hubs.

• Some devices can also be powered through the USB port, eliminating the

need for an external power source.

FireWire Ports and Cables

• FireWire is a high-speed, hot-swappable interface.

• A single FireWire port in a computer

can support up to 63 devices.

• Some devices can also be powered • Some devices can also be powered

through the FireWire port, eliminating the need for an external power source.

• The IEEE 1394a standard supports data rates up to 400 Mbps and cable lengths

up to 15 feet (4.5 m). This standard uses a 6-pin connector or a 4-pin connector.

• The IEEE 1394b standard supports data rates in excess of 800 Mbps and uses a 9-

pin connector.

Parallel Ports and Cables

• Parallel ports can transmit 8 bits of data

at one time and use the IEEE 1284

standard.

• To connect a parallel device, such as a

printer, a parallel cable must be used.

• A parallel cable has a maximum length

of 15 feet (4.5 m).

SCSI Ports and Cables

• A SCSI port can transmit data at rates in

excess of 320 Mbps and can support up

to 15 devices.

• Three different types of SCSI ports:

– DB-25 female connector

– High-density 50-pin female connector

– High-density 68-pin female connector

• NOTE: SCSI devices must be terminated at the endpoints of the SCSI chain.

Check the device manual for termination procedures.

• CAUTION: Some SCSI connectors resemble parallel connectors. The voltage

used in the SCSI format may damage the parallel interface.

Network Ports and Cables

• A network port, also known as an RJ-45 port, connects a

computer to a network.

• Standard Ethernet can transmit up to 10 Mbps.

• Fast Ethernet can transmit up to 100 Mbps.

• Gigabit Ethernet can transmit up to 1000 Mbps.

• The maximum length of network cable is 328 feet (100 m).

PS/2 Ports and Audio Ports

• A PS/2 port connects a keyboard or a mouse to a computer.

• The PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN female connector.

� Line In connects to an external source� Line In connects to an external source

� Microphone In connects to a microphone

� Line Out connects to speakers or headphones

� Game port/MIDI connects

to a joystick or

MIDI-interfaced device

Video Ports

A video port connects a monitor cable to a

computer.

� Video Graphics Array (VGA)

� Digital Visual Interface (DVI)

� High-Definition Multimedia Interface

(HDMi)

� S-Video

� Component/RGB

Input Devices

Input devices used to enter data or

instructions into a computer:

• Mouse and Keyboard

• Digital camera and digital video

Fingerprint scanner

• Digital camera and digital video

camera

• Biometric authentication device

• Touch screen

• Scanner

Digital camera

Monitors and Projectors

The most important difference between these monitor

types is the technology used to create an image:

• Cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor is the most common

monitor type. Most televisions also use this technology. monitor type. Most televisions also use this technology.

• Liquid crystal display (LCD) is commonly used in

laptops and some projectors. LCD comes in two forms,

active matrix and passive matrix.

• Digital light processing (DLP) is another technology

used in projectors.

Other Output Devices

• Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines - Printers are

output devices that create hard copies of computer files.

Other all-in-one type printers are designed to provide

multiple services such as printing, fax, and copier

functions.

• Speakers and headphones are output devices for

audio signals.

– Most computers have audio support either integrated

into the motherboard or on an adapter card.

– Audio support includes ports that allow input and

output of audio signals. Speakers

Headphones

System Resources

System resources are used for communication purposes between the

CPU and other components in a computer.

There are three common system resources:There are three common system resources:

• Interrupt Requests (IRQs)

• Input/output (I/O) Port Addresses

• Direct Memory Access (DMA)

Interrupt Requests (IRQs)

• IRQs are used by computer components to request

information from the CPU.

• When the CPU receives an interrupt request, the

CPU determines how to fulfill this request. CPU determines how to fulfill this request.

• The priority of the request is determined by the

IRQ number assigned to that computer component.

• Today, most IRQ numbers are assigned automatically

with plug and play (PnP) operating systems and the

implementation of PCI slots, USB ports, and

FireWire ports.

Input/output (I/O) Port Addresses

• Used to communicate between devices and

software.

• Used to send and receive data for a component.

• As with IRQs, each component will have a unique

I/O port assigned.

• There are 65,535 I/O ports in a computer.

• They are referenced by a hexadecimal address in

the range of 0000h to FFFFh.

Direct Memory Access (DMA)

• DMA channels are used by high-speed devices to

communicate directly with main memory.

• These channels allow the device to bypass

interaction with the CPU and directly store and interaction with the CPU and directly store and

retrieve information from memory.

• Only certain devices can be assigned a DMA

channel, such as SCSI host adapters and sound

cards.

• Newer computers have eight DMA channels that

are numbered 0 to 7.

Computer AssemblyComputer Assembly

Introduction

� Computer assembly is a large part of a technician's job. Work in a

logical, methodical manner when working with computer

components ,Improve computer assembly skills dramatically with

practice

Open the Case� Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case:

Adequate lighting

Good ventilation

Comfortable room temperature

Workbench accessible from all sides

Avoid cluttering workbench

An antistatic mat on the table

Small containers to hold screws and other small parts

� There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how, consult the user

manual or manufacturer's website.

Install the Power Supply

Power supply installation steps include the following:

1. Insert the power supply into the case

2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case

3. Secure the power

supply to the case

using the proper

screws

Attach Components to the Motherboard

� As part of an upgrade or repair, a technician may need to attach

components to the motherboard, and then install the motherboard.

CPU on Motherboard

� The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge so use a

grounded antistatic mat and wear an antistatic wrist strap. CAUTION:When

handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts.

� The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly.

Thermal Compound

� Thermal compound helps to keep the CPU cool.

� To install a used CPU, clean it and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol to

remove the old thermal compound.

� Follow manufacturer’s

recommendations

about applying the

thermal compound.

Heat Sink/Fan Assembly

� The Heat Sink/Fan Assembly 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.

Install CPU and Heat Sink/Fan Assembly1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the CPU

socket.

2. Place the CPU gently into the socket.

3. Close the CPU load plate and secure it by closing the load lever and moving it under the

load lever retention tab.

4. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU and spread it evenly. Follow the

application instructions provided by the manufacturer.

5. Line up the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to the holes on the motherboard.

6. Place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket, being careful not to pinch the CPU

fan wires.

7. Tighten the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place.

8. Connect the heat sink/fan assembly power cable to the header on the motherboard.

Install RAM� RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is

operating.

� RAM should be installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is placed

in the computer case.

� RAM installation steps:� RAM installation steps:

1. Align the notches on the RAM module to the keys in the slot and press

down until the side tabs click into place.

2. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module and visually

check for exposed contacts.

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.

� 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.

Install Motherboard

1. Install standoffs in the computer case.

2. Align the I/O connectors on the back of the

motherboard with the openings in the back of

the case. the case.

3. Align the screw holes of the motherboard with

the standoffs.

4. Insert all of the motherboard screws.

5. Tighten all of the motherboard screws.

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.

� HDD installation steps:

1. Position the HDD so that it aligns with the

3.5-inch drive bay.

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.

3. Secure the HDD to the case using the proper

screws.

Install Drives in External Bays

� Drives, such as optical drives (CD and

DVD) and floppy drives, are installed in

drive bays that are accessed from the front

of the case.

� Optical drives and floppy drives store data

on removable media.

� Drives in external bays allow access to

the media without opening the case.

Install Optical Drive� An optical drive is a storage device that reads and writes information to CDs or

DVDs.

� Optical drive installation steps:

1. Position the optical drive to align with the 5.25 inch drive bay.

2. Insert the optical drive into the drive bay so that the optical drive screw 2. Insert the optical drive into the drive bay so that the optical drive screw

holes align with the screw holes in the case.

3. Secure the optical drive to the case using the proper screws.

Install Floppy Drive

� A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads and writes information to a floppy disk.

� FDD installation steps:

1. Position the FDD so that it aligns with the 3.5 inch drive bay.

2. Insert the FDD into the drive bay so that the FDD screw holes align with the 2. Insert the FDD into the drive bay so that the FDD screw holes align with the screw holes in the case.

3. Secure the FDD to the case using the proper screws.

Install Adapter Cards

� Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer.

� Adapter cards must be compatible with the expansion slot.

� Some adapter cards:

PCIe x1 NICPCIe x1 NIC

PCI Wireless NIC

PCIe x16 video adapter card

Install the Network Interface Card (NIC)� A NIC enables a computer to connect to a network.

� NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.

� NIC installation steps:

1. Align the NIC to the appropriate slot on the 1. Align the NIC to the appropriate slot on the

motherboard.

2. Press down gently on the NIC until the card is

seated.

3. Secure the NIC PC mounting bracket to the case

with the appropriate screw.

Install the Wireless NIC

� A wireless NIC enables a computer to connect to a wireless network.

� Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.

� Wireless NIC installation steps:

1. Align the wireless NIC to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.

2. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until the card is fully seated.

3. Secure the mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.

Install the Video Adapter Card� A video adapter card 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 card installation steps:

1. Align the video adapter card to the appropriate expansion slot on the

motherboard.

2. Press down gently on the video

adapter card until the card is fully

seated.

3. Secure the video adapter card

PC mounting bracket to the case

with the appropriate screw.

Connect 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 Power Cables

Motherboard Power Connections

� The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) main power connector has 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.

Connect Power Cables

� SATA Power Connectors use a 15-pin connector to connect to

hard disk drives, optical drives, or any devices that have a SATA

power socket.

�

SATA

Berg

� Molex Power Connectors are used by hard disk drives and

optical drives that do not have SATA power sockets.

� CAUTION: Do not use a Molex connector and a SATA power

connector on the same drive at the same time.

� 4-pin Berg Power Connector supplies power to a floppy drive.Molex

Power Connector Installation Steps

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.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.

PATA Cables� Drives connect to the motherboard using data cables.

Types of data cables are PATA, SATA, and floppy disk.

� The PATA cable (sometimes called a ribbon cable) is wide and flat and can have

either 40 or 80 conductors.

A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin connectors. A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin connectors.

If multiple hard drives are installed, the master drive will connect to the end

connector. The slave drive will connect to the middle connector.

� Many motherboards have two PATA cable sockets, which provides support for a

maximum of four PATA drives.

SATA 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.

Floppy Drive Cables

� The floppy drive data cable has a 34-pin connector and it has a stripe to

denote the location of pin 1.

One connector at the end of the cable connects to the motherboard.

The other two connectors connect to drives.

If multiple floppy drives are installed, the A: drive will connect to the

end connector. The B: drive will connect to the middle connector.

� Motherboards have one floppy drive controller which provides support

for a maximum of two floppy drives.

Install Data Cables

1. Plug the motherboard end of the PATA cable into the motherboard socket.

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

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

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

5. Plug the motherboard end of the FDD cable into the motherboard socket.

6. Plug the connector at the far end of the FDD cable into the floppy drive.

Re-attach Panels, Connect External Cables

� Now that all the internal components have been installed and connected to the

motherboard and power supply, the side panels are re-attached to the computer

case.

� The next step is to connect the cables for all computer peripherals and the power � The next step is to connect the cables for all computer peripherals and the power

cable.

Re-attach Side Panels� Most computer cases have two panels, one on each side.

� Once the cover is in place, make sure that it is secured at all screw

locations.

� Refer to the documentation or manufacturer’s website if you are unsure

about how to remove or replace your computer case.

� CAUTION: Handle case parts with care. Some computer case covers have

sharp or jagged edges.

Connect External Cables

� After the case panels have been re-attached, connect the external cables to the back of the computer.

� External cable connections include:

Monitor

USBUSB

Keyboard Power

Mouse

Ethernet

� CAUTION:When attaching cables, never force a connection.

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

Connect External Cables

1. Attach the monitor cable to the video port.

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

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

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

5. Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

6. Plug the network cable into the network port.

7. Connect the wireless antenna to the antenna connector.

8. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

Boot Computer for the First Time

� The BIOS is a set of instructions stored in a nonvolatile memory chip.

� When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) will perform a power-on self test (POST) to check on all of the internal components.

� A special key or combination of keys on the keyboard is used to enter the BIOS setup program.

� The BIOS setup program displays information about all of the components in the computer.

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 problem. there is a problem.

� Typically, a single beep denotes that the computer is functioning properly.

� If there is a hardware problem, the computer may emit a series of beeps.

� Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware problems.

� Consult the motherboard documentation to view beep codes for your computer.

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.

� Replace the battery and reconfigure the BIOS settings.

BIOS Setup Program

BIOS settings are configured in the BIOS setup program.

Assignment

1. Define troubleshooting table order

2. Identify troubleshooting table order

Prepared by Mr. Rama 89