IT Training - Kandu Education LTD - The Enterprise Centre, University of Hull

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Overview
The purpose of this free unit is to introduce the student to some of the basic PC hardware components. The components are
assembled into an empty computer case.

The Computer Case
Most users will be familiar with a computer case as this along with the Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse is usually visible in a
typical setup.
The computer case is the first item we will examine as part of the course. There are many different types of computer case,
the main types are Desktop, Slimline, Mini-Tower, Midi-Tower, Full Tower and Cube.

Desktop Case The Computer Case
The Desktop case was once very popular. An advantage of this case is that it can be placed underneath the monitor on the
desk.
The standard desktop case is of similar dimensions to a mini-tower but is designed to lay flat rather than stand upright.
Below are some images of a typical Desktop Case

Midi Tower Case The Computer Case
The Midi-Tower Case is still probably the most popular case used for custom builds. Its upright design allows the case to be
stood on a desk, or placed underneath allowing it to be easily stored within most homes and offices.
A Midi-Tower Case usually offers lots of internal space for multiple devices.
Below are some images of a typical Midi Tower Case

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Full Tower Case The Computer Case
A Full Tower Case is a larger version of the Midi-Tower, its increased size allows for more devices to be installed internally. In
turn this increases the price and usually limits the case to being stood on the floor.
Often a Full Tower is used for something like a File Server which could house several storage devices.
Below are some images of a Full Tower Case
Media Centre Cases The Computer Case
The cases mentioned so far will usually take standard sized motherboards. When discussing the dimensions of a
motherboard we use the term Form Factor.
The most common form factors used today are either ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) or the slightly smaller Mini-ATX.
Another popular form factor is Micro-ATX, which is smaller still. In most instances these motherboards can be fitted in all the
cases mentioned so far.
The following cases are designed to be more compact and used when building Media Centres (Home Entertainment Systems)
or regular PCs that require a less bulky case.
These cases tend to be more expensive due to the compact design. When purchasing a case you should make sure that there
is adequate room internally for the desired components and also check that your chosen motherboard will fit. The following
cases tend to use either the Micro ATX form factor, or the smaller Intel Mini-ITX. You may also find that regular expansion
cards will be too large and half-size or low rise cards are required.
Slimline Much like a desktop case but slimmer. Could be compared to a DVD player.
Mini-Tower/Micro-Tower A small tower case
Cube The components are fitted inside a cube shaped case.

Video - The Computer Case The Computer Case
When choosing a case we need to consider the internal components. The following video workshop is based around a
Midi-Tower case, this is probably the most common case in use today. The features described will also appear in most other
types of case (click Play to begin).
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Task 01 - The Computer Case
The first practical exercise of the course is based around the computer case. The Anti-Static Wrist Strap is introduced and
how this can be used to reduce the effects of ESD (Electro-Static Discharge)
View and Print Task 01 Task 01 - The Computer Case
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Storage Devices
Most computers will contain at least one storage device. Hard drives offer permanent storage whilst removable media can be
used by devices such as Floppy Disk Drives and Optical Drives (CD/DVD etc).
Units of Data Storage Devices
The smallest unit of information used by a computer is 1 bit.
8 bits are equal to 1 byte
Storage is usually measured in Bytes.
The most common type of Floppy Disk holds 1.44 Megabytes (MB) of data. In other words 1.44 Million Bytes of data.
Hard Drives have a much greater capacity and are measured in Gigabytes (GB) or 1000 Million Bytes
Larger Hard Drives are measured in Terabytes (TB) or 1 Million Million Bytes.

The CASE is a unit that is used to house the main com
computer and can be found in many forms.

The MINI ATX DESKTOP CASE

These have been specially designed to house a MINI ATX MOTHERBOARD and
sit on the work surface such as a desk, the monitor is then placed on top of the
case. ATX is the size and dimensions of the MOTHERBOARD also known as the
FORM FACTOR. These cases normally have

Parts List
QTY BAY SIZE TYPE
1 5 External
1 3 External
1 3 Internal
5
External Bay
3
External Bay

Unit 1 Basic Computer Assembly and testing
Kandu Education Ltd The Enterprise Centre The University of Hull Cottingham Road Hull HU6 7RX Tel no 0
Task 01

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Bits vs Bytes Storage Devices
A confusing piece of computer terminology is that GB and Gb are actually different.
A lowercase b signifies bit whilst an uppercase 'B' signifies 'Byte'.
For example
Kb = Kilobit
KB = Kilobyte
Mb = Megabit
MB = Megabyte
Gb = Gigabit
GB= Gigabyte
Etc.
Although this may seem trivial it can be important as a single byte = 8 bits. You should try to be accurate where possible.
Floppy Disk Drives Storage Devices
The floppy drive allows data to be stored on removable floppy disks.
The most common type of floppy disk is a 3 inch 1.44 MB.
This offers a tiny amount of storage when compared to a hard drive or optical solutions. Because of this the floppy drive has
now all but disappeared in modern PCs and so will not be included as part of our practical tasks.

Hard Drives Storage Devices
The hard drive is a device that provides permanent storage for the computer system. An average PC will have a single hard
drive but it is common for multiple drives to be used adding to storage and improving the security of the data.
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Optical Drives Storage Devices
This is a generic term to include all types of CD (Compact Disc) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) technology. More modern
systems may include a Blu-ray device.
The storage capacities offered by such media varies from a 650 MB CD, up to a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray disc.
All of which are far greater than the 1.44 MB offered by Floppy Disks.

Video - Fitting the drives into the case Storage Devices
This short video will demonstrate the process of fitting a hard drive and an optical drive into an empty computer case. A
brief introduction to the power connectors is also included.
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Task 02 - Fitting the Hard Drive and Optical Drive
This task looks at the process of securing the Hard Drive and Optical Drive into the empty computer case.
There are different types of Hard Drive and Optical Drives available which will be covered later. This task has been created
using the most common components available today (SATA). If you are working with an older machine and have difficulty
with the instructions please contact your tutor for help.
View & Print Task 02 Task 02 - Fitting the Hard Drive and Optical Drive
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CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU (also referred to as processor or microprocessor) could be described as the brain of the computer. It performs
all major calculations and without a processor a computer is essentially useless.
The CPU is a complicated component based around millions of internal transistors.

To simplify the inner workings of a CPU, imagine millions of internal switches performing calculations in binary code (on = 1
off = 0).
CPUs have developed greatly over the years and are available in many different shapes and sizes. Most commonly a CPU will

During this TASK we will be looking at installing the HARD DRIVE and CD/DVD-ROM into the compute

Nearly every computer in use today contains one or mo
DRIVES. The HARD DRIVE stores information in a p
form to a MAGNETIC DISK which give the computer the
remember things even when the power has been remove

A CD/DVD-ROM DRIVE has become an indispensable device in any computer. They can read informat
DISK using a LASER BEAM that can either read bumps or even by bouncing the LASER off the su
reading how bright the reflective light is.

The HARD DRIVE that will be fitted is called a SERIAL ATA HARD
DRIVE or a SATA HARD DRIVE fig 01

1. Install the HARD DRIVE into the computer CASE

HOW:
a) Remove the HARD DRIVE from its ANTI STATIC
PACKING. HANDLE WITH CARE: DO NOT TOUCH THE
ELECTRONICS OF THE DRIVE UNNECESSARILY AND
ALWAYS RETURN IT TO ITS PACKING WHEN NOT IN
USE.
b) Fill out TABLE 01 with the details of the HARD DRIVE that you are using. The details are
Parts List
ATX Computer Case
SATA HARD DRIVE
SATA CD/DVD ROM DRIVE
SATA HARD
DRIVE

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resemble a chip although some can resemble a card.

A CPU can be identified by a Make and Model Number. Often some reference to its processing speed will be made.
There are a number of different CPU manufacturers, but the PC (Personal Computer) market is mainly dominated by INTEL &
AMD.
Listed below are examples of different CPU's. From these we can find important information such as speed, model and
manufacturer.
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8Ghz
AMD - The manufacturer
Althon 64 3000+ - The Model of this CPU
1.8 Ghz - The speed in Gigahertz (thousand million hertz)
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz
Intel - The manufacturer
Core 2 Duo E4600 - The Model of this CPU
2.4 Ghz - The speed in Gigahertz (thousand million hertz)

There is even more information about the CPU that can be taken from the above examples.

However at this stage it is enough to know that the Make, Model and Speed are used to categorise the CPU.
Tip: Your choice of CPU is critical to your choice of Motherboard. Most suppliers will list Intel motherboards and AMD
motherboards separately. Never be afraid to ask a supplier for recommendations on compatibility
CPU Cooling
The transistors within the CPU perform millions (or billions) of calculations per second. Such activity causes vast amounts of
heat to be generated.
This heat can destroy the CPU and needs to be dispersed. The YouTube video below is a good example of the effects heat can
have on a CPU.
Heatsink Fan CPU Cooling
The most popular way of cooling the CPU is by attaching a dedicated heatsink & fan to the component.
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The heatsink is usually made of copper or aluminium which helps draw the heat out of the processor. The fan sits on top of
this to blow the heat away.
Heatsink & Fans vary in price and size, however the faster the CPU, the more cooling is needed.

Tip: When buying a CPU, look out for the terms OEM and Retail Boxed. Retail Boxed CPUs often come with a Heatsink
Fan included, saving the hassle of choosing a separate cooling system.
CPU Cooling CPU Cooling
Some enthusiasts create customised cooling solutions such as Water Cooling systems. Although this is beyond the scope of
this course it could be something that you experience in the future.
Some hobbyist will invent even more extreme solutions to cool the CPU. Below is an example of a custom made Liquid
Nitrogen Cooler.

RAM (Random Access Memory)
The RAM provides temporary storage for programs and processes being used by the CPU. The RAM is cleared when the PC is
restarted, or the processes are finished.
RAM is sometimes referred to as simply 'Memory', 'Main Memory' or 'System Memory'.
RAM is measured in MBs or GBs with most new systems containing at least 1 GB of RAM.
Upgrading RAM is often an inexpensive method of improving computer performance.
As with all components RAM has appeared in many forms and specifications. This is covered in greater depth in the next
unit, the RAM used in the tasks is classified as DDR2. This is probably the most common type of PC RAM at the time of
writing.

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Motherboards
The motherboard (also known as mainboard or systemboard) is the circuit board to which everything else inside of the PC
connects.
The motherboard provides internal sockets and connectors allowing a number of components to be installed. External ports
allow basic input devices such as a keyboard or mouse to be connected.

Video - Around the Motherboard Motherboards
The following video will help to identify a motherboards various ports and connectors.
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Video - Install CPU, RAM and Motherboard Motherboards
This video will demonstrate the following processes: installing the CPU, attaching the Heatsink Fan, installing the RAM and
mounting the motherboard into the case.
Task 03 - Installing CPU, RAM & Motherboard
The next step is to install the CPU, Heatsink Fan & RAM. The motherboard is then fitted inside of the case
View & Print Task 03 Task 03 - Installing CPU, RAM & Motherboard
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Video Cards (Graphics Adapter)
The Video Card, or Graphics Adapter is the component which produces the output displayed by the Monitor/VDU (Visual
Display Unit).
In our video tutorials the graphics adapter was an integrated part of the motherboard which did not require any fitting. This
is typical of most motherboards available today. However, an integrated video card is usually fairly low performance and in
most cases shares the system RAM.
For example, we could fit 2 GBs of RAM to the system. The Video card could be set to use 512 MBs only leaving around 1.5
GB available for the system.
This is something to be aware of but in most cases, it would not cause any real problems.For graphically intensive
applications, such as games, this may effect performance so a separate video card could be added.

The TASK begins with a quick look around the MOTHE
the CPU, HEATSINK and RAM is then fitted. Dont wo
are new to some or all of this terminology, our only
with identification of the major components and not
work or what they actually do at this stage.

Parts List
ATX Motherboard
CPU
Heatsink & Fan
Memory
Fig 01 Fig 02

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If a motherboard is not equipped with an intergrated graphics card it would be added at this stage, using either:
A PCI Slot
An AGP Slot
A PCI-E x16 slot.
Video Output Video Cards (Graphics Adapter)
There are several different types of Video Output connector, each working to different standards.
The most common are:
VGA (Video Graphics Array)
Still the most common connector. Used by almost all entry level video cards.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
Found on higher spec graphics cards, usually along with a VGA adapter. This produces very high quality video and requires a
compatible VDU.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
The latest standard, produces High Definition video output.
Video - Switching on for the first time
The PC is now ready to be powered up for the first time. At this early stage we can expect to see certain messages and a
series of events that provide information on the progress of the build so far. The video gives an overview of this process.
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Task 04 - Switching on for the first time
Although devices such as the Hard drive and Optical drive have yet to be connected to the Motherboard, there are enough
of the basic components configured to power up the unit for the first time. This is a good stage to do an initial test, the less
components there are, the easier it is to troubleshoot any problems.
View & Print Task 04 Task 04 - Switching on for the first time
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Further Learning
Now that you have completed the Free Introduction Course you can print a certificate of completion, after clicking Change
unit you will see a red rosette, clicking this will produce the certificate. Make sure you have marked all lessons as completed
and scored above 70% on the final assessment.
If you have scored 70% or above in the final assessment you should consider the BTEC Award in Computer Engineering Level
2 as a way of adding a recognised qualification to your CV.
The BTEC follows exactly the same system through 5 content units, a final assessment is required under supervision on
completion. Official BTEC Certificates produced by Edexcel are issued to all successful candidates.
Also supplied are CompTIA A+ resources and tuition with all BTEC enrolments, for more info visit http://www.Kanduit.co.uk

During this TASK the VIDEO CARD will be plugged into the MOTHERBOARD and secured. Power will b
to the computer and the results will be monitored.

Since the MOTHERBOARD will require power we
connecting the 20/24 pin power plug and also the 4pin
power connector. The POWER SWITCH will be connecte
motherboard along with a SPEAKER (this could alr
integrated)

Before connecting the MAINS CABLE and switching on, you should check that the FAN on the HEAT SIN
to rotate. When we do switch on several things should happen

The FAN on the CPU should rotate immediately. If it does not then this could indicate a serious
such as one of the metal supports may have shorted out the MOTHERBOARD. However it c
mean that there is no power to the FAN. In any event if the FAN does not rotate always SWIT
then check your connections.

The INTERNAL POWER COOLING FAN should also rotate and again if it does not then SWIT
and check your connections.

Since we have also connected the INTERNAL SPEAKER most MOTHERBOARDS will produce an
BLEEP

If all is well, both FANS rotate and a BLEEP is heard a number of messages will be displaye
screen. In most cases this will comprise of the following
Parts List
Video Display Card
Monitor
Mains Lead
Patch Lead

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