PC Hardware Exam Guide PDF

SBA #school/cmpt1305 PC Hardware Exam Guide Notes “SATA” = cable with that wide black connector on the end. * Remember - CPU does not have a SATA data cable connected to it. * SATA data cables only for storage devices like hard drives and optical drives. Bay...

SBA #school/cmpt1305 PC Hardware Exam Guide Notes “SATA” = cable with that wide black connector on the end. * Remember - CPU does not have a SATA data cable connected to it. * SATA data cables only for storage devices like hard drives and optical drives. Bays: ** Supplies: ESD Wrist Strap & Phillips Head Screwdriver #2 ** ** Before you start: ** 1. Power Down the PC ** Shut down your PC properly through the operating system. ** ** Turn off the power supply (the switch on the back of the PC case, if applicable). ** ** Unplug the power cable from the back of the PC. ** ⠀2. Disconnect External Cables ** Unplug all cables that are connected to the PC (USB devices, keyboard, mouse, speakers, ** headphones, Ethernet, etc.). ** Disconnect the monitor by unplugging the cable that connects it to the graphics card (HDMI, ** DisplayPort, or VGA). ⠀3. Ground Yourself Use an anti-static wrist strap to protect the components from static discharge. ** ** ⠀4. Remove the PC Case Side Panels If your case has screws on the side panels, use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove them. For ** ** ** ** tool-less designs, simply unlatch the side panel and slide it off. Carefully set the side panel aside. 1. Hard Drive (HDD/SSD) == *** Video Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oImcy5ArdMw *** == == ** Identifying: **== A rectangular metal box, often 2.5” or 3.5” in size. ** Shape: They are typically smaller and more rectangular than optical drives. ** ** Location: They are usually found in a bay in the lower part of the case, often near the back. ** Usually mounted on a bracket inside the case. ** No Tray: They don't have a sliding tray like optical drives. ** ** Connections: They have two cables connected to them: a SATA Power Cable (thicker, multicolor ** ** ** wires; connects to PSU) and a SATA Data Cable (narrower, “L”; connects to motherboard). ** ** == ** Removal Steps: **== Disconnect the SATA power (connects to PSU) and SATA data (connects to motherboard) cables * * * * from the hard drive. Find the Screws: Look at the hard drive and its bracket. You'll see some screws holding it in place. Some cases use thumbscrews, which can be turned with your fingers. Others use regular  screws that require a screwdriver. Unscrew or release the drive from its bracket. Gently slide the hard drive out. ** Common Mistakes: Pulling too hard on cables—always wiggle gently. ** ** == To Reconnect: == ** Slide the drive back into the bracket. ** Secure the Drive: ** Use the same screws (or thumbscrews) to firmly attach the hard drive to its bracket. Make sure the drive sits tight with the bracket without wobbling. ** Reconnect the Cables: ** ** SATA Data Cable: Connect the SATA (coming from motherboard) back to the hard drive’s ** port, ensuring the L-shaped connector aligns correctly. Gently push it into place. ** SATA Power Cable: Attach the thick cable (coming from the PSU) back to the hard drive’s ** port, ensuring the L-shaped connector aligns correctly. Gently push it into place. ** Check that both cables are fully seated and secure - should ‘click’. ** == If you forget which hard drive port to plug the data & power cables into, remember that: == ** SATA Power Port = Wider (15 pins); near edge of the drive ** ** SATA Data Port = Narrower (7 pins); right next to power port ** ⠀2. Optical Drive (CD/DVD) == *** Video Demo: How to remove optical drive from a desktop *** [ ]()== == ** Identifying: **== ** Looks Like: A wider rectangular box, usually with a front-facing disc tray that slides out (to insert ** discs). ** Tip: This is the "old-school DVD player" for your computer. ** ** Shape: Typically larger and squarer compared to a hard drive, often 5.25” in size. ** ** Location: Found near the top front of the computer case in a dedicated 5.25-inch bay. ** ** Connections: SATA power and data cables, similar to the hard drive (power to psu & data to ** motherboard). == ** Removal Steps: **== Disconnect the SATA power (connects to PSU) and SATA data (connects to motherboard) cables * * * * from the optical drive. ** Find Screws or Release Mechanism: ** Look for screws or latches holding the optical drive in place. Unscrew if neccessary. Some cases use tool-less brackets that snap or slide to release the drive. If there are tool-less clips, gently press or slide them to release the drive.  ** Where to Unscrew: ** To unscrew the optical drive, locate the screws inside the case on the sides of the bay where the drive is mounted. 1. Remove the side panel of your computer case. 2. Look near the front of the case where the optical drive sits in its bay. 3. Identify screws or locking mechanisms on either side of the drive. Some cases only require unscrewing from the left side (side panel already removed). Others may require removing both side panels to access screws on the right. 4. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws. 5. Keep the screws in a safe place for reinstallation. ** Remove the Drive: ** Slide the drive forward through the front of the case. == *** Common Mistakes: ***== Pulling on cables too forcefully. Forgetting to release locking mechanisms before sliding out the drive. ** == To Reconnect: == ** ** Insert the Drive: ** Slide the optical drive back into the bay from the front of the case until it aligns with the screw holes. ** Secure the Drive: ** 1. Align the drive’s mounting holes with those on the case bracket. 2. Insert and tighten the screws on the side(s) of the case. If using tool-less brackets, ensure they snap or lock securely in place. ** SATA Power Cable: Connect the thicker cable from the PSU to the larger port on the back of the ** optical drive. ** SATA Data Cable: Connect the thinner cable from the motherboard to the smaller port next to ** the power cable’s port. ** Check that both cables are fully seated and secure - should ‘click’. ** ** Close the case: Reattach case panel & secure it. ** ⠀3. RAM == ** Identifying: **== The slots: RAM sticks go into the long parallel slots on the motherboard. ** Tip: The notch on the bottom prevents incorrect insertion. ** == ** Removal Steps: **==  ** Open Clips: Push down on the plastic clips at both ends of the slot to release the RAM. ** ** Remove RAM: Gently lift the RAM straight up and out of the slot. ** == ** Important RAM Removal Note **== ** Pay Close Attention to the Order: When removing RAM sticks, make sure to note the exact ** slots they come from. ** Lay Them on the Table in Order: Place each stick on a clean surface in the same order you ** removed them. ** Color-Coded Slots/Labeled: Motherboards often use color-coded or labeled (A1, A2) slots— ** RAM sticks should go back into matching colors for proper dual-channel performance. ** Keep the Same Order: Installing RAM in the wrong slots can hurt performance, so always ** reinstall in the same configuration. == *** Common Mistakes: ***== ** Inserting the RAM backward: ** The notch at the bottom must align perfectly with the divider in the slot. ** Not seating the RAM fully: ** If both clips don't snap into place automatically, the RAM isn’t fully inserted. ** Forcing RAM into the slot: ** Applying excessive force can damage the motherboard or RAM. ** == To Reconnect: == ** ** Insert the RAM: ** Align the notch with the slot divider and push the RAM firmly and evenly into the slot until both clips click into place. Push little white clips back up. ** Check the Clips: Ensure both clips are locked securely around the RAM. ** ** Close the Case: Reattach and secure the side panel of your computer case. ** ⠀2. Video Card (GPU) == *** Video Demos: ***== [ How to Install a Graphics card into your PC ]() [ How to Remove Video Card without breaking it ]() == ** Identifying: **== ** Looks Like: A large, rectangular card with a fan(s) and heat sink, typically occupying multiple ** slots on the back of your case. Image (kinda like a mini motherboard):  ** Location: Inserted into PCIe slot near the bottom half of the case, with video output ports ** (HDMI, DisplayPort) facing the back of the case. ** PCIe slot image: ** ** Connections: Power cables from the PSU may be connected directly to the top or side of the ** card. == ** Removal Steps: **== ** Disconnect Power Cables: Gently unplug any cables connected to the video card (cable ** connects from video card to PSU with PCIe power cable (6-8 pin connector - not SATA) 6-8 pin connector (image): ** Remove Mounting Screws: Locate and unscrew the brackets that secure the video card to the ** case frame (unscrew on the outside of the case). Sometimes (like in home pc), it doesn’t need to be unscrewed because there is a sliding latch or clip you can remove to release video card. ** Release Retaining Clip: ** On the PCIe slot, press down on the small plastic latch at the back of the slot to unlock the video card. ** Carefully Slide Out: Hold the video card by its edges and gently pull it straight out from the ** slot. == ** Important Video Card Removal Note **== ** Pay Close Attention to Orientation: Note how the GPU was seated in the slot and connected. ** ** Lay Flat on a Static-Free Surface: Place the card safely to avoid damage. ** ** Keep Track of Screws: Store the mounting screws somewhere secure for reinstallation. ** ** Power Cables: Remember where each cable was connected for proper reconnection. ** == *** Common Mistakes: ***== ** Forgetting the Retaining Clip: Forcing the card out without releasing the latch can damage the ** slot or card. ** Pulling Too Hard: Gently wiggle the card out if it doesn’t come free immediately. ** ** Touching Components Directly: Hold by the edges to avoid damaging sensitive parts. ** ** == To Reconnect: == **  ** Insert the Video Card: Align the card with the PCIe slot and push it down firmly until the ** retaining clip clicks into place. ** ** ** Secure with Screws: Tighten the mounting screws on the back of the case.** ** Reconnect Power Cables: Plug power cables back into the card securely. ** ** Check Connections: Ensure the card is fully seated and cables are firmly connected. ** ** Close the Case: Reattach and secure the side panel. ** Locate these components: 1. CPU (Central Processing Unit) ** Location: Under the heatsink/fan, mounted on the motherboard. ** ** ** Typically hidden because it is under the fan. If not hidden under the fan, it is directly on the moterboard. It is usually not plugged into cables like other components (RAM, GPU). 2. PSU (Power Supply Unit) ** Looks Like: A metal box with a fan and multiple cables. ** Usually mounted to case with screws. Fan of PSU can usually be seen outside case. ** Location: Usually at the bottom or top of the case. ** == ** Tip: SATA power cables connect from PSU to hard drive and optical drive ** == ⠀3. SATA Power and Data Cables ** SATA Power: Wider, often L-shaped connectors from the PSU. ** ** ** ** SATA Data: Narrower, also L-shaped, connecting storage devices to the motherboard. ** ** ** ⠀4. CMOS Battery ** Looks Like: A small, silver coin cell battery (similar to a watch battery). ** ** Location: On the motherboard. ** Reassembly General Tips Work in reverse order of removal. Ensure cables are securely reconnected. Double-check that all screws are tightened but not over-tightened.  Keep track of small screws and components. Specific Reassembly Notes ** RAM: Push firmly until clips snap into place. ** ** Video Card: Align carefully and push down until the latch clicks. ** ** Hard Drive and Optical Drive: Secure with screws and reconnect SATA power and data cables. ** Final Checks Ensure all components are secure. Verify all cable connections. Close the case and screw it back together. Reconnect external peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, power cable). == Steps that might require unscrewing: == * Disconnecting PC: * ** 1. Monitor cable (Part 1): ** ** ** Typically, no unscrewing is needed for modern monitors (if it's HDMI or DisplayPort). ** ** ** VGA and DVI cables: If you're using these, yes, there are usually small screws on the ** ** ** connector that you'll need to tighten by turning them with your fingers (not a full unscrewing, just to secure the cable). ** 2. Keyboard and Mouse cables (Parts 2 and 3): ** ** ** ** No unscrewing here. These cables just plug into the computer's USB or older PS/2 ports. No ** ** ** screws involved. ** 3. Ethernet cable (Part 4): ** ** ** ** No unscrewing required. The Ethernet cable just clicks into the Ethernet port on the back of the ** computer. ** 4. Wireless antenna (Part 5): ** ** ** ** Maybe a bit of unscrewing: If the wireless antenna is attached to a Wi-Fi card inside the ** computer, you might need to unscrew the small antenna on the outside of the PC to reattach it. ** ** It’s usually just hand-tightened, so you don’t need any tools here. ** 5. Power cable (Part 6): ** ** ** ** No unscrewing. You just plug the power cable into the power socket at the back of the ** ** ** computer tower (no screws involved). == * Unscrewing - removing/putting back components: *== ** Case screws: If you're opening the computer case to access parts like the hard drive, you'll need ** ** **  to unscrew the screws that hold the side panel of the case in place. These screws are often on ** ** the back of the case, and you might need a small screwdriver to remove them. ** ** The screws can be either thumb screws (which you can unscrew with your fingers) or ** ** regular screws that require a tool. ** Inside the case: Sometimes, if you’re dealing with internal components (like RAM or a hard ** drive), you may need to unscrew things like brackets that hold parts in place. ** ** ** ** == ⠀Quick guide to unscrewing: == ** Case screws: These are found on the back of the computer tower. Look for small screws and use ** a screwdriver to remove them. ** Tools: For most of the case screws, you’ll need a small Phillips-head screwdriver (the one with a ** ** ** cross on the tip). ⠀Important Tips: ** ** ** Disconnect Cables First: Always unplug cables before removing components. ** ** Use Gentle Force: Don’t try to force anything; be careful and gentle. ** ** Take Pictures: Take photos of the connections before removing parts so you can reassemble ** things correctly. ** Return Everything to its Original Locations: Put screws (and other small items) back in the bag ** or container they came from. ** Cleanup: Use compressed air to remove dust from inside the computer case. **