ID NO: vu4S17180

BRANCH NAME: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

AIM: PC ASSEMBLY
1) Study of pc motherboard technology (North bridge and South Bridge)

What is motherboard?
1. A motherboard is one of the most essential parts of a computer system. It holds together
many of the components of a computer,
2. Including the central processing unit (CPU), memory and connectors for input and output
devices.
3. A motherboard contains a number of sockets and slots to connect the other components.

What
are the
different
parts of
motherb
oard
and
their
function
s?
1. C
entral
Processi
ng Unit
(CPU) :
Also
known as the microprocessor or the processor, the CPU is the computer's brain. It is responsible for
fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as performing mathematical and
logical calculations.

2. Random Access Memory (RAM) :

 Random Access Memory, or RAM, usually refers to computer chips that temporarily store
dynamic data to enhance computer performance while you are working.
 Random access memory is volatile, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned off.

3. Basic Input/Output System (BIOS):

 BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is a "read only" memory, which consists
of low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the
operating system and the hardware.
 All motherboards include a small block of Read Only Memory (ROM) which is separate
from the main system memory used for loading and running software.

4. Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Random Access Memory (CMOS RAM) :

Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips which
is kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PC’s power is off.
 5. Cache Memory :
Cache memory is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance by
pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory and passing it to the processor on
demand.

6. Expansion Bus:
An expansion bus is an input/output pathway from the CPU to peripheral devices and it is
typically made up of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards) plug into the
bus.
7. Chipsets:

 A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a PC's key
components.
 These key components include the CPU itself, the main memory, the secondary cache, and
any devices situated on the buses.
 A chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks and other devices connected to the
IDE channels.

8. North Bridge:
(also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers between the processor and
the RAM, which is why it is located physically near the processor. It is sometimes called the
GMCH, for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.

9. The SouthBridge :
(also called the input/output controller or expansion controller) handles communications between
slower peripheral devices. It is also called the ICH (I/O Controller Hub). The term "bridge" is
generally used to designate a component which connects two buses.

10. CPU Clock:

 The CPU clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic
timing signal for the CPU.
 Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into the microprocessor by feeding it a
constant flow of pulses.

2)Disassembling the system unit and identifying internal component and connections
objectives:
In this exercise, I will locate, remove, and describe the various internal components and connectors
of a standard PC system. I will remove all major components of a PC, recognize all major
components inside a PC, describe the function of each component and define the relationship of
internal components to external connections.

Procedure
Step 1: Before disassembling the components, first we need to shut off the power to your system
and unplug the power cord from the PC and from the wall socket before continuing to prevent any
injuries and damage of the PC from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).

Step 2: Use the proper anti-static procedures while opening the case. Then remove the cover of the
system unit and lay the system down so that the open side faces the ceiling. If its not facing the
ceiling, therefore you can’t see the components so just flip it around.
Step 3: When you open the system case, you will see lots of cables and wires connecting to each
components. Those wires and cables are what make the system function. If one of the cable or wires
is not connected properly or connected in the wrong place, the computer might malfunction such as
not turning on or error pops up on the screen. Some cables might be a single colored wire and some
multiple colored wires.

Step 4: To ensure that you don’t forget where the cables are connected, take some pictures so you
don’t need to troubleshoot at the end which takes more time than taking pictures. It will help you
extremely when you’re putting the system back together.

Step 5: Remove the modem cards, sound cards, network cards or video cards, fans (might be more
than one) carefully and any other extra cards. Place them into an anti-static bag to protect it from
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) damage. Disassemble every component in the case leaving only an
empty case.

Step 6: Don’t forget to disassemble the power supply wires, the power supply and the data cables
from the components and motherboard. Also the hard drives floppy disk.

Step 7: Identify every components and take pictures of them.

Step 8: After you identified every components, put all components back in their place and ensure
that all cables and wired is connected at the right place, therefore we don’t need to troubleshoot
later on. Close the case and put the screws back in their place. Lastly, connect every external device
such as the keyboards, mouse, monitor, etc and turn it on to see everything is working fine after you
disassembled.

Conclusion:
In this lab, I have learned so many useful tips on how to open and disassemble the case of a
computer. I saw components that I never seen before up close. I examined every components and
their appearance and what their function in the system.