Stet By Step Guide to Building Own Computer By Cuthbert Chinji Jnr ~ Vaal University of Technology

8/6/2019 Stet By Step Guide to Building Own Computer By Cuthbert Chinji Jnr ~ Vaal University of Technology

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VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

NAME : CUTHBERT CHINJI JNR

COURSE : INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SUBJECT : SYSTEM SOFTWARE (A+)

MODULE : 1.2

CODE : ERSYY1A

PROJECT:

BUILDING A COMPUTER


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SECTION A: INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING A COMPUTER

Building a computer is a process, perhaps a complicated process that requires some kind ofsound and technical know-how about computers. However, it is important to note that it costs

less to build your own computer than buy a ready-made one. It is also important to note thatbuilding your own computer allows you to have a customised system based on your preferences

and needs. In other ways, a computer would not include features such as floppy drives that areunnecessary for your needs.

First and foremost, like any project, you need to plan so that you can successfully enjoy the

outcome of the project. Here are a few things to consider when planning to build a PC:

a) PURPOSE: Ask yourself, what do you intend to use the system for ? Should itmeet needs of high end computer user, or power user or home user? This will inturn determine the type of components to include and use. Decide what

components or features should the computer have ? The computer case? Themotherboard? The RAM? The video cards ? e.t.c.

b) COST: Set how much should be spent on the entire project. Always have a budgetfor unexpected costs rather than for the actual costs. This will help to meet costs

that might arise out of the blue in due course.

Once the purpose and costs have been analysed and determined, you need a place that has

enough working area preferably with a large enough and strong non metallic table or a bench thatcan hold the entire functional computer system. The area should also have enough light with an

AC grounded electrical outlet that you could plug in a surge projector once the PC is assembled.

SECTION B: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

A computer or computer components are electrical in nature and therefore safety precautionsshould not be overlooked nor taken for granted. WARNING: For example, these could either be

damaged due to Electro Static Discharge (ESD) or electromagnetic field or the worse couldhappen that a person could be electrocuted due to shock!

SECTION C: BUYING COMPUTER COMPONENTS & TOOLS:

Acquiring computer components can be crucial. It is advisable to read reviews about differentcomponents' performance on website forums. Often people post their reviews about certain

experiences with computer products.

1. Motherboard:Since the motherboard is the main board of the computer system with the integrated

ROM chips, it is important to start buying the motherboard as the first component. Consideringdifferent types of motherboards and their differences which can be indentified by looking at the

type of the power connectors, shape of the major hardware ( such as the motherboard itself,power supply and the computer case) in the system and the overall alignments of the PCI slots,

the ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) would work far much better. It has good alignmentof PCI slots as compared to the previous motherboard design (AT) which does not provide

enough room for the ventilation and enough room for drive bays. Another advantage for the


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ATX form factor is that it is the common form factor on the market; hence its components arereadily available. The figure below shows an ATX form factor.

Figure 1: Motherboard showing different parts including slots

2. Computer Case:The motherboard shown in Figure 2.1 above will work in a full size tower case

sometimes called chassis. This case is more convenient than other types of cases since it providesmore drive bays for drives such as hard drives, CD drives, DVD drives etc. To be precise, this

computer system will provide drives for one hard drive, one DVD Combo drive. It willaccommodate the 24-Pin P1 connector Power supply and it is backward compatible with the

earlier version of P1 connector which has 20 pins. It will also accommodate 2 sound ports, 4USB ports, one fire wire port, one modern port and a network port.

Figure 2: A Full Tower Case with enough room for drive baysand Vents for air ventilation.

RAM Slots

PCI Express x1

AGP Slot

PCI Slots

Externalorts

SerialConnectors

PowerConnector


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3. Power Supply:Since the PC will have only two drives (the DVD+RW and Hard drive), a 350

Watts power supply should suffice the needs of the entire fully functional system. An AntecSonata III with 400-Watt power supply costs R299.95. It has serial connectors for power cables.

This is important in the computer system since it is narrower than parallel; it allows easier

circulation of air in the computer.

4. Processor:Buying a processor should be based on the type of the motherboard and the speed a

motherboard supports. A high processor speed that is not recommended by the motherboardwould cause overheating of the system or the system might not be stable. The processor will

have the Multi processing (dual channelling) feature which allows processing of more than oneinstruction at time. Since the computer overall speed is heavily dependent on the processor, I

would buy a processor that also supports data path of 128 KB and a speed of 3.0 GHz with a 1MB of cache RAM which clocks at bus speed of 800 MHz

Socket

This is the processor housing that holds the processor in the computer. Since my

processor will be Intel Pentium 4, it makes sense to buy the LGA 775 socket that is compatiblewith the Intel processor Pentium 4.

LGA 775 Intel Socket

Figure 5: An LGA 775 Intel Socket Compatible with an Intel Processor

5. Heat sink and fan:

Figure 3: A Power Supply with serial connectors for drives

Figure 4: Pentium 4 Processor compatiblewith LGA 775 Socket.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PSU-gold-full_set.jpg


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These are often integrated, in other ways they come bundled, and they are collectivelycalled Cooler. There main duty is to keep the processor cool when it reaches a certain

temperature. Cooler is made of either Aluminium or Cooper. I will go for the one that is made of

copper because it is much more efficient in terms of performance than that of aluminium despite

its costs.

Hard Drive:

The most important thing to note when buying hard drive is the capacity of the hard driveitself. The more space the hard drive has the more programs or data the computer will hold. It is

important also to note that despite the capacity of the hard, the speed of that hard drive is another

important feature. The faster the hard drive speeds, the quicker it is for the processor to access

data on the hard drive. This will be the 7200RPM. The serial cable as stated earlier on regardingits narrowness, is recommended specifically I would say I will use the SATA cable for interface.

It is easier to configure than the SCSIinterface and the latter is more expensive

than the serial cable.

6. Memory:Another important feature that determines the performance of the computer is the type

and size of memory installed in the computer. Unfortunately there are too many memory

technologies on the market that choice of one is not obvious! As a PC technician, it is my duty tomake sure that I choose the memory that suits the needs of the computer while keeping down the

costs to minimal without compromising performance. The memory in a nutshell storescomputers instructions temporarily during its operation. My choice would be the DRAM type

(Dynamic Random Access Memory specifically the DDR2 DIMM which has dominated themarket due to its performance). Its cheaper

than the SRAM which does not needrefreshing.

7. OPTICALL DRIVE:

Figure 6: A heat sink bundled a fan (Cooler)

Figure 7: hard drive with EIDE as well as SATA connector

Figure 8: DDR2 SDRARAM with onenotch, 800MHZ, support dual channelling.


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DVD and CD drive should not be a hassle to buy. However, the most important feature toconsider besides its speed is the availability of the multisession feature. It allows the drive to

read the disk that was written in multisession mode i.e. data is added to the disk at different

times.

Sound Card:

Sound cards enhance the capability of computers entertainment. A Dolby Digital

Surround supports up to 8 channels giving room for 8 speakers on the go each producing itsdistinctive sound! Given the performance of a 24-bit sound blaster card, I would use this type of

card. Its performance depends on its frequency rate. The higher the frequency, the better the

sound quality. Cost: R250.00

8. Video Card:An essential device for a PC that allows the display of the computer output through a

monitor via a cable. In other ways, a video card converts signals from the computer into astandardized output that can be displayed on the computer's monitor. A PCI express X16 is more

recommended that others like the AGP cards. It is faster and produces better quality of graphicsas compared to the AGP. Considering its performance, I would use the PCX 5750 graphics card

by MSI Computer Corporation. It is a 16-bit card.

DVI port

S-video port.

Video Port

9. Monitor:

Figure 9: DVD+RW optical drive, rated 16Xspeed

Figure 10: PCI 24-bit Sound Blasterwith 6 ports

Figure 11: Video Card with Video port, S-Video andDigital Video Port


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Buying a monitor would not be as difficult as other parts. However, it is important to notewhat determines the quality if the monitor display which is its screen resolution, response time,

refresh time, colour depth. The higher the screen resolution the better the quality. My choice

would be the LCD type of monitor with an active matrix display. It produces high quality

graphics as compared to the ordinary CRT monitorwhich require a lot of space and consumes a lot of power.

10.Keyboard:A keyboard will be an ergonomic one i.e. the one that is designed for safety and

conformability which does not cause repetitive strain injury a condition caused due to

repetitive pressing of the keyboard with fingers when typing. My keyboard will be the one thatsupports USB connector. It does not need human interaction when configuring since it is a Plug

and Play.

11.Mouse:An optical mouse with a USB connector is more efficient and convenient than the

mechanical type. It can be used on any PCs with USB port and also does not need a mouse pad

which saves unnecessary costs.

12.PC Repair Tools:Now that all the essential components have been acquired (bought), the next tools that are

also very important are the PC Support Technician Tools. They will be used for the entireassembling of the PC.

There are a number of tools on the market for PC support. But it is important to

buy tools that are certified and specifically designed for a PC. Here is a detailed listof essential everyday tools in a set which is cheaper than buying individual tools:

Figure 12: SXGA (Super Extended GraphicsArray 1280X1024Screen Resolution)

Figure 13: An ergonomic Keyboard with multimediacontrols

Figure 14: An Optical Wheel Mouse


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M-1000B - Digital Multimeter.

SR-2B - Soldering Iron, 25W, 3-wire grounded plug.

SE-1 - Solder Ease Kit (4 pcs.).

SP-2 - Disordering Vacuum Pump. ST-1 - 4 Diagonal Cutters, return spring, cushion grip.

ST-2 - 5 Needle Nose Pliers, return spring, cushion grip. C-10 - Parts Box.

ST-30 - Premium Wire stripper, cutter, pliers, & crimper. Cushion grip. ET-10 - IC Puller, stainless steel, vinyl grip.

SH-2 - Soldering Iron Stand (wire form).

TL-8 - 6 pc. Precision Screwdriver Set.

ST-4 - Solder Tube. SW-3 - Desoldering Wick.

Includes

ST-75 - 11 pc. Screwdriver Bit Set (3 nut drivers, 2 Phillips, 2 slotted, & 3 star bits).

Figure 15: Deluxe 32 PC Technician Tool Kit Model TK-1500

13.Operating System:The Operating System interfaces between the hardware and the application and between

the application and the user. Windows XP being the most commonly used OS and the fact thatmost devices and applications were developed for Windows XP in mind, it should suffice my

overall needs of the computer. Hence I would use the Windows XP Professional 32-bit ServicePark 2. Noting that there are many variations of Windows XP, understanding their differences is

essential. Some are specifically designed specifically for games, some for multimedia purposesand some for the sever market.

SECTION D: ASSEMBLING COMPUTETER COMPONENTS:

All the components have been acquired. The battle is now to assemble them so that they could

all be bundled together and be collectively called A Computer. A well ventilated area withenough light, non carpeted area with no metallic components around will be used.

1. Installing the Power Supply:


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Slide the power supply in its bay. Once it is properly seated in its bay with the power connectorand its switch to the power outlet, while the other power cable sitting inside for the drive and the

motherboard then tighten it with screws so that it does not shake or bump into other components

later.

2. Installing the motherboardThe motherboard as the computers main board should be properly installed first by reading itsdocumentation (manual) that provides details its installation procedures. Before it is installed,

install the stand-offs (at least of them) sometimes called spacers which allow the motherboard tohang so that it does not touch the computer case. A motherboard contains integrated chips that

could be damaged if touched with bear hands due to ESD a person produces. Therefore it isimportant to have the antistatic around your wrist and the other end attached to computer case.

For further protection, also wear antistatic gloves with a ground mat around the working area.This will ensure that computer components are not damaged by ESD. Then align the

motherboard with the stand offs holes. Attach the board down to the stand offs slightly withscrews. The screws should not be tightened as the screws would damage the motherboard. Then

connect the power connector from the power supply to the P1 connector on the ATXmotherboard. Also connect the 4-pin auxiliary power connector from the power supply to the

motherboard since the Pentium 4 processor has been used. It provides extra power for theprocessor. The front panel of the computer case (ATX) contains wires called wire leads. These

wires should be connected to the motherboard as well. They basically serve different purposes(the motherboard should have thorough guidelines on how they should be connected). For

example, the Remote switch controls the power to the motherboard; the Power LED (lightemitting diode) indicates that the power is on

.

3. Installing the Processor:A processor is a delicate device that can easily be damaged if the pins are attached. The

antistatic strap should still be worn around the wrist as usual. Push down the socket lever gentlyand side way out then lift it up to open up the socket cover. Orient the processor notches with the

socket notches then gently push the processor down. Once the processor is seated, then push

Figure 16: Stand offs and the motherboard


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back the socket lever. Once the processor has been installed, the cooler can immediately beinstalled. But first put or smear a thermal compound on top of the processor socket. Then install

the cooler (heat sink and fan) by aligning its four screws with holes on the motherboard. Connect

the power cord from the cooler to the motherboard.

4. Installing RAM (DDR SDRAM)For better performance, I will use the DDR DIMM that supports duel channelling.

Precaution should be taken also when handling the memory because they are so sensitive toESD. To install the memory, position the notches towards the tabs on the memory modules.

Once the memory snaps in, the memory latches should lock into position.

Figure 11.1 Memory being installed in its bank called memory module.

5. Installing the hard driveSlide the hard drive in its bay. Its screw holes should be aligned with the holes on the

case. It should not be too tightened as the screws can damage the hard drive. Connect the power

cable from the power supply to the drive and the other from motherboard to the drive. There arejumpers to set since the hard drive uses the serial cable and not the parallel cable.

6. Installing the optical drive (DVD+RW)Installing the optical drive is also easy. Slide the drive in the case bay. Use the screws

to securely hold the drive in its place. Note that other new computer case does not use screws to

secure the drive in its place. In stead, it uses clips on the side of the drive bays. Connect the

Figure 17: Processor to be installed onthe motherboard

Figure 18: Memory being installed inits bank (Memory Module)


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power cable from the power supply to the drive. Connect also an SATA cable from the motherboard to the drive. Another cable (audio cable) will be connected from the optical drive to the

audio connector on the sound card.

7. Installing the Expansion card for portsPosition the card in the expansion slot. Ensure that it is properly seated. This card will

provide ports for UBS, VGA, DVI etc ports

8. Installing Video cardPlace the card in the PCI express slot. Make sure that it is properly seated without

damaging any component. The ports should be properly aligned in place at the back of thecomputer case.

9. Installing sound cardThe same procedure should be followed when sound card as the video.

Enclose the entire computer parts with its case and ensure.

SECTION E: VERIFICATION:

NB: Everything has been installed for the computer to boot! One last important

thing is to make sure that everything is properly installed in its place and that there are no

loose connections. All empty spaces on the computer should also be covered with computer

face plates to prevent electromagnetic field and ESD emissions. Tie up the cable so that

they do not get out of the way with cable ties.

Connect the keyboard and the mouse. Connect the monitor also to the computer. Plugboth power cables of the computer and the monitor to the power outlet and the other end to the

surge protector for uninterrupted power shortages. Switch the computer on. If there is a beep youcan be rest assured that everything well and then immediately enter into CMOS set up for

necessary configurations. Change the boot sequence so that the PC boots from the CD/DVDdrive. Set the date and time. Save the changes and exit. Insert the CD with the OS and install the

Operating System. If is doesnt boot, ensure that the memory and other components are firmlyseated in their place. Also make sure that the cable is connected to the right connectors.


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SECTION F: BIBLIOGRAPHY & DECLARATION:

1. REFERENCE:NB: The report has been compiled from different sources with an intensive research:

1) Andrews, J. (2006). 4th Ed. Guide to Hardware; Guide to Software. Canada:Thomas Technology.

2) Macabre, Arthur. (1993). Computer Systems: Architecture, and Programming.USA: Richard D. Irwin, Inc.

3) Comptia. Anonymous. (nd) TechCareer Campus: Career in the IT Industry.Accessed on 1

stOctober, 2008. From www.tcc.comptia.org

4) SmithMicro Software. Anonymous. (nd). Check IT: Diagnostic Software.Accessed on 1

stOctober, 2008. Fromwww.smithmicro.com.

5) Anonymous. (nd). My Super PC. Accessed on 26th October, 2008. Fromwww.mysuperpc.com6) BBC TV Corp. Mann, J. 2008. Click Online.7)

2. DECLARATION:NB: I, Cuthbert Chinji, Student Number: 2027014329, declare that the entire workcontained in this report has not been pirated or copied or plagiarized in any way that

infringes the copyright laws.

The work contained therein therefore has been carefully compiled from personal

experience, personal interviews, books, and internet research and through Television

Broadcast media.

Signature: ...................................... Date: 26th October, 2008.
http://www.tcc.comptia.org/http://www.tcc.comptia.org/http://www.smithmicro.com/http://www.smithmicro.com/http://www.smithmicro.com/http://www.smithmicro.com/http://www.tcc.comptia.org/

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Stet By Step Guide to Building Own Computer By Cuthbert Chinji Jnr ~ Vaal University of Technology