CHAP 3

• The BIOS setup program is used to display information about the computer components and allows the user to change system settings.
• A technician may be required to replace or install a power supply, as shown in Figure 3-1.
• Most power supplies can fit only one way in the computer case.
• Usually, three or four screws attach the power supply to the case.
• Power supplies have fans that can vibrate and loosen screws that are not secured.
• When installing a power supply, make sure that all the screws are used and that they are properly tightened.
• These are the power supply installation steps: Insert the power supply into the case, align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case, secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws.
• Follow these instructions for CPU and heat sink/fan assembly installation: Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the CPU socket, place the CPU gently into the socket, close the CPU load plate and secure it in place by closing the load lever and moving it under the load lever retention tab, apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU, align the heat sink/fan assembly retainers with the holes on the motherboard, place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket, tighten the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place, connect
• Like the CPU and the heat sink/fan assembly, random-access memory (RAM) is installed in the motherboard before the motherboard is secured in the computer case.
• Before you install a memory module, consult the motherboard documentation or website of the manufacturer to ensure that the RAM is compatible with the motherboard.
• RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is operating.
• If a hardware problem exists, the computer may emit a series of beeps.
• If a device is malfunctioning, an error or beep code alerts the technician that a problem has occurred.
• 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.
• For external cable installation, attach the monitor cable to the video port, secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector, plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port, plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port, plug the USB cable into a USB port, plug the network cable into the network port, connect the wireless antenna to the antenna connector, and plug the power cable into the power supply.
• Most computers use the Delete key.
• Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware problems.
• To enter the BIOS setup program, you must press the proper key or key sequence during POST.
• If this battery dies, all BIOS setup configuration data is lost.
• POST checks to ensure that all the hardware in the computer is operating correctly.
• Your computer may use another key or combination of keys, as specified during the boot process.
• When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) performs a check of all the internal components, a process known as a power-on self-test (POST).
• Some mouse and keyboard cables use the same type of PS/2 connector.
• A single beep denotes that the computer is functioning properly.
• The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure settings for hardware devices.
• RAM is volatile memory, which means that its contents are lost when the computer is shut down.
• Typically, more RAM enhances your computer’s performance.
• Follow these steps for RAM installation: Align the notches on the RAM module to the keys in the slot, and press down until the side tabs click into place, make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module, visually check for exposed contacts.
• The motherboard is now ready to install in the computer case.
• Motherboards require power to operate and the Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) main power connector has either 20 or 24 pins.
• A 20 - pin connector will work in a motherboard with a 24 - pin socket.
• The seven connectors on the right from right to left are labeled as follows: Power LED+, Power LED -, USB, Power SW, HDD LED, Reset SW, AUDIO.
• The hard drive (HDD) should be installed in the drive bay so that the screw holes line up with the screw holes in the case.
• Common external cable connections include monitor, keyboard, mouse, USB, Ethernet, and power.
• The serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) data cable has a seven - pin connector.
• Video adapter cards use PCI, AGP, and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
• One end of the SATA data cable is connected to the motherboard and the other end is connected to any drive that has a SATA data connector.
• To install the power cable, align the 20 - pin ATX power connector to the socket on the motherboard and gently press down until the clip clicks into place.
• The power supply may also have a four - pin or six - pin auxiliary (AUX) power connector that connects to the motherboard.