COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING

INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
By: PATRICK JOHN T. PACARDO WVSU POTOTAN CAMPUS
I. OVERVIEW
This module focuses primarily on the discussions of the four core competencies of Computer
Hardware Servicing which are:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Install Computer Systems and Network

Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer Systems and Network
Configure Computer Systems and Network
Maintain Computer Systems and Network

The first core competency is all about installation of the hardware and the software of the
computer system. This includes assembly and disassembly of the system unit and its peripherals.
Installation of the programs/drivers needed by the computer and its peripherals. Likewise, it also
includes connecting computers to a network in order for them to share files and resources.
The second core competency focuses on the different approach and techniques to be used in
case the computer and its network encounters a problem.
The third core competency is about configuration or setting up the computer and its network
depending on how it is going to be used.
The last core competency is a lifetime obligation that is necessary to be performed in order
for the computer and its network to function properly.
II. PREREQUISITE
OH&S Occupational Health and Safety procedures
-

OH&S are occupational safety guidelines that should be properly followed in the
workplace to prevent accidents and damage to life and properties.
Different types of work would require different types of OH&S.

Computer Hardware Servicing Occupation Health and Safety Procedures (CHS-OHS)

(Example of CHS-OHS)
Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are
recognized.
Personal protective equipment are correctly used in accordance with organization OHS
procedures and practices.
Hazard/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize
or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment.
Always discharge yourself before touching any part of the computer.
Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit.
Wear rubber sole shoes when standing on the ground or in a concrete floor.
Always power off and unplug the computer before working on it.
When making circuit changes, switch off and unplug the power cord from the equipment then
discharge the capacitors.
Replace only fuses with those proper rating.
Hold the components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
Read and follow instructions on the manual carefully.
Do not use excessive force if things dont quite slip into place
Identification of the MATERIALS, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AREA

Materials refers to consumable things used in performing computer hardware servicing.

Tools refers to handy things that are usually used to perform assembly and disassembly and
testing computers, peripherals and its network.
Equipments refers to things that commonly requires electrical power in order to function.
Work Area refers to the workplace where all components are being placed.

Example of Materials, Tools, Equipment and Work Area.

Name

Specification

Quantity

Remarks

Materials
CD/DVD
LAN Cable
LAN Connectors

Windows XP/ Driver

CAT 5-E UTP/Dlink
RJ-45

2 pcs.
2 sets
4 pcs.

Working
Good Condition
Good Condition

2 pcs
2 pcs

OK
OK

1 pc

Good Condition

1 pc

Working

1 pc
1 pc

Working
OK

Check My Computer
Properties to identify
the specifications
Epson LX-300+
DLINK/CISCO
wired/wireless
DLINK 16 ports

1 set

Working

1 unit
1 unit

Working
Working

1 unit

Working

2x2 mts.
Antistatic
Monoblock
White Bulb
Air-conditioned

1
1 pc
1 pc
1 pc
1 unit

Organized
Clean
Good Condition
Good
Good

Tools
Screwdrivers
Pliers

Philips/Flathead
Long Nose/Side
Cutter
Crimper
RJ-45/11 crimper with
stripper and cutter
LAN Cable Tester
RJ-45/11/COAX
Cable Tester
Multi-tester
Analog
Anti-Static Wrist strap 10000 OHMS
Equipment
Assembled PC /
Standby PC
Printer
Router
Switch/Hub
Work Area
Cubicle
Rubber Mat
Chair
Lighting
Ventilation

III. The Basic Components of a Computer System

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Monitor is a primary output device used to display the environment of the computer.
Modem is a device used to connect the computer to the internet.
System Unit is the processing device of the computer system.
Mouse is an input device used to send user command to the computer.
Speaker is a device used to send audio output.
Printer is used to create a hardcopy/paper output.
Keyboard is a device used to input data into the computer.

IV. The Computer System Unit (S.U.)

EXAMPLE OF A SYSTEM UNIT and its INSIDE PARTS

(CD/DVD ROM
Drives)

Power Supply
Unit (PSU)

Power Connectors
Random Access
Memory (RAM)
SATA Cable
Motherboard
(MOBO)

Processor/CPU
IDE Cable

(Expansion)
(Expansion)
Hard Disk Drive

*Expansion Cards are optional because most computers come with a built-in video card and
sound card*
A. The Power Supply Unit Connectors
LOCK
(Press to
Unlock)
LOCK
(Press to
Unlock)

B. The Motherboard (MOBO)

BACKPANEL / REAR I/O Panel

LAN Port

Parallel
Port

PS/2 Ports

VGA Port

USB Ports

Audio Ports

FRONT PANEL HEADERS AND CONNECTORS

STEPS IN DISASSEMBLING A SYSTEM UNIT

1.
2.
3.
4.

Turn off the Computer

Unplug all electrical circuits
Remove the Backpanel/Rear I/O connections
Remove the Side Cover of the System Unit (The Left Cover if you are facing the
system unit)
5. Remove the power supply connectors
6. Remove the IDE/SATA connectors
7. Remove the Front Panel connectors (Document/Draw if necessary to avoid wrong
connections)
8. Remove the Drives (CD/DVD (Should be removed from the outside), Hard Disk, Floppy
Disk)
9. Remove the cards {RAM, (LAN,VIDEO and SOUND if available)}
10. Remove the Power Supply Unit from the casing
11. Remove the Motherboard from the casing
12. Remove the Heatsink together with the cooler fan.
13. Remove the Processor from its socket.
STEPS IN ASSEMBLING A SYSTEM UNIT
1. Properly return the processor to its socket
2. Return and properly lock the heatsink and cooler fan to its position (Should be properly
fix to avoid overheating the processor)
3. Clean and Return the motherboard to the casing.
4. Return the Power Supply Unit to the casing
5. Properly return the RAM and other expansion cards (Improper positions of the RAM
and other cards would result to damage of the cards and motherboard.)
6. Return the Drives (CD/DVD, Hard Disk, Floppy Disk)
7. Connect the Front Panel Connectors to its headers properly
8. Connect the IDE/SATA connectors to its proper device
9. Properly connect the required Power Supply Connectors (Should be properly fix to
avoid short circuit)
10. Connect the required peripherals to the Backpanel / Rear I/O Ports
11. Plug all electrical circuits properly (Check the voltage requirement of the computer.
Low voltage cannot turn on the computer while over voltage would result damage to
the computer.)
12. Turn on the computer (Make sure that all fans are functioning)
* Side covers should be returned only if you are sure that the computer is functioning properly*
Common Errors and Solutions.
ERROR
No Power
With Power but no
Display/Signal

Turns off a few

seconds after turning
on
Turns on but cannot
boot properly
Continuous Restart

SUGGESTED SOLUTION(S)
1. check all front panel connections, power supply connections, electrical
circuits and voltage requirement.
1. Check VGA Connection and Monitor power
2. Check if the ATX 12v power supply connector is properly connected.
3. Remove and clean the RAM and the slot. Transfer to another slot if
possible.
4. Check if you have properly installed the processor.
1. Overheating of the processor could be happening. Check if you have
properly returned the heatsink and the cooler fan.
2. Unnecessary metal objects could be present at the back of the
motherboard. Check and remove it.
1. Check all connections to the drives (CD/DVD, HDD)
2. Operating System is not installed properly. Reinstall!
1. Improper Installation of the operating system. REINSTALL
2. Damage Hard Disk Drive. REPLACE
3. Malfunctioning RAM. CLEAN, Change Slot, CHANGE