Mekelle University

Mekelle Institute of Technology

PC Hardware Troubleshooting (CSE501)

Department of Computer Science and

Engineering

Lecture 4

System Troubleshooting I
 CPU
The CPU is the brain of the computer.
Sometimes referred to simply as the
processor or central processor, the CPU is
where most calculations take place.
In terms of computing power, the CPU is the
most important element of a computer
system.
On large machines, CPUs require one or
more printed circuit boards. On personal
computers and small workstations, the CPU
is housed in a single chip called a
microprocessor.
2
Cont

3
 Basic CPU Components
The CPU consists of
The control unit which controls all
operations of the computer system.

The arithmetic and logic unit which performs

arithmetic and logical operations. Arithmetic
operations involve the general mathematical
calculations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. Logical
operations involve comparisons like > < =
etc.

The Registers which hold temporary data for

a specific purpose or function.

The Interface which communicate with4

external memory, I/O units, and possibly
 CPU Clock Speed
The rate of speed that the processor executes commands
is measured by clock speed, or often called MHz
(megahertz).
The processor requires a fixed number of clock cycles to
perform each instruction.
The faster the clock speed, the more instructions it can
execute. Thus resulting in a faster running computer
system.
Name of CPU CPU Speed
Listed
Intel below are some
Celeron 500 of
MHzthe more
- 800 MHz common processors
and clock speed
Intel Pentium II 233 MHz - 450 MHz
Intel Pentium III 450 MHz - 1 GHz
Intel Pentium III Xeon 600 MHz - 1 GHz
Intel Pentium 4 1.4 GHz 3 GHz
AMD K6-II 550 MHz
AMD K6-III 450 MHz
AMD Duron 750 MHz -850 MHz
AMD Athlon K-7 1 GHz - 1.33 GHz
AMD Athlon XP 1.4 GHz - 1.8 GHz
Macintosh G3 466 MHz - 733 MHz 5
Macintosh G4 733 MHz
 ALU
The arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) performs all
arithmetic operations (addition , subtraction,
multiplication, and division) and logic operations.
Logic operations test various conditions
encountered during processing and allow for
different actions to be taken based on the results.
The data required to perform the arithmetic and
logical functions are inputs from the designated
CPU registers and operands.
The ALU relies on basic items to perform its
operations.
These include number systems, data routing
circuits (adders/subtracters), timing, instructions,
operands, and Registers.

6
 Control Unit
The control unit maintains order within the
computer system and directs the flow of
traffic(operations) and data.
The control unit directs the entire computer system
to carry out stored program instructions.
The control unit must communicate with both the
arithmetic logic unit and main memory.
The control unit uses the instruction contained in
the Instruction Register to decide which circuits
need to be activated.
The control unit co-ordinates the activities of the
other two units as well as all peripheral and
auxiliary storage devices linked to the computer.
The control unit instructs the arithmetic logic unit
which arithmetic operations or logical operation is
to be performed. 7
 How the CPU works
The CPU is centrally located on the motherboard.
Since the CPU carries out a large share of the work
in the computer, data pass continually through it.
The data come from the RAM and the units
(keyboard, drives, etc.).
After processing, the data is sent back to the RAM
and the units.
The CPU continually receives instructions to be
executed.
Each instruction is a data processing order. The
work itself consists mostly of calculations and data
transport.

8
CPU Interfaces and Sockets

9
 Slot 1, Slot A, Socket 7,
Socket 478
CPU socket
is the connector that interfaces between a computer's
motherboard and the processor itself.
Most CPU sockets and processors in use today are built
around the pin grid array (PGA) architecture, in which
the pins on the underside of the processor are inserted
into the socket, usually with zero insertion force (ZIF) to
aid installation.
In contrast to this, a couple current and upcoming
sockets use a land grid array (LGA) in which the pins are
on the socket side instead and come in contact with pads
on the processor.
Slot
based processors are cartridge shaped and fix into a slot
that looks similar to expansion slots.
General
In general sockets and slots are used so that the
Processor and the motherboard of a computer are able to
communicate with each other. And it depends on the
10
processor on what type of socket or slot that it might use.
 Slot 1, Slot A, Socket 7,
Socket 478
Slot 1, Slot A, and Socket 7 are all various types of CPU
(Interfaces.
Interfaces are the connection points between the motherboard
and any add on or changeable components including processor
chips, peripherals, extension cards, etc.
There are two main types of interfacesslots and sockets.
Slot style interfaces accept Single Edge Contact (SEC)
cartridges. A SEC is a way to package microprocessors so that
there is a slim single edge which connects to the interface,
allowing for perpendicular mounting to the motherboard.
Socket style interfaces work on a principle or plug and socket
similar to that of a common wall socket. The component to be
plugged into the interface will have a Pin Grid Array (PGA)-a
square chip package with a pin pattern often of high density.
In the evolution of motherboards and CPU interfaces, the socket
style interface was the preference among manufactures until the
mid to late 90s when slots became the preferred interface.
Although both are present in the market, the current shift is
back toward socket style CPU interfaces. 11
 Socket 7
is a physical and electrical specification for the x86 processor
socket matching the pins on Pentium microprocessors
manufactured by Intel, and compatibles made by Cyrix,
AMD and others. Any CPU chip conforming to this
specification can be plugged into any conforming
motherboard.
Socket 7 CPU interfaces were originally developed by Intel in
1995.
Socket 7 became a popular interface among manufacturers
with the push to standardize interfaces in the mid 90s.

12
 Slot 1
refers to the physical and electrical specification
for the connector used by some of Intel's
microprocessors, including the Celeron, Pentium
II and the Pentium III.

Around 1998, Intel introduced their

Pentium II CPU.

Slot 1 has been replaced with newer

interface form factors and is not in common
use anymore.
13
 Slot A
refers to the physical and electrical specification
for the edge-connector used by early versions of
AMD's Athlon processor. Slot A provides a lot
higher bus rate than socket 7 does.

In 1999, Intel competitor AMD designed a

similar interface to Slot 1 known as Slot A.

Like Slot 1, Slot A has had a short life as

manufacturers shift back to socket
interfaces.
14
 Socket 478

A type of CPU socket used for intels Pentium

4 and Celeron series. Though they are
starting to disappear due to the launch of
LGA 775. Like the name implies, it has 478
pins.
Socket 7, on the other hand, has only 321
pins

15
 GPU
It is a dedicated graphics depiction device
for a PC or game station. Modern GPUs are
efficient at manipulating and displaying
computer graphics, and their parallel
structure makes them more successful than
normal CPUs for a range of complex
algorithms.

16
Drive Adapter References

17
 How Hard Drives Work
Components of a hard drive:
One, two, or more platters (disks)

Spindle to rotate all disks

Magnetic coating on disk to store bits of data

Read/write head at the top and bottom of each disk

Actuator to move read/write head over disk surface

Hard drive controller: chip directing read/write head

Head (surface) of platter is not the read/write head

Physical organization includes a cylinder

All tracks that are the same distance from disk center

18
Inside a hard drive case

19
 Tracks and Sectors on the
Drive
Tracks on older drives held the same
amount of data

Newer drives use zone bit recording

Tracks near center have smallest number
sectors/track
Number of sectors increase as tracks grow larger

Every sector still has 512 bytes

Sectors identified with logical block addressing

(LBA)

20
 Low-Level Formatting
Two formatting levels:
Low-level: mark tracks and sectors

High-level: create boot sector, file system, root directory

Manufacturer currently perform most low-level

formats
Using the wrong format program could destroy drive

If necessary, contact manufacturer for format program

Problem: track and sector markings fade

Solution for older drives: perform low-level format

Solution for new drive: backup data and replace drive

21
 Hard Drive Interface
Standards
Facilitate communication with the computer
system

Several standards exist:

Several ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment )

standards
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface )

USB

FireWire (also called 1394)

Fiber Channel

22
 The ATA Interface Standards
Specify how drives communicate with PC system
Drive controller interaction with BIOS, chipset, OS

Type of connectors used by the drive

The motherboard or expansion cards

Developed by Technical Committee T13

Published by ANSI

Selection criteria:
Fastest standard that the motherboard supports

OS, BIOS, and drive firmware must support standard

23
 The ATA Interface Standards
(continued)
Parallel ATA
Allows two connectors for two 40-pin data cables
Ribbon cables can accommodate one or two drives

EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Device

Electronics)
Pertains to how secondary storage device works
Drive follows ATA Packet Interface (ATAPI)
Four parallel ATA devices can attach with two
cables
Serial ATA (SATA) cabling
Use a serial data path rather than a parallel data
path
Types of SATA cabling: internal and external

24
A PCs hard drive subsystem using parallel ATA

25
A hard drive subsystem using the new serial ATA data cable

26
 The ATA Interface Standards
(continued)
Configuring parallel ATA drives
Each of two IDE connectors supports an IDE channel
Primary/secondary channels each support two devices
EIDE devices: hard drive, DVD, CD and Zip drives
Devices in each channel configured as master/slave
Designate master/slave: jumpers, DIP (dual in-line
package) switches, cable
Configuring serial ATA drives
One ATA cable supports one drive (no master/slave)

Use an ATA controller card in two circumstances:

IDE connector not functioning or standard not supported

27
A motherboard has two IDE channels; each can support a master and slave drive
using a single EIDE cable

28
Rear of a serial ATA drive and a parallel ATA drive

29
 SCSI Technology
Small Computer System Interface standards
For system bus to peripheral device communication

Support either 7 or 15 devices (depends on standard)

Provide for better performance than ATA standards

The SCSI subsystem

SCSI controller types: embedded or host adapter

Host adapter supports internal and external devices

Daisy chain: combination of host adapter and devices

Each device on bus assigned SCSI ID (0 - 15)

A physical device can embed multiple logical devices

30
Using a SCSI bus, a SCSI host adapter can support internal and external SCSI
devices
31
 SCSI Technology (continued)
Terminating resistor
Plugged into last device at the end of the chain

Reduces electrical noise or interference on the cable

Various SCSI standards

SCSI are SCSI-1, SCSI-2, and SCSI-3

Also known as regular SCSI, Fast SCSI, Ultra SCSI

Serial attached SCSI (SAS): compatible with serial ATA

Ensure all components of subsystem use one standard

32
 Other Interface Standards
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 accommodate hard drives
A USB device connects to a PC via a USB port

IEEE 1394 (FireWire)

Uses serial transmission of data
Device can connect to PC via FireWire external port
Device also attaches to an internal connector

Fiber Channel
Rival to SCSI
Allows up to 126 devices on a single bus

33
 How to Select a Hard Drive
Hard drive must match OS and motherboard

BIOS uses autodetection to prepare the device

Drive capacity and configuration are selected
Best possible ATA standard is part of configuration

Selected device may not supported by BIOS

Troubleshooting tasks (if device is not

recognized)
Flash the BIOS
Replace the controller card
Replace the motherboard

34
 Steps to Install a Parallel
ATA Drive
Components needed:
The drive itself

80-conductor or 40-conductor data cable

Kit to make drive fit into much larger bay (optional)

Adapter card (if board does not have IDE connection)

Steps for installing parallel ATA drive:

Step 1: Prepare for the installation

Know your starting point

Read the documentation
Plan the drive configuration
Prepare your work area and take precautions
35
Plan for the location of drives within bays 36
 Steps to Install a Parallel ATA Drive
(continued)
Steps for installing parallel ATA drive (continued):
Step 2: Set the jumpers or DIP switches

Step 3: Mount the drive in the drive bay

Remove the bay for the hard drive

Securely mount the drive in the bay
Connect the data cables to the drives (can be done later)
Re-insert (and secure) the bay in the case
Install a power connection to each drive
Connect the data cable to the IDE connector on board
Attach bay cover and other connections (if needed)
Verify BIOS recognizes device before adding cover
37
Steps to Install a Parallel ATA Drive
(continued)
Steps for installing parallel ATA drive
(continued):
Step 4: Use CMOS setup to verify hard drive

settings
Step 5: Partition and format the drive

If installing an OS, boot from Windows setup CD

If not, use Disk Management utility or Fdisk and
Format

38
 Serial ATA Hard Drive
Installations
No jumpers to set on the drive

Each serial ATA connector is dedicated to 1 drive

A simpler installation process:

Install the drive in the bay (like parallel ATA drive)

Connect a power cord to the drive

Documentation identifies which connector to use

Example: use red connectors (SATA1, SATA2) first

After checking connections, verify drive is

recognized

39
 Installing a Hard Drive in a
Wide Bay
Universal bay kit: adapts a drive to a wide
bay
Adapter spans distance between drive and
bay

Hard drive installed in a wide bay using a universal bay kit adapter 40
 Troubleshooting Hard Drives
Problems occur before and after installation

Problems may be hardware or software

related

Hardware-related problems will be

addressed

41
 Problems with Hard Drive
Installations
CMOS setup does not reflect new hard drive
Solution: Enable auto-detection and reboot system

Error message: Hard drive not found.

Reset the data cable and reboot the PC

Error message: No boot device available.

Insert bootable disk and restart the machine

Error message 601 appears on the screen

Connect the power cord to the floppy disk drive

Error message: Hard drive not present

Restore jumpers to their original state
42
How to Approach a Hard Drive Problem After
the Installation
Some post-installation problems
Corrupted data files

A corrupted Windows installation

A hardware issue preventing system from booting

Preparation steps
Start with the end user: conduct an interview

Prioritize what you have learned

Example: make data backup your first priority

Be aware of available resources

Examples: documentation, Internet, Technical Support

43
 Hard Drive Hardware
Problems
Causes of problems present during boot:
Hard drive subsystem
Partition table
File system on the drive
Files required for the OS to boot

Some things to do if POST reveals problem

Check the jumper settings on the drive
Check the cable for frayed edges or other damage
Try booting from another media; e.g. live CD
Check manufacturer Web site for diagnostic
software

44
 Hard Drive Hardware Problems
(continued)
Bumps are bad
A scratched surface may cause a hard drive crash
Data may be recovered, even if drive is inaccessible

Invalid drive or drive specification

System BIOS cannot read partition table
information
Boot from recovery CD and check partition table
To be covered in later chapters

Bad sector errors

Problem due to fading tracks and sectors
Solution: replace the drive

45