made by cassie

xoxo </3

COMPUTER
Second Quarter Examinations: REVIEWERS

Lesson 5: Computer Disassembly Safety Protocols

Systematic Procedure

Building a computer isn't just about plugging things in randomly; it's a careful, methodical
process. Think of it like following a recipe—if you skip a step, the end result won't be right. We
will follow a step-by-step procedure to ensure everything is installed correctly, securely, and in
the right order. This approach helps prevent mistakes, and makes troubleshooting easier.

Preparation & Tools

 Workspace : Your work area should be clean, well-lit, and non-conductive . A wooden
table is a good choice.
 Tools : You'll need a basic toolkit that includes a Philips Screwdriver. You'll also need a
container to hold screws so you don't lose them.

Screws & Tools

Screwdrivers: You'll primarily use a Philips head screwdriver. Make sure you use the right size
for the screws you're working with to avoid stripping the heads.

Screws and Connectors: Different parts of a computer use different screws. We will encounter
small, fine- threaded screws for the motherboard and larger, coarse- threaded screws for things
like the power supply and case fans.

Patience is Key: Never force a screw. If it doesn't want to go in, you might be using the wrong
screw or have it misaligned. Take your time, double-check that you're using the correct screw
for the component, and apply gentle pressure.

Static Electricity and Component Safety

Static electricity is a major enemy of computer components. A small static shock that you might
not even feel can be strong enough to damage sensitive parts like the CPU or RAM.

1
made by cassie
xoxo </3

The Anti-Static Wrist Strap

The anti-static wrist strap is a safety device that grounds you, or connects you to a safe point, to
prevent the buildup of static electricity. By wearing it, any static charge you accumulate is safely
dissipated, protecting the delicate internal components from damage.

How to Use It ?

1. Wrap the strap snugly around your wrist.

2. Clip the other end of the wire to a non-painted metal part of your computer case, such
as the power supply housing or an internal frame.

3. Make sure you're always connected to the case before you touch any internal
components.

Thermal Paste

-Known as thermal grease /compound , or TIM (Thermal Interface Material) is a thermally

conductive substance in where its primary function is to improve heat transfer from the
processor to the cooling system. Needed if you’re installing or reinstalling a CPU cooler.

How to Use It ?

a. Uninstall your cooler to access the CPU.

b. Clean the residue of the recent thermal paste from the heatsink and the CPU. ( If
reinstalling. )
c. Wait to dry for 2 mins and then apply the thermal paste.
d. Lastly, Install the cooler back to its respective place.

2
made by cassie
xoxo </3

Cable ties or Velcro straps

Ties / Straps are used to not only used to separate cables - in where this may improve
workspace’s clutter from each other, but also as a safety tool to prevent any tangled cables ;
which can also avoid any tripping, electrical and hazards that may potentially happen.

Flashlight

Flashlight is one of the major tools when it comes to reassembling the computer, even though
there is proper lighting from our workstation, It is very much advised to have a flashlight to
view your parts and prevent any damages to any parts possible.

Potential risks

i. Electric Shock: The most serious risk is electric shock from a live power source.
ii. Damaged Components: Static electricity can permanently destroy sensitive parts.
iii. Stripped Screws: Using the wrong screwdriver can damage the screws, making them
impossible to remove.

3
made by cassie
xoxo </3

How to Properly Handle Computer Components

1. General Setup and Safety

 Avoid carpeted or cloth floors.
 Static electricity can build up from movement and damage parts.
 Best surfaces: Work on wood or tile floors.
 Humidity helps: Static builds up less in moist environments.
 Be extra careful in dry winter conditions.
 Discharge static before touching parts:
i. Touch something large and metal (like your PC case). This grounds you and
releases static charge.

 Optional tool: Use an anti-static wrist strap.

i. Metal plate side touches your skin.
ii. Clip the other end to a metal part of your PC case.

2. Motherboard Handling
i. Hold the motherboard by the edges.
ii. Avoid touching capacitors, socket pins, or heatsinks — they’re delicate.
iii. When placing the motherboard into the case:
iv. Support one edge with a hand underneath.
v. Hold the other end by the CPU plate area (metal bracket).
vi. Touch only plastic parts when possible.
vii. Plastic doesn’t conduct electricity, minimizing static risk.

3. CPU (Processor) Handling

i. Never touch the pins (on the bottom of the CPU).
ii. They are extremely small, fragile, and difficult to fix if bent.
iii. Always hold by the edges.
iv. When installing:
v. Gently place the CPU into the socket — do not press down.
vi. It should fit naturally without force.

4. RAM & GPU (Video Card) Handling

i. Hold by the sides or heat sink.
ii. These are usually plastic or metal and safe to touch.
iii. Avoid touching the golden pins.
iv. These pins connect to the motherboard and must stay clean.
v. When installing:
vi. Press down gently but firmly using the edges.
vii. Avoid contact with small capacitors or circuitry.

5. Hard Drives & SSDs

4
made by cassie
xoxo </3

o SSDs:
i. No moving parts — easier to handle.
ii. Mostly covered casing protects components.
iii. HDDs (older hard drives): Contain moving parts — handle with more care.
iv. Avoid shaking or bumping them.
v. Always watch the connector pins.
vi. SATA power/data ports should not be scratched or forced.

6. Final Notes & Best Practices

i. Re-ground yourself frequently.
ii. Touch the metal case periodically during the build.
iii. Handle one component at a time.
iv. Keep others in anti-static bags until needed.

Confidence tip:
The more you build, the more natural safe handling becomes.

Lesson 6 & 7: Assemble Computer Hardware

Steps in Personal Computer Disassembly

Step 1.
Unplug every cable that is plugged in to your computer. That includes the cables such as power,
USB, mouse, keyboard, internet, monitor, etc. Just unplug all the cables for safety purposes.

Step 2. Opening the Outer Shell/Case

First, unscrew the four screws at the back of the computer. On most computer cases, there will
be large knobs that you can unscrew by hand or by screw driver on the back-right side of the
computer. The left side has small screws because on that side you can't access much on the
inside

Step 3. Removing the System Fan

First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You can find the plug by following the wire from
the fan. Next, you will have to unscrew the fan from the outside. You should now be able to lift
the fan out of the PC.

Step 4. Removing the CPU Fan

The CPU fan is located on top of the CPU heat sink, which is a large piece of metal with fins on
the top. The CPU fan plugs into the motherboard, just follow the wires and you should easily
find it. To remove the fan from the heat sink, remove the four screws securing it in place.

5
made by cassie
xoxo </3

Step 5. Removing the Power Supply

The first thing to do is unplug every wire coming from the power supply. Once everything is
unplugged, unscrew the four screws holding the power supply in place, on the back of the
computer. Next, push the power supply from the outside, and then liftit out.

Step 6. Removing CD/ DVD Drive

First, unplug the cable (IDE or SATA) from the back of the drive and the mother board. Once
that is completed, pull on the tab securing the drive in place, then push it out from the inside.

Step 7. Removing the Hard Drive

First, also unplug the cable (IDE or SATA) from the hard drive and the motherboard. The
portable hard drive slot is secured the same way the CD/DVD drive is, with a tab. Pull on the
tab, then slide the slot out.

Step 8. Removing the Memory (RAM)

To remove the RAM, push down on both tabs holding the RAM in place, which are located at
both ends of the RAM.

Step 9. Removing the Motherboard

Before removing the motherboard unplug the tiny leads (power, reset, hard-disk activity lights,
PC speaker, and any front-panel USB) into the motherboard. The motherboard has seven
screws holding it to the frame, which are indicated by large white circles around them. Remove
them and then lift the motherboard out of the frame

Step 10. Removing the CPU

Once the CPU fan is removed, you'll see the CPU socket with a retention arm; lift this arm to
release the socket's grip on the CPU. Finally, gently lift the CPU straight out of the socket, being
careful not to touch the pins on the underside of the processor or the socket.

Steps in Personal Computer Assembly

Step 1. Prepare your workplace

- Take Inventory
- Make Space, Make Time
- Prepare Grounding Protection and hand tools to be needed
- Have the Tools Ready

Step 2. Prepare the Motherboard

Great care should be taken when installing the motherboard. First, take the board out of its
packaging and put it on top of the antistatic bag it came (if new) .

6
made by cassie
xoxo </3

Step 3. Install the RAM

In order to install the memory modules, insert them into the proper sockets and push down
firmly but evenly until the clips on both sides of the socket pop into place.

Step 4. Install the CPU, Thermal Paste and CPU Fan

How to properly mount a heat sink onto a motherboard without a mounting bracket:

1. The motherboard has four holes for the heat sink’s anchoring posts.
2. Before installation, prime the push pins by rotating each cap counterclockwise, pulling
up to recess the black pin, then turning the cap clockwise 90°.
3. Align the posts with the motherboard holes and lower the cooler onto the socket.
4. Push down the posts one at a time, securing opposite corners first (like tightening a car
wheel).
5. You should hear a click when each pin locks in.
6. To check if they’re secure, flip the motherboard — the black tip should be visible and
pushing apart the translucent anchor pieces.

Step 5. Place the motherboard into the case

Note the pattern of the holes in your motherboard and screw brass standoffs into the
motherboard tray or into the PC case in the correct locations. Carefully position the
motherboard on top of the brass standoffs, line up all the holes, and use the screws that
accompanied the case to fasten down the motherboard.

Step 6. Connect the Power Supply

- First, plug the large ATX power connector from your power supply into the matching
port on your motherboard.
- Locate the smaller, square processor power connector (you cannot miss it - it is the one
sprouting the yellow and black wires) and attach it to the motherboard.
- Attach each of the tiny leads(power, reset, hard-disk activity lights, PC speaker, and
front- panel USB) to the corresponding pin on your motherboard.

 Power Supply Types: There are non-modular power supplies (with fixed cables)
and modular/semi-modular ones (where cables can be attached or removed).
 CPU Cable: An 8-pin (or 8+4) connector that powers the CPU; always plugged into the
same spot on every motherboard.
 24-Pin Cable: The main power connector for the motherboard, located on the right
side. It must be firmly pushed until it clicks.
 Molex Connector: A 4-pin connector used mainly for older components or accessories
like case RGB; rarely used in modern builds.
 SATA Cable: Powers SSDs and hard drives, plugging into the drive’s power port.
 PCIe Cable: Powers the GPU (graphics card), not the motherboard. Some GPUs need
multiple PCIe connectors.

7
made by cassie
xoxo </3

 Important Tip: Do not confuse CPU and PCIe cables — both have 8 pins and look similar
but are not interchangeable.

Step 7. Install Internal Drives

Install the CD/DVD drive, connect the data and power cable. Install the hard disk drive. Same
with the CD//DVD drive, connect the data and power cable. Note: don’t forget to screw both
devices

Step 8. Connect/Plug-in the Peripherals

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. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

HOW TO UN-BUILD A PC
Case Access

 Remove both side panels of the PC case to expose the front and back wiring.
 Cases differ; some use screws, others have knobs or thumbscrews.

Identifying Main Components

 CPU heatsink/cooler – on top of the processor.

 GPU (graphics card) – large card plugged into the motherboard.
 RAM (memory) – tall sticks beside the CPU.
 Power connectors – 24-pin (main), 4/8-pin CPU power (top), PCIe power for GPU.
 Front panel connectors – small wires for power/reset buttons.
 SATA connectors – connect hard drives or SSDs.
 Power supply (PSU) – large metal box, usually bottom or top of case.

Disconnecting Power

 Start by unplugging the power cables (24-pin, CPU, GPU, SATA, etc.).
 The thick, flat connector is the USB 3.0 header.

Removing GPU

 Unscrew it from the case.

 Push the release tab on the PCIe slot (may vary by motherboard).

8
made by cassie
xoxo </3

 Wiggle it gently until it comes out — don’t force it.

Removing RAM

 Press down on the locking tabs at the ends of each slot.

 Hold the RAM as it unseats to prevent it from falling out.

Disconnecting SATA Drives

 SATA cables often have metal clips — press to release before pulling.
 Demonstrates how to unplug safely.
 Notes this process is also useful if you’re transferring components to a new case.

Removing the CPU Cooler and Motherboard

 Remove any attached fans for easier access.

 Unscrew all motherboard screws (usually 6–9 around the edges).
 Lay the case flat before unscrewing to avoid dropping or damaging the board.
 Grab the board by the cooler tower (never by small heat sinks).
 Lift the board out carefully at an angle.

Removing SSDs and Cables

 Carefully unplug the SSD’s power connector — twisting or bending can break it.
 Remove any Velcro straps or zip ties securing cables.
 Explains differences in PSU mounting:
o Some slide out from the back.
o Others must be removed from the side.
 Gently untangle wires instead of pulling.

Cleaning and Organizing

 If reusing the case, tidy up cables and prepare it for the next build.
 Avoid pinching or cutting front panel wires when reinstalling covers.

9
made by cassie
xoxo </3

Removing the CPU and Cooler

 Demonstrates on an AMD FX-8350 (AM3 socket).

 Loosen the cooler screws — they’re spring-loaded for even pressure.
 Common mistake: pulling the cooler straight up can rip the CPU out of the socket.
 If that happens, don’t panic — AMD CPUs have pins on the chip, not on the socket.
 Lift the socket lever before removing the CPU.
 If the CPU seems stuck, twist gently to break the thermal paste seal.

Cleaning the CPU

 Use 91–97% isopropyl alcohol and paper towels (or better, coffee filters).
 Gently clean off all old thermal paste.
 Avoid bending the CPU pins.

10
made by cassie
xoxo </3

Lesson 8: Computer Software

Steps in Personal Computer Disassembly

Classification of Computer Software

Installing Software on Your Windows PC

1. Software Installation Methods:

Historically, and currently, there are a few primary ways to install software

 Installing from a CD-ROM:

This was the most common way from the mid-1990s through the late 2000s. To install,
you insert the disc and follow the on-screen instructions. This method is now less
common, and many new computers no longer include a CD-ROM drive.

11
made by cassie
xoxo </3

 Installing Software from the Web (Current Standard):

Today, the most common way to get new software is by downloading it from the
Internet. Paid applications (like Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop) and free software
(like Google Chrome) can be purchased and downloaded directly to your computer.

 Installing from an .exe File (From the Web)

When downloading software from the web, the installation file is often saved in .exe
format. This is the standard extension for installation files on Windows computers

Steps to Install from an .exe File:

i. Locate and download the .exe file from the website.

ii. Locate and double-click the .exe file. It's typically found in your Downloads folder.
iii. A dialog box will appear. Follow the instructions to install the software.
iv. Once installed, the software can be opened from the Start Menu

 Finding New Software

i. Search the Web: The easiest way to find new software is to use a search engine
like Google.
ii. Describe the Task: If you don't know the exact name of the software, search for
the tasks you want to complete. For example, search for "free photo-editing
software" or "free calendar organizer software"

 Microsoft Store
Users of Windows can download and install software from the Microsoft Store, which
simplifies the process as no extra installation work is needed once an app is found.

12