Computer Hardware Servicing - Disassembly

Assembly and Disassembly of a Personal

Computer

            One of the basic skills that you must acquire in computer hardware servicing is to independently assemble and disassemble a personal computer or simply setting up a PC. After familiarizing with all the tools and safety precautions I believe that you are now ready to gain another experience in CHS by going through this lesson.

           

Personal Computer Disassembly

            Before starting computer disassembly, make sure you have the tools you need and they're all close by and handy and be sure to have a container to keep the screws in so you have them when you want to put things back together.

 

Step1. Unplugging - The first thing you do is to unplug every cable that is plugged in to your computer. That includes the cables such as Power, USB, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet, Ethernet, Modem, AM\FM Antenna, Cable TV, etc. Just unplug all the cables for safety purposes.

 

            Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work space, preferably a carpet. The carpet is better than tile, because screws and other small parts will roll around.

Step2. 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, by sliding, 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. 

In this photo, 2 screws are emphasized by the red circles. 

                                             Figure 33. Screw at the back of computer chassis

Push down the lock slider (pointed by the yellow arrow) before gently sliding the slide panels.

Once the screws are removed, you can remove the side panels. On most computers, they just slide off. Start with the left side panel (the side that once had the knobs), slide it towards the back of the computer. Now you can remove the left panel. Just like the other side, slide it towards the back of the computer.

NOTICE:
If you are working on a carpet, about every five minutes touch something that is grounded (Sink faucet  / pipe, wire coming from the ground part of a wall outlet). This is done so you do not shock your motherboard or other parts.

Step3. Removing the System Fan - First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You can find the plug by following the wire from the fan. It should be labeled "SYS_FAN1". Next, you will have to unscrew the fan from the outside. You should now be able to lift the fan out of the PC.

Step4. Removing the CPU Fan- The CPU fan is located right 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 in an awkward place, that is hard to access. But just follow the wires and  you should easily find it. It is labeled "CPU FAN1". To remove the fan from the heat sink, remove the four screws securing it in place.

Figure 36. Removing the CPU fan

Step5. Power Supply - The first thing to do is unplug every wire coming from the power supply. You must disconnect the motherboard (very large connector/plug), CD/DVD drive(s) power, internal hard drive power and portable hard drive slot power.

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 lift it out.

Figure 37. Unscrew the power supply

Step6. CD/ DVD Drive(s)- First, unplug the ribbon from the back of the drive. Once that is completed, pull on the tab securing the drive in place, then push it out from the inside.

Step7. Hard Drive - First, unplug the connector at the back of the slot, and unplug the other end from the motherboard. Also unplug the SATA cable from the motherboard and the hard drive. 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.

To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws securing it in place. You must be very careful not to drop the hard drive, since it is very delicate!

Step8. 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. 

Step9. 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.

Now that you are done with the disassembly, you have gained enough skills. Next in line is the PC Assembly, exert more effort and patience. Just follow the step by step procedures and illustrations below and surely you can make it. Good Luck!!!