Computer Repair Mastery Course

Advance Technical Repair of Laptops Motherboard

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Identify the Names Purposes and Characteristics of Motherboards

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board. It contains the buses, or electrical pathways, found in a computer. These buses allow data to travel between the various components that comprise a computer. A motherboard is also known as the system board, backplane, or main board. Figure 1-4 shows a variety of motherboards. The motherboard accommodates the central processing unit (CPU), RAM, expansion slots, heat sink fan assembly, BIOS chip, chip set, and the embedded wires that interconnect the motherboard components. Sockets, internal and external connectors, and various ports are also placed on the motherboard. Figure 1-4 Motherboards The form factor of motherboards pertains to the board's size and shape. It also describes the physical layout of the different components and devices on the motherboard. Motherboards have various form factors An important set of components on the motherboard is the chip set.

Install the Motherboard

The motherboard is now ready to install in the computer case. Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the motherboard and to prevent it from touching the metal portions of the case. You should install only the standoffs that align with the holes in the motherboard. Installing any additional standoffs may prevent the motherboard from being seated properly in the computer case. Follow these steps for motherboard installation Step 1. Install standoffs in the computer case. Step 2. Align the I O connectors on the back of the motherboard with the openings in the back of the case. Step 3. Align the screw holes of the motherboard with the standoffs. Step 4. Insert all the motherboard screws. Step 5. Tighten all the motherboard screws. Virtual Desktop Activity Motherboard Complete the motherboard assembly in the Virtual Desktop motherboard layer. Refer to the Virtual Desktop software on the CD that comes with this book. Lab 3.3.

Upgrade and Configure a Motherboard

To upgrade or replace a motherboard, you might have to replace several other components, such as the CPU, heat sink fan assembly, and RAM. Figure 11-14 shows an example of an old motherboard and a replacement new motherboard. Figure 11-14 Motherboards A new motherboard must fit into the old computer case. The power supply must also be compatible with the new motherboard and be able to support all new computer components. You should begin the upgrade by moving the CPU and heat sink fan assembly to the new motherboard. These are much easier to work with when they are outside of the case. You should work on an antistatic mat and wear a wrist strap to avoid damaging the CPU. Remember to use thermal compound between the CPU and the heat sink. If the new motherboard requires different RAM, install it at this time. When it is time to remove and replace the old motherboard, remove the cables from the motherboard that attach to the case LEDs and buttons.

PC Driver Downloader and Updater Software

Advanced Registry Cleaner PC Diagnosis and Repair

Recover Lost Files And Folders

Motherboard Power Connections

Just like other components, motherboards require power to operate. The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) main power connector has either 20 or 24 pins. The power supply may also have a four-pin or six-pin auxiliary (AUX) power connector that connects to the motherboard. A 20-pin connector will work in a motherboard with a 24-pin socket. Follow these steps for motherboard power cable installation How To Ol Step 1. Align the 20-pin ATX power connector to the socket on the motherboard. Step 3. Align the four-pin AUX power connector to the socket on the motherboard.

Check Your Understanding Cyr

As an on-site technician, you have been given the assignment of replacing a damaged motherboard on a customer's computer. You will need to transport the motherboard to the residence. Which is the best method to carry the motherboard a. Wrap the motherboard in a piece of lint-free cloth. b. Carry the motherboard in an antistatic bag. c. Carry the motherboard in a metal-lined plastic box. d. Carry the motherboard in a paper bag.

Identify the Names Purposes and Characteristics of Internal Cables

Drives require both a power cable and a data cable. A power supply has a SATA power connector for SATA drives, a Molex power connector for PATA drives, and a Berg four-pin connector for floppy drives. The buttons and the LED lights on the front of the case connect to the motherboard with the front panel cables. Figure 1-10 shows some examples of internal PC cables. Data cables connect drives to the drive controller, which is located on an adapter card or the motherboard. Some common types of data cables are as follows

Identify the Names Purposes and Characteristics of CPUs

The central processing unit (CPU) is considered the computer's brain. It is sometimes called the processor. Most calculations take place in the CPU. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system. CPUs come in different form factors, each style requiring a particular slot or socket on the motherboard. Common CPU manufacturers include Intel and AMD. The CPU socket or slot is the connector that is the interface between the motherboard and the processor. 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). ZIF refers to the amount of force needed to install a CPU into the motherboard socket or slot. Slot-based processors are cartridge-shaped and fit into a slot that looks similar to an expansion slot. Tables 1-2 through 1-8 list common CPU socket specifications. Single-core CPU.

Concept Questions Prn

Answer the following questions about installing the motherboard What is used to physically separate the motherboard so that metal contacts do not make contact with the metal case What are the basic steps when installing a motherboard Step 1. Install the standoff onto the motherboard. Only install standoffs that align with the holes in the motherboard because extra standoffs may interfere with the seating of the motherboard in the computer case. Step 2. Carefully place the motherboard inside the computer case. Step 3. Align the I O connectors on the back of the motherboard with the holes in the I O shield on the back of the computer case. Use gentle pressure to compress the contacts of the motherboard on the I O shield. Step 4. When the motherboard is properly in place, align the screw holes of the motherboard with the case. Step 5. Insert all the screws and align the motherboard. Step 6. After the motherboard is in place, tighten the screws.

Small Computer System Interface SCSI cable

Southbridge A chip that implements the slower capabilities of the motherboard. It is connected to the CPU through the northbridge chip. Also called the Input Output (I O) Controller Hub (ICH). standoff A barrier screw used to physically separate parts in particular, the system board from the case.

Compare and Contrast Desktop and Laptop Components

Desktop components tend to be standardized. They usually meet universal form factors, meaning that desktops made by different manufacturers can often use the same components. A common desktop form factor is Advanced Technology Extended (ATX). When purchasing upgrade parts for this form factor, you will look for ATX motherboards and ATX power supplies. This standard should guarantee that the motherboard and power supply will work in the ATX case. A DVD CD-RW drive is another example of a desktop component that has a standard form factor. Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards

Installing a Processor

Now that you can identify the various parts of a computer, can follow ESD prevention procedures, and are familiar with the safety issues, you are ready to learn the various steps to build a PC. Because the processor is considered the brain of the computer, you will eventually need to install the processor and its thermal solution onto the motherboard. When installing a processor, the chip must be oriented properly on the motherboard. If a processor is off by 90 degrees or inserted backward, it may damage the processor or the motherboard. Pin A1 on the processor is often used to identify one corner of the processor and to help you properly insert the processor into the motherboard. These are designated by a slightly clipped corner, a small dot or triangle on one corner, or a missing pin on one or two of its corners.

Brand and Model Number FeaturesCost Ixf

List three components that must have the same or compatible form factor Case, power supply, motherboard List three components that must conform to the same socket type Motherboard, CPU, heat sink fan List two components that must utilize the same front side bus speed Motherboard, CPU Motherboard What determines compatibility between a motherboard and a video card Slot type

Describe How to Configure a NIC and a Modem

A network interface card (NIC) is required to connect to the Internet. The NIC may come preinstalled, or you may have to purchase one. In rare cases, you may need to update the NIC drivei. You can use the driver disc that comes with the motherboard or adapter card, or you can supply a driver that you downloaded from the manufacturer.

Identify the Names Purposes and Characteristics of Cases and Power Supplies

The computer case provides protection and support for the computer's internal components. All computers need a power supply to convert alternating-current (AC) power from the wall socket into direct-current (DC) power. The size and shape of the computer case is usually determined by the motherboard and other internal components.

Describe Repairs for Laptops and Portable Devices

When a laptop or portable device begins to malfunction, what should you do The customer can replace some parts of a laptop, typically called Customer-Replaceable Units (CRU). CRUs include such components as the laptop battery and additional RAM. Parts that the customer should not replace are called Field-Replaceable Units (FRU). FRUs include such components as the laptop motherboard, LCD display, and keyboard. In many cases, the device may need to be returned to the place of purchase, a certified service center, or even the manufacturer. For this worksheet, you investigate the services provided by a computer repair center. Use the Internet or a local phone directory to locate one. After you have found a repair center, use its website to obtain information, and answer the questions in the worksheet. If a website is not available, contact the local repair center. Refer to the worksheet in IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, Third Edition.

Install a CPU and a Heat Sink Fan Assembly

The central processing unit (CPU) and the heat sink fan assembly may be installed on the motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the computer case. Figure 3-2 shows a close-up view of the CPU and the motherboard. The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a CPU and motherboard, make sure that you place them on a grounded antistatic mat. You should wear an antistatic wrist strap while working with these components. Figure 3-2 CPU and Motherboard Figure 3-2 CPU and Motherboard The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly. CPU sockets today are zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets. You should be familiar with the locking assembly before attempting to install a CPU into the socket on the motherboard. Figure 3-4 Heat Sink Fan Assembly on the Motherboard Figure 3-4 Heat Sink Fan Assembly on the Motherboard Step 5. Align the heat sink fan assembly retainers with the holes on the motherboard. Step 8.

Install the Video Adapter Card

A video adapter card, shown in Figure 3-8, is the interface between a computer and a display monitor. An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphics capabilities for games and graphic programs. Video adapter cards use PCI, AGP, and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. How To Ol Step 1. Align the video adapter card to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.

Computer Based Routers

Traditional, standalone routers are hardware specific You purchase a specialized physical platform, including a chassis, sheet metal, power supply, CPU, memory, I O ports, and a motherboard together with the routing engine. These components are described in Routers and WANs.

Types of Drive Interfaces

Hard drives and optical drives are manufactured with different interfaces that are used to connect the drive to the computer. When you install a storage drive in a computer, the connection interface on the drive must be the same as the controller on the motherboard. Some common drive interfaces are as follows

Worksheet 1320 Investigating Repair Centers

Instructor Note The information for this exercise should be obtained from a national computer repair center site such as . For this worksheet, you will investigate the services provided by a computer repair center. Use the Internet or a local phone directory to locate a repair center. After you have found a repair center, use the center's website to obtain information and answer the following questions. If a website is not available, contact the local repair center.

Upgrade and Configure BIOS

Motherboard manufacturers periodically release updates for their basic input output system (BIOS). The release notes describe the upgrade to the product, compatibility improvements, and the known bugs that have been addressed. Some newer devices only operate properly with an updated BIOS. To view the current BIOS settings on your computer, you must enter the BIOS setup program as shown in Figure 11-17. Press the setup sequence keys while the computer is performing the POST. Depending on the computer, the setup key might be F1, F2, or Delete. Watch the text on the screen or consult the motherboard manual to find the setup key or combination of keys. Although it is still common to flash the BIOS through a command prompt, several motherboard manufacturers provide software on their websites that allow a user to flash the BIOS from within Windows. The procedure varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Describe the Installation of a Modem

An internal modem plugs into an expansion slot on the motherboard. To configure a modem, jumpers may have to be set to select the IRQ and I O addresses. No configuration is needed for a plug-and-play modem, which can only be installed on a motherboard that supports plug and play. A modem using a serial port that is not yet in use must be configured. Additionally, the software drivers that come with the modem must be installed for the modem to work properly. Drivers for modems are installed the same way drivers are installed for NICs.

Concept Questions Yrc

From the front, slide the floppy drive in so that the front plate is in line with the front of the computer. Use four screws, two on each side, to tightly secure the floppy drive. Attach the floppy drive ribbon to the drive and to the motherboard. For power to the floppy drive, insert a Berg power connector that is provided with the computer power supply.

Branch Network Architecture

Cisco integrates security, switching, network analysis, content caching, and converged voice video services into a series of products known as integrated services routers (ISRs). Aside from filling the role of traditional router platforms, these devices are multitalented and designed for performance. ISRs are affectionately known as branch-in-a-box routers. They very effectively stand up to that name. Key individual services, such as voice and security, are built into the motherboard as standard components. Additional modules provide voice messaging and content services that easily install into the same chassis.

Inspect Computer Components

The video adapter can sometimes become unseated because the large monitor cable can put pressure on it, or it is mishandled when someone is tightening the retainer screws. If a video adapter is used in an expansion slot, the integrated video adapter from the motherboard is likely to be disabled. If you connect a monitor to it in error, the computer appears not to work. The video adapter can sometimes become unseated because the large monitor cable can put pressure on it, or it is mishandled when someone is tightening the retainer screws. If a video adapter is used in an expansion slot, the integrated video adapter from the motherboard is likely to be disabled. If you connect a monitor to it in error, the computer appears not to work.

The Ethernet Physical Layers

Because Ethernet devices implement only the bottom two layers of the OSI protocol stack, they are typically implemented as network interface cards (NICs) that plug into the host device's motherboard. The different NICs are identified by a three-part product name that is based on the physical layer att rib utes.

Configuring a PIX Firewall

The hardware name for the network interface that specifies the interface's slot location on the PIX Firewall motherboard. Interface boards are numbered from the leftmost slot nearest the power supply as slot 0. The internal network interface must be in slot 1. The lowest security_level external interface board is in slot 0, and the next lowest security_level external interface board is in slot 2.

The Role of Digital Signal Processors

Some Cisco routers could also have DSPs embedded on the motherboard or added in riser cards. Above all, it is important for you to add the necessary number of DSPs to your router to support the number of active voice call, conferencing, and transcoding (converting one codec to another) sessions you plan to support. You can add DSP chips either directly to a router's motherboard (if the router supports this) or to the network modules you add to the router to support voice cards. Cisco bundles these DSP chips into packet voice DSP modules (PVDM), which resemble the old memory SIMMs (see image in Figure 7.3). Based on the DSP requirements given by the Cisco DSP calculator, you can then purchase one or more of the following PVDMs

Install the Wireless NIC

A wireless NIC, as shown in Figure 3-7, enables a computer to connect to a wireless network. Wireless NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector. Step 1. Align the wireless NIC to the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.

The Difficulties of Secure Networking

Fifth, computers are complex systems. It is an amazing feat of engineering that computers work at all, let alone are relatively secure. Consider the components you have in a general-purpose PC CPU, motherboard, network card, video card, hard drive, operating system (OS), and applications. In many computers, each one of these elements is made by a separate company. Recall from Chapter 1, Network Security Axioms, that complexity is the enemy of security. By connecting several of these components into an overall network (which starts the vendor options over again), you can create an exceedingly complex environment.

Study Guide

Use compressed air or a non-electrostatic vacuum to clean out the dust from the vents, the fan behind the vent and on the motherboard, and the heat sink and CPU heat sink. Use tweezers to remove any debris. A Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS) is a fact sheet that summarizes information about material identification, including hazardous ingredients that can affect personal health, fire hazards, and first aid requirements. The MSDS sheet contains chemical reactivity and incompatibilities information that includes spill, leak, and disposal procedures. It also includes protective measures for the safe handling and storage of materials. To determine whether a material used in computer repairs or preventive maintenance is classified as hazardous, consult the manufacturer MSDS.

Rommon Security

On the 3640 and 3660, in an emergency you can remove the NVRAM and reseat it. The NVRAM is implemented using battery backed-up SRAM. Removing the SRAM will erase the contents of NVRAM, which contains the no service password-recovery configuration. The NVRAM chip is located on the motherboard of the 3640 next to the PCMCIA connector. The silkscreen on the motherboard will identify it as NVRAM. Please be sure to use proper anti-static procedures when handling the NVRAM.

Identify Beep Codes

POST checks to see that all the hardware in the computer is operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning, an error or beep code alerts the technician that a problem has occurred. Typically, a single beep denotes that the computer is functioning properly. If a hardware problem exists, the computer may emit a series of beeps. Each BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware problems. Table 3-1 is a sample chart of beep codes. The beep codes for your computer may be different. Consult the motherboard documentation to view beep codes for your computer. Bad motherboard Bad CPU or motherboard Bad motherboard 11 beeps Cache memory bad Bad CPU or motherboard 11 beeps Cache memory bad Bad CPU or motherboard

Hairpin Calls

A pure TDM hairpin call in its simplest form occurs within a single module slot of a voice gateway. This intraslot TDM hairpin can occur on digital or analog voice ports and is typically dependent on the module installed in the slot. For example, on ISR voice gateways such as the 2800 and 3800 series, a two-port FXS card (VIC2-2FXS) inserted into an HWIC slot on the motherboard module slot 0 will automatically perform TDM hairpins between the two FXS ports.

Connectors

Different power supply form factors provide different power output connections, depending on system requirements. AT form factors have been slowly phased out by ATX form factor power supplies because of the different case sizes and advanced features. ATXv12 was created to add power support for the motherboard by adding another four-pin power connector. Motherboard, Baby AT and earlier CPUs, and many motherboard components Different connectors are used to connect specific components and various locations on the motherboard A 20-pin or 24-pin slotted connector is used to connect to the motherboard. The 24-pin slotted connector has two rows of 12 pins each, and the 20-pin slotted connector has two rows of 10 pins each. A four-pin-to-eight-pin auxiliary power connector has two rows of two to four pins and supplies power to all areas of the motherboard. The four-pin-to-eight-pin auxiliary power connector is the same shape as the main power connector, but smaller.

PATA Data Cables

The parallel advanced technologies attachment (PATA) cable is sometimes called a ribbon cable because it is wide and flat. The PATA cable can have either 40 or 80 conductors. A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin connectors. One connector at the end of the cable connects to the motherboard. The other two connectors connect to drives. The end of the PATA cable is keyed and can be inserted only one way. A stripe on the data cable denotes pin 1. Plug the PATA cable into the drive with the pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned to the pin 1 indicator on the drive connector. The pin 1 indicator on the drive connector is usually closest to the power connector on the drive. Many motherboards have two PATA drive controllers, which provides support for a maximum of four PATA drives.

Interrupt Requests

Computer components use interrupt requests (IRQ) to request information from the CPU. The IRQ travels along a wire on the motherboard to the CPU. When the CPU receives an interrupt request, it determines how to fulfill this request. The priority of the request is determined by the IRQ number assigned to that computer component. Older computers had only eight IRQs to assign to devices. Newer computers have 16 IRQs, which are numbered 0 to 15, as shown in Table 1-10. As a general rule, each component in the computer must be assigned a unique IRQ. IRQ conflicts can cause components to stop functioning and even cause the computer to crash. With the numerous components that can be installed in a computer, it is difficult to assign a unique IRQ to every component. Today, most IRQ numbers are assigned automatically with plug-and-play operating systems and the implementation of PCI slots, USB ports, and FireWire ports.

Select RAM

When selecting new RAM, you must ensure that it is compatible with the current motherboard. It must also be the same type of RAM as installed in the computer. The speed of the new RAM must be the same or faster than the existing RAM. It can help to take the original memory module with you when you shop for the replacement RAM. If the motherboard does not have compatible expansion slots, external devices can be an option

Floppy Data Cables

The floppy drive data cable has a 34-pin connector. Like the PATA data cable, the floppy drive data cable has a stripe to denote the location of pin 1. A floppy drive data cable usually has three 34-pin connectors. One connector at the end of the cable connects to the motherboard. The other two connectors connect to drives. If multiple floppy drives are installed, the A drive connects to the end connector after the twist in the cable. The B drive connects to the middle connector. Plug the floppy drive data cable into the drive with the pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned to the pin 1 indicator on the drive connector. Motherboards have one floppy drive controller, which provides support for a maximum of two floppy drives.

Overview of Modems

There are two different types of basic modems. The first is an analog modem, which is the type of modem installed on a user's computer. These can be internal (hardware card installed on a system, motherboard) or external (independent, free-standing hardware). Examples of these modems are 3Com US Robotics Sportster, Lucent WinModems, and Best Data V.90 modems. These modems demodulate the signals coming from an analog line and pass that data off to your computer. They also modulate the data into analog signals and send it down the analog line to your provider.

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