System Unit Explained - Power and Motherboard

As a future IT support specialist, we need to identify the different parts of a computer that we will be assembling, repairing or upgrading. It is necessary for us to identify its name and its function.

In this lesson, we will discuss the different parts of a computer's system unit.

The System Unit is the overall structure that houses the processor, memory, and electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. All input and output devices are connected into the system unit. The system unit is housed by what is known as system case or computer case. It holds and protects most components of a computer.

System Unit
Image courtesy of freepik

The Computer Case contains the framework to support and enclose internal components of the computer. It helps to prevent damage from static electricity. It typically made up of plastic, steel, and aluminum which are available in a variety of styles. The size and layout of a case is called a form factor. It is also designed to keep internal components cool by using airflow vents and cooling fans.

  1. Power Supply

    power supply

    Power supplies serve as the source for electricity to the computer. Attached are vital hardware cables and buses for transferring power to various components in the computer.

      The following are the basic connector you can see in a power supply:

    • ATX 24 pin main power connector is the standard motherboard power connector used in nearly every computer.
    • SATA 15 pin power supply connector is one of several standard peripheral power connectors. SATA power connectors only connect to SATA drives like hard drives and optical drives. SATA power connectors do not work with older PATA devices.
    • Molex 4 pin power supply connector is a standard peripheral power connector. Molex power connectors connect to many different kinds of internal peripherals including PATA hard drives and optical drives, some video cards, and even some other devices.
    • Floppy drive 4 pin power supply connector is the standard floppy drive power connector. The floppy power connector, also called a Berg connector or Mini-Molex connector, is included in even the newest power supplies even though floppy drives are becoming obsolete.
    • ATX 4 pin power supply connector is a standard motherboard power connector used to provide +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator. This small connector usually attaches to the motherboard near the CPU.
    • ATX 6 pin power supply connector is a motherboard power connector used to provide +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator but the 4-pin variety is the more commonly used connector. This small connector usually attaches to the motherboard near the CPU.

      •  

  2. Motherboard

    The motherboard is the backbone that ties the computer's components together at one spot and allows them to talk to each other. Without it, none of the computer pieces, such as the CPU, GPU, or hard drive, could interact. Total motherboard functionality is necessary for a computer to work well. Source: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/what-does-a-motherboard-do

    Here is an example of a typical motherboard or mobo for short

    Take note that the figure that is shown may not be the latest and may differ from each manufacter. One clear example is the PS/2 may no longer be present in new mobo because the USB port are being use to connect to the keyboard and mouse.

     There are several components that are attached to the motherboard. These include:

    1.     Chip – small piece of semiconducting material, where more integrated circuits are embedded. They have standard-sized pin connectors that allows them to be attached to the motherboard.

    2.     Bus - an electrical path that enables data flow between various system components.

    3.     Integrated Circuit (IC) – contains microscopic pathways that carry electric current. The IC contains millions of elements such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. Many different kinds of chips are located in the motherboard

    4.     Microprocessor – this is the central processing unit on a chip.

     

    Different variety of chip packages:

    1.     Dual Inline Package (DIP) – this has two parallel rows of pints that attach the chip package to the circuit board

    2.     Pin Grid Array (PGA) – holds a larger number of pins because the pins are mounted on the surface of the package.

    3.     Flip Chip-PGA (CF-PGA) Package – higher performance PGA packaging that places the chip on the opposite sides of the pins.

    4.     Single Edge Contact (SEC) Cartridge – does not use pins but connects to one of the edges in the motherboard.

     

     

    FORM FACTOR OF MOTHERBOARDS

    When we say form factor of motherboards this refer to the size and shape of the board. It describes the different layout of the components inside the mobo. Here are some of the form factors of motherboards

    • AT – Advanced Technology
    • ATX - Advanced Technology Extended
    • Mini-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
    • Micro-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
    • LPX – Low-profile Extended
    • NLX – New Low-profile Extended
    • BTX – Balanced Technology Extended
    VIA Mini-ITX Form Factor Comparison

    VIA Gallery from Hsintien, Taiwan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Types of Hazards That Every Computer Technician Should Know

Image
It is very important for Computer System Servicing the need to identify the different hazards in the workplace.  Identifying the hazards will keep the workers and equipment safe from any untoward incidents. Hazards are anything that can hurt a person. Example of hazards that can be encountered when conducting computer systems servicing are:   Indications of hazards:   Worn-out or damaged power cord   Spilled liquid on the floor or on the device itself   Any physical damage such as dents and cracks on the device   Dropping the device   Strong odor such as burnt plastic or rubber   Strange noise from the power supply or fans   Computer usually feels hot   Smoke coming from the computer case     Hazard identification involves observing the workplace’s surroundings to recognize potential risks.   Types of Hazards   Physical hazard – this can further classified as an occupational or environmental hazard.   A common type of physical hazard are cables tangled across the floor.  It can
Read more

Types of Computer

Image
Before we can assemble/disassemble and repair computers we need to understand what a computer is and the different types of computer.  By definition, a computer is an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.   Types of Computer   Types of Computers Supercomputer Most powerful and most advance in terms of performance and data processing. These computers are commonly used by large organizations to conduct specific tasks such as weather forecasting, research, and exploration. Ex. IBM’s Mira in United States. IBM’s Sequoia in United States Mainframce Computer Large and expensive computer capable of handling thousands of users and programs simultaneously. Mainframe computers can handle, process, and store large amount of data. These are commonly stored in large air-conditioned rooms because of its big size. Mini Comput
Read more

CSS Lesson: An Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety

Image
This article will discuss the importance of Occupational Health and Safety standard and policies. The OHS topic is part of the core 1 lessons of Computer Systems Servicing NC II. You need to familiarize yourself with OHS, not only for passing the assessment but also it serves as a safety reminder when working as a computer support technician. Before we start in installing and/or repairing any computer system we must make sure that we as computer technician work area is safe for us and for the system that we are fixing. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a set of policies and procedures that is followed in a workplace in order to prevent accidents, illnesses, and injuries. It involves knowing the risks that can be encountered in a workplace and figuring out how it can be prevented. It is concerned with many factors such as removal of hazards and reducing accidents in the workplace. As a future computer technician, it is your responsibility to know these sta
Read more