Hardware Technologies and Architecture

Lesson Objectives
To Be Able to Enjoy Building Your Own Personal Computer (P.C.)
Agenda
• Introduction – The Von Neumman Architecture
• How to Build a Computer
• The Processor
• Motherboard
• Processor, Memory, Expansion Slots, Graphics Ports, Storage Technologies, USB Ports
• Video / Graphics Card
• Power Supply Unit
• Managing Processor Temperature with a C.P.U. Heatsink
• Choosing a CPU Casing
• Choosing an Automatic Voltage Regulator or Uninterrupted Power Supply
Introduction – What Makes a Modern P.C.
• A modern PC typically composes of a Monitor, CPU, Keyboard and Mouse

The Von Neumman Architecture

• This architecture tells us that any computer will basically compose of:
• The Processor (CPU including the Arithmetic Logic Unit and Control Unit)
• Memory
• I/O Device/s

• Programs are generally loaded from an I/O device like a hard drive to memory so it can be fetched and processed
by the Processor (CPU)
*
• Other I/O devices might require memory or be processed by the CPU straightaway
How to Build a Computer
• Most I/O devices can be purchased and requires no assembly
• i.e. Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, etc.
• I/O devices however will all be connected to a CPU (the casing not the processor), so much of the work in
assembling a PC has to do with the assembly of said CPU
• Memories are sold separately and are also connected to the CPU
Warning:
• CPU’s can refer to the Processor (i.e. Intel or AMD) or
• They can also refer to the casing where any I/O devices will be connected to
*
2 Meanings of CPU

• The next few sections will teach you what you need to know about building a CPU (the casing) and everything
in it including the Processor
• It will include connecting all the different I/O devices to build your PC from scratch
• It will also cover the different technologies involved in each component
The Processor
• The most important thing to do before building your computer is to decide on the processor
• Modern computers typically select from 1 of the 2 available Processor manufacturer, Intel or AMD
• Choosing a Processor is important because it allows you to select the appropriate motherboards with which
everything is going to be connected to
• And the best place to start learning more about your Processor is the manufacturer’s website as opposed to the
retailer’s website
The Processor – Specifications
When browsing Processor specifications consider the following:
• Essentials – Processor Generation / Socket Type, Technology
• Performance Considerations – Cores, Threads, Cache, TDP
• Memory Support – Max Memory, Memory Types
• Graphics Support – Memory, Screen Resolution, Graphics Libraries
• Expansion Support – PCI-e version and Max Lanes (more on this later)
Check out some specifications:
• Intel i7 9700K here
(https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/186604/intel-core-i7-9700k-processor-12m-cache-up-to-
4-90-ghz.html)
• AMD Ryzen 7 3700X here
(https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/186604/intel-core-i7-9700k-processor-12m-cache-up-to-
4-90-ghz.html)
The Motherboard
• After choosing a Processor, you then choose a Motherboard that is compatible with your processor
• Whereas the Processor is the Brain, a Motherboard is the backbone of your PC. I would liken the Motherboard
to a Spinal Column
• The Motherboard is a complex component and can be very overwhelming

When browsing for Motherboards consider the following:

• Form Factor – ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX, etc.
• Processor Support – Intel or AMD Processor, Socket Type
• Memory Support – Max Memory, Frequencies, Dual Channeling
• Onboard Graphics – Graphics Ports, Screen Resolution
• Expansion Slots – PCI-e version, bandwidth
• Storage – Storage Technology, Form Factor, Interface
• USB Set – USB Connector Types, USB Generations
• Multi-Graphics Technology – Nvidia SLI, AMD/ATI Crossfire
• Internal Connectors
• Hardware Monitoring
• Audio Support
• Local Area Network (L.A.N.) Support
• BIOS
• Power Pin Connectors – 24, 8, 4 Pin Connectors
The Motherboard – Form Factor
• The form factor of a Motherboard dictates how much component you can fit onto your computer
• This affects how you will select some components such as:
• CPU Casing
• How many slots is available for expansion
• Variety of connectors available to your computer
• Power requirements that your computer needs (Power Supply Unit)

The Motherboard – Processors and Sockets

Note: The Motherboard Package is also helpful when buying other components as it ensures that some
components fits onto the Motherboard if they were designed for its Package. See how packages affect your
purchasing selection here
(https://dynaquestpc.com/collections/motherboard-lga-1151)
The Motherboard
• The most important thing to know about your Motherboard is that it
can supports your Processor
The Motherboard – Memory Support
• Let learn all about Memory Modules here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmJWkfOTOPg)
Take away points:
• Form Factor
• LODIMM for Laptops
• SODIMM for Desktops
• M.2 for Laptops or Desktops (More on this later)
• Ensure you provide the correct DDR Generation
 • DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4
• Ensure that you purchase memory speeds compatible with your Motherboard AND Processor
• DDR4 (2133, 2400, 2666, etc.)
• Dual Channel Memory is preferred
• Ensure that you match similar memory types with the same DIMM slot color
The Motherboard – Onboard Graphics
For Onboard Graphics consider:
• Supported Screen Resolution
• Supported Display Connectors – Learn all about it here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9c1SLX7Vog)
Take away points:
• If you’re not buying a video card, ensure that your monitor connectors are compatible with the available
connectors of your Motherboard

The Motherboard – Expansion Slot (PCI-e)

• Learn all about Expansion Slots here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrXwe21biJo)
Take away points:
• Most expansion slots are now PCIe slots
• PCIe slots have varying lanes (x1, x4, x8, x16)
• Modern Motherboard PCIe version is 3.0 or 4.0
• PCIe’s are usually allocated for peripherals such as Video Cards / Graphics Card
• PCIe slots are backward compatible
• Peripherals with smaller lanes can usually be fitted onto PCIe slots with wider lanes (as long as it fits)
The Motherboard – Storage
• Hard Drives allow long term data storage
• Storage Technologies include:
• Hard Disks (H.D.)
• Sold State Drives (S.S.D.)

• Storage Technologies comes in several form factors

• 3.5” Inch
• 2.5” Inch
• M.2 SSDs
• 3.5” Inch and 2.5” Inch HD whether mechanical or SSD make use of the Serial ATA (SATA) ports using SATA
cables
• While M.2 has its own special port
*
• Storage Drives need to be connected to the Motherboard

• Storage Drives also need to be connected to the Power Supply

• For the M.2 SSD storage, learn all about it here

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP0Brsc0dMY)
The Motherboard – USB Set
• Learn about the evolution of Universal Serial Bus (USB) here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-N_vN_tmA0)
• Learn about USB 3.1 here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d42xoN40W7g)
Take away points:
• USB’s are backward compatible
• Since many components are connected via USB, ensure that you
select a Motherboard that have enough number of USB ports
• Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Printers, WIFI dongle, Webcam, etc.
The Motherboard – Multi-Graphics Support
Many Motherboards can support Multi-Graphics capabilities
• This allows you to connect 2 Graphics Cards to be use simultaneously
• Nvidia’s SLI Technology
• AMD’s Crossfire Technology
The Motherboards – Internal Connectors
• Internal Connectors are connectors within the Motherboard that
make additional connectors available
• This is usually made available through the front panel of your CPU
casing
• You can view Internal Connector inclusions here
(https://www.gigabyte.com/Error-Page?aspxerrorpath=/p...Z390-M-GAMING-rev-10/sp#sp)
The Motherboard
• Hardware Monitoring
• Modern Motherboards can monitor components such as fans, CPU temperature, etc.
• Audio Support
• Modern Motherboards allows the connection of speakers, mics and headsets for audio support
• LAN Support
• It is not uncommon for modern Motherboards have LAN support

The Motherboard – BIOS

• Learn how to manipulate your PC’s BIOS and/or UEFI settings here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezubjTO7rRI)
Take away points:
• Verify that all hardware components can be detected by the Motherboard (Processor, Memory, PCIe Slots, SATA
Ports, etc.)
• Learn how to set the boot order of your Motherboard to control boot up order
• Try to take advantage of XMP (Extended Memory Profiles)
• Verify that you are using Dual Channel Memory
• You can make your PC more secure by adding an admin and/or user password
The Motherboard – Power Connectors
• There are 24, 8, 4 power pin connectors

Video / Graphics Card

• There are 2 leading manufacturers:
• Nvidia (GeForce) and
• AMD (Radeon)
• The Interface is typically PCIe x16
• Output Display Ports
• VGA, DVI, HDMI, Display port
• More Core units are better, more Memory is better
• Take note of the varying Power Connector requirements
• 6 pins, 8 pins, 8 pins and 6 pins, etc. (More on this later)
• Take note of the Power Consumption
*
• PCIe x16
• Output Ports

• Power Pins

Power Supply Unit

• The Power Supply Unit (PSU) provides power for the entire Motherboard along with all the peripherals and
components
• The following needs to be connected to the Power Supply Unit
• Motherboard
• Video/Graphics Card
• Hard Drive (but NOT the M.2 form factor)
• Disk Drives such as DVD-ROMs
*
• The PSU comes with connectors for the various peripherals
• It also comes with various power ports for Motherboard as well as Serial ATA and PCIe power connectors on
the front panel
• And a mechanism for connecting the main power cables to your outlet or AVR or UPS

• When selecting a PSU, make sure that you properly compute for your CPU’s power consumption and make a
20% additional provision for your PSU’s wattage
• To compute for Wattage requirements for your PSU add the following
• Processor’s TDP (this is given in watts)
• Video card’s power consumption (also given in watts)
• Allocate 3 to 5 watts per RAM module
• Allocate 10 watts for each mechanical hard drive (lesser if SSD)
• Allocate 5 watts for each fan (including CPU fan and other fan available through the CPU casing or custom
added fans)
*
• The Power Supply Unit makes use of power cables to connect to an outlet and/or AVR or UPS
Managing Processor Temperature
• Modern Processors always require a CPU cooling solution
• Processor temperature is typically managed using a heatsink that
comes with a fan
• A heatsink needs to be mounted on top of the Processor to properly
dissipate the generated heat
• Apply thermal paste before mounting the heatsink

• The CPU cooler is typically connected to the Motherboard through the CPU fan pins

• Take into consideration the cooler’s blowing direction

• You would want cool air to enter the CPU casing and warm air to exit the CPU casing

• Make sure that you select a spacious CPU casing that will allow you to comfortably mount your heatsink even
if the Motherboard is already installed in the said casing
• Each CPU cooling solution will come with its own instruction for assembly
• Most cooling solutions can be configured to mount to both Intel and AMD Processors and their respective
Motherboards
CPU Casings
• How do you choose your CPU Casing/Chassis?

CPU Casing/Chassis?
• Form Factor
• Full Tower, Mid Tower, Mini Tower, Cube Case
• Fitting CPU components
• Motherboard, Video card/s, CPU heatsink, Storage drives, Power supply, Case fans
• Maintenance Considerations
• Can I make repairs when the system is already installed?
• Future Upgrades
• What peripherals / components do I want to add in the future?
CPU Casings – Install the Processor
WARNING: Please ensure that your motherboard socket type is that of the type of your processor

CPU Casings – Fitting CPU Components

CPU Casings – Installing Memory Modules

WARNING: Please ensure that your motherboard and memory modules are of the same DDR generation
CPU Casing – Fitting Expansion Cards

CPU Casing – CPU to Monitor Attachment

CPU Casing – Monitor Compatibility
WARNING: Please ensure that your graphics card have ports to support your monitor and vice versa

NOTE: Powerful graphics card may be able to support more than 1 display screen

NOTE: Some make use of multi-graphics technology to enable 2 video cards to work together to support multiple
display screens

CPU Casing – Powering the Monitor

CPU Casing – Installing the Hard Drives

CPU Casings – Switches, Ports and Indicators
The CPU Casing must be connected to the Motherboards so that its switches becomes operable
• Power button
• Power LED
• Reset button
• HDD LED
• Audio

You must ensure that you correctly identify the positive (+) from the negative (-) pins
The CPU Case’s ports must be connected to the Motherboard as well
• USB 2.0
• USB 3.0

CPU Casing – Case Fans

• Additional Case Fans can be installed to cool your system better
• You have to check the number of fans your Motherboard can support as well as your CPU Case
• Case Fans comes in different dimensions
• 120mm, 140mm, 200mm are the usual sizes
*
• Case fans can be connected through the Motherboard

• Some Case fans are connected to the Power Supply using Molex connectors

• Ensure that your fan is implemented to quickly cycle air in and out of your casing

CPU Casing – Power Supply

CPU Casing – Powering the CPU Case

AVR and UPS

• Computers are delicate devices that can be affected by power surge and sudden voltage changes
• As such computer are highly recommended to have automatic voltage regulators (AVRs)
• Or better yet a uninterrupted power supply (UPS) with AVR functions so you can properly shut down in case of
a power outage
• Select an AVR or UPS wattage capacity and exceeds your PSU wattage capacity
• i.e. if your PSU is 500 watts, make your AVR/UPS slightly higher as you still need to supply power for your
monitors, printers or other peripherals
*
• AVRs with Servo motors are generally more durable and have greater
regulatory capacity
• UPS requires battery change every year

Other Supplementary Materials

Evolution of Motherboards
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sewt2pqc3us
SSD Life Expectancy
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XZNr7mS0iw