Practical - 76:- installing power supply in pc , removing a video card than installing a video card and sound card

 

Aim :- PC Hardware Installation and Upgrades

I. Objectives

• To safely install and connect an ATX Power Supply Unit.

• To remove and upgrade a Video Card (GPU).

• To install a Sound Card into a PCIe/PCI expansion slot.

II. Tools and Components Required

• Phillips-head screwdriver (non-magnetic tip preferred).

• Anti-static wrist strap or grounded work surface.

• New Components: PSU, Video Card, Sound Card.

• Cable ties for cable management.

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III. Safety Precautions

1. Power Down: Ensure the PC is shut down and the power cable is removed from the wall outlet.

2. Discharge Static: Wear an anti-static strap or touch a metal part of the case frequently to discharge static electricity, which can damage CMOS components.

3. Capacitors: Never open the metal casing of the Power Supply itself; it contains dangerous high-voltage capacitors.

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IV. Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Installing the Power Supply Unit (PSU)

1. Positioning: Place the PSU in the mounting bay (usually at the top or bottom rear of the case). Ensure the cooling fan is facing the correct ventilation cutouts.

2. Securing: Align the screw holes on the PSU with the case and tighten the four mounting screws.

3. Connections:

   • Plug the 24-pin Main Power connector into the motherboard.

   • Plug the 4/8-pin CPU Power connector near the processor socket.

   • Route SATA/Molex cables for storage drives.


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2. Removing a Video Card (GPU)

1. Disconnect Power: Unplug any 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power cables from the side of the card.

2. Unscrew: Remove the screw securing the card’s metal bracket to the PC chassis.

3. Release Tab: Press down the small plastic locking lever at the end of the PCIe slot on the motherboard.

4. Extract: Pull the card straight up and out of the slot.

3. Installing a Video Card and Sound Card

1. Slot Alignment: Identify the primary PCIe x16 slot (usually the top long slot) for the Video Card and a PCIe x1 slot (short slot) for the Sound Card.

2. Seating the GPU: Align the Video Card with the slot and press down firmly until the locking tab clicks. Secure the bracket with a screw.

3. Seating the Sound Card: Insert the Sound Card into the smaller PCIe slot. Ensure the external audio ports are accessible through the back of the case and secure the screw.

4. Additional Power: Plug the required PCIe power cables from the PSU into the Video Card.

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V. Observation and Verification

• Post-Installation Check: Ensure no cables are touching cooling fans.

• Power On: Reconnect the wall power and turn on the PC.

• BIOS/OS Check: Enter the BIOS to confirm the PSU is delivering stable voltages and boot into the operating system to install the necessary drivers for the new Video and Sound cards.

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VI. Conclusion

The hardware components were successfully installed and seated. Proper handling of expansion slot locks and secure power connections are vital for system stability and preventing hardware failure.