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Removing a computer motherboard

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  How to remove a computer motherboard Removing the motherboard  from the computer is a relatively straight forward process. However, many hardware components inside a computer are connected to the motherboard directly or by way of some type of cable. If you need to remove the motherboard, you need to disconnect all of the hardware  connected to it. Below are the steps required for removing most computer motherboards. Preparation Before you begin, make sure you reduce, or eliminate, the risk of electrical charge damaging any of the hardware in the computer. The best way to do this is by wearing an anti-static wrist strap. While inside the computer, make sure it is disconnected from power and you're familiar with ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) and its potential dangers. Open your machine First, you need to remove the side panel from the computer case. The side panel is usually held in place by several screws, or held in place with a bracket or clamp of some k...
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Video card

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  Video card Alternatively known as a  display adapter ,  graphics card ,  video adapter ,  video board , or  video controller , a  video card  is an expansion   card   that connects to a computer motherboard. It creates a picture on a display ; without a video card, you would not be able to see this page. More plainly, it's a piece of hardware  inside your computer that processes images and video, some tasks normally handled by the CPU  (central processing unit). Video cards are used by gamers in place of integrated graphics due to their extra processing power and VRAM  (video random-access memory). A visual overview of a computer video card Below are two visual examples of what a video card may look like inside of a computer. First is a picture of an older model AGP (accelerated graphics port) video card with multiple types of connections and components on it. Second is an example of a ...
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Cache Memory

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  Cache Memory Cache Memory in Computer Organization  Cache memory is a small, high-speed storage area in a computer. The cache is a smaller and faster memory that stores copies of the data from frequently used main memory locations. There are various independent caches in a CPU, which store instructions and data. The most important use of cache memory is that it is used to reduce the average time to access data from the main memory. By storing this information closer to the CPU, cache memory helps speed up the overall processing time. Cache memory is much faster than the main memory (RAM). When the CPU needs data, it first checks the cache. If the data is there, the CPU can access it quickly. If not, it must fetch the data from the slower main memory. Characteristics of Cache Memory   •  Cache memory is an extremely fast memory type that acts as a buffer between RAM and CPU. •  Cache Memory holds frequently requested data and instructions so that they are immed...
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Sound card

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  Sound card            Alternatively called an  audio output device ,  sound board , or  audio card . A  sound card  is an expansion card or IC (integrated circuit) for producing sound on a computer that can be heard through spekars or headphones. Although the computer doesn't need a sound card, it's included on every machine as either in an expansion slot (shown below) or built into the motherboard (onboard). Sound card connections   The picture shows the sound card   audio ports   or   audio jacks   on the back of your computer, associated colors, and the connector symbols. In this example, the five audio jacks are used with devices that use the 3.5 mm  mini plug . Digital Out (white or yellow; words: "Digital" or "Digital Out") - Used with surround sound or loudspeakers. Sound in or line in  (blue; Arrow pointing into waves) - Connection fo...
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Heat sink

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  Heat sink A  heat sink  is a device that incorporates a fan  or another mechanism to reduce the temperature of a hardware component (e.g., processor ). There are two heat sink types: active and passive. The picture shows a heat sink with both active and passive cooling mechanisms. Active heat sink Active heat sinks  utilize the computer's power supply and may include a fan. Sometimes these types of heat sinks are called an  HSF , which is short for  Heat Sink and Fan . There are also liquid cooling systems, which have become popular in recent years. Passive heat sink Passive heat sinks  are those that have no mechanical components. Consequently, they are 100% reliable. Passive heat sinks are made of an aluminum finned radiator that dissipates heat through convection. For passive heat sinks to work at their full capacity, there should be a steady airflow moving across the fins. What are heat spreaders? Heat spreaders ...
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Network card

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    A  network interface controller  ( NIC , also known as a  network interface card ,   network adapter ,  LAN adapter  and  physical network interface ) is a computer hardware  component that connects a computer  to a computer network.                           Network interface controller A 1990s Ethernet network interface card that connects to the motherboard via the now-obsolete ISA bus. This combination card features both a BNC   connector (left) for use in (now obsolete) 10BASE2 networks and an 8P8C connector (right) for use in 10BASE - T networks. Connects to Motherboard via one of: integrated in chipset or SoC Discrete   onboard PCI Connector ISA Connector PCle (including Mini PCle and M.2) FireWire USB Thunderbolt Network via one of: Ethernet Wi-Fi Fibre   Chan...
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Insert a Computer RAM

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  How to upgrade your desktop RAM 10 easy steps to install Desktop memory Adding memory  (RAM)  to your desktop computer can instantly make your computer faster, increase system responsiveness, and make multitasking seamless. 1. Gather supplies  Clear off your installation space and make sure you’re working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your workspace. Then, you’ll need the following items: Your desktop computer Crucial® desktop memory Screwdriver Owner’s manual   2. Shut down your desktop computer Because your files, documents, and data are on your storage drive, not your Random Access Memory (RAM), they remain unaffected during this process. 3. Unplug the power cable This includes any cables and accessories plugged into the computer 4. Hold the power button for 5 seconds This discharges any residual electricity still in the system. 5. Open the case For instructions about opening your specific system, consult its owner's m...
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