CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support

10th Edition

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10 th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights
Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or
in part.
 Taking a Computer Apart and
Putting It Back Together

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10 th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights
Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or
in part.
 Objectives

• Disassemble and reassemble a desktop computer safely while being able to identify various
external ports and major components inside a desktop.
• Disassemble and reassemble a laptop computer safely while being able to identify various
external ports and slots and major components of a laptop.

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Exploring a Desktop Computer

• Every IT professional should know how to take a computer apart and put it back together
again.
• The following slides will cover this skill.

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Step 1: Planning and Organizing Your Work and
Gathering Your Tools (1 of 3)
• Make notes for backtracking
• Remove loose jewelry that might get caught
• Stay organized by keeping small parts in one place
• Do not stack boards on top of each other
• Do not touch board chips
• With hands or a magnetized screwdriver
• Fingerprints on edge connectors may later cause corrosion
• Never ever touch inside of a turned on computer
• Consider monitor and power supply as “black boxes”
• Never remove the cover or touch inside
• Watch out for sharp edges that can cut

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Step 1: Planning and Organizing Your Work and
Gathering Your Tools (2 of 3)
• Essential tools used by a computer hardware technician
• ESD strap (ground bracelet)
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head or cross-head screwdriver
• Torx screwdriver set (size T15)
• Insulated tweezers
• OS recovery CD or DVD
• Many other non-essential tools exist
• Use a toolbox to house tools

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Step 1: Planning and Organizing Your Work and
Gathering Your Tools (3 of 3)

Figure 1-1 Tools used by IT support

technicians when maintaining,
repairing, or upgrading computers

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10 th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights
Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in
part.
 Step 2: Opening the Case (1 of 23)

• A computer case for any type of computer is sometimes called the chassis
• It houses the power supply, motherboard, processor, memory modules, expansion cards,
hard drive, optical drive, and other drives
• Can be a tower case, desktop case, all-in-one case, or a mobile case

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 2: Opening the Case (2 of 23)

Figure 1-4 This slimline tower case

supports a microATX motherboard

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 Step 2: Opening the Case (3 of 23)

• Loopback plugs:
• Used to test a network port in a computer or other device to make sure the port is
working
• May also be used to test the throughput or speed of a port

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 2: Opening the Case (4 of 23)

Figure 1-5 A loopback plug testing a

network port and network cable

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 Step 2: Opening the Case (5 of 23)

1. Back up important data

2. Power down the system and unplug it
• Unplug other peripherals as well
3. Press and hold the power button for about 3 seconds
• This will drain the power supply
4. Have a plastic bag or cup handy to hold screws
5. Open the case cover
• Some cases require you to remove the faceplate first
• Remove a side panel
• Locate the screws or clips that hold the side panel in place and remove

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Step 2: Opening the Case (6 of 23)

Figure 1-7 Decide which side panel to

remove

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Step 2: Opening the Case (7 of 23)

Figure 1-8 Locate the screws that hold

the side panel in place

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Step 2: Opening the Case (8 of 23)

Figure 1-9 On this system, clips hold

the side panel in place

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Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in
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Step 2: Opening the Case (9 of 23)

Figure 1-10 Slide the panel to the rear

of the case

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 Step 2: Opening the Case (10 of 23)

6. Clip your ESD strap to the side of the computer case

• After opening you will see the main components:
• Power supply
• Motherboard
• Drives
• Follow cables from motherboard to the component to know the purpose of each cable

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Step 2: Opening the Case (11 of 23)

Figure 1-12 Inside the computer case

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 Step 2: Opening the Case (12 of 23)

• Main components installed in the case (called internal components):

• Motherboard, processor, and cooler:
• Motherboard is also called main board, system board, or mobo and contains a
socket to hold the processor (CPU)
• Processor processes data and instructions for the entire system
▶ Generates a lot of heat so a fan and heat sink might be installed on top

• The fan and heat sink together are called the processor cooler

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 2: Opening the Case (13 of 23)

Figure 1-13 All hardware components

are either located on the motherboard
or directly or indirectly connected to it
because they must all communicate
with the CPU

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 Step 2: Opening the Case (14 of 23)

• Main components installed in the case (continued):

• Expansion cards - also called adapter cards:
• A circuit board that provides more ports than those provided by the motherboard
• Today, most ports are provided by motherboards
• Memory modules – random access memory (RAM):
• Temporary storage for data and instructions as they are being processed by the CPU
• Dual inline memory module (DIMM) slots hold memory modules

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 2: Opening the Case (15 of 23)

Figure 1-15 The easiest way to

identify this video card is to look at the
ports on the end of the card

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10 th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights
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Step 2: Opening the Case (16 of 23)

Figure 1-16 A DIMM holds RAM and is

mounted directly on a motherboard

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10 th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights
Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in
part.
 Step 2: Opening the Case (17 of 23)

• Main components installed in the case (continued):

• Hard drives and other drives:
• Hard drives may also be called hard disk drive (HDD)
• Permanent storage used to hold data and programs
• All drives in a system are installed in a stack of drive bays at the front of the case
• Power supply – also called power supply unit (PSU):
• Receives and converts house current so that components inside the case can use it
• Most come with a dual-voltage selector switch
▶ Allows switching input voltage from 115V to 220V

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Step 2: Opening the Case (18 of 23)

Figure 1-17 Two types of hard drives

(larger magnetic drive and smaller
solid-state drive) and a DVD drive

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Step 2: Opening the Case (19 of 23)

Figure 1-18 A power supply with

attached power cables

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 Step 2: Opening the Case (20 of 23)

• Form factors:
• Standards that describe the size, shape, screw hole positions, and major features of
computer cases, power supplies, and motherboards
• Necessary so that all will be compatible with each other
• Two form factors used by most desktop and tower computer cases and power supplies:
• ATX
• microATX

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Step 2: Opening the Case (21 of 23)

• ATX (Advanced Technology Extended):

• Most commonly used form factor today
• Originally developed by Intel
• It is an open, nonproprietary industry specification
• An ATX power supply has a variety of power connectors
• Power connectors have evolved because new technologies require more power
• 4-pin and 8-pin auxiliary connectors: used to provide an additional 12 V of power for
evolving CPUs
• 24-pin or 20+4-pin P1 connector
• The older 20-pin P1 connector still worked in this connector
• Supported the new PCI Express (PCIe) slots
• 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe connectors connect directly to the video card
• Video cards draw the most power in a system

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 Step 2: Opening the Case (22 of 23)

• microATX (mATX) form factor:

• Major variation of ATX
• Reduces total cost of a system by:
• Reducing number of expansion slots on motherboard
• Reducing power supplied to the board
• Allowing for a smaller case size
• Uses a 24-pin P1 connector
• Not likely to have as many extra wires and connectors as those on the ATX power
supply

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 2: Opening the Case (23 of 23)

Figure 1-26 This microATX

motherboard by Biostar is designed to
support an AMD processor

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part.
 Step 3: Removing Expansion Cards (1 of 2)

• If removing components:
• Draw a diagram of all cable connections to the motherboard, expansion cards, and
drives
• Use a felt-tip marker to mark components in order to indicate a cable connection, board
placement, orientation, etc.
• To remove expansion cards:
• Remove any wire or cable connected to the card
• Remove the screw holding the card to the case
• Grasp the card with both hands and remove it by lifting straight up (can also very slightly
rock the card from end to end)
• Don’t put your fingers on edge connectors or touch a chip
• It is best to store cards in an antistatic bag

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 3: Removing Expansion Cards (2 of 2)

Figure 1-29 Hold the retention

mechanism back as you remove a
video card from its expansion slot

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Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in
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 Step 4: Removing the Motherboard (1 of 3)

• Depending on the system, you may have to remove the drives and/or power supply to get to
the motherboard
• To remove motherboard:
• Unplug power supply lines
• Unplug SATA cables connected to the motherboard
• Disconnect wires leading from the front of the computer case to the motherboard (called
front panel connectors)
• Make a diagram before disconnecting
• Disconnect any other cables or wires connected to the motherboard
• Remove the screws that hold the motherboard to the case
• Spacers (standoffs) – round plastic or metal pegs that separate the board from the
case
• Motherboard should be free to remove from the case

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 4: Removing the Motherboard (2 of 3)

Figure 1-33 Remove the motherboard

from the case

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 Step 4: Removing the Motherboard (3 of 3)

• Post Diagnostic Cards:

• Helps discover, report computer errors and conflicts at power-on self test (POST)
• Firmware – programs and data stored on the motherboard
• Consists of older BIOS firmware and the newer UEFI firmware
• Usually referred to as BIOS/UEFI
• POST is a series of tests performed by the startup BIOS/UEFI
• If you have a problem that prevents the computer from booting and you suspect it is
related to hardware:
• Install the POST card in an expansion slot on the motherboard
• The card monitors the boot process and reports errors

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Step 5: Removing the Power Supply (1 of 4)

• To remove the power supply from the case:

• Look for screws that attach the power supply to the computer case
• Do not remove screws that hold power supply housing together (do not take housing
apart)
• Sometimes power supplies are also attached to the case on the underside by recessed
slots:
• Turn case over and look for slots
• If present, determine in which direction you need to slide the power supply to free it
from the case

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 5: Removing the Power Supply (2 of 4)

Figure 1-36 Remove the power supply

mounting screws

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Step 5: Removing the Power Supply (3 of 4)

Figure 1-37 Use a power supply tester

to test the output of each power
connector on a power supply

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Step 5: Removing the Power Supply (4 of 4)

Figure 1-38 This digital multimeter can

be set to measure voltage, resistance,
or continuity

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 Step 6: Removing the Drives (1 of 5)

• A drive receives power by a power cable from the power supply and communicates
instructions and data through a cable attached to the motherboard
• Most hard drives and optical drives today use the serial ATA (SATA) standard
• Tips to remove drives:
• Look for screws on each side of the drive attaching the drive to the drive bay
• There might be a catch underneath the drive
• You must lift up as you slide the drive forward
• Some drive bays have a clipping mechanism to hold the drive in the bay
• Release the clip and then pull the drive forward
• Some drives must be removed through the front of the case
• May need to remove the front panel of the case to remove the drive
• Some cases have a removable bay for smaller hard drives

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Step 6: Removing the Drives (2 of 5)

Figure 1-40 A SATA cable connects to

a SATA connector in only one direction;
for this system, use red connectors on
the motherboard first

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Step 6: Removing the Drives (3 of 5)

Figure 1-42 Some cases require you

to remove the front panel before
removing the optical drive

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Step 6: Removing the Drives (4 of 5)

Figure 1-43 Push down on the clip and

then slide the removable bay forward
and out of the case

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Step 6: Removing the Drives (5 of 5)

Figure 1-44 Drives in this removable

bay are held in place with screws on
each side of the bay and drive

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 Steps to Put a Computer Back Together (1 of 7)

• Refer to any diagrams created during the disassembling process

• 1. Install components in this order: power supply, drives, motherboard, and cards
• When installing drives, it may be easier to connect cables to the drives before sliding
them into the bay
• 2. Place motherboard inside the case
• Make sure ports and screw holes are lined up
• 3. Connect the power cords from the power supply to the motherboard
• Will always need the main P1 power connector and may likely need the 4-pin auxiliary
connector for the processor

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Steps to Put a Computer Back Together (2 of 7)

Figure 1-47 The auxiliary 4-pin power

cord provides power to the processor

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 Steps to Put a Computer Back Together (3 of 7)

• 4. Connect wire leads from the front panel of the case to the front panel header on
motherboard
• To help orient the larger connectors, look for a small triangle embedded on the connector
that marks one of the outside wires as pin 1
• Line up pin 1 on connector with pin 1 marked on motherboard
• If labels on motherboard are not clear, consult user guide for help
• 5. Connect wires to ports on the front panel of the case
• Audio ports or USB ports are examples

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Steps to Put a Computer Back Together (4 of 7)

Figure 1-48 Seven connectors from

the front panel connect to the
motherboard

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Steps to Put a Computer Back Together (5 of 7)

Figure 1-50 Documentation for front

panel header connections

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Steps to Put a Computer Back Together (6 of 7)

Figure 1-52 Ports on the front of the

computer case

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 Steps to Put a Computer Back Together (7 of 7)

• 6. Install the video card and other expansion cards

• 7. Double-check each connection
• 8. Plug in keyboard, monitor, and mouse
• 9. In classroom environment, have instructor check work
• 10. Turn on the power and check that the PC is working properly
• If not, it is most likely a loose connection

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 First Look at Laptop Computers (1 of 6)

• Laptop (notebook) is designed for portability and can be just as powerful as a desktop
• Uses the same technology as desktops, but with modifications to use less power, take up
less space, and operate on the move
• Varieties of laptops include:
• Those with a touch screen that allows you to handwrite on it with a stylus
• Some are outfitted with a rotating or removable screen that allows you to use the laptop
as a tablet
• Netbook – a smaller and less expensive version with fewer features
• All-in-one computer – the monitor and computer case are built together and uses
components common to both a laptop and a desktop

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 First Look at Laptop Computers (2 of 6)

• Ports common to laptops include:

• USB, network, and audio ports
• Video ports might include one or more VGA, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, or HDMI ports
• Most laptops include a lock connector that’s used to physically secure the laptop with a
cable lock
• Most laptops include slots for flash memory cards
• When a laptop is missing a port or slot, you can use a USB dongle to provide the port or slot
• Examples:
• USB to RJ-45 dongle to connect to a wired network
• USB to Wi-Fi dongle to connect to a wireless network

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First Look at Laptop Computers (3 of 6)

Figure 1-56 Ports and slots on a

laptop computer

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First Look at Laptop Computers (4 of 6)

Figure 1-57 Use a cable lock system

to secure a notebook computer to a
desk to help prevent it from being
stolen

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First Look at Laptop Computers (5 of 6)

Figure 1-58 A USB to RJ-45 dongle

provides a network port to connect to a
wired network

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First Look at Laptop Computers (6 of 6)

Figure 1-60 This USB device by Sierra

Wireless provides a wireless
connection to a cellular network

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 Special Keys, Buttons, and Input Devices on a
Laptop
• Button or switches might be above the keyboard
• Most of the same settings that these buttons control may also be changed using
Windows tools
• Some settings might be:
• Volume
• Keyboard backlight
• Touch pad on or off
• Screen brightness and screen orientation
• Dual displays
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular on or off
• Media options
• GPS on or off

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 Docking Stations and Port Replicators (1 of 3)

• Some laptops have a connector called a docking port

• Connects to a docking station
• A docking station provides ports to allow a laptop to easily connect to a full-sized monitor,
keyboard, AC power adapter, and other peripheral devices
• Port replicator (universal docking station) is a device that provides ports to allow a laptop
to easily connect to peripheral devices
• Not proprietary to a single brand or model of laptop
• To use a docking station or port replicator:
• Plug all peripherals into docking station or port replicator
• Connect laptop to the station
• No software needed

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Docking Stations and Port Replicators (2 of 3)

Figure 1-65 A docking station for a

Lenovo ThinkPad

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part.
Docking Stations and Port Replicators (3 of 3)

Figure 1-66 This port replicator

provides USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI,
DVI, and network ports

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part.
 Special Considerations When Supporting Laptops
(1 of 5)
• Laptops and their replacement parts cost more than desktop PCs
• Factors to consider that apply more to laptop than desktop computers:
• Original equipment manufacturer’s warranty
• Service manuals and diagnostic software provided by the manufacturer
• Customized installation of the OS unique to laptops
• Need to order replacement parts directly from the laptop manufacturer or authorized
source

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Special Considerations When Supporting Laptops
(2 of 5)
• Warranty Concerns:
• Always check to see if laptop is under warranty before servicing
• When contacting technical support have the following available:
• Laptop model and serial number
• Purchaser name, phone number, address
• Service options:
• On-site
• Ship to authorized service center
• Phone assistance or online chat

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Special Considerations When Supporting Laptops
(3 of 5)
• Service Manuals and Other Sources of Information:
• Service manuals save time
• Enables safe laptop disassembly
• Some manufacturers only release these to authorized service centers
• Locating a laptop service manual
• Manufacturer’s website
▶ Support or FAQ pages

• Third party websites

• User manual
• Provides basic maintenance tasks

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Special Considerations When Supporting Laptops
(4 of 5)
• Diagnostic Tools Provided by Manufacturers:
• Most laptop manufacturers provide diagnostic software that can help you test components
to determine which component needs replacing
• Sources:
• Manufacturer’s website
• CDs bundled with the notebook
• Hard drive or floppy disk
• Example: PC-Doctor
• Included with Lenovo, Fujitsu, and HP notebooks
• Can be purchased separately

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Special Considerations When Supporting Laptops
(5 of 5)

Figure 1-70 Use diagnostics software

provided by a laptop manufacturer to
troubleshoot hardware problems

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 Working Inside a Laptop Computer (1 of 7)

• It may become necessary to open a laptop case to upgrade memory, exchange a hard
drive, or replace a failed component
• Replacing a failing processor or motherboard can be a complex process
• Screws and nuts on a laptop are smaller than a desktop
• Require smaller tools
• Working on laptops requires extra patience
• Always wear an ESD strap

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Working Inside a Laptop Computer (2 of 7)

Figure 1-71 Tools for disassembling a

laptop

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 Working Inside a Laptop Computer (3 of 7)

• Work methodically:
• Some options to keep screws and components organized
• Place screws in a pillbox (label each compartment)
• Place screws on a soft padded work surface
▶ Use white labeling tape

• Place screws on notebook paper

▶ Write where screw belongs

• Tape screw beside manufacturer documentation

• Keep notes to help with reassembly

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Working Inside a Laptop Computer (4 of 7)

Figure 1-74 Using a notepad can help

you organize screws so you know
which screw goes where when
reassembling

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part.
 Working Inside a Laptop Computer (5 of 7)

• Disassembly tips:
• Find the hardware service manual
• Consider the warranty might still apply
• Opening the case might void the warranty
• Take your time and do not force anything
• Protect against ESD
• Understand ZIF connectors
• Pry up plastic covers with dental pick or screwdriver
• Plastic screws may be used only once
• Disassemble components in order
• Use a plastic or metal spudger to slide along the seal and pry open the case

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Working Inside a Laptop Computer (6 of 7)

Figure 1-76 To disconnect a ZIF

connector, first lift up on the locking
flap to release the latch, and then
remove the cable using the pull tab,
which is blue on this laptop

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part.
 Working Inside a Laptop Computer (7 of 7)

• Reassembly tips:
• Reassemble laptop in reverse order
• Tighten, but do not over tighten, all screws
• Before installing the battery or AC adapter verify there are no loose parts inside the
notebook

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Exploring Laptop Internal Components

• List of important components and the typical order you remove them:
• 1. Remove or disable the battery pack
• 2. Remove the hard drive
• 3. Remove memory
• 4. Remove the wireless card
• 5. Remove the optical drive
• 6. Crack the case
• 7. Remove the keyboard bezel
• 8. Remove the system board
• 9. Remove the CPU, heat sink, and fan

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Exploring Inside an All-In-One Computer (1 of 2)

• An all-in-one computer uses a mix of components sized for a desktop and a laptop
• For some components, you’ll need to buy replacements from the manufacturer because
they are most likely proprietary
• See the service manual for specific directions about replacing parts

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Exploring Inside an All-In-One Computer (2 of 2)

Figure 1-87 Components inside an all-

in-one computer

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 Maintaining Laptops (1 of 3)

• General guidelines:
• Do not touch LCD panel with sharp objects
• Do not pick up or hold by the lid
• Use only battery packs recommended by manufacturer
• Do not tightly pack in a suitcase – use carrying case
• Do not move while hard drive is being accessed
• Do not put close to appliances generating strong magnetic field
• Always use passwords to protect your laptop when connected to a public network or if
device is stolen
• Keep laptop at room temperature
• Keep away from smoke, water, dust
• Do not power up and down unnecessarily

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Maintaining Laptops (2 of 3)

• General guidelines (continued):

• Do not run it while it is in the case, resting on pillow or covered by a blanket
• If laptop has been brought inside from the cold, don’t turn it on until it reaches room
temperature
• Protect laptop against ESD
• Remove CD/DVD or USB flash drives before traveling
• Take precautions if laptop gets wet
• Keep current backups of important data

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Maintaining Laptops (3 of 3)

• Cleaning tips:
• Clean LCD panel with a soft dry cloth
• Use compressed air
• To clean keyboard, track ball, and touch pad
• To blow out air vents
• Remove keyboard if keys are sticking and then blow air under keys
• Use contact cleaner
• Remove battery and clean battery connections

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not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Chapter Summary (1 of 3)

• When hardware support technicians disassemble or reassemble a computer, it is important

for them to stay organized, keep careful notes, and follow all safety procedures to protect
the computer equipment and themselves
• Before opening a computer case, shut down the system, unplug it, disconnect all cables,
and press the power button to drain residual power
• Common tools include an ESD strap, screwdrivers, tweezers, flashlight, compressed air,
and cleaning solutions and pads
• Internal computer components include the motherboard, processor, expansion cards, DIMM
memory modules, hard drive, optical drive, tape drive, and power supply
• Cases, power supplies, and motherboards use ATX and microATX form factors
• An expansion fits in a slot on the motherboard and is anchored to the case by a single
screw or clip

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 Chapter Summary (2 of 3)

• Most hard drives and optical drives today use the serial ATA (SATA) standards for the drive
to interface with the motherboard and power supply
• Laptop computers are designed for travel
• Laptop computer use function keys to control the display, volume, touch pad, media options,
GPS, airplane mode, and other features of the laptop
• You can use the USB ports for expansion
• When an internal component needs replacing, consider the possibility of disabling the
component and using an external peripheral device in its place
• Replacing the laptop might be more cost effective than performing labor-intensive repairs
• When disassembling a laptop, the manufacturer’s service manual is essential

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Chapter Summary (3 of 3)

• When upgrading components on a laptop, use components that are the same brand as the
laptop, or use only components recommended by the laptop’s manufacturer
• Special concerns when supporting a laptop also apply to supporting a netbook or all-in-one
computer
• Internal laptop components you might need to remove when replacing a FRU include the
keyboard, hard drive, memory, smart card reader, optical drive, wireless card, screen, DC
jack, battery pack, touch pad, speaker, system board, CPU, heat sink, and fan
• An all-in-one computer uses a combination of components designed for desktop computers
and laptops

Andrews/Dark/West, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition. © [2020] Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May
not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.