Chapter Overview

1
Chapter Overview

• Computer Cases
• Motherboards
• ROM BIOS

2
The Computer Case

• The case helps contain electromagnetic
  interference (EMI).
• Larger cases usually have more expansion
  capability and are easier to work with.
• Smaller cases usually have less expansion
  potential and support fewer internal devices.
• Cases with more features cost more.
• You should never run a computer with an open
  case.

3
Working with Cases
Desktop
Tower
4
The Motherboard

• Before replacing a motherboard, double-check all
  other components to verify that the motherboard
  is the problem.
• Replace rather than repair a damaged motherboard.
• Consider purchase and interoperability issues.

5
Chip Sets

• The chip set helps the CPU manage and control the
  computer.
• The CPU must be compatible with the chip set.
• Specialized chips control cache memory and
  high-speed buses.
• Different chip sets have different on-board
  components.
• On-board components might have fewer features
  than do expansion card versions.

6
ROM BIOS Chips

• Read-only memory (ROM) chips store basic
  input/output system (BIOS) dataeven when the
  computer power is off.
• The system BIOS prepares the hardware to run.
• Classes of BIOS chips include
• Core chips
• Updateable complementary metal-oxide
  semiconductor (CMOS) chips
• Other chips with their own BIOS data

7
Information Stored in the CMOS

• Floppy disk and hard disk drive types
• CPU type and speed
• Random access memory (RAM) size
• Date and time
• Serial and parallel port information
• Plug and Play information
• Power-saving settings

8
Updating CMOS
9
Determining the BIOS Manufacturer

• Watch the monitor when the computer boots.
• Check the computer or motherboard manual.
• Remove the computer cover and look at the chip.
• Use a third-party utility program.
• Cause an error that will launch the setup
  program.

10
The Most Common Ways to Access BIOS Setup
Programs

• AMI Press Delete when the machine begins to
  boot.
• Phoenix Press CtrlAltEsc, Delete, or F2 when
  requested.
• Award Follow the procedure for AMI or Phoenix.

11
Main BIOS Screen
12
Setup Screen for Hard Disk Drive
13
Advanced Tab
14
Security Tab
15
Power Tab
16
Maintaining CMOS

• CMOS data can be lost for several reasons.
• You should write down CMOS setup information or
  back it up.
• Plug and Play devices include their own BIOS
  information.

17
The CMOS Battery

• Look for battery requirements on the motherboard
  or in the documentation.
• Expect 27 years of battery life, depending on
  the type of battery.
• Watch for battery failure indicators.
• Replace the battery if a computer loses stored
  CMOS information more than once in a week.

18
All Other Chips

• Add-on boards may have ROM chips with their own
  BIOS data.
• Device drivers could be required to provide BIOS
  support for hardware.

19
Power-On Self Test

• The power-on self test (POST) checks every
  primary device at startup.
• Beep codes indicate problems before and during
  the video test.
• Errors displayed on the screen typically indicate
  problems after the video test.
• Errors can be fatal or nonfatal.
• POST cards display codes that you can decode from
  the manufacturers manual.

20
Chapter Summary

• You should select a computer case for ease of use
  and expandability.
• EMI can harm surrounding equipment.
• Motherboards use different chip sets with
  differing capabilities.
• ROM BIOS chips can be static or updateable.
• A CMOS program accesses BIOS information stored
  in CMOS chips.
• If you change hardware, you must update the CMOS
  to reflect changes.
• A CMOS battery ensures that CMOS information is
  saved.