Upgrading your computer

    This chapter provides detailed information for opening your computer case, removing and installing drives, and upgrading memory.

    The upgrading procedures involve opening your computer case and removing and adding components. If you are not comfortable with these procedures, seek help from a more experienced computer user or computer service technician.

Selecting a place to work

    When working on your computer, find an area that:

Is clean (avoid a dusty area)
Is a low-static environment (avoid a carpeted area)
Has a stable platform on which to set your computer
Has enough room to place all the computer parts
Is near a grounded outlet so that you can test your computer after installation
Is near a phone (in case you need technical support assistance from Client Care). The phone must be directly connected to a phone jack and cannot be connected to your computer

Creating a tool kit

    Some tools and supplies that you may need to work on your computer are:

A Phillips screwdriver
A flat-head screwdriver
A notebook to take notes
Small containers to store the different types of screws
A grounding wrist strap (available at most electronic stores)

Preventing static electricity

To prevent static electricity:

    Before opening the computer case, read and follow these precautions to prevent damage from static electricity.

    Caution

    Static electricity can permanently damage electronic components in the computer. Prevent electrostatic damage to the system by following static electricity precautions every time you open the computer case.

  1. Turn off the computer power.
  2. Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
  3. Unplug all cords from the wall outlet.

Also follow these static electricity precautions:

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as plastic and styrofoam in your work area.
Remove parts from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay parts on the outside of antistatic bags because only the insides provide antistatic protection.
Always hold cards by their edges and their metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching components on the cards and the edge connectors that connect to expansion slots. Never slide cards or other parts over any surface.

Micro-tower computer

Opening the micro-tower case

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before opening the case.

To open the micro-tower case:

    1. Turn off the computer.
    2. Disconnect all power cables.
    3. Remove the five screws at the back of the computer, then remove the cover by sliding it back and up.

Replacing micro-tower drives

    The micro-tower case has a top drive cage and a hard drive mount location. Use this illustration to replace hard drives, CD/DVD drives, 3.5-inch drives, tape drives, and other drives.

Mid-tower computer

Opening the mid-tower case

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before opening the case.

To open the mid-tower case:

    1. Turn off the computer, and disconnect all power cables.
    2. Remove the thumbscrews on the right side of the back of the computer, then remove the right side panel by pulling on the hand grip between the thumbscrew holes.
    1. If you are replacing or installing drives, remove the two screws on the left side of the back of the computer and remove the left side panel.

Replacing mid-tower drives

    The mid-tower case has a top and middle drive cage. Use this illustration to replace hard drives, CD/DVD drives, 3.5-inch drives, tape drives, and other drives.

Tower computer

Opening the tower case

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before opening the case.

To open the tower case:

    1. Turn off the computer.
    2. Disconnect all power cables.
    3. Remove the three thumbscrews and three screws on the back of the computer, then slide the side panels back until they come off the case.

Replacing tower drives

    The tower case has a top, middle, and lower drive cage. Use this illustration to replace hard drives, CD/DVD drives, 3.5-inch drives, tape drives, and other drives.

Upgrading memory

    When you upgrade your computer's memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer. Refer to your system board technical reference for information on the type of memory that is used by your computer.

To upgrade memory:

    1. Open the computer case. Make sure that you follow all safety and static electricity guidelines.
    2. Find the memory module expansion slots on your system board.
    3. If you are removing an old memory module from the memory module expansion slot, gently pull open the plastic tabs on the sides of the memory module and remove it.
    1. Align the notches on the new memory module with the notches on the expansion slot.
    2. Carefully insert the memory module into the expansion slot.
      The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically. When the module is secure, you will hear a click.
    1. Close the computer case.
    2. Reconnect the power cables.
    3. Turn on the computer.
      Windows starts and the desktop screen appears.
    1. Right-click the My Computer icon, then select Properties.
      The amount of memory in your computer is shown at the bottom of the screen in the General tab.