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Chapter Seven. Updating and Upgrading Hardware. Strata Objectives Covered. 1.6 (1.2 FC0-U11 U.K.) Identify the risks associated with upgrading the following technologies and equipment: PC speed/storage capability Compatibility issues Upgrade issues Bus differences Hardware failure
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Chapter Seven Updating and Upgrading Hardware
Strata Objectives Covered 1.6 (1.2 FC0-U11 U.K.) Identify the risks associated with upgrading the following technologies and equipment: • PC speed/storage capability • Compatibility issues • Upgrade issues • Bus differences • Hardware failure 2.1 (2.1 FC0-U21 U.K.) Identify basic compatibility issues between: • Processor performance • RAM memory • USB (1.1, 2.0) • FireWire • PS/2 2
Evaluating a Computer for Upgrades • What components are fine as-is? • Which components are obsolete, failing, or weaker than the others? • What components may benefit from a new driver? • What components can’t be replaced at all?
Benefits of Updating Device Drivers • Fix operational or compatibility problems with the device • Improve device performance • Add minor new features or configuration options
Checking a Device Driver Version • Open Device Manager in Windows • View the device’s Properties • Click the Driver tab • Read version number • Check manufacturer’s web site for newer version
Analyzing Current System Performance • Windows Experience Index • Third-party utilities • Windows: iBench • Mac: Xbench
When to Upgrade • Slow screen repaint: display adapter • Slowed performance when running multiple applications: RAM • Disk full warning: hard drive
Processor Upgrades • Not usually possible or economical • Motherboards accept only a narrow range of models and speeds
RAM Upgrades • Check motherboard docs to get the right kind of RAM • Check for available slots
RAM Upgrades • If all slots are full, some RAM must be replaced with higher-capacity RAM • On some systems, RAM slots are paired, and must have identical RAM in them
Hard Disk Upgrades • Replace, or Add Another? • Notebook: usually must replace • Desktop: can replace or add • Check for internal power connectors available • SATA power (for SATA) • Molex connector (for PATA)
Hard Disk Upgrades • Check types of drive connectors available • Internal: • PATA • SATA • SCSI • External: • USB • FireWire • SCSI
Buying Decisions for Hard Drives • Mechanical vs. solid state • Capacity • Internal or external • Interface • Size (3.5” for desktop, 2.5” for notebook) • RPM/rotational speed
Display Adapter Upgrades • Desktop PCs only; most notebooks cannot accept display adapter upgrade • Replace or add additional (for multiple monitors)
Display Adapter Upgrades • Check available expansion slot types • PCIe 16x • PCIe 4x • AGP • PCI
Buying Decisions for Display Adapters • Amount of memory – more is better • Memory speed – faster is better • Cooling – active or passive • Output ports – VGA, DVI • Maximum resolution – larger is better • Core clock speed – faster is better
Upgrading or Adding External Devices • Port type • USB (1.1, 2.0, 3.0) • FireWire • Legacy parallel (old printers) • Legacy serial (old or specialized devices) • ExpressCard • PS/2 • 3.5mm jack
Assessing Hardware Upgrade Risks • Physical compatibility • System compatibility • OS compatibility • Compatibility with existing applications • Compatibility with anticipated future applications and OSes
Common Hardware Issues • USB hubs: If unpowered, can support only a few devices with adequate power • Power supply: Can become overloaded many devices installed, especially drives • System resource conflicts may occur (IRQs, DMA channels, memory addreses, I/O addreses)
Personal Safety Considerations • Wear short sleeves, or roll up your sleeves to avoid tearing clothing if it gets caught • Remove jewelry to avoid getting snagged • Don’t open a power supply or a CRT because of shock from capacitors
ESD Prevention Guidelines • Ground yourself • Wear an antistatic wrist strap • Use an antistatic mat
ESD Prevention Guidelines • Wear natural fibers • Keep item inside antistatic bag until ready to install
Other Hardware-Handling Guidelines • Disconnect power before opening the case • Handle circuit boards only by the edges • Be as gentle as possible the cables and connectors • Don’t bend or crimp a cable unnecessarily
Installing Memory • Remove cover to expose slot(s) • Remove old memory if needed • Firmly press new memory into slot
Installing an Internal Disk Drive Chart describing jumper settings • Set jumpers on drive if needed (PATA or SCSI only) Jumper
Installing an Internal Disk Drive • Connect drive connector from motherboard • Connect power connector from power supply
Installing an Internal Disk Drive • Partition and format drive • Disk Management in Windows • Third-party disk utility program
Installing a Circuit Board • Remove old board if needed • Remove metal backplate behind slot if needed
Installing a Circuit Board • Identify the slot to use • Remove old board if needed • Remove metal backplate behind slot if needed • Firmly press circuit board straight down into slot • Secure board with screw or other retaining method