The system unit of a computer is a case inside which there are a power supply unit and a system (motherboard) board with controllers for external devices connected to it. In the case of the system unit are also mounted: hard disk (HDD), devices for reading and writing data: DVD, CD and others. That is, the system unit of a computer is the computer itself.
Materials and tools
To replace the system unit, you will need:
- new system unit;
- monitor;
- keyboard;
- mouse;
- screwdriver;
- a package of reference documentation for all devices included in the system unit;
- media with software for all available devices.
Compliance with the requirements
Replacing the system unit is almost like replacing a computer. In this operation, you will have to solve two main tasks, namely: to provide hardware and functional combination of devices. You will have to take the first step in this direction at the stage of purchasing a new system unit. When purchasing a system unit, be sure to ask for documentation for it. Check the documentation to see if the architecture of the computer you are purchasing corresponds to the tasks that you are going to solve with it. The speed and type of processor, the amount of random access memory (RAM), the size of the hard disk, and the parameters of the video card are important. Pay attention to the video card connectors. Depending on the type of monitor you have, you will need either VGA (analog) or DVI (digital) video outputs on your video card. Their connectors are different. In addition, if you plan to output the video signal to a TV, you may need S-Video or HDMI connectors, for example. If you are interested in the multimedia of your computer, you should find out which sound card is installed on it. Its parameters and the number of channels must also be indicated in the documentation. To connect a keyboard and mouse on the back of the system unit, there are sometimes PS / 2 connectors. If they are not there, then you will have to use the USB connectors. The latter is not always desirable, as it leads to a decrease in the number of free USB ports required to connect mobile devices. USB ports are available on any modern machine, but the number varies. Make sure there are enough of them for your purposes. It is desirable that a network adapter with a LAN connector also be included in the architecture of the computer, this will allow you to connect the computer to a local network or to the Internet. You will need a FireWire connector if your peripheral devices require it. The same goes for SCSI devices.
Connection and configuration
If the hardware configuration of the new system box suits you, you can proceed with its installation. First, assemble the minimum configuration: system unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse. If your computer has PS / 2 ports, the mouse and keyboard symbols are already marked next to them. The slots on the sound card are color coded. The rest of the connectors are almost impossible to confuse. When connecting the monitor cable, a screwdriver may sometimes be required, all other connections are made without tools. Older system units sometimes have a three-pole power outlet for the monitor. If the new case does not have one, purchase a network cable for the monitor and use it. In the event that the operating system you need is already preinstalled on your computer, you can immediately start installing drivers for external devices and the software you need. In other cases, you will need to install or reinstall the operating system. Additional software required for all devices of the new system unit must be provided by its supplier.
