Lab Experiment 4
Title: Performing Internal Socket Connections in a PC
Objective
To learn and perform the correct internal socket connections of a desktop computer, including
power, data, and peripheral connections, ensuring proper hardware functionality.
Apparatus / Requirements
Desktop computer (powered off)
Screwdriver set
SATA data cables
Power cables from Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Motherboard with various sockets/ports
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid State Drive (SSD)
Optical drive (optional)
CPU fan and chassis fans
Antistatic wrist strap
Theory
1. Internal Socket Connections in a PC
Internal sockets are connectors inside the CPU cabinet that link the motherboard with different
components for power, data transfer, and control signals.
Common Internal Sockets:
1. Power Connectors (from PSU)
o 24-pin ATX main power connector – Powers the motherboard.
o 4-pin/8-pin CPU power connector – Powers the processor.
o SATA/Molex power connectors – Powers storage devices and optical drives.
2. Data Connectors
o SATA Data Port – Connects HDD/SSD/Optical drive to motherboard.
o M.2 Slot – Connects NVMe SSDs.
3. Peripheral Connectors
o Front panel connectors (F_PANEL) – Power button, reset button, LED
indicators.
o USB headers – Connect front USB ports.
o Audio headers – Connect front audio jacks.
o Fan headers (CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN) – Connect CPU and chassis fans.
Procedure
1. Safety First
o Switch off and unplug the PC.
o Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
2. Open the Case
o Use a screwdriver to remove side panels of the CPU cabinet.
3. Connect the Power Cables
o Connect the 24-pin ATX power cable from PSU to motherboard.
o Connect the 4/8-pin CPU power cable near the processor socket.
o Connect SATA power cables to HDD/SSD and optical drives.
4. Connect the Data Cables
o Plug SATA data cables into motherboard SATA ports and the corresponding
drives.
o If using M.2 SSD, insert it into the M.2 slot and secure it with a screw.
5. Connect Peripheral Cables
o Attach front panel connectors (PWR_SW, RESET_SW, HDD_LED,
PWR_LED) to the motherboard’s F_PANEL pins.
o Connect front USB header cable to USB header pins.
o Connect front audio header cable to AUDIO header.
6. Connect Cooling Fans
o Connect CPU cooler fan to CPU_FAN header.
o Connect chassis fans to SYS_FAN headers.
7. Final Steps
o Ensure all cables are secure and not blocking airflow.
o Close the case and reconnect the power cord.
Observation Table
Socket Type Component Connected Cable Used
24-pin ATX Power Motherboard ATX Power Cable
8-pin CPU Power Processor CPU Power Cable
SATA Data Port Hard Disk Drive SATA Data Cable
SATA Power Hard Disk Drive SATA Power Cable
F_PANEL Power/Reset Buttons, LEDs Front Panel Cable
USB Header Front USB Ports USB Connector Cable
Audio Header Front Audio Jacks Audio Connector Cable
CPU_FAN Header CPU Cooler 3/4-pin Fan Cable
Safety Precautions
Always power off before working inside the CPU.
Handle cables gently to avoid bending pins.
Avoid static discharge by using an antistatic wrist strap.
Conclusion
We successfully performed internal socket connections in a desktop PC, including power, data,
and peripheral connections. Correct internal connections are essential for the computer to
function properly and to maintain stable performance.
