What tools do i need to build a pc ?

[pugh]

Hi,
Iam in the process of building my first pc. I was wandering what i might need to get started. I have heard of electric static and what damage it can do. I bought a wrist strap . Is there a danger to working on my pc while on carpet too? Also ,do i need to go out and buy a grounding mat too. If anyone can give me some ideas ,it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BCYL]

Actually you don't really need any of that if you are careful and use your common sense... Just be careful when handling those electronic parts and you will be fine... Try and hold onto the cards by the sides instead of the face, and ground yourself before you touch anything....

I have never used a wrist strap and have never had a problem with static when working on my computers...

Good Luck!

 

[sandorski]

Screwdriver.

 

[BlueVenus]

Hi pugh,

I've built quite a few, all I have ever needed was a screwdriver, and tweezers for pullin jumpers. BCLY is right about the static too. Just take your time and have fun!


-Blue

 

[AMB]

I agree with sandorski,

just a screwdriver

 

[pugh]

Thanks all you guys for your input...

 

[mnlkmh]

I agree with all above.
Since you have the wrist wrap, why not use it.
We use wrist wraps at work (or mat or shoes or all of them at once)
But on the other side our HW is quite sort of high end and there by
very costly.
( I'm working with MIL spec. aviation hardware )

 

[squirrel dog]

phillips screwdriver,stay in contact with the case,leave it plugged in,but not 'on'.

 

[Ark]

I would not reccomend you to plug in - new motherboards have live circuits even if power is off. Be carefull!

 

[cryptan]

i've fixed tons of systems with jus a screwdriver and a whole lotta TLC....

 

[GreenLantern]

• small screwdriver(s) probably Philips, may need Robertson.

• tweezers

• magnetic screwdriver IF you're wary enough to use it. For dropping screws in case.

• Flashlight (small). always helps ('specially your first time around)

Have a wrist strap? Use a wrist strap!

 

[hominid skull]

I always use my trusty Swiss army knife..

 

[jblondi]

Don't Usea magnetic screwdriver!!!! Talk about inducing some electro static! Before you start working on the computer just touch yourself to the power supply of the case. That should allow any charge that you were building up to discharge.

 

[Barny]

I, for one, disagree with most of these responses. ESD, Electro Static Discharge is responsible for up to 80% of hardware failures.
Anyone working on their own computer should own, and use, a good ESD wrist strap and mat.
Connect the alligator clip to bare metal on the case and wear the wrist strap tight on your arm. When removing any components from your machine, lay them on the ESD mat. The mat should be attached to your wrist strap cord that is connected via the alligator clip to your case.
What this does is ensure that you, the mat, and the case are all at the same ground potential. Eliminating the possibility of a static discharge that could damage your computer components.
Damage from ESD can occur even if you don't feel the discharge like you would when you touch a door knob or someone and feel the shock.
Also, it can take days, weeks, months for the component to fail so it isn't always obvious that you've zapped it.
What ESD damage does is weaken the component or land pattern. After you've used it for awhile, the heat will eventually cause it to open and fail.
Seriously, purchasing and using an ESD kit is a wise and required investment for anyone that opens the cover of their machine.

 

[kmike75]

first thing u need is "the look". u know, the one you give your bride when she questions your abilities. the second thing you need is a place to hide all the extra parts. they will cum in useful when you realize what you are doing costs money, and decide to build another to pay 4 this one. 3rd thing you'll need is a NON magnetic screwdriver of the "phillips" nature. tweezers work good 4 jumpers. something to magnify is VERY usefull if u r 43 like me. wrist strap usage depends on the amount of static in your home. do it on a WOOD bench or table, and never stand on a carpet. don't do it on glass, as some glass coatings can act as a buss. if u can, install the ram and processor before installing the motherboard in the case. less flex of momma helps her stay healthy. when you decide to install the operating system, leave the modem and sound card on the bench. get the puter up first, try loading sum games or programs...making sure all is stable before adding cards.

hey pugh, hope 2 hear more about your baby...
kmike

 

[sandorski]

Magnetic screwdrivers and anti-static gagdets: I have used a magnetic screwdriver for years with not a single problem.

I've never used anti-static gadgetry and have never had a problem, just touch something to ground yourself before handling parts.

If you want to play it safe, by all means get, or don't get, the appropriate "extras".

 

[Tominator]

Moet hardware stores sell a phillips scre driver about 8 inches long that is covered completely in plastic. Only the last inch of the tip is bare. That and a 'mini-maglite' and you are set....plus the antistatic protection..