Essentially, with a simple star screwdriver You might have more than enough to complete an assembly or change a component (although there are components like RAM that don’t even require tools). However, if you want to do things well, more easily and comfortably, there are some tools that we consider essential, so let’s take a look at them.
The essential tools for building a PC
We start with what has already been mentioned Phillips screwdriver, also known as a star screwdriver. But in this regard, not just any heatsink will do, both because of the caliber and the length of the body, and we use a screwdriver which accompanies many heatsinks like the be quiet! For example, since its caliber makes it ideal for large heat sink screws such as medium ones for anchoring a fan to the case, PCI slot fixing screws or even smaller screws.
Additionally, as it is magnetized, it is much more useful for inserting the screw into its head and screwing it directly, or when dropping a screw and picking it up; On the other hand, since its body is very long, it can also be used in heat sinks very comfortably.
The following tool is optional but the truth is that when you do constant assembly and disassembly as is our case, it makes your life much easier, and it is a electric screwdriver. The ideal is that it has interchangeable heads to be able to be used on different types of screws, that they are magnetized and that they allow both screwing and unscrewing by changing the direction of rotation. Also, if possible, it includes Torx heads which, although normally no PC has one of its own and are not necessary to build a PC, it never hurts in case, for example, you need to open a power supply to clean it inside.
We recommend a Bosch from the IXO range because they are quite powerful, reliable and cordless (below we link the one we have), but simple electric screwdrivers like the one from Xiaomi are also very good, although it is true that they don’t have any. lots of power.
In general and as we have already said, with a screwdriver you can already assemble a complete PC without too many problems, but there are other tools without which we personally cannot live to “do it right”; And ultimately, you want the best assembly possible, and that means having to route the cables and anchor them to the case so they go where they need to and don’t get in the way.
To do this, it is best to use zip ties if your box does not come with velcro strips. You can buy them at any hardware store and they don’t cost much, or you can buy a pack on Amazon in different sizes and you’ll have zip ties until you retire.
When assembling a PC using cable ties, you’ll need another tool: wire cutters. With it you will be able to cut the excess from the flanges, or in case you are disassembling for whatever reason, it will help you cut the flanges that are installed. It is also something that you can buy without problem in a neighborhood hardware store and it is not very expensive, although yes, we recommend that you buy a fairly good one because otherwise it will become dull as soon as you cut four fasteners. If you find it in a pack with electrician’s flat pliers, it never hurts; it is sometimes useful to help you connect hard-to-reach cables.
Finally, another tool that is rather an accessory that we cannot live without when assembling a PC concerns the assembly of heat sinks, and it is often necessary to change the thermal paste or simply apply it to a new one. PC. Normally a little isopropyl alcohol and toilet paper work well, but we prefer to use a little more professional tools for convenience, and the Arctic or Noctua wipes seem perfect for this.
In fact, it doesn’t hurt to always have extra thermal paste when needed, and that’s why we recommend the following kit which includes a 4 gram syringe of Arctic MX-6 and some cleaning wipes for cheap.
In essence, with these tools you will have more than enough to assemble and disassemble any PC as many times as you need. Are you missing tools, or on the contrary, are you one of those who has more than enough for everything with a screwdriver? Tell us in the comments.
