Assembling a computer is much less dangerous than repairing it, since you will be doing it without it being connected to the electrical network and without the problems inherited from these and the wear and tear of the components, if you bought them new. However, the scarcity of hardware components offers the possibility of buying used hardware, which is often not in optimal condition. Therefore, we recommend that if you plan to mount previously used components on another computer, clean them thoroughly.
Another point to keep in mind is that we recommend that you mount the PC on a table and not on the floor, if possible where you are going to leave it installed, this way you will not have to move it. Of course, do not place items such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, etc. on the table. Leave the table clean as you will need all the space to do the assembly and if necessary have the motherboard schematic on it to guide you where each connection goes.
It is extremely important to keep the boxes and manuals of the components in perfect condition, in case it is necessary to consult them at any time, and especially the warranty (3 years from 2022). We also recommend it if you need a later sale, something presentable with a box and manuals is more valuable in the eyes of the buyer and it won’t cost you more.
Tools to build your PC
The following tools that we will describe are intended for the assembly of tower computers, regardless of their form factor. Some of them will be useful for repair if you are an expert, but we have not oriented the article in this direction, rather what you will see here are essential tools that will allow you to assemble your computer to your way by doing it yourself.
Antistatic mat, wrist strap and gloves
The first thing we are going to unfold on the table is the anti-static mat. These are mainly used for repairs, however it is possible that some components still hold a little load in the assembly. Let’s not forget that, for example, when mounting the power supply on the board, we must check that everything works correctly and use the appropriate connectors for this, however, there may be poor signaling or we may be mistaken.
In any case, having an antistatic mat, with its corresponding strap, is a tool that will protect us from possible short circuits and other harm to the components of the PC that we are assembling. It is therefore a fundamental part for a safe assembly.
Besides using an antistatic mat, the use of gloves is also recommended. The reason for this is very simple, and it is that the grease we accumulate on our fingers can cause a component to trip due to static electricity and short out you in the process. So for safety, apart from the bracelet and the mat, it is recommended to wear gloves.
Thermal paste
It is highly recommended to put thermal paste on the CPU before placing the heatsink on it, a part we always recommend placing. Therefore, having a pot of thermal paste is essential, since you will not only have to manage it during the first assembly of the computer, but also in the successive interviews that you will have to do during the life of the computer to maintain its proper functioning. .
Screwdrivers or heads to mount a PC
A good collection of screwdrivers or heads is essential for assembling a PC so that no nut can resist us and we can build our PC in a short time.
Our advice is to use an automatic one with an interchangeable head, it is very likely that you have one at home beforehand. Heads are another different thing because in the consumer electronics industry, in all its variations, they use different types of screws than those used in other types of products.
We are going to need two types of screwdrivers, a large one for the 4mm screwdriver bits and a smaller one for the 1/4 inch heads. Each of them with their different corresponding heads, which we will describe below.
4mm heads
The following heads will work for the large screwdriver.
- The most used are the cross-shaped Philips.
- Classic flathead heads, must-have sizes are 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5mm.
- We cannot forget the Torx heads, 6-pointed star, types T2, T3, T4 and T5.
- Some screws require a screwdriver or Torx security head where sizes TR6, TR7 and TR8 are a must.
- Some manufacturers use Pentalobe, 5-pointed star type nuts, which is why it is recommended to have P2, P5 and P6 types in our box.
- JIS heads are very similar to Philips, but they are not exactly the same, which is why it is also essential to have heads of this type. J000, J00, J0 and J1, just in case.
- We will also find Hex type screws, the most used sizes are 0.7, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5 mm.
- Some nuts look like a Torx security, but they are actually a Hex security. In this case you will need 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 mm.
- Type Y000, Y00, Y0 and Y1 tripoint heads.
- Key heads in the following sizes: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 mm.
- We may encounter components that use the Gamebit type. In this case we will need the 3.8 and 4.5 mm.
- Heads for 4 and 6 mm keyed screws.
- Finally, we have the triangle shaped heads of 2, 2.2, 2.6 and 3 mm
1/4 heads
Many components use very small screws or nuts, which is why we need a smaller screwdriver or, alternatively, an automatic screwdriver that accepts the heads that we will describe below.
- Philips cross type 1, 2, 3
- Flat head screwdrivers 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 mm.
- Torx security, especially types TR9, TR10, TR15, TR20, TR25, TR27, TR30, TR35 and TR40
- 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 mm hex safety heads
- Hex safety types SAE1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32 and 1/4
- Square heads are more typical on 1/4 inch head nuts, in this case we will need types 1, 2 and 3.
- Wrench with sizes 8, 10 and 12.
- heads The Pozidriv PZ0, PZ1, PZ2 and PZ3 are also essential.
- Torq-game of 6, 8 and 10.
- Splined shaft types M5, M6, M8.
Therefore, it is advisable to have a complete kit, because if the hardware manufacturers agree on the standards to be used in hardware, each uses its own screws for assembly and that is why it is necessary to have a good collection of hand screwdrivers. , you never know what type of screws you may find.
For these cases, it is better to play the card of safety and professionalism, because on a PC it is easy to pass certain notches or threads, so having the right head is essential, and if they are magnetized on it, c ‘is better. This is why a more than recommended option is the ifixit Manta kit:
Insulating nylon washers
To fix the screws we will need not only their corresponding nuts, but also the washers and we are not interested in the fact that none of them, being metal, end up causing problems such as shorts -circuits. Remember that metal conducts electricity and this is where the nylon or insulating washers come in, which will accomplish this task.
Therefore, among the tools to mount your PC, do not forget to have a good collection of pucks of this type, your team and yourself will thank you in the long run. You can choose kits of different sizes, but in the end the ones we will spend the most on are the M3 type.
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