Introduction
Most of us, at one point or another, have had to modify the insides of our computers.  Whether it was adding a new memory stick, fixing a cable, or even more advanced stuff like actually building the computer.  Every time you open your computer case, new risks arise.  There is always the danger of you doing something wrong (knowingly or unknowingly) that can cause major, and usually permanent, damage to the computer.  It is a horrible feeling to find out that something you did has now ruined your computer (I speak from experience).  So in order to reduce the number of stupid mistakes people make, we need to educate the people.

It is always a good idea to research what you are doing before you do it, but sometimes you feel like you know everything and don’t want to waste any time learning (that’s me!).  Well, let me let you in on a little secret…YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING!  I thought that I did, and now my computer sits silenced in the corner of my room.  So, the rest of this tutorial will go over the stupid mistakes I (and others) made while working on my computer.  I highly suggest you heed my warnings and be careful when working on your computer.

Step 1 – Thermal Paste: Who Needs It?
 
Why Reapply?
Computers generate lots of heat, especially the processor.  Therefore, on the processor sits on a heatsink, with a layer of thermal compound (paste or pad) in between the two.  The compound and heatsink draw heat away from the processor to keep it from burning up.  So having both (not just one) is very important.  Not reapplying was my biggest mistake.

(Re)applying compound really is not that difficult.  Most processors either come with a thermal pad already attached or provide detailed instructions on how to apply the paste/pad.  Pads are very simply done.  You just find the middle of the heatsink and place the pad there and then install the heatsink.  Paste, however requires a bit more work.  You need to place a small drop of paste on the die of the processor and then spread it around (add more if necessary) until it is about as thick as a sheet of paper.  For more help on thermal compound and installing heatsinks, try these links:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm

http://www.neoseeker.com/Hardware/faqs/kb/5,61.html

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_869_4348%5E6678,00.html

http://www.heatsink-guide.com/content.php?content=compound.shtml

Just in case you are wondering what happens if you don’t reapply, let me show you:

That doesn’t look too good does it?  Your computer WILL NOT work if you do not (re)apply thermal compound.


Step 2 – Sharp Objects
Sharp objects don’t agree with computer equipment very well.  Screwdrivers are fine for the outside of the case, but for the inside, they can be deadly.  Screws hold the motherboard to the case, so of course you have to use a screwdriver there, but don’t use them for cleaning or some other use.

The only times when you should have to use a screwdriver on the inside are thus:

• Removing the motherboard from the case


• Installing/removing the heatsink retention clip


• Installing CD/DVD drives, hard drives, etc.

When using a screwdriver, be extremely careful!  If you slip, you can hit the motherboard and scratch or crack it (both not good).  Also, if you are removing the retention clip, be extra careful.  Hitting the processor can render it useless.  Never use excessive force.  You may need to apply force with the clip or a tough screw, but never press harder than you need to.  Again, you could crack the motherboard or processor.

Screwdrivers are most likely the only sharp tools you should have to use on the computer.  However, people do crazy things, so here is a list of things not to use:

• Knives


• Forks


• Paper Clips


• Pencils/Pens

You get the point.  Never use anything that has not been suggested to you (by a reliable source) or something that you are unsure about.

Step 3 – Static: My Old Friend
When your friends would rub their socked feet across the floor and then shock you, you didn’t like it, did you?  Well, neither does your computer.  Static electricity can be sent through circuits in a computer and fry them.  This, of course, causes problems.  So, to prevent the risk of shocking your computer, follow these steps:

1. Always ground yourself.  Whether it be by touching the inside of your computer case or by wearing an anti-static wristband, you must do so.  This will remove static electricity from your body, so you do not fry the computer.


2. Always work on a non-conductive surface.  Working on carpet is NOT a good idea.  Always work on a wooden table or set the motherboard on the box it came in (or other cardboard).


3. Wear sensible clothing. Nylon pants, socks, and a wool hat is not proper attire for computer repair.  Cotton pants and shirt is probably best.


4. Wearing gloves is never a good idea (not just for static reasons, but also for decreased agility of the hands).

Mainly just using common sense will get you by, but you may not have realized the damaging effects of static.  If you follow those steps you should be OK.

Step 4 – The Vacuum
Ah, yes, the vacuum.  A great tool for cleaning your house, but not your computer.  I decided that when I was working on my computer that it would be a good idea to clean it while I had it out of the case.  I pulled out my vacuum, flipped the switch, and inevitably doomed my computer.

While vacuums may work fine for cleaning the case, and may get the dust out of all the nooks and crannies of your motherboard, they are very dangerous. Vacuums can cause a great amount of static electricity (the bad stuff we learned about earlier).  This could shock your computer and destroy the circuits.  In addition to that danger, there is another risk.  Unless you have very small attachments for your vacuum, the hoses and nozzles are very big and clumsy.  You could easily knock a capacitor loose or break it off.  This would cause major problems.  While this might be less likely to happen than the static shock, it is still a concern.

Don’t worry, though, there are other ways to clean your computer.  If you are wanting to remove the dust from the small places in your motherboard (or any other small places in the computer), feel free to use canned air.  Canned air provides a very low risk of static shock and is also less clumsy.  Canned air can be found at an office supply like Office Max or Best Buy.  It is fairly inexpensive at about 6 USD a can (they go a long way if used sparingly).  I highly suggest using canned air as opposed to vacuums.