Tools

[Beezle_Boss]

What are the necessary tools for putting together a gaming rig from start?

[minsonngo]

Tools?

Anti-Static Wrist Strap (optional but generally recommended)

Set of screw drivers (Phillips and Flathead)

Flashlight (can be helpful sometimes when you are trying to read stuff on the motherboard when in is already mounted in the case)

Needle nose pliers (helpful in picking up screws that you may have dropped in the case or useful in grabbing the jumpers on the HDD or optical drives)

Cable ties (you use them to organize the cables inside the case to allow for better airflow and it makes the inside of the case more visually pleasing)

[Beezle_Boss]

Anti-Static Wrist Strap (optional but generally recommended)

is the Anti-Static Strap for safety of the equipment, cause i touch my insides all the time but i make sure that the power is off obviously, but im wondering if touching the parts withouch touching a grounded metal may have damaged a part.

[TwoRails]

The manual -- good reading.

Clear, uncluttered work area.

Towel, to protect the case (and the table if you use one)

Magnifying glass if you need to set jumpers and the like.

PC Mechanic

[TwoRails]

Originally Posted by Beezle_Boss Anti-Static Wrist Strap (optional but generally recommended) is the Anti-Static Strap for safety of the equipment, cause i touch my insides all the time but i make sure that the power is off obviously, but im wondering if touching the parts withouch touching a grounded metal may have damaged a part.

As indicated, it's optional. Personally, I've never used one in the 20+ years I've been working on computers. It's you own choice, however...

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by TwoRails As indicated, it's optional. Personally, I've never used one in the 20+ years I've been working on computers. It's you own choice, however...

Yep... I never really use one either.


I just touch the side of the case or power supply to discharge any static electricity before I start to work with the components.

[blue60007]

Speaking of jumpers - you might want a small needle nose pliers to pop those guys off and on.

I've got a wrist strap but I find it getting in my way or (the clamp) slipping off and snapping back into places you don't want it to go. I usually work on a hardwood floor and set my wool socks and sweaters aside and don't worry about it too much.

[Staren]

Tin Snips - for breaking off the metal shield behind drive bays

Most people don't need clippers, but I've had some trouble breaking the shields behind the plastic covering external drive bays, especially in cheap cases. Other then that, just what the others have already listed.

[blue60007]

Good point. Another good point - once you do get those shields off beware of the sharp points it leaves behind. Those could slice you up pretty good.

[minsonngo]

For those shields... I usually just kind of turn them them back and forward until they break off... but the Tin Snips would make it easier though.

[Staren]

Originally Posted by minsonngo For those shields... I usually just kind of turn them them back and forward until they break off...

True enough, but I nicked myself pretty good the first time I tried that so I decided to take the easy route since I already had a set in my tool kit.

A bit of advice, do all the case prep before opening any parts. Open the drive bay(s) and expansion slot brackets you need, remove any fans to give yourself a little more room to work, and remove any detachable items in the case. Makes work go easier.

[Cricket]

Besides the tools and reading the manuals I think another important thing to have is a relaxed state of mind. I hear about new builders who get all excited and make all kinds of mistakes because they rush when they build their first computer. Take your time and work methodically.

Another good thing to do is assemble the core components outside the case and see if you can get POST. Don't assemble the parts into the case until you know the core components are good to go. Follow these instructions.

Cricket