Paranoid Checklist

[PzkfW]

I'm buying a new case from Newegg soon. I have a couple of old computers that I wanted to put in it, but I'm a little hesitant about putting my main computer in, and the main one also has 50 times the parts/things of the old computer.

First off, is it a bad idea to touch the motherboard/parts with my hands? I've read you should touch their edges, but I just want to make sure.

The static electricity thing won't be a problem, I have the cord, but it's not winter or anything.

I'm really paranoid about computer upgrading sometimes, I don't have the money to replace these things should I screw something up.

Also, on this note, I use a screwdriver which obviously has a very weak magnet. I used it on old computers, and it didn't kill it, but should I use a non-magnet one? This is a seriously weak magnet; it barely holds the screw. This sounds like common sense, but I'd probably hit the screws on the mobo a billion times if I didn't have the magnet, and I want to touch it as few times as possible.

List
Open new case
Unplug everthing on old case
Open old case
Draw map of where everything goes
Remove all IDE/power/whatever/motherboard cords.
Unscrew PCI slots / remove stuck cards
Unscrew motherboard. (Safe to leave on all cards/ram?)
Remove motherboard, place and screw in other case.
Remove all other HDD's/Optical Drives/etc
Remove PSU

The case should now be empty.

Also, is it ok to put these components on a carpet, or is there a designated material that is ok for them? I know not to put them on foil, I read it makes them die or explode.

Mobo already inserted
Attach small cords to mobo (case usb ports, fans, etc)
Attach power button thingy to mobo
Insert other PCI slot cards
Insert HDD's/optical drives
Attach IDE/sata to drives
Insert PSU, screw in
Attach power to all components


Did I miss anything here? I'm so paranoid about killing a part D:


Also, one other question.
My old computer that I toy around with... its parts are very resilient. I've touched them a million times, thrown them on floor, used a magnetized screwdriver with, etc etc.
Are new computer parts built like this? I grew up with the impression that computer parts are EXTREMLEY delicate, but from what I've seen, they can take a lot.
However, that's all old stuff from 1998.

Do they still make parts built to take a little handling or punishment?



Thanks for reading, thanks more for replies!!

[oryx]

I can answer a couple of question. I wouldn't place computer parts on a carpet. Carpets are well known for storing up static electricity. Cardboard is better for this purpose, a motherboard box for example. Those static electricity bags are NOT good either. They only work with the parts inside.

I think you can leave the CPU and memory attached to the motherboard when you transfer it. You'll need to remove the expansion cards from the slots because it would be difficult to remount the motherboard with them in.

[The Village Idiot]

Don't put your parts on the carpet, like oryx said, it hold static which may cause the parts to malfunction. The chances are unlikely but I always like to take the best precautions I can. As for the magnetic screwdrivers, i'm pretty sure most members would be against it but i used one, and would again. Unless you're ramming the screwdrivers into your motherboard I don't see the harm.

[Negeva]

Maybe it's my age but when I was learning about PC building you were advised never to use magnetic tools - so I wouldn't use them.

As to the mobo, CPU and RAM you might as well transplant them in one go as it can save a few issues. However, I'd be inclined to remove and replace the thermal paste on the CPU/HSF; but that's just me so if you're not a confident fellow I'd leave it be.

Work on the machine on a table, lay old newspaper on it to protect it if you like. You really don't want to rolling around on the floor with a PC looking for screws and god knows what else.

Use the table, lay the machines side by side and keep things organised, that way if things go wrong you can recover quickly.

[FalvinP]

I asked the question about using a magnetic screwdriver several months ago. I got a variety of answers and I decided to go ahead and use a magnetic screwdriver. I didn't have any problems.

Here's the thread:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=188334

I magnitized my screwdriver with a little thing I was adviced to get. I think it was called a magnetizer. The magnetic force wasn't very strong but it helped hold the screws better than holding them freehand.

Hope this helps.