Do you want to build a computer? You will need these tools

Assembling a computer is much less dangerous than repairing one, since you are going to do it without it being connected to the electrical network and without the problems inherited from them and the wear of the components, if you have bought them new. However, the scarcity of hardware components brings with it the opportunity to purchase previously used hardware, which is often not in optimal condition. Therefore, we recommend that if you are going to mount previously used components on another computer, you clean them thoroughly.

Another point to keep in mind is that we recommend mounting the PC on a table and not on the floor, if possible where you are going to leave it installed, in 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, since you will need all the space to carry out the assembly and if necessary, have the motherboard diagram on it to guide you and know 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 given time, and especially the guarantee (3 years from 2022). We also recommend it if you need a later sale, something presentable with a box and manuals has more value in the eyes of the buyer and it will not cost you more money.

Tools to build your PC

The following tools that we are going to describe are for the assembly of tower computers, regardless of the form factor they have. Some of them will be useful for repair if you are an expert, but we have not oriented the article in that sense, rather what you will see here are essential tools that will allow you to assemble your computer to your liking by doing it yourself.

Antistatic mat, wrist strap and gloves

The first thing that we are going to unfold on the table is the antistatic mat. These are mostly used for repairs, however it is possible that some component still holds a little charge in the assembly. Let’s not forget that, for example, when mounting the power supply to the board, we must check that everything works correctly and use the appropriate connectors for it, however, there may be poor signaling or we may be wrong.

In any case, having an antistatic mat, with its corresponding bracelet, is a tool that will protect us from possible short circuits and from other evils to the components of the PC that we are assembling. Therefore, it is a fundamental piece for a safe assembly.

In addition to the use of an antistatic mat, the use of gloves is also recommended. The reason for this is very simple, and it is that the grease that we accumulate on our fingers can cause a component to fire due to static and short-circuit 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 heat sink on top of it, a piece that 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 successive maintenance that you will have to do during the life of the computer to maintain its correct operation.

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 most likely that you have one at home beforehand. Another different thing are the heads, since in the consumer electronics industry in all its variants 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 4mm screwdriver bits and a smaller one for 1/4-inch heads. Each of them with their corresponding different heads, which we will describe below.

4mm heads

The following heads will work for the large screwdriver.

• The most used are the Philips in the form of a cross.
• Classic flat head heads, must-have sizes are 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5mm.

• We cannot forget the Torx heads, 6-point star, of 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 type nuts, 5-pointed star, which is why it is recommended to have P2, P5 and P6 type 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 are also going to find Hex type screw, the most used sizes are 0.7, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5 mm.
• Some nuts look like Torx security, however they are actually Hex security. In that case you will need 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 mm.
• Tri-point heads of type Y000, Y00, Y0 and Y1.
• Wrench heads in the following sizes: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 mm.
• We may come across components that make use of the Gamebit type. In that case we will need the 3.8 and 4.5 mm.
• Heads for 4 and 6 mm key screws.
• To finish, 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 one that accepts the heads that we are going to describe below.

• Philips cross type 1, 2, 3
• Flat head screwdriver 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 mm.
• Torx security, specifically of the types TR9, TR10, TR15, TR20, TR25, TR27, TR30, TR35, and TR40
• 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 mm Hex Security Heads
• Hex security of 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 type 1, 2 and 3.
• Wrench with sizes 8, 10 and 12.
• heads Pozidriv PZ0, PZ1, PZ2 and PZ3 are also essential.
• Torq-set of 6, 8 and 10.
• Of Splined shaft of types M5, M6, M8.