PC Build; What will i need?

[CrazyMonkey]

My tip: if you want to take out a component, unplug the PSU from the wall, then press the power button on your PC, this will 'turn on' the PC and drain any residual voltage from the system (I think)

Yeh thats in the Extremetech mag, they recommend doing that aswell, apart from that all ive used in builds is a screwdriver and cable ties.

[Lee H]

You've all missed the most important thing.

The Manuals.

Give them a read as these should assist you very well indeed in getting everything fitted and working as desired.

[EtheAv8r]

... everyone forgot the kettle for brewing tea or coffee.......

For earthing, I generally plug in the PSU mains lead with the fuse removed and the wall power switch off... I then frequenly touch the earthed PSU case (tip.... fit the PSU first) before picking up components to ensure not static charge present.

[DratUK]

... everyone forgot the kettle for brewing tea or coffee.......

For earthing, I generally plug in the PSU mains lead with the fuse removed and the wall power switch off... I then frequenly touch the earthed PSU case (tip.... fit the PSU first) before picking up components to ensure not static charge present.

Something most people forget!
Screwdriver and patience, depending on what case you get.

Mount the CPU/Fan externally rest it on the insualtion bag it came in, memory as well, connect cpu fan to mobo.
Identify the mounting holes for the brass studs on the mobo area of the case.
Install mobo now. Then add your vid card connect power cables to relevant connectors, dont forget the ATX 4 pin 12 volt!
As Lee says follow the manual, they are alot better than the old days of translated gibberish.
BTW everybody build slightly differently from others.

[Nick Smith]

surely u wont get threatened by electric shocks if you have never plugged in the PSU?

[amjedm]

surely u wont get threatened by electric shocks if you have never plugged in the PSU?

How is he going to discharge himself of static? I thought the only way was to touch the case/psu whilst plugged in to the mains.

[redsky009]

I use screwdriver, coffee and tweesers (for picking up screws the skuttle into your case instead of going into the right hole) in that order of importance.

ANd the earthing yourself trick between touching any of the components with you hands.

depending on the case, whack all the drives mobo spacer screws and case fans in first before putting in the mobo and cpu/cpu cooler as less chance of damaging the mobo when fiddling with case fan screws and cd drives... mainly for smaller cases though, bigger ones dont really have this problem. Also instructions and good light, preferably not at 1am cos things that seems like a good idea then probably arent....

[Nick Smith]

but im gnna put all bits together before putting any electricity into the PSU...will i need to earth and will i still get electrocuted and die?

[manwithnoname]

but im gnna put all bits together before putting any electricity into the PSU...

Personally I wouldn't do this, but in theory there is no reason why you shouldn't

..will i need to earth..

You may damage your components if you don't so

a) Monopoly option: Take a chance
b) Connect the PSU to the case, connect the power lead BUT make sure the socket is OFF at the wall. Assuming no cowboys have wired your room, touching the case will earth you.
c) Get an anti static strap
d) Some new new labour option that someone has yet to suggest...

... and will i still get electrocuted and die?

There is no guarantee if you are electrocuted that you will die

[EtheAv8r]

but im gnna put all bits together before putting any electricity into the PSU...will i need to earth and will i still get electrocuted and die?

Yes of course you need to discharge any possible static and you cannot get a shock if you read what I actually suggested, as in "....plug in the PSU mains lead with the fuse removed and the wall power switch off... " as all you now have is an earth connection.

[CrazyMonkey]

Ive got a wrist-strap it was something like £3, but ive gotta say its really annoying to wear..

[EtheAv8r]

Ive got a wrist-strap it was something like £3, but ive gotta say its really annoying to wear..

... Yup.... wheras touching an earthed PSU when you need to isn't at all annoying.....

[Puncr0c]

Little and dextrous hands if ur case is small.

Patience is probably a good idea. Don't attack the delecate components when things start to go wrong (like slicing ur fingers on the case).

Don't do the following whilst ur building it:

• Wear a wooley jumper
• Play with baloons
• Shuffle ur feet on the carpet

- the static will fry ur components. I always touch a nearby radiator every now and again (touch an unpainted part if possible).

Sticking ur finger in the earth pin of a wall socket is not advised as an anti-static measure.

Cable ties are handy. Motherboards / PSUs often come with a bag of them.

A large area to work in helps, as u get quite a lots of parts, screws and cables with a full build, so its handy to organise/manage these bits and pieces as ur building.

Another (maybe obvious one) is to have all ur driver disks and an OS disk ready. Nothing more annoying than finishing a build, only to find u have misplaced some of ur disks.

[Nick Smith]

couldnt i just sit on a big bit of polystyrene (god bless brainiac: Science Abuse)

[amjedm]

couldnt i just sit on a big bit of polystyrene (god bless brainiac: Science Abuse)

Even cheaper (what I use along with earthing myself on the psu) - rubber mats. I bought 3 and they cost me a quid each.

[Nick Smith]

LOL! ill have a look in poundland today...failing that...off to foucus!