Pc build prep kit. Tools, Anti-static Precautions, extra SATA cables?

[alfabet0]

The objective of this post is stress reduction, what are the best tools for the job and no thats not what I meant, keep it clean (: Anything that can expedite the installation and prevent the heartache the comes from damaging a £170+ component is more than welcome in my book, along with any precautions you might recommend.

Examples:
No 2 crosshead screwdriver
Long-nose pliers
Multi-head screwdriver
phillips head screwdriver
Medium crosshead screwdriver
Fine pliers
Thermal past
Torch
Cable ties
4gb flash drive
Cheap Anti-static wristband http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mercury-Anti...0506511&sr=1-6
LINDY Anti-Static Service Kit http://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-43080-...ef=pd_sim_ce_3

Tool kits Amazon top rated:http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_...rnid=419152031
Hama PC Tool Kit (Professional)
Sprotek: 58 Piece Computer Repair Tool Kit
Sprotek 145 Piece Laptop Computer PC Maintenance Tool Kit
Belkin Tool Kit - 55 Piece F8E062u

My build:
Silverstone FT02B-W
Asus Maximus V Gene
Intel Core i5-3570k
Arctic Cooling Freezer i30
EVGA GTX 670 FTW
Antec High Current Pro 750W
Samsung SSD 830 256gb
Lite-On
WIN 7 64-bit

I'm new to this PC building gig, any advice on bit & bobs extra SATA cables or the like I may need?

[Macadee]

Main things I use on a build are No. 1 & No. 2 phillips screwdrivers, bought a PC took kit years ago and the rest of the bits have never used.

Never used an anti-static strap, although good practice I never seen the point as i tend to sit/stand at a table and not run around scuffing my feet on a nylon carpet.

Most, if not all mobos will come with at least two SATA cables, though usually basic and bright red.

A magnetised screwdriver is very handy for inserting mobo screws, though keep away from hard disks.

Thumbscrews are handy to use instead of standard screws on drive bays and PCI slots.

[alfabet0]

I could just subscribe to Custom PC and get the free cheapy 26-piece toolkit http://subscribe.custompc.co.uk/?utm...h+latest+issue might just do the job,
but as for not using anti-static Anti-static wristband, that's like sex without the condom my paranoia simply wouldn't permit it

My Silverstone FT02B-W comes with just a few thumbscrews for case access, but not for the drive bays.
As you said my motherboard comes with two SATA cables is this adequate for the above build?

[deejayburnout]

my pc build kit is mainly one of these £1 drivers from Maplin



works a treat.

use a pair of sidecutters and some cable ties as well.

before i work on the pc, i run my hand over the radiator pipes, takes away any static.

[MrJim]

I could just subscribe to Custom PC and get the free cheapy 26-piece toolkit http://subscribe.custompc.co.uk/?utm...h+latest+issue might just do the job,
but as for not using anti-static Anti-static wristband, that's like sex without the condom my paranoia simply wouldn't permit it

My Silverstone FT02B-W comes with just a few thumbscrews for case access, but not for the drive bays.
As you said my motherboard comes with two SATA cables is this adequate for the above build?

Scan do include insurance against damaging components on installation if you're that concerned, but I never bother with it myself (I'm just careful ). As for static, I just touch an unpainted part of the computer case to discharge any static before I touch components, & try not to shuffle around the carpet too much

I have the same Silverstone case as you - on the whole I'm very happy with it, although mine arrived with broken fan mounts initially (not good for a £180 case). The 5.25 drive bays are toolless, and one the hard-drives are screwed into the drive sleds, they're toolless too. The only problem I had with my build was the lack of space behind the motherboard; I ended up cable tying the 24 pin power cable to the lower edge of the motherboard tray. Performance-wise the case is great, although even on the slow fan speed, it's just a little noisier than I would like.

[alfabet0]

my pc build kit is mainly one of these £1 drivers from Maplin

A very minimalist tool kit, perhaps I've overthink this a bit.

(Jimbobgod1969) although mine arrived with broken fan mounts

To be honest I haven't taken a good look inside the case yet, but I have heard that Silverstone do have some quality control issues, would broken fan mounts look obvious to a novice like me?
I'll have a good look inside, when I get the chance.

(Jimbobgod1969) although even on the slow fan speed, it's just a little noisier than I would like.

Perhaps I should invest in some Scythe Gentle Typhoon fans.

[MrJim]

To be honest I haven't taken a good look inside the case yet, but I have heard that Silverstone do have some quality control issues, would broken fan mounts look obvious to a novice like me?
I'll have a good look inside, when I get the chance.

Perhaps I should invest in some Scythe Gentle Typhoon fans.

It was quite obvious - the screws which should have been fixing the three fans to the base of the case were rattling around inside when I opened it up! For future reference, it's a good idea when buying from Scan that you check your items very carefully immediately you receive them, specifically within 48 hours. I didn't check my FT02 for sometime after it arrived because I was ill at the time, & Scan initially refused to take it back and repair / replace it. It wasn't until I quoted the Sales of Goods Act to them & threatened them with legal action that they finally relented, but I learnt my lesson.

The three fans are 180mm which is a relatively unusual size (I've only seen other Silverstone ones on sale). The fans installed in the FT02 are very good at cooling though, as they're 'Air Penetrator' type which provide a focused vortex of air across the components. I suppose computer noise is very subjective, but on the low setting, my PC generates a gentle hum. I deliberately went for quiet components in my system, so I suppose I was hoping it'd be a bit quieter than it is!

If you need any help or advice when you come to assembling your system, feel free to PM me

[alfabet0]

If you need any help or advice when you come to assembling your system, feel free to PM me

My sincere thanks, it's nice to have some backup, as I've kind of jumped into the deep end on this build.
But you have my word I'll not pester you unless absolutely necessary.

[alfabet0]

the screws which should have been fixing the three fans to the base of the case were rattling around inside when I opened it up!

I just touched and prodded my case like no case I've ever touched before and I now know what you meant, I'm relieved to say there is no sign of damage there, as I'm way past my 48 hours with Scan.

[MrJim]

I just touched and prodded my case like no case I've ever touched before and I now know what you meant, I'm relieved to say there is no sign of damage there, as I'm way past my 48 hours with Scan.

Glad to hear that! I must admit I haven't bought from Scan since my case debacle, which is a shame as their service up until that point had been good.

No problem about getting in touch if you need to, it's always a good idea to learn from other people's experiences...every computer case I've ever worked on has been different from the last

[carlborrett]

That's all i need, a screwdriver? Haha, before i started looking in to building my own PC i thought i'd need every tool out there!

[Azani]

I have that free 26 piece toolkit set from custom pc, its pretty good. That and a cheap £1 anti static wristband is all I used on my current build though it kept on coming off so I only used it about half the time lol.