I'm going to be building my first ever PC from scratch on my own (always had my Dad to help me in the past as I'm not to good with things like this) and was wondering what tools I need? Are there any PC building toolkits available?
What tools do I need to build a PC?
- Thread starter Cromulent
- Start date
There are various kits - not sure what the best ones are.
I've built most PCs with little more than a #0 (2.5mm) and #3 (5mm) Phillips head screwdrivers (and grounding if working on other people's machines).
Having at least one screw driver with a decent shaft length and/or good quality flexi and something magnetic to grab screws out of hard to reach places and/or to keep screws securely on the screwdriver when trying to get them into hard to reach spots is a good idea.
I've built most PCs with little more than a #0 (2.5mm) and #3 (5mm) Phillips head screwdrivers (and grounding if working on other people's machines).
Having at least one screw driver with a decent shaft length and/or good quality flexi and something magnetic to grab screws out of hard to reach places and/or to keep screws securely on the screwdriver when trying to get them into hard to reach spots is a good idea.
philips crosshead, typically an antistatic mat and wrist strap (personally i don't do this, i just ground myself on a radiator but everyone is different), tweezers/pliers optional.
Just don't follow this guy and you will be fine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-2Scfj4FZk&t=903s
Just don't follow this guy and you will be fine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-2Scfj4FZk&t=903s
I would say get something like a multi socket screwdriver for about £5 and then you should be set by using the Phillips head and maybe, maybe a couple of torx heads.
Other than that, there are things like thermal paste if you count that in tools.
Some CPU coolers will need specific screwdrivers like ones with really long shafts for through the heatsink, but they usually come with the product.
Other than that, there are things like thermal paste if you count that in tools.
Some CPU coolers will need specific screwdrivers like ones with really long shafts for through the heatsink, but they usually come with the product.
As stated, no special tools needed, just having an appropriate screwdriver will be enough 99% of the time. Any struggles, step back from it, research what you need to know, read or watch videos and approach it again (better informed and with some renewed confidence).
I bought a kit with various small screwdrivers easy to use in a case and I would also advise cable ties (not a tool but very handy)
Magnetic phillips screwdriver does 90% of the job.
If you need to remove rivets (e.g. to take out drive cages that are blocking other components) then a power drill is useful but that's maybe a bit much for your first build.
A torch/lamp or otherwise good lighting.
Maybe an internet connected phone or tablet to look up information like manuals and such like.
Not really a tool but a power socket that you can easily switch off and unplug independently helps
If you need to remove rivets (e.g. to take out drive cages that are blocking other components) then a power drill is useful but that's maybe a bit much for your first build.
A torch/lamp or otherwise good lighting.
Maybe an internet connected phone or tablet to look up information like manuals and such like.
Not really a tool but a power socket that you can easily switch off and unplug independently helps
Don't forget a 5mm hex or small pliers for the motherboard standoffs
But yeah cross head screwdriver is pretty much it.
Static can be a problem but mostly with carpeted floors, and we all have laminate now right?
Second this, poorly tightened standoffs are an unbelievable nuisance if they come loose mid-build (or when upgrading), but many cases come with them pre-installed.
Make sure you use a screwdriver of the right size BEFORE it strips, it can be helpful to have them in different lengths too. Flat heads are useful for some coolers (like Intel pushpins and AMD levers, but it's usually possible without).
I also have some long tip plastic tweezers for when I inevitably lose a %£*%£ screw in the worst possible place.
You can also buy soft grips (or just some small rubber bands) for when power, molex and SATA connectors get stuck, but should hopefully not be needed.
You'll often get some short ones with your case so don't buy dozens.
I disagree. I can get through a dozen or more cable ties in a build, especially if I have to re-route cables or change the PSU. And I have several colours and lengths of cable ties. Cable ties that show up well are very useful in hidden areas like the back of the case. I'm actually surprised that OCUK don't appear to sell cable ties - they sell velcro but not cable ties. A collection of multicoloured cable ties like this has a use beyond building PCs. And it's only a tenner.