Tools needed to fix a computer system
Before starting to work
on a computer system, it's important to make sure you have the proper set of
tools. In the middle of building a computer system or doing a repair job, it's
a major distraction to have to go searching for a tool you need to complete the
task.
With that in mind, here
is a guide to tools that are important to have on hand when doing work on a
computer.
Screwdriver
This tool is probably the most important to have. All computer parts are fastened to the computer through some form of a screw. It's important that the screwdriver not have a magnetic tip. Having a magnetized object inside of the computer case can damage some circuits or drives.
Zip Ties
The use of small plastic zip ties can make all the difference between a jumbled mess of wires and a professional-looking build. Organizing the cables into bundles or routing them through specific paths can have major benefits.
Tweezers
The most
frustrating aspect of building a computer is dropping a screw inside the case,
especially if it rolls into the tightest corner so you can't reach it. Tweezers
are helpful when working in tight spots or for retrieving that lost screw
inside of a computer case.
Isopropyl
alcohol is probably one of the most important cleaners to use with a computer. It
does an excellent job of cleaning off thermal compounds without leaving a
residue that could impact future compounds.
Lint and
dust can cause lots of problems inside of computers. In particular, they build
up inside the case and deposit on fans and air slots. These contaminants will
directly impact the flow of air inside the computer and can lead to overheating
and failure of components.
Using a
lint-free cloth to wipe down the case or components will help prevent the
build-up of dust.
It is
amazing how dirty computers can get with the dust and grime from use. The
problem is that some of these small cracks and surfaces can be hard to reach.
This is where a cotton swab can come in handy.
Be
careful about using swabs. If the swab is too loose, fibers may end up inside
the computer where they can cause problems. This tool is best used only for
cleaning exposed contacts or general surfaces.
The most
obvious use for plastic bags is to store all those loose parts after the
computer is finished or even to hold the spare screws while you are working on
it. It helps prevent the loss of these small parts.
Static
electricity can cause severe damage to electrical components due to the short,
high-voltage burst of a discharge. The easiest way to deal with this risk is to
use a grounding strap. This tool is generally a strap with a metal contact
fixed to a wire that you clip to an external metal part to help discharge any
static charge that may build up on your body.
Dust is a
major problem for computer systems over time. If this dust gets bad enough, it
can cause overheating and potential part failures. In general, a vacuum is best
because it pulls the dust off the components and out of the environment.
If
conditions are hot and dry, avoid using a vacuum; it can generate a lot of
static electricity.
Of
course, if you don't want to try and put together your own kit, plenty of
computer toolkits are available on the market. Some of the best are from
iFixIt, which is a company that specializes in instructing consumers on how to
repair their computers.
If you don’t
have a power-supply tester or multimeter on hand, you might spend hours
troubleshooting and swapping out components until you stumble across the
culprit.
If you do have one
of these devices, it will take only seconds to ensure that your power supply is
in good working order, that voltage is being output properly, and that simple
components, such as the power switch, are functioning.
It’s essential to apply a fresh layer of thermal paste
anytime you mount or reseat a heat sink. This is the best means of ensuring
that heat transfers from the processor to the heat sink, where it can be
dissipated by a cooling fan or water block.
I like to keep two types of thermal paste on hand: A
silver-based paste for high-performance applications, and a ceramic-based or
other non-electrically-conductive paste, for applications where there may be
electrical contacts or other surface-mounted components exposed.
Light
A good
head-mounted lamp is incredibly useful when building or upgrading a system. This
is often overlooked.
Many of today’s more popular
cases have black or dark-colored interiors, which can make it difficult to
spot small screws and other components unless you’re working in a perfectly lit
room.
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