Tools
Introduction
Section titled “Introduction”This chapter lists the tools, consumables, and workspace items needed to assemble the PC without damaging components or losing small parts.
Retailer links are Amazon UK convenience links. Confirm current stock, seller, price, and exact product contents before ordering.
Purpose
Section titled “Purpose”Prepare the correct tools before opening component packaging so the build can proceed without improvising around missing screwdrivers, ESD protection, lighting, or cable-management supplies.
Estimated Time
Section titled “Estimated Time”15-25 minutes to gather and inspect tools.
Difficulty
Section titled “Difficulty”Beginner.
Required Tools
Section titled “Required Tools”| Tool | Required | Amazon UK example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips #2 screwdriver | Yes | Amazon Basics 32-piece electronics screwdriver set | Main tool for case, motherboard, PSU, GPU, and radiator screws. A long shaft helps inside the case. |
| Small Phillips screwdriver or precision bit kit | Yes | iFixit Mako Precision Bit Set | Useful for M.2 screws, small brackets, and tight areas. |
| Anti-static wrist strap | Strongly recommended | iFixit anti-static wrist strap | Clip to a grounded metal point while handling exposed components. |
| Anti-static project tray or screw tray | Recommended | iFixit anti-static project tray | Keeps case screws, M.2 screws, and brackets separated. |
| Side cutters | Recommended | Amazon UK search | Trim cable ties cleanly. Avoid cutting near cables. |
| Cable ties or hook-and-loop straps | Recommended | Amazon UK search | Use reusable straps for main cable bundles where possible. |
| Flashlight or head torch | Recommended | Amazon UK search | Helps identify motherboard headers and case screw holes. |
| Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth | Optional | Amazon UK search | Needed only if thermal paste must be cleaned and reapplied. |
| USB keyboard, mouse, and display cable | Yes | Existing peripherals acceptable | Required for first boot, BIOS configuration, and Windows installation. |
An all-in-one toolkit such as the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit can cover precision bits, tweezers, opening tools, and an anti-static wrist strap, but a normal PC build still benefits from a full-size Phillips #2 screwdriver.
Warnings
Section titled “Warnings”- Do not use a power drill on PC screws.
- Do not overtighten motherboard, cooler, M.2, or radiator screws.
- Do not use magnetic parts trays for loose storage drives or magnetic media. Normal PC screws and modern SSDs are fine, but keep the tray away from packaging labels and cards.
- Do not cut cable ties while pulling against a cable.
- Do not place the motherboard on carpet, fabric, or a bare metal table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Section titled “Step-by-Step Instructions”- Put the Phillips #2 screwdriver, precision screwdriver, anti-static strap, screw tray, side cutters, and cable ties on the work surface.
- Check that the Phillips #2 tip fits a spare case screw cleanly.
- Check that the precision bit fits an M.2 screw or motherboard accessory screw.
- Put the anti-static wrist strap on your wrist and confirm the alligator clip can reach the case chassis or another grounded metal point.
- Divide the screw tray into labelled areas for motherboard screws, PSU screws, radiator screws, M.2 screws, and case panels.
- Keep the Windows 11 Pro USB installer, keyboard, mouse, and display cable nearby for first boot.
- Keep component manuals within reach, especially the motherboard and case manuals.
Verification Checklist
Section titled “Verification Checklist”- Phillips #2 screwdriver fits case and PSU screws.
- Precision screwdriver fits M.2 screws.
- Anti-static wrist strap is available.
- Screw tray or labelled containers are ready.
- Cable ties or reusable straps are ready.
- Side cutters are available for final cable cleanup.
- Windows 11 Pro USB installer is available.
- Keyboard, mouse, monitor, and display cable are available.
Common Mistakes
Section titled “Common Mistakes”- Starting with only a precision screwdriver and then struggling with case screws.
- Losing the M.2 screw or standoff.
- Using pliers on motherboard standoffs without checking whether the case already has the correct layout.
- Trimming cable ties before confirming that cables are routed correctly.
- Forgetting a keyboard before first boot.
Expected Result
Section titled “Expected Result”All required tools are present, checked, and staged before any hardware is removed from protective packaging.
Next Chapter
Section titled “Next Chapter”Continue to Build Preparation.