Tips for the actual assembly part of the build? (infosec.pub)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

6 comments fedilink hide all child comments

cross-posted from: https://infosec.pub/post/32005086

When the postie comes, I'll be building a PC for the first time in years. What are the do's, don'ts and tips nowadays?

Obviously classics like RTFM, plan ahead and retrieve any dropped screws are evergreen.

Things I believe are true: tighten your CPU cooler screws evenly (like putting on a car tyre), all screws should be no more than finger tight, build in a dust-free environment.

What about grounding yourself? I remember reading that the danger of this was way overstated and e.g. anti-static wrist straps were a waste of money. Is building in a case that's plugged in (but powered off) enough?

I've seen recommendations to build outside of the case first to test components - is this good advice?

Anything else?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

More like pro tip: Touch the exposed metal parts of the case at all times.

If the air is dry enough, it is trivial to build up enough static charge between a light switch and what ever working area the PC is being built in.

Also always touch a large metal sink of a component first, and touch both parts that are to be brought together. Heatsink, pci bracket, what ever, just get the charges equalized before plugging, or any charge difference is going to go through data lines instead.

this post was submitted on 25 Jul 2025

17 points (100.0% liked)

PC Master Race

18230 readers

7 users here now

A community for PC Master Race.

Rules:

No bigotry: Including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or xenophobia. Code of Conduct.
Be respectful. Everyone should feel welcome here.
No NSFW content.
No Ads / Spamming.
Be thoughtful and helpful: even with ‘stupid’ questions. The world won’t be made better or worse by snarky comments schooling naive newcomers on Lemmy.

Notes:

PCMR Community Name - Our Response and the Survey

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]