If you’ve never opened a computer before, it can be pretty overwhelming. This
section helps you get started with practical advice on how to

■ Open the case
■ Protect your system against electrostatic discharge (ESD)
■ Connect internal and external data cables
■ Install a PCI card


Opening the Case of a Desktop PC



Look at your system manual for case opening instructions, particularly if you have
a retail-store system made by HP, Dell, or other major vendors. Depending upon
the type of case you have, you might need to remove just one or two screws, or
maybe a handful. If you’re opening the case to gain access to the motherboard, you
might need to do more than just take the cover off the system.
So-called “white box” systems are usually fairly straightforward to open because
they use case designs made for user access instead of low cost. Figure 2-5 shows
the rear of two typical cases used by white-box computer dealers or as replacement
cases. The computer on the left has a single screw holding the covers in place. After
this screw is removed, the top panel must be removed before the side panels
can be removed. The computer on the right uses four screws per side to hold the
side panels in place, but the side panels can be removed without removing the top
cover. The right-hand side panel can even be swung out and latched back into
place for faster card and drive installation.

PC Tools
A technician’s best tools are his or her senses and hands. However, a technician
needs hardware tools to open the PC and to install and replace components.
There are several personal computer (PC) tools that should be a part of every
technician’s toolkit including
■ Phillips and straight-blade screwdrivers— Used when hex drivers are not
compatible; non-magnetic preferred
■ Torx drivers— Required for some Compaq models; non-magnetic preferred
■ Hex drivers— Used for opening and closing cases and securing and removing
cards and motherboards; non-magnetic preferred
■ 3-claw parts retrieval tool— Retrieves loose parts from computer interior;
prevents lost parts, which can lead to dead shorts
■ Hemostat clamps— Replaces tweezers for inserting and removing jumper
blocks and cables
■ Needle-nose pliers— Straightens bent pins
■ Eyebrow tweezers— Replaces normal tweezers in toolkit for removing and
replacing jumpers
■ Penlight— Illuminates dark cases
■ Magnifier— Makes small parts and markings easier to read
■ Jeweler’s screwdriver set— Enables repairs to devices that use small screws
You can buy toolkits that contain many of these items, but don’t hesitate to supplement
a kit you already have with additional items from this list or other items
you find useful. Figure 1-1 illustrates some important tools.

Computer Technician Required Tools

1. Screwdriver with removable tips
2. Hex driver tips
3. Screw and Torx tips
4. Chip puller (also useful for
removing keytops)
5. Jeweler’s screwdriver set
6. Flat-blade screwdriver
7. Small Phillips-head screwdriver
8. Phillips-head screwdriver
9. Pliers
10. Needle-nose pliers
11. Torx driver
12. Hex driver
13. 3-claw parts retrieval tool