CSS 2 (Disassembly and Assembly)

Prevents electrostatic discharge when clipped to the computer chassis and worn by the technician.

Anti-static wrist strap

A special mat that prevents static electricity from building up on hardware or the technician.

Anti-static mat

A sharp tool from the pliers family used to cut fine wires without damaging nearby ones.

Electronic cutter

A handheld tool with interchangeable bits, used for inserting and removing screws.

Precise screwdriver

Screwdriver used for tightening or loosening cross-head screws.

Phillips screwdriver

Screwdriver with a star-shaped tip, used mainly in laptops.

Torx screwdriver

Tool similar to a screwdriver, but used to tighten or loosen nuts

Hex driver (Nut driver)

Multi-purpose tool used for gripping and cutting wires

Combination pliers

Handheld tool used to remove the protective coating from electrical wires

Wire stripper

Tool that joins stripped wires to connectors, often used for RJ-45

Crimper

Small tool used for handling tiny parts like jumpers or screws

Tweezers

Tool used to terminate a wire into a block or connector.

Punch-down tool

Used to clean computer components without scratching or leaving residue

Soft lint-free cloth

Used to blow away dust and debris without touching computer parts

Compressed air

Used to bundle and organize wires inside/outside the computer

Cable ties

A container that stores screws, jumpers, and small parts neatly

Parts organizer

Used to measure voltage, resistance, and test circuit integrity

Digital multimeter

A plug used to test whether a computer port (like network) is functioning properly.

Loopback adapter

A two-part tool where the toner sends a signal through a cable, and the probe detects the signal to trace the cable

Toner probe

The very first step in building a PC; remove screws or side panel to access inside.

Open the case

The step where you insert and secure the power unit that distributes electricity to all components.

Install power supply

Preparing the motherboard by attaching the CPU, applying thermal compound, adding heat sink and fan.

Attach components to the motherboard

Step where you install memory modules into slots before fixing the motherboard into the case

Install RAM

Place the motherboard on standoffs, align screw holes, and secure it with screws.

Install motherboard

Mount drives such as HDD, SSD, or optical drives into their bays and secure with screws

Install internal drives

Link the data and power cables from the power supply and motherboard to drives and other parts

Connect internal cables

Plug the 20/24-pin ATX connector and 4/6-pin AUX connector from the PSU into the motherboard

Install motherboard power connections

Reattach side panels, then connect monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals to ports.

Connect external cables

Push the CPU power button first (then monitor), allowing the operating system to load.

Boot the computer for the first time

The first safety step — cut off all power and detach peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.).

Unplug power and peripherals

Remove screws or latches to open the computer’s case.

Open the case

Detach SATA data cables, power cables, and other connectors from the motherboard and drives.

Disconnect all connectors

Remove both the system fan (back of case) and the CPU fan (on heat sink).

Remove the fans

Unscrew and carefully lift out the power unit that connects to the motherboard and drives.

Remove the power supply

Detach and slide out hard disk drives and optical drives from their bays.

Remove drives (HDD/optical)

Unlock side clips of the memory slots to release RAM sticks.

Remove RAM modules

Unscrew and remove any additional cards (graphics, sound, network) from the expansion slots.

Remove expansion cards

Disconnect all remaining cables, remove screws, and carefully lift the mainboard out of the case.

Remove the motherboard

Once all parts are out, identify components, organize screws, and reattach them properly if reassembling.

Reassemble components