JohnJSal

Are there any specific tools that you will always use, or does it depend on things like the case you choose?

The book I'm reading says it can all be done with a #1 Phillips screwdriver, but of course in the actual build process they use a couple of other things too. Cutters for cutting plastic cable ties, extra cable ties, 5mm nutdriver, etc.

PohTayToez

The required tools are as follows, in alphabetical order by color:

• Screwdriver

Seriously though, you really only need a screwdriver, but if you're really into building PCs there are few things that might be good to have around, while not normally necessary:

Anti-Static Wristband:
Wristband that you wear that constantly keeps you grounded severely lessening the chance of anti static discharge.

Extra Screws:
Usually your case will come with screws as well the components you buy, but not always. There are basically three different types. There are 'risers' or 'standoffs' which are screws that have screw holes in the top, meant to go between the case and the mobo, with another screw securing the mobo to the riser. Then there are two different sizes of screws, on mainly for securing the case and expansion cards and mobo. Some devices that go in expansion bays (hard drives and CD drives) sometimes have smaller screw holes. I don't know the names of the two screws, but if you buy a screw kit then it will most likely have all three types.

Thermal Compound:
If you buy a processor that comes with a heatsink, now-a-days it will come with thermal compound already applied, however not always if you buy a third party heat sink. Artic Silver 5 is the most widely used among computer enthusiasts today, considered the best for the money, however there are better, more expensive alternatives. Also, thermal compound that comes on heatsinks generally isn't as good as AS5, so many people will remove that (I use rubbing alcohol and Q-Tips) and apply their own.

Fans:
Meh, maybe not something most people do, but I generally keep a few cheap fans around for builds. It never hurts to have a little extra cooling, but you don't always have to go out. You can find pretty good 80mm fans for $1-$2 a piece, and I generally buy quite a few at a time and then throw a couple in when I do a build.

Cables:
Again, generally most components come with extra cables, but it never hurts to have back ups. I generally keeps some IDEs, some SATAs, some molex splitters, and some molex-sata power adapters. Most mobos and power supplies will come with all of these, I think most of what I have in backup started as what was left over from a build.

Cable Ties:
Zip ties, panduit straps, plastic ties, whatever you want to call them. They're the strip of plasic with a box on one end that you loop through, and you pull it and it makes a zipping noise and you have to cut it if you want to remove it. These are great for grouping and securing cables to improve air flow and give the computer a more organized look.

Short-Needle Nose Pliers:
These are the pliers that have the grip, and also the wire cutters, but not as long and the more common long needle nose pliers. I love these... their great for snagging that screw you dropped down in the crevice of the case and for securing and cutting zip ties.

It think that's pretty much it. You get these things and you should be in excellent condition to build a computer.

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amosf

Mostly the screwdriver, #1 and #2 IMO, but depending on the pc some (needlenose) pliers and sidecutters (for cable ties) can be handy. Repairing old PC's you might want to look at torque drivers and stuff as well. Maybe some watchmaker style screwdrivers for small fan screws and stuff.

A really big hammer is tempting at times as well

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meanman

thats not strictly true small hands with long fingers is a good tool to posses.

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