Is it ok for a beginner to take their computer apart?

T

textbook

Member
I dont know much about computers, is it ok to carefully take out my graphics card, hard drive etc then reconnect it all in my desktop. If I am careful i wont break anything, will I? Isnt this a good way to learn?
 
You can try it on an old useless computer if you have one. Or follow an online tutorial just to be safe. There are a lot of helpful videos on Youtube that can help.

How i learned was by watching tutorial videos online(youtube, yahoo).

And if your planning to open your computer for the first time, make sure you use an anti-static wristband.
 
you have to learn sometime. I built my first computer just over 10 years ago and I didn't really know anything, I just knew that I wanted to play video games on it.
 
I say go for it man... That is a good way to learn. Its how I learned.. You have to start somewhere. Like you said, as long as you are careful and don't force anything you'll do fine. Just a couple other things to remember. Alwasys ground yourself to the case or wear a anti-static wrist strap befoe touching any electronic components inside the computer. Also check the orientation of plugs and pins before assy to avoid bending any pins.
 
If you're still iffy about taking a computer apart, it still doesn't hurt to open it up and look around.....

But probably the best way to learn is to open it up, take it completely apart, and then put it back together again and see if it works.....

Don't be too paranoid about static either.... The first time I took apart my computer, I was doing it ON CARPET..... Big no-no but it still worked......

*sigh* Ignorance is bliss...... Unti, *ZAP* you have a really expansive paper weight......
 
i just built my computer into a new case yesterday. all u do is remember were the wires plug into and unscrew everything. good luck!
 
Yes, I never did anything - I just decharged myself with some metal framework in my PC and poked around a bit. Then I would start to get more intricut by taking components out, removing fans.. and now I'm inside the case of my computer pretty much every day, doing SOMETHING!
 
The best way to learn, is to try. For starters, I would just unplug the power cables, remove some drives, cards, ect. I wouldnt remove the motherboard or cables that plug into the motherboard just yet, because you may not know how to hook it back up.

As others have mentioned, make sure to periodically touch the case, especially if you work on carpet, so you don't build up a static discharge.
 
Just don't put components wehre you won't see them.

I had a friend several years ago who put his Geforce 4 Ti 4600 brand new card on his bed while he pulled out his old card. well, he heard a car pull up and he was expecting his cousin or brother or sometbody he hadn't seen in a long time. Well, he jumped up onto his bed to look out the window.

Guess what was under his foot....
 
I guess a good way top remember what connects into what is to write letters e.g. A and then A into what that plugs into.
 
Everyone here at this forum who does mods or upgrades their equipment was once in the exact same place you are now: their very first time. Just go slowly, and take notes as to where everything goes. If you run into troubles, get on another PC and come here and we'll be glad to help you get back on yer feet again.
Tom
 
I'd say give it a go. If you're concerned, buy a cheap, old computer from somewhere and practice on that. That way you can get some experience without taking the risk of breaking expensive parts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top