So how hard is it to switch computer cases.
- Thread starter TminusLoL
- Start date
You're going to want a anti-static wrist band. It makes it so you can use both of your hands consistently while you're tied to the case of the computer so that no static electricity can fry the motherboard or other computer parts. They're not expensive at all. This is optional, but highly recommended.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899339002
If you're careful, you don't have to take off the CPU or it's heatsink & fan. If you don't trust yourself enough to handle the motherboard while it still has the CPU on it, I would recommend buying some thermal compound incase you need to put an extra coat of it on. This is optional.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
You'll need some basic knowledge of the guts of a computer. Memorize where all your parts are. This includes the video card, memory sticks, and any other parts you are capable of removing. The CPU is the only slot that stands out on a motherboard if you don't look closely at the motherboard. I've known a few people to try to put a stick of RAM in a PCI slot and ask why it won't turn on and it just beeps at them.
A computer tools kit is recommended to make the job easier. Here's one for $17. The shipping is a bit expensive though (+$9). This is optional.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16896775042
Now that we have all that we need. Let's get started on the disassembly and reassembly of your PC!
Notes: When you begin working on the new case, before you do anything, ground yourself to it with the anti-static wristband like you did before!
The basic knowledge you need to know is what each parts does, how important it is, and where it goes. If you have any questions feel free to ask me or any of the other computer geeks in the tech talk section!
Have fun.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899339002
If you're careful, you don't have to take off the CPU or it's heatsink & fan. If you don't trust yourself enough to handle the motherboard while it still has the CPU on it, I would recommend buying some thermal compound incase you need to put an extra coat of it on. This is optional.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
You'll need some basic knowledge of the guts of a computer. Memorize where all your parts are. This includes the video card, memory sticks, and any other parts you are capable of removing. The CPU is the only slot that stands out on a motherboard if you don't look closely at the motherboard. I've known a few people to try to put a stick of RAM in a PCI slot and ask why it won't turn on and it just beeps at them.
A computer tools kit is recommended to make the job easier. Here's one for $17. The shipping is a bit expensive though (+$9). This is optional.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16896775042
Now that we have all that we need. Let's get started on the disassembly and reassembly of your PC!
- Shut down your computer.
- If your power supply has a switch on it, flip it to off (O). Unplug your power supply as well.
- Open your computer's case.
- Be sure you're working on a surface that doesn't conduct electricity and take off your socks if you have any on. Put on the anti-static wrist band. Put the clamp on the unpainted metal of the case.
- Unplug all of the wires. If there's a clamp on the side of any of the plugs, be sure to press on the top of it closest to the wire itself or you could damage your components! Be sure to hold down the clamp's release until you manage to pull out the plug.
- Take a screwdriver and begin taking out any expansion cards. Keep the screws organized and keep them on a towel to prevent them from rolling away.
- If you have a shoebox laying around, place the expansion cards in the box against one of the sides of the shoebox, but leave room for the sticks of memory.
- Remove the memory sticks, which have little white or black clamps on either end from your motherboard.
- Remove the harddrive(s) and place them in the shoebox. Do not let anything touch the green silicon board on the bottom!
- Remove your motherboard at this point. There should be nothing in the way of it. If you do not trust yourself to move the motherboard with the CPU still on it, then remove that. Be sure to keep the CPU itself in since it's not likely to fall off. Have your other case ready before you remove the motherboard. If it's a newer case it's likely to have a removable motherboard tray.
- Take out the other components including your power supply if you're transferring that as well and put them in the new case before you install the motherboard. The CD drives go in and out through the front of the case, usually.
- Follow this guide in reverse from the point where you removed the harddrives. You may have to put a new layer of thermal compound on if you removed the heatsink from the CPU. Be warned, if you touch the CPU or it's heatsink and it was recently on you can burn yourself severely!
Notes: When you begin working on the new case, before you do anything, ground yourself to it with the anti-static wristband like you did before!
The basic knowledge you need to know is what each parts does, how important it is, and where it goes. If you have any questions feel free to ask me or any of the other computer geeks in the tech talk section!
Have fun.
Dude you obviously havent read the last 5 pages....this issue has been talked about. and well put to rest. But thank you for your input
That inspired me to make a tutorial about it. Hm...
@Bane How did it end up at 5? When I started writing that I thought it had 2 pages. >:/ I need to clean my glasses ._.
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