How to open a computer case safely

There was always the idea that you needed an antistatic strap before opening a computer case. This is undoubtedly is the safest way to open computer cases, however there are other options. If you do have an antistatic strap I do recommend that you use it, however do not panic if you do not have one. Here is a picture of one of my computers and I have opened the computer case. All I had to do was remove a couple of screws from the back and slide the side of the case backwards, away from the front. These are the best computer cases to open as they are very obvious and easy. Some computer cases I have tried to open have been an absolute nightmare. I could not believe how some computer case manufacturers made it so difficult to open their computer cases. You needed to be a magician to get inside.

Here are a few tips from a self confessed, no frills, computer techie.

How To Open Computer Cases Safely with the correct tools

1. Remove all power cords that are connected to the computer case.
2. This includes network cables, modems, printers, everything…Wait a few seconds as the power leaves the main board.
3. Make sure your hands are clean and definitely DRY. Remove all jewelry.
4. Open your computer case by unscrewing or unclipping. See your computer manual for instructions if you have problems. Older computers can be difficult to open. Keep any screws or spare parts in a safe place.
5. To protect your computer from static electricity stored on your body, (ESD) continually touch the unpainted metal part of the computer case to discharge any static. Or if you have a antistatic or grounding strap, use that. This will prevent the static sensitive components from being ruined. (memory, video card, motherboard)
6. Ok. Now you are ready to work on the insides of your computer.

How to open computer cases – different brands

Different brands of computers or cases open in a completely different way. Here are some examples for you. Please be careful when opening a computer case as sometimes there can be sharp bits. Always take your time and stop and think before you do anything.

• To open a dell desktop GX260, or GX270 there are two buttons to press in and then lift the case open like a hinged door. If you have a tower case it is the same and you have to press the two buttons and then swing the door open in standing position.
• To open a HP D510 tower desktop you need to unscrew the tiny knobs at the back, then slide back the the two sides and top together.
• To open a HP D510 small form desktop there are two buttons, one on either side of the case. Press them both in and slide the top, sides and front off in one piece. You slide it off towards the front.
• To open a HP D530 small form desktop you can undo the thumbscrew at the back of the case. The top plate of the computer will slide toward the back of the computer. When sliding the top back on it sometimes knocks off the face plate.
• To open a Dell Dimension 8200 Desktop Computer it is best to lay the computer on its face. This means to put the CD drives and the front of the computer on the bench. You will see a button to press and the side of the computer hinge down like a door.
• To open a generic computer case, usually a plain desktop case, there will be screws at the back. They might be Phillips head screws or possibly thumb screws.

Open computer cases with screws

Open Computer cases with screws you need to make sure you are taking the right screws out. If you look at the picture below the arrows are pointing to the screws that are holding the sides of the computer case on. On the metal part there are also screws but they are holding the computer components in. For example I have circled a screw in the picture below that holds the power supply into the computer. The screws with the Arrow is pointing to them are the ones that you need to remove.
Before you start removing screws, take a good look at the computer. In the picture below you can see where all the plugs go into the back of the computer with all the coloured port’s. This means that the motherboard is lying on that side of the computer. Therefore to access the inside the computer you will want to open the opposite side.If you open the side where the motherboard is laying on, you will be faced with the back of the flat motherboard and no way to work on the computer. Therefore in the picture below I would remove the side on the right. After removing the screws, the side will simply slide back toward me.

Video showing you how to open computer cases – Different cases require different steps.

Here is a video on how to open computer cases as there are so many different types available. If you have the generic kind which is pictured above then you have an easy job.
Now you know how to open computer cases safely, you should also read How to clean the inside of your computer safely.