I need some help while building because my right arm is screwed up.

[Comuteraddict]

I need some help while building because my right arm is screwed up and same with my right leg.
All I can say is lifting a huge Desktop with one arm is hard as hell.
Can anybody help or give me some suggestions?
Thanks in advanced.

 

[digibucc]

build and test everything outside of the case on a desk or table, that should minimize how much the case has to be lifted. lifting the case and the power supply separate will be easier.

other than that - contraptions, or a helper.

 

[Jetster]

Get help

 

[Comuteraddict]

build and test everything outside of the case on a desk or table, that should minimize how much the case has to be lifted. lifting the case and the power supply separate will be easier.

other than that - contraptions, or a helper.

Thanks for the tips. I've built PC's before but it wasn't easy.

 

[Comuteraddict]

Get help

I guess I should do that.

 

[twilyth]

There are cases that have removable trays for the motherboard. This lets you work on the system board outside the case just by disconnecting the PCI boards and power connectors. But honestly, most of the weight will be in the case and the PSU unless you have a multisocket system with particularly massive coolers.

So another option is to go with an aluminum case. These won't have the structural integrity of normal case but will be much lighter. And once fully assembled with all side panels should be sturdy enough unless you plan to use them to store books or heavy items on top of it.

So to minimize weight, I would go with an aluminum case with a removable system tray. Assemble the cpu, cooler, memory etc on the board and mount it on the tray. Put the case on its side in the location where you ultimately want it to be. Install the tray, drives and PSU. Then all you need to do is tilt the case into the upright position.

 

[Comuteraddict]

There are cases that have removable trays for the motherboard. This lets you work on the system board outside the case just by disconnecting the PCI boards and power connectors. But honestly, most of the weight will be in the case and the PSU unless you have a multisocket system with particularly massive coolers.

So another option is to go with an aluminum case. These won't have the structural integrity of normal case but will be much lighter. And once fully assembled with all side panels should be sturdy enough unless you plan to use them to store books or heavy items on top of it.

So to minimize weight, I would go with an aluminum case with a removable system tray. Assemble the cpu, cooler, memory etc on the board and mount it on the tray. Put the case on its side in the location where you ultimately want it to be. Install the tray, drives and PSU. Then all you need to do is tilt the case into the upright position.

Thank you a lot. I'll do a lot more research with everything you mentioned.
Thanks again.

 

[Vario]

Build a small computer like mATX or mITX. Is it possible for you to work with a lot of precision (fine motor skills)?

 

[Jetster]

It would suck without my right hand

 

[rtwjunkie]

Just a thought...i don't know what your budget is, but @cadaveca reviewed the ASRock M8, which is small in size and comes already partially built. All you need is hard drives, memory, cpu and a GPU if my memory serves me correctly. I comes with fans, power supply and motherboard already installed, and should be easy to maneuver, since it can either be used standing up or lying down. And if the cost eats into your budget, you could always put a super-cheap, but very overclockable Pentium Anniversary Edition cpu in there.

He quite liked it! That might be a good option for you.


Here is the link to his review here on TPU: http://www.techpowerup.com/mobile/reviews/ASRock/Z97_M8/

 

[andrewsmc]

What is your budget, what is your rig goal?

 

[Comuteraddict]

It would suck without my right hand

Tell me about it. I used to be right handed too.

 

[Comuteraddict]

Build a small computer like mATX or mITX. Is it possible for you to work with a lot of precision (fine motor skills)?

I still have fine motor skills, at least with my left hand.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

If you live in West Wales i will happily come and help you.

 

[Comuteraddict]

If you live in West Wales i will happily come and help you.

That would be great but I live in Washington DC but that was very kind of you.

 

[Comuteraddict]

What is your budget, what is your rig goal?

I have enough money, around $1,000.
My goal was or is a fairly powerful computer. I have a very powerful system currently but I wanted to build another one. Just to keep my "skills" up and going.

 

[Comuteraddict]

Just a thought...i don't know what your budget is, but @cadaveca reviewed the ASRock M8, which is small in size and comes already partially built. All you need is hard drives, memory, cpu and a GPU if my memory serves me correctly. I comes with fans, power supply and motherboard already installed, and should be easy to maneuver, since it can either be used standing up or lying down. And if the cost eats into your budget, you could always put a super-cheap, but very overclockable Pentium Anniversary Edition cpu in there.

He quite liked it! That might be a good option for you.


Here is the link to his review here on TPU: http://www.techpowerup.com/mobile/reviews/ASRock/Z97_M8/

Thanks a lot. It only costs around $650.
Thanks again.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Thanks a lot. It only costs around $650.
Thanks again.

No problem! As soon as you talked about your limited ability to lift and move stuff, I immediately thought of his review. It would be an easy build to complete and maneuver I think. Just wanted to give you options!

 

[Comuteraddict]

No problem! As soon as you talked about your limited ability to lift and move stuff, I immediately thought of his review. It would be an easy build to complete and maneuver I think. Just wanted to give you options!

I might look into getting that system.

 

[Norton]

Try a NZXT Source 210 for your case- they are pretty sturdy and fairly light. Also, make sure you have a decent magnetic screwdriver and something sticky like a bit of weatherstripping adhesive to hold the screws onto your screwdriver.

I did quite a few builds while stuck home in recovery from various things including a cervical fusion (neck brace for 4 months), wrist surgery LH (cast from knuckles to shoulder for 2 months/knuckles to elbow for 2 more months)), etc... I've gotten pretty good at the one-handed or otherwise restricted PC work over the years

The key is to plan your moves ahead of time/work carefully and start with a large, clean, and well organized work area.... oh and lots of extra screws!

 

[twilyth]

LOL at lots of extra screws. I can relate to that just from being pretty clumsy. I like to walk around in my bare feet and I end up stepping on these is some of the strangest places.

A magnetic tool bar is great is great for capturing and holding stray screws until you need them. Just keep it away from any metal surfaces since some of the stronger types can be difficult to pry off.

Even a few cheap fridge magnets will help and they're weak enough that you don't need to worry about doing any damage.

 

[sneekypeet]

Something I do on almost every case build, and it is a lot of them... I always use a box (essentially cardboard laid flat) on the table, and set the chassis on that. Sort of a ghetto lazy-susan. Makes getting from back to front of the chassis much easier for wiring, coolers, and possible HDD installation (case dependent).

If you do chose to go the pre-build route, never mind the tip for building, but will also help when it comes to maintaining and cleaning whatever you choose.

 

[Comuteraddict]

Try a NZXT Source 210 for your case- they are pretty sturdy and fairly light. Also, make sure you have a decent magnetic screwdriver and something sticky like a bit of weatherstripping adhesive to hold the screws onto your screwdriver.

I did quite a few builds while stuck home in recovery from various things including a cervical fusion (neck brace for 4 months), wrist surgery LH (cast from knuckles to shoulder for 2 months/knuckles to elbow for 2 more months)), etc... I've gotten pretty good at the one-handed or otherwise restricted PC work over the years

The key is to plan your moves ahead of time/work carefully and start with a large, clean, and well organized work area.... oh and lots of extra screws!

Sorry about that injury. That sounds awful.
Thank for all of the suggestions.

 

[Comuteraddict]

Something I do on almost every case build, and it is a lot of them... I always use a box (essentially cardboard laid flat) on the table, and set the chassis on that. Sort of a ghetto lazy-susan. Makes getting from back to front of the chassis much easier for wiring, coolers, and possible HDD installation (case dependent).

The few time that I built computers, I had a friend help but I really, really want to be completely independent.
When I build a computer I always set everything out, Motherboard, video card and so on.
I really like the idea about the lazy-susan. I'll look into later tonight