Tools & Buying Guides
The tools, software and components worth buying β tested advice on what actually works for home PC repair.
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The Toolkit
Recommendations for essential physical tools like precision screwdrivers, anti-static mats, and spudgers.
- Essential Tools Every PC Repair Kit Needs
- Best Precision Screwdriver Sets for PC Repair
- Why You Need an Anti-Static Mat and Wrist Strap
- Spudgers and Prying Tools: What You Need and Why
- Best Tweezers and Magnetic Trays for Small PC Parts
- Do You Need a Soldering Kit for PC Repair?
- Best Cable Ties and Management Tools for a Tidy Build
- Building a Portable Repair Kit for On-the-Go Fixes
- Best Compressed Air and Cleaning Kits for PCs
Diagnostic Software
Reviews of the best free software for testing RAM, hard drive health, and CPU temperatures.
- Best Free Software to Test RAM for Errors
- Best Free Tools to Check Hard Drive and SSD Health
- Best Free Software to Monitor CPU Temperatures
- Best Free Benchmarking Tools for PCs
- Best Free Tools to Check Your Power Supply's Health
- Best Free Software to Diagnose Network and Wi-Fi Problems
- How to Read and Understand a Windows Event Viewer Log
- Best Free System Information Tools for Windows and macOS
- Best Free Tools to Stress-Test Your PC Safely
Component Reviews
Independent buying guides for buying reliable replacement SSDs, RAM sticks, and thermal pads.
- Best Reliable Replacement SSDs: Buying Guide
- Best RAM Sticks for Upgrades: Buying Guide
- Best Thermal Paste for CPU Cooling: Buying Guide
- Best Replacement Laptop Batteries: Buying Guide
- Best Budget Graphics Cards for Everyday Upgrades
- Best Power Supplies for Reliability and Safety
- Best CPU Coolers for Quiet, Efficient Cooling
- Best External SSDs and Portable Drives
- Best Replacement Laptop Keyboards and Trackpads
Every Tools & Buying Guides article
Essential Tools Every PC Repair Kit Needs
Build a proper PC repair toolkit with our expert checklist covering screwdrivers, anti-static gear, prying tools and diagnostics for UK home repairs.
Best Precision Screwdriver Sets for PC Repair
A buying guide to the best precision screwdriver sets for PC and laptop repair, covering bit types, build quality, and what to look for before buying.
Why You Need an Anti-Static Mat and Wrist Strap
Understand electrostatic discharge risk to PC components and learn how to choose and use an anti-static mat and wrist strap correctly.
Spudgers and Prying Tools: What You Need and Why
Learn what spudgers and prying tools do, which types to buy, and how to safely open laptops and PC cases without cracking clips or scratching cases.
Best Tweezers and Magnetic Trays for Small PC Parts
Losing screws and jumpers mid-repair? Our guide to the best tweezers and magnetic parts trays helps you work faster and never lose a component again.
Do You Need a Soldering Kit for PC Repair?
Wondering if you need a soldering iron for PC repairs? We break down when soldering actually helps, what kit to buy, and when to leave it to professionals.
Best Cable Ties and Management Tools for a Tidy Build
Untidy cables hurt airflow and make repairs harder. Discover the best cable ties, combs, and routing tools for a clean, cool-running PC build.
Building a Portable Repair Kit for On-the-Go Fixes
Fixing PCs at other people's homes or on site? Here's how to build a compact, portable repair kit that covers 90% of jobs without the bulk.
Best Compressed Air and Cleaning Kits for PCs
Dust kills performance and shortens component life. Compare compressed air cans, rechargeable dusters, and full cleaning kits for safe, effective PC upkeep.
Best Free Software to Test RAM for Errors
Discover the best free RAM testing tools, how to run MemTest86 and Windows Memory Diagnostic, and how to interpret errors correctly.
Best Free Tools to Check Hard Drive and SSD Health
Compare the best free tools for checking hard drive and SSD health, understand SMART data, and learn the warning signs of imminent drive failure.
Best Free Software to Monitor CPU Temperatures
Compare the best free CPU temperature monitoring tools including HWMonitor, HWiNFO and Core Temp, and learn what safe and dangerous temperatures look like.
Best Free Benchmarking Tools for PCs
A guide to the best free PC benchmarking tools including Cinebench, 3DMark and UserBenchmark, and how to use scores to spot faults or measure upgrades.
Best Free Tools to Check Your Power Supply's Health
Random shutdowns or reboots? These free tools help you check your PSU's voltage stability and health before you spend money on a replacement.
Best Free Software to Diagnose Network and Wi-Fi Problems
Slow or dropping Wi-Fi? These free network diagnostic tools help you find channel congestion, weak signal spots, and connection issues fast.
How to Read and Understand a Windows Event Viewer Log
Windows Event Viewer looks intimidating but holds vital clues to crashes and errors. Learn how to navigate it and interpret the logs like a technician.
Best Free System Information Tools for Windows and macOS
Need to know exactly what's inside a PC or Mac? These free system information tools reveal hardware specs, drivers, and software details fast.
Best Free Tools to Stress-Test Your PC Safely
Want to confirm a repair or upgrade is stable? These free stress-testing tools push your CPU, GPU, and RAM safely, with tips to avoid overheating.
Best Reliable Replacement SSDs: Buying Guide
A buying guide to reliable replacement SSDs, covering NVMe vs SATA, key specs, endurance ratings, and honest comparisons of leading SSD brands.
Best RAM Sticks for Upgrades: Buying Guide
A buying guide to choosing RAM for a PC upgrade, covering DDR generations, speed, capacity, timings, and comparisons of Crucial, Corsair, Kingston and more.
Best Thermal Paste for CPU Cooling: Buying Guide
A buying guide to thermal paste for CPU cooling, covering compound types, application methods, and honest comparisons of Arctic, Noctua and more.
Best Replacement Laptop Batteries: Buying Guide
A buying guide to replacement laptop batteries, covering OEM vs third-party options, key specs, safety checks, and how to choose a reliable battery.
Best Budget Graphics Cards for Everyday Upgrades
Upgrading an old GPU without breaking the bank? Our buying guide covers what to look for in a budget graphics card and honestly compares top picks.
Best Power Supplies for Reliability and Safety
A cheap PSU can damage your whole system. Learn what certifications and features matter, and see honest picks for reliable, safe power supplies.
Best CPU Coolers for Quiet, Efficient Cooling
Choosing between air and liquid CPU cooling? This guide breaks down what matters and honestly compares top coolers for quiet, effective performance.
Best External SSDs and Portable Drives
Need fast, reliable portable storage? Compare interface speeds, drive types, and honest picks for the best external SSDs and portable drives.
Best Replacement Laptop Keyboards and Trackpads
Sticky keys or a dead trackpad? Learn how to source the right replacement part and compare OEM versus third-party keyboards and trackpads.