- Opening the PC case in Fix PCs requires a workbench, a screwdriver, and a placed PC
- Side panel screws must all be removed before the panel detaches — check every corner
- Cables block removal: unplug PSU and front-panel connectors before pulling parts
- Screws and cables must be fully reseated or the part won't register as installed
- Run the benchmark after closing up to confirm the repair before delivering
How to Open a PC Case: What You Need First
Before you can open a PC case in Fix PCs, the customer's computer has to be in the right place. You can't disassemble a PC sitting on a random counter — every repair happens at your workbench. Accept a ticket, find the PC listed on it, carry it to the bench, and place it down with the interact key.
Once the PC is on the bench, select your screwdriver from your tool cycle. Opening the case is always the first physical step of any repair, whether the job is a dead GPU, faulty RAM, or just a loose cable.
Make sure you've run the diagnostic tool first. Knowing which component is failing saves you from disassembling more of the build than necessary — some orders only need one part exposed.
| Requirement | Where to Get It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Workbench | Starter shop equipment | Required for all disassembly |
| Screwdriver | Starter tools | Cycle with scroll wheel / number keys |
| Customer PC | Shelf or counter | Listed on the repair ticket |
| Diagnostic result | Diagnostic tool | Tells you the failing component |
Step-by-Step: Opening the Case
Place the PC on the workbench
Carry the customer's PC from the shelf and set it on your bench. Interact with it to open the build view where you can inspect installed components.
Select your screwdriver
Use the scroll wheel or number keys to cycle to the screwdriver. Any other tool held will block the unscrewing interaction.
Unscrew the side panel
Hold left-click on each screw and follow the on-screen motion to twist it out. Every screw on the panel must come out — missing one keeps the panel attached.
Remove the side panel
Once all screws are out, the panel comes free and the interior is exposed, giving you access to the GPU, CPU, RAM, storage, and PSU.
Unblock attached cables
If the part you're targeting has a power or data cable connected, click the connector and pull in the indicated direction before removing the part.
Some jobs require reusing the original screws when reseating parts. Dropping or losing screws mid-job is one of the most common reasons a reassembly stalls.
Common Problems When Opening Cases
Most new-player sticking points trace back to the case-opening step. These are the situations players hit most often and how to resolve each one.
Panel Won't Detach
- A hidden screw is still in place
- Check all four corners again
- Panel must be fully free before pulling
Part Won't Come Out
- Remaining screws on the component
- An attached power cable
- Remove both before pulling the part
PC Won't Power On Later
- PSU cable not connected to motherboard
- PSU power switch not flipped
- Verify after closing the case
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Side panel stuck | Missed screw | Re-check every screw location |
| Part won't budge | Screw or cable attached | Unscrew, then unplug connector |
| Ticket won't complete | Wrong part tier installed | Compare parts against ticket requirements |
| Benchmark fails | Loose screw or cable | Reopen case, fully reseat everything |
Some orders require a specific part tier. Installing the wrong replacement means redoing the job — always compare the ticket requirements against the parts list before screwing anything in.
Closing the Case and Finishing the Repair
Reassembly works the same way as disassembly, just in reverse. Reattach the side panel, seat every screw fully, plug the PC in, and power it on. A part only registers as installed when its screws and cables are completely seated.
After the case is closed:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reattach side panel and screws | Secures components |
| 2 | Plug in power cable | Required to boot |
| 3 | Power on the PC | Verifies connections |
| 4 | Run the benchmark | Confirms the repair |
| 5 | Deliver to customer | Collects your Cash payment |
A passing benchmark score confirms the fix. If it fails, something is still loose or wrong — reopen the case and check every screw and connector before trying again.
Case Opening Checklist:
- PC placed on the workbench
- Diagnostic run on the customer's PC
- All side panel screws removed
- Power/data cables unplugged before part removal
- Screws and cables fully reseated before closing
- Benchmark passed before delivery
Speed Tips for Faster Case Work
Speed is money in Fix PCs. Cutting seconds off every open-and-close cycle directly raises your repairs per hour.
- Upgrade your screwdriver early — better tools speed up every unscrewing motion, and it's one of the best early-game investments
- Batch similar orders so you're not constantly swapping tools
- Memorize screw locations on common case types so you don't hunt for them
- Keep high-demand parts stocked (GPUs, RAM, PSUs) near the bench so you never pause mid-job
- Add a second workbench as soon as you can afford it to work on two PCs at once
Early on, take loose-cable and single-part-swap tickets. They need minimal disassembly, build your cash reserve, and teach you the screw and cable mechanics before you tackle multi-part jobs.
FAQ
Q: Why can't I open the PC case in Fix PCs?
The most common cause is a remaining screw on the side panel. Every screw must be removed with the screwdriver before the panel detaches. Also confirm the PC is placed on your workbench — you cannot open a case sitting on a shelf or counter.
Q: How do I unscrew screws in Fix PCs?
Hold left-click on each screw and follow the on-screen motion to twist it out. You need the screwdriver selected — cycle to it with the scroll wheel or number keys.
Q: What should I do if a part won't come out after opening the case?
Check for two things: screws still holding the component in its slot, and an attached power or data cable. Unscrew the part completely, then click the connector and pull in the indicated direction before removing it.
Q: Do I need to close the case before running the benchmark?
Yes. Reattach the side panel, seat every screw, plug the PC in, and power it on before running the benchmark test. A passing score confirms the repair and lets you deliver the PC for payment.