Static electricity is something i rarely see talked about on this website and also in the Custom PC mags. From what i understand its quite important that a PC builder knows about it. Sadly i dont know much so have come to you guys for help. I know you can buy wrist bands and mats to help ground yourself but are they really needed? As i will be doing my first build quite soon i was hoping you could recommend me some anti static products and how to use them. Also im not quite should what tools i will need when putting components together and getting wires fitted. If you can link me to the products that would be great. Thanks
What i do when building is i install the PSU first, connect it to the wall (switch in the off position) and touch its case. That should ground me AFAIK.
I agree that this point isn't raised often enough. Some people will say it doens't matter, but personally I would prefer to spend £10 on grounding myself, instead of paying £XXX/£XXXX amount for my hardware. Anti static wrist bands are pretty simple to use, something like this can be attached to somesort of metal, so to ground you (I would advise a radiator) , or you can get a plug to run the electric out of the system fully (99.99%). There are also anti static sprays you can get, sounds a little OTT, and never tried them myself, but if it does what it says on the tin, then it should also help. Hope these links help Gaz
Yeah, that's exactly what I do, although use an anti-static wristband attached to the case. I think the problem is often overstated though; so long as you are careful to ground yourself you'll be fine and won't even need an anti-static wristband or mat. I know many people that have coped fine without them for years, I only use it myself for peace of mind because I already have it, if I didn't then I probably wouldn't bother.
never had an issue ever in 10 years of building machines. of course i don't wear a shell suit and run around on carpet for half hour.
+1 My anti static precautions are to touch the case before handling any components, I've never gone as far as plugging in PSU either.
Thanks for the links i cant seem to get the first one to work. Dont quite understand that. Do you need wear a wristband or attached it to the case somehow.
It does for as long as you are touching the case. As soon as you let go static starts building again. If you use this method and then run around on nylon carpet building your PC do not be surprised if your component start failing after they have been used for a while. For ten quid you can pick up a wrist-strap and bonding plug. An anti-static mat is another twenty pounds. It is incredible that people are putting hundreds of pounds of computer equipment a risk when protective equipment is so inexpensive.
You don't need to, I only do it as a precaution (it just clips on the case to keep you grounded, so you don't have to worry about remembering to touch the case). But as others have said, you'll probably be fine without it.
That is incredibly bad advice. A anti-static wrist strap, preferably bonded to earth, should be worn at all times as a minimum when handling computer components.
So if i get a wrist band with the clip and clip it to the screw on the plug then i should be grounded? That seems the easiest and cheapest way to do it at the moment. wrist band plug
Ive never ever used any form of anti static device. Not had a single problem, and ive built plenty of computers. My advice would be 'if it bothers you get a wristband' . But for me its a non issue tbh
Meh, I've learned from experience that you're not likely to suffer any problems without one, and many people with a lot more experience than me have said the same thing. Just use some common sense and touch a grounded object and you'll be fine. If you don't mind spending £10 on a wrist strap then that's fine too, but the outcome is likely to be the same.
That should do it. Handling boards by their edge, not wearing nylon clothing or walking on nylon carpet are also good moves. Edit: Just found a good article on ESD. The nasty thing about ESD is that in a lot of cases an electrostatic discharge damages but doesn't destroy a component. It may be months or even years before the component fails.
Oh yeah because i do that all the time Static electricity isn't THAT evil. I only ground myself before building to make sure there isn't a huge buildup that could discharge. I think you're being a little too paranoid about this.
I'm guessing that once you're sitting down and building then most of the static generated is from your clothes rubbing together right? If this is the case then I think the answer is simple: naked computer building!
