Anti-static wristband
- Thread starter Jamez123
- Start date
Never, ever used one in 18 years of building computers and never had a problem. Discharge any static build up in myself on a radiator or similar before starting and use either cardboard or an inside out anti-static bag (only the insides are anti-static) to support the motherboard. The real risk comes from not discharging any static build-up in your body before starting.
The upshot is they're not necessary if you take sensible precautions
The upshot is they're not necessary if you take sensible precautions
Gigabyte use them always when building motherboards, there is video of workers grounded on ankles and wrists.
Damage from static does not always show, and can lead to failure some time in future.
I never use to use them, however had a period of failed hardware. Last 6 or so years I've been using them, and never a single hardware failure in that time.
Damage from static does not always show, and can lead to failure some time in future.
I never use to use them, however had a period of failed hardware. Last 6 or so years I've been using them, and never a single hardware failure in that time.
Soldato
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ESD precautions are always a good idea. Wristbands are cheap, and damage caused could surface after the warranty has expired.
If it was an major issue I’m sure OcUK would be trying to sell you the necessary ESD kit. I can’t really understand why they don’t, even if it was just disposable wrist straps (maybe they should include them instead of free Haribo).
I try to use them when handling processors and memory, especially if the system is expensive and doesn’t belong to me. For everything else I just keep touching something that’s grounded and hope for the best. It does seem to work.
I used to work in environments where we had full ESD workstations, but that wasn't just sticking a PC components together.
Every time I see someone post that their new memory is dead on arrival I always wonder how it was handled. Was it for example was purchased by a teenager with a liking for sports casual clothing and the shuffling of their feet?
If it was an major issue I’m sure OcUK would be trying to sell you the necessary ESD kit. I can’t really understand why they don’t, even if it was just disposable wrist straps (maybe they should include them instead of free Haribo).
I try to use them when handling processors and memory, especially if the system is expensive and doesn’t belong to me. For everything else I just keep touching something that’s grounded and hope for the best. It does seem to work.
I used to work in environments where we had full ESD workstations, but that wasn't just sticking a PC components together.
Every time I see someone post that their new memory is dead on arrival I always wonder how it was handled. Was it for example was purchased by a teenager with a liking for sports casual clothing and the shuffling of their feet?
They are a good idea, and they are very cheap, there is no denying either of those points.
When I'm building a PC for myself, I typically do not use one, because I believe that grounding myself on the chassis every now and then is good enough, however, when I am building a PC for a client, I always use the anti-stat wristband for that extra peace of mind, especially if they are watching me assemble the PC (which I allow them to do for extra peace of mind, most decline the offer but some want to) as it seems like I am taking that little bit extra care.
When I'm building a PC for myself, I typically do not use one, because I believe that grounding myself on the chassis every now and then is good enough, however, when I am building a PC for a client, I always use the anti-stat wristband for that extra peace of mind, especially if they are watching me assemble the PC (which I allow them to do for extra peace of mind, most decline the offer but some want to) as it seems like I am taking that little bit extra care.
Soldato
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That seems like a sensible approach.
There's obviously no point grounding yourself on the chassis unless it's grounded.
There's obviously no point grounding yourself on the chassis unless it's grounded.
Could not agree more.
I do think many of the review videos are to blame with people holding hardware and touching PCB's without any care.
Case in point, busy talking about the finish of the paint on heat sink, while holding gold contacts.
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Soldato
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There are many mixed messages out there.
As you say most review, and manufacturer, videos show no sign of ESD handling as an issue. It's not unusual for a video card to be held up with a hand wrapped around the PCIe finger/blade/whatever you want to call it. If you then read in the instruction manual for the same component there's usually handling warnings right at the front.
Over the years OcUK have posted many pictures of systems whilst they've been building them. I've never seen anything that even looked like an ESD precaution in any of them. I assume they aren't just trusting to blind luck (or maybe they have full ESD workstations they never photograph).
I'm wary because I have worked in environments where ESD was a real issue. You could really just pick something up and kill it if you weren't careful.
I'd guess that if most of the components weren't fairly bombproof then the RMA rates would be unsustainable. That isn't going to stop me from been careful.
As you say most review, and manufacturer, videos show no sign of ESD handling as an issue. It's not unusual for a video card to be held up with a hand wrapped around the PCIe finger/blade/whatever you want to call it. If you then read in the instruction manual for the same component there's usually handling warnings right at the front.
Over the years OcUK have posted many pictures of systems whilst they've been building them. I've never seen anything that even looked like an ESD precaution in any of them. I assume they aren't just trusting to blind luck (or maybe they have full ESD workstations they never photograph).
I'm wary because I have worked in environments where ESD was a real issue. You could really just pick something up and kill it if you weren't careful.
I'd guess that if most of the components weren't fairly bombproof then the RMA rates would be unsustainable. That isn't going to stop me from been careful.
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Soldato
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Common sense is more valuable.
Ground yourself on the chassis/PSU and don't do a dance on a carpet prior to handling components.
It's really not as big as an issue as people make it out to be.
Ground yourself on the chassis/PSU and don't do a dance on a carpet prior to handling components.
It's really not as big as an issue as people make it out to be.
Only problem is not everyone has common sense.
Associate
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never used one yet and built many systems as said it is more about common sense than anything
Associate
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You do not need one if you discharge yourself first. I did have a scare one time where I forgot to discharge, ended up with a corupt bios, luckily my board has a second.
Since then I always use a wrist band. They are very cheap and can potentially save a very expensive hardware problem. I also use a antistatic mat when working on parts.
Since then I always use a wrist band. They are very cheap and can potentially save a very expensive hardware problem. I also use a antistatic mat when working on parts.
I once returned a B grand motherboard to OCUK counter, staff at counter took out of packaging and held PCB underside. I said 'stop' at least hold by the edge sides and the response was OCUK don't use anti static straps.
Apparently modern computing components are more resistant then they were years ago, however the fact that current production lines have staff wearing anti-static gloves / ESP straps tell's me anti-static precaution is still very important.
When I was around 7 year old I use to build simple electronics kits from Tandys on breadboards using simple IC chips. My father was an electrical engineer and always told if I drop an IC chip into carpet it could damage it.
Production lines wear them to protect their products and its standard working practice. There are 100's of people in close proximity doing similiar tasks so the build up of static is more likely. You often find them wearing white overals/coats and hair caps.
When its just you on your own its less likely if you are sensible.
When its just you on your own its less likely if you are sensible.
Associate
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Just a note on OcUK Antistatic
Source: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=26458177&postcount=23
Source: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=26458177&postcount=23
Shawy said:
