Anti static mat - cardboard?

Anesthetize

Anesthetize

Anesthetize

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Okay, so I have a computer to build, but the table in the room I was going to build it in has recently been removed, and so now I have to build it in this room which has a carpet. Now as I don't own an anti static mat, I was thinking I could stand on a bit of cardboard as I got loads of that right now, but how safe would that be?

I can't imagine cardboard generating any static, but I could be wrong. So would I be okay doing this, or should I go pick up a mat?

Cheers.
 
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Cardboard is perfect - it's what most people use to stand their mobos on when running/testing the system ouside of the case.

I always keep a couple of Bud Boxes for this very purpose...
 
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Both paper and cardboard aren't considered safe. I'd also keep it away from the carpet.
Cheap method I've used in the past is to earth myself using croc-clip leads and a screwdriver down my sock, keeps hands/wrist free :)
If you connect the mains lead to the PSU in the case then it'll be fine on the carpet as long as the bits go directly from the packaging to the case.
 
Reaper 392 said:
i just built my one on the carpet, but when the motherboard wasnt in the case i put it on top of the anti static bag that it came with
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You shouldn't put it on the anti static bag.

The anti static bag is covered in conductive strips forming a Faraday Cage.

This is designed to protect the motherboard while it's inside the bag by dispersing any electrical charge over the outside.

By putting the motherboard on the outside of the bag you're stiing it on something designed to conduct electricity.
 
Surveyor said:
You shouldn't put it on the anti static bag.

The anti static bag is covered in conductive strips forming a Faraday Cage.

This is designed to protect the motherboard while it's inside the bag by dispersing any electrical charge over the outside.

By putting the motherboard on the outside of the bag you're stiing it on something designed to conduct electricity.
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well, it hasnt done me any harm, but i'll turn it inside out for future use
 
weird_dave said:
Both paper and cardboard aren't considered safe.
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Cardboard is fine - as long as you earth yourself every now and then (exposed radiator pipe) or ideally fit the PSU to the case and plug into the wall (off of course) and then just touch the case.

Ideally you would be sat at the table - but needs must and cardboard is a good solution if he hasn't got a table. Ibuild all my rigs on cardboard, sat at a table - mainly to save my table.
 
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Reaper 392 said:
well, it hasnt done me any harm, but i'll turn it inside out for future use
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That's not the point.

You're taking a risk you don't need to take.

And you should never use the anti static bag to bench test a motherboard.

It would be the same effect as sitting it on a metal tray.

The cardboard box the motherboard came in is fine to use.

Just earth yourself every now and again as you would do no matter what you were using.
 
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I wouldn't dream about building on a carpet. Not just for the fact of the risk of static electricity. Your back would kill you! There's not going to be enough room to lay out all the components... it's not a lego set.

The kitchen worktop would be a much better solution. Just make sure it's clean etc.

I also second the idea of fitting the PSU first and then plugging it into the wall before touching anything prone to static electricity. I always use this method.

P.S. Mats and wrist bands can be picked up for a couple of quid. I use a mat, mainly because it allows me to lay out all the components with plenty of space for a case as well... but it also protects the desk from scratches etc.

With regards to the cardboard... as already mentioned, it's recommended if you don't have anything else, a good substitute. Surveyor is right... turn the bag inside out, it just makes sense :)
 
You can do the build on the floor but you aren't doing your back or knees any favours ;)

The guys have covered everything really. Discharge yourself before touching any components. And keep the mobos box nearby to rest parts on, also the underside of mouse mats is an antistatic surface for future reference.
 
Oh guys, I'd be building the rig on a glass table. I just thought you had to be stood on an anti static mat or something other than the carpet itself? I won't be at any point sitting the case on the floor to build. Also I'm a foot away from a radiator so discharging static every minute or so shouldn't be a problem.

If I do end up building in the kitchen, the taps will do the same job wouldn't it? I read people keep saying 'touch your case' but my case, as far as I'm aware is all painted, and I thought you had to touch the non-painted parts to discharge static?

Also, thanks for the heads-up, even though it wasn't directed at me, on the anti-static bag the mobo comes in. I was actually going to sit my mobo on mine, but I'll turn it inside-out now. It was only to be sat on the mobo so I could attack my cooler's bracket, and the cooler itself to the mobo.

I think, just to be safe, when I'm ready to build, I'll make another thread so you guys can give some general tips, cause it seems even something minor can cause a major problem, and that's the last thing I want. Especially with this being my first build, I'm nervous enough as is.

Thanks for the replies.
 
Best way, is to assemble PSU into case. PSU is fine, no risk of static damage due to no components being on show. Then plug the PSU into the wall with an earthed cable. Leave both the wall switch, and the PSU OFF. You then have a PC case grounded to earth, as long as there is bare metal there, it is perfectly ok just to continue your build in peace.
 
PhillyDee said:
Best way, is to assemble PSU into case. PSU is fine, no risk of static damage due to no components being on show. Then plug the PSU into the wall with an earthed cable. Leave both the wall switch, and the PSU OFF. You then have a PC case grounded to earth, as long as there is bare metal there, it is perfectly ok just to continue your build in peace.
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Definitely do this!

I wouldn't worry to much about it. Some people can play it up and make it out to be such a scary thing. I've dropped graphics cards in the car, outside etc. All been fine. I've had my friends come round and when I turn my back there man handling my £300 graphics cards with their paws all over... poking fingers into the shiny parts. It's always been fine (the card, not them) :p

If your worried about building on a carpet (standing) Just stick a pair of trainers on. No big deal. My little workshop is all carpeted and it's never been an issue on the hundreds of machines I've been in about.
 
Patience is the key. It is a lil daunting first time round, most of us have built so many rigs we do it on autopilot now.

In short. Take the mobo and hold it in the case and check the standoffs in the case match the holes on the mobo. Then you can place the mobo back on the box/work surface and mount the RAM, CPU and Heatsink.

Your then ready to drop the mobo in (not literally) the case and screw it down. Next fiddly bit is the cables from the case to the headers on the mobo. Once this is done it's easy going to the finish.

Good luck with the build. Any problems or Qs come back and ask
 
You just need something like an anti static strap (less than 8 quid from a highstreet electronics store that begins with M ;)) I still have the ones from my commissioning days which is a metal band but this is good enough, just attach yourself to the radiator and your sorted ;)
Thick cardboard is ok, wood is the best though so a wooden floor is perfect, but the zap strap is a must unless you keep earthing yourself, you will build up a static charge on carpet (nylon based carpet especially) so be careful.

Tony:)
 
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Each to their own but I dont believe in the wrist straps, waste of money and just more junk lying around IMO. You'll see once you start the build you are in constant contact with the case pretty much.

As long as you discharge yourself before you open the boxes and don't perform Michael Jackson dance moves as you build you wont really build up much static ;)
 
I use a collapsible decorators pasting table (wooden). Loads of room, decent height and non conductor. Handy if you already own one (like I do).
 
never bothered about static and I do all my builds on a carpet. Just don't do anything stupid like stroke an epically fluffy cute thing for hours whilst rubbing your feet agaist the carpet for hours.

Chances are, you will subconsciously touch your case aswell beforehand
 
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