Touching the metal bit of the case before hand is a good idea, doesn't need to be earthed. Doing so equalises any static electric potential between you and the case (you+ case- / you- case+ to ++ / --). If you were handling stuff like that on a daily basis then I would say a mat and strap is worth it. Just don't use a stick of RAM as a lightning rod and you should be fine.
Anti Static wrist band
- Thread starter robpatton
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Associate
afew £ for a strap or several hundreds to replace a faulty part due to static...up to you to decide if its worth the risk.
Although, the chances are is that you won't notice whether or not you have damaged it with static, until you install it, realise it is not working as it should and then RMA it thinking it was faulty out of the box.
Which got me thinking, I wonder how many people damaged their own hardware during installation thinking it was just shipped like that?
Soldato
same here. (although i have not built as many as that)
i am always tinkering inside the case.
just earth yourself first, and never work on carpet
but it is safer to use one
Associate
I would remove that link mate before the mods do
I have never used a anti-static wrist band tbh I think it just gets in the way. I touch a radiator before starting though and after any breaks I have (if I have any
)![[TW]Sponge](/styles/overclockers/avatars/6.png){kind=avatar}
Soldato
i have never known or heard of any1 have any problems with static. But, i suppose its always better to be safe than sorry.
Soldato
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This question gets asked fairly regularly.
I’ve worked in production/test environments where antistatic precautions were taken very seriously. It was even necessary to regularly test (and document) the actual wrist straps and cables to make sure they were working.
Given the anecdotal evidence modern PC hardware is obviously pretty bombproof. Wearing a wrist strap isn’t going to hurt, but most people, most of the time, will get away without using one.
As far as I can tell OcUK don’t sell any ESD handling products so they presumably they don’t think it’s much of an issue.
I’ve worked in production/test environments where antistatic precautions were taken very seriously. It was even necessary to regularly test (and document) the actual wrist straps and cables to make sure they were working.
Given the anecdotal evidence modern PC hardware is obviously pretty bombproof. Wearing a wrist strap isn’t going to hurt, but most people, most of the time, will get away without using one.
As far as I can tell OcUK don’t sell any ESD handling products so they presumably they don’t think it’s much of an issue.
Soldato
The thing is, 99% of PC hardware contains capacitors that will absorb almost any ESD.
When handling other parts like IC's, this is where ESD protection is actually needed.
Components are tougher than people give them credit for. I've severely bent a graphics card when not paying attention and it's running exactly the same as before the trauma. At present part of my watercooling is diverted through a psu, leaving some of the loop at mains voltage. This doesn't matter either. Said PSU has repeatedly electrocuted me, again it doesn't seem distressed by this. I've also spilt a considerable amount of water over a motherboard when a waterblock split, that doesn't appear to have hurt it either.
All that aside, I'm pretty sure a wire connecting your (metal) watch strap to the case is identical to an antistatic wrist strap and cheaper still, so that's always an option.
All that aside, I'm pretty sure a wire connecting your (metal) watch strap to the case is identical to an antistatic wrist strap and cheaper still, so that's always an option.
Why would they?I would remove that link mate before the mods do
I've never worn anti-static wristbands. The most I've done is touched the case a few times before doing touching my components. I'm sure there's a risk involved but I'm just plain lazy.
Associate
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- 353
Never used one, aslong as you ground yourself on radiator or on case when psu is attached should have no problems.
Soldato
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I think OcUK should compile a list of all the people who freely admit that never take ESD precautions. They could then use the list as fair grounds for refusing any warranty claims made by those individuals
Caporegime
I found this out after bending 30 pins on my brand new 955 last night. Took me an hour to get them all straight.
Had my wrist strap on though
Just beware of synthetic fibres in carpets, clothing etc. that's usually where the charge comes from. Also had a few after getting out of the car, which can give you a shock quite literally! The key thing is making sure you're earthed one way or another
Soldato
No ESD protection = no warranty? That seems a little silly to me...I think OcUK should compile a list of all the people who freely admit that never take ESD precautions. They could then use the list as fair grounds for refusing any warranty claims made by those individuals
Associate
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I have a wristband but I never use it. Just ground yourself on something before hand.
Commissario
I've got both an AS mat, and AS wrist bands here.
I tend not to use anything more than touching the bare metal of the radiator (or the bare metal of the case when it's plugged in, but turned off at the mains), if I'm just doing something like fitting a HD or cleaning the fans.
If I'm fitting a video card or similar I'll tend to wear the strap.
If I'm fitting more ram I'll definitely wear the strap.
If I'm building/rebuilding a full system I'll use the mat and strap, as the mat makes a nice place to lay out the parts whilst I'm putting everything together
I tend not to use anything more than touching the bare metal of the radiator (or the bare metal of the case when it's plugged in, but turned off at the mains), if I'm just doing something like fitting a HD or cleaning the fans.
If I'm fitting a video card or similar I'll tend to wear the strap.
If I'm fitting more ram I'll definitely wear the strap.
If I'm building/rebuilding a full system I'll use the mat and strap, as the mat makes a nice place to lay out the parts whilst I'm putting everything together
always wear a antistatic strap now.