Static discharge?

jamieboo · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:34

I'll finally be commencing my first ever build in the next couple of days, and I'm just wondering how many of you seasoned pros use those anti-static wriststraps? Are they recommended, or is the odd tap of hand to case really all you need?
Thanks

UKDTweak · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:38

I have been building and working with computers 10+ years and Never used a wrist band, also never killed any components, I simply touch the case/PSU before touching any components...

jamieboo · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:53

Ok, thanks.
Just let me be clear about the specifics of the case touching tomfoolery. The PSU should be plugged in, but not turned on right? What about the mains wall-socket its plugged into, does that need to be on or off?
Ta

frying_pan_cat · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:58

The wall socket should be off too

naknakkus · 23 Nov 2009 at 13:03

Never used a wrist band myself. Never damaged any component with static discharge, though admittedly I've only built 5 machines.

doggs · 23 Nov 2009 at 13:13

I've never used one, never had any problems. Others will disagree though......

ShakenNstirred · 23 Nov 2009 at 13:35

been modding and building computers since the mid 80`s and never had any problems with static discharge

Disjunto · 23 Nov 2009 at 13:39

I've used a wriststrap once, I was in an area that was charging me up way too easily (got shocked opening doors in there) and it wasn't my stuff. All went well. For the other 10+ build I've never done anymore than touching the case... if I remember to do that

DisrupTor75 · 23 Nov 2009 at 13:41

UKDTweak said:
I have been building and working with computers 10+ years and Never used a wrist band, also never killed any components, I simply touch the case/PSU before touching any components...

Same here

MCH · 23 Nov 2009 at 14:09

i just keep myself in contact with the case when fiddling with things, turn the wall socket off and the psu off but leave the cable in , i then proceed to get frustrated while trying to maneuver mobo/heatsink into the tower.

Corasik · 23 Nov 2009 at 14:15

Disjunto said:
I've used a wriststrap once, I was in an area that was charging me up way too easily (got shocked opening doors in there) and it wasn't my stuff. All went well. For the other 10+ build I've never done anymore than touching the case... if I remember to do that

One of my work colleagues can fry a cpu from 10 meters... (ok slight exaggeration). Static discharge can cause damage which isnt obvious too, a small discharge could be the difference between an i7 that does 4ghz on air, or an i7 that bearly manages 3.2ghz. It could also mean the difference between a chip that lasts 12 months, and a chip that lasts 12 years.

For the sake of what £1.50 or so, why not use a wristband.

Only place I seem to get zapped personally is in tesco's. Something about the floor there seems th charge the trollleys.

SMAndy · 23 Nov 2009 at 14:48

Hi.

Check out this thread, posts by me give you some numbers that are kinda scary. Read the whole thing though and you'll be more than safe.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18057658

dtokez · 23 Nov 2009 at 14:51

there aren't really any components in most systems that are sensitive to esd so my guess is you will be fine

TheTard · 23 Nov 2009 at 15:48

I use one because i got one free =]
oh and i have no money so i really dontwant to take the risk, even though i know people that never wear them and have never had any problems with ESD

Geek. · 23 Nov 2009 at 15:51

i keep in contact with the case!

JonJ678 · 23 Nov 2009 at 16:05

I wear a metal watch and try to keep the other hand out of the case. If I was more paranoid I'd run a wire from the watch to the case, as it happens I think my arm collides with the case often enough for it not to matter.

PSU cable in, switch off makes a lot of sense but I hadn't heard of it before these boards.