best way to install new motherboard?

[Nocturnal]

ok well ive been building puters for a while now, but im kinda scared now that i might fry my mobo. it costed me an arm and a leg so i dont want it to be fried. i have carpet in my room, and i also have a wooden desk. i plan to put the case ontop of the desk and then installed the mobo from there. is that a good idea? should i step on like anything paper or anything like that so that i dont risk the chance of frying my motherboard? what would you do in a situation like this. thanks guys, ill need all the help i can get.

 

[Miramonti]

just don't do this and you'll be ok. 😉

I like to do it on a clean desk 'cause its easier on my back. Either case you should be fine as long as you don't lick it while its plugged in. 🙂

 

[John]

I build PC's on my carpet floor all the time. You run a low risk of killing components due to static discharge IMHO.

 

[Amused]

Besides, you're in Alabama. That's not exactly static charge capitol of the world.

You'll be fine. Just make sure to periodically ground yourself on some bare metal.

 

[jamarno]

Can you get a square yard of anti-static packing material (pink foam sheet or pink bubble pack)? Lay everything on it, work barefoot and with an anti-static wrist strap tied to bare metal on the computer case, and chances of static damage will be low. Be sure that nothing is plugged into a wall outlet because that's a dangerous way to ground things and doesn't really eliminate static risk.

You can substitute aluminum foil for anti-static packing material, but only if you never set the motherboard directly on it (will short its lithium battery and possibly cause a small explosion - I'm serious) and don't have anything plugged into a wall outlet.