Forgot static straps when building - did I damage my PC?

[Loosley]

Hi,

I just built a brand new PC, but when building I forgot to put on my static (ESD) strap. I tried to make sure I touched the metal of the case before handling any components though.

So the PC is built, and it seems to be working. I ran MemTest86+ for 24 hours with no errors, and I am in the process of running Prime95 blend for another 24 hours, and then I will check the hard drives for errors. If everything passes, do you think my PC is OK?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

[Zargon]

yeah Im sure its fine.

 

[Paperlantern]

I dont think ive EVER used a grounding strap. Have never had an issue. If the computer is booting I wouldnt worry about it.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

your only mistake is trusting Memtest86 and P95

 

[Hogan773]

I'm about to build my first time too....what should I be using to test the system then?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

LinX
Memtest HCI

links are in my sig

 

[gammaray]

As long as you dont build your pc on a carpet with someone vacuuming near it, it should be safe, unless you carry a lot of static electricity on you somehow.

So, don't worry.

 

[corkyg]

Been building since 1990 - don't recall ever using a static strap. Static tends to be seasonal and varies with the environment.

 

[bbs lm-r]

I think you're just being a little paranoid

i've built rigs on carpets and dragged my feet (w/ socks)... you're fine.

 

[Davidh373]

I use one, but the one I use is so short it normally ends up popping off and since no one else uses them I pretty much just end up throwing it off to the side... As long as it's working and there is no weirdness, you should be fine. Even if there is weirdness, it's likely static had nothing to do with it.

 

[sandorski]

Never have used one, don't know anyone who ever bothered.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I used to, but you really don't need to, as long as you ground yourself regularly to the case. (Every time you walk across the room to get another part.)

 

[Loosley]

Thanks. Ok, another static question.

I finished building my PC and I was moving it to its final spot, and I touched the case (it was powered off and unplugged at the time) and felt a static ZAP. Has this happened to any of you? Would this mess up the PC? I'm guessing not, since I touched the case and not an internal component, but you guys seem to have much more experience assembling PCs so I thought I would see what you think.

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[Davidh373]

I finished building my PC and I was moving it to its final spot, and I touched the case (it was powered off and unplugged at the time) and felt a static ZAP. Has this happened to any of you? Would this mess up the PC? I'm guessing not, since I touched the case and not an internal component, but you guys seem to have much more experience assembling PCs so I thought I would see what you think.

... did you check if the PC turned on...? If so, and it does, you will be fine.

 

[sandorski]

The case is no problem. If it was when touching a stick of RAM, then it would be a concern.

 

[BoomerD]

Unless they call you "Lightning Loosey" because of your awesome static skills...I'd say you have nothing to worry about.

I remember making my own "static strap" out of a length of wire and an alligator clip...about 20 years ago for the first time I worked inside my NEC 8088. (strip about a foot of insulation, loosely wrap it around my wrist...called it good.
I don't think I've bothered since then.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I zapped a system from static, and it shut down. Thankfully it booted back up again, after I shut off and then turned it back on in the back of the PSU, and pressed the power button.

I was carrying the case side from across the room on carpet. I had just touched the case side to the chassis, and heard a ZAP, and then the computer shut down.

It is my current belief that this computer was wired into an outlet with a malfunctioning ground, because normally, the chassis is grounded, when plugged into a grounded outlet, so static discharges should safely go away.

 

[Murloc]

lol that's paranoid. I never took any precautions other than working on insulated surfaces.

 

[oynaz]

lol that's paranoid. I never took any precautions other than working on insulated surfaces.

Wouldn't that increase the chance of static discharge tremendously?

 

[mfenn]

Thanks. Ok, another static question.

I finished building my PC and I was moving it to its final spot, and I touched the case (it was powered off and unplugged at the time) and felt a static ZAP. Has this happened to any of you? Would this mess up the PC? I'm guessing not, since I touched the case and not an internal component, but you guys seem to have much more experience assembling PCs so I thought I would see what you think.

Thanks again for all the replies.

You should be fine since you discharged against the case. Stop being paranoid and start enjoying your machine!

 

[jlee]

I dont think ive EVER used a grounding strap. Have never had an issue. If the computer is booting I wouldnt worry about it.

Neither have I. I'm quite sure you'll be fine.

 

[Zap]

I'm about to build my first time too....what should I be using to test the system then?

Will it be overclocked?

I personally think most enthusiasts are too paranoid. :whiste:

I was carrying the case side from across the room on carpet. I had just touched the case side to the chassis, and heard a ZAP, and then the computer shut down.

I've had that happen before when putting the side panel on a machine that was running. Never had any lasting problems.