Grounding strap good/bad or neccessary?

[RoyalTenenbaum]

Hi there,

When I work on my PC I always touch some metal beforehand. And I hardly ever ever work on carpeted surfaces. Should I get a grounding strap? Also, is there any harm in having your computer on carpet? I have a Chieftec case and its too big for my desk it seems.

Thanks!

 

[Davegod]

i've never bothered with one. btw touching some metal wont necessarily do anything for you, it has to be grounded/earthed - your case chassis should do

 

[Evadman]

They cost about $2. They don't hurt. If your floor is carpet, use it. It doesn't have to actualy shcok you to kill something. 20KV can kill most any electrical component.

 

[HiTek21]

I got one after 2 motherboards mysteriously died after removing and reinstalling them into a new case.

 

[MDE]

I've never bothered with one, just hold onto the case as you're working and don't shuffle your feet.

 

[brianp34]

i use one sometimes. its a good precaution and they're pretty cheap.

 

[pspada]

I've never used one in my 20 odd years with my fingers inside boxes, and have never killed a component. But I don't do anything that will build up static while I'm working on 'em, either.

But if your name is "Electro", it's probably a good idea.... :Q

 

[ethebubbeth]

i mostly find them a hindrace... i'm pretty careful when i'm working in a case anyways