How well grounded do you need to be when putting a computer together?

[Joepublic2]

It seems like there's quite a bit of disagreement when this issue pops up from time to time in different places. I was wondering what Anandtech's forum users opinions' and personal experiences on this matter are. Please comment!

 

[imported_Tick]

I usually just make sure to ground myself ahead of time, and avoid standing on carpet, or touching things like tv's while working on static-sensitive equipment.

 

[amdskip]

I have a grounding strap and barely use it. I should really use it though. I try to avoid carpeted areas.

 

[odbasucanc]

better to be safe than sorry...

 

[imported_Kensai]

I just ground myself everytime I move my feet.

 

[bjc112]

Typically just touch the PSU or chasis before touching parts.

Typically don't have any issues, and sometimes I HAVE to work on carpet.

 

[belazeru]

Yea i just touch the PSU or case once and thats it.
Every computer ive built was done on carpet and i havent fried any components yet.

 

[imported_rod]

I use a grounding strap, but i still touch the psu everytime before i touch a static sensitive component.

RoD

 

[shoRunner]

never worried or had any problems with static. anyone actually had something screw up because of static?.....ok didn't think so

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
never worried or had any problems with static. anyone actually had something screw up because of static?.....ok didn't think so

I'm sure it happens, or else it wouldn't be a big deal. I usually just make sure to periodically touch the case or PSU. I've never had any problems with static, but that won't make the first time suck any less.

 

[Tyson82]

Ive been building pc's for years and never had a problem. And Im always on carpet.

Im sure someone is making good money off of the grounding straps.

 

[imported_Tick]

All the same, I IS possible to kill things with static. Not likely, especially these days, but still possible. As SlitheryDee said, the one time it happened would still suck. I furthermore question if those tardo grouding straps offer ANY benifit.

 

[imported_rod]

My mate who works in a PC shop told me to get a grounding strap. He reckons that it only really matters when handling the CPU, and maybe the Graphics Card. Better to be safe than sorry.

I figured that after forking out AU$2000 for a system, i could afford another AU$4 for a strap. But having said that, as long as you ground yourself on the case/psu, you should be okay. Just remember to have the PSU plugged in to the wall, but not switched on.

RoD

 

[imported_Tick]

I just contend that the grounding straps actually don't do anything, as per the infamous "battery life activator".

 

[Joepublic2]

bump

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
never worried or had any problems with static. anyone actually had something screw up because of static?.....ok didn't think so

ditto...

 

[n7]

Funny thing happened to a friend of mine...except it wasn't funny for him.

He went to plug in his USB memory drive, & flash!

Static electricity i guess, & now his mobo is fried :Q

So touch your case before touching any metal to it!

 

[shoRunner]

Originally posted by: SlitheryDee

Originally posted by: shoRunner
never worried or had any problems with static. anyone actually had something screw up because of static?.....ok didn't think so

I'm sure it happens, or else it wouldn't be a big deal. I usually just make sure to periodically touch the case or PSU. I've never had any problems with static, but that won't make the first time suck any less.

Originally posted by: shoRunner
anyone actually had something screw up because of static?.....ok didn't think so

 

[Scoobyd00]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
never worried or had any problems with static. anyone actually had something screw up because of static?.....ok didn't think so

I worked in a computer production plant that built anywhere from 1500-3000 computers a day. Yes I have seen static kill computer parts. Static will also shorten the life of a component, it doesn't have to completey kill it to be a bad thing. To cut down on static problems the plant bought every employee ESD workshoes and this helped alot.

Also by touching the case and considering yourself grounded is totally depending on your house to have a pure earth grounding system, which many dont have.

 

[IanE]

Before hands enter the case, they touch the chassis. I've always worked standing on tile and working on a wooden table, no problems even when client's little girls come and stick their hands in there and touch things, haha.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
never worried or had any problems with static. anyone actually had something screw up because of static?.....ok didn't think so

I used to work in tech support building and repairing systems. It only happened a few times, but then again we were usually pretty careful, since these were expensive workstations and servers.

Static electricity can and will break parts (personally saw a few pieces of RAM get shocked and stop working, and possibly a hard drive).

 

[JulesMaximus]

Keep in mind that dry climates are better suited to creating static electricity than humid ones. So, someone here could say that they never worry about it because they've never fried any components but they might live in Florida where it is very humid while someone who lives in Arizona might constantly have to worry about static electricity.

 

[Duvie]

Good point above...

I make sure I am grounded all the time....I run a wire from my YooHOoo to my metal desk!!!


I make sure in carpeted areas to be sure before I touch a component I touch the case chasis, then avoid moving alot...I live in not so humid but not so dry either, Portland, OR.....I have never killed a component either...

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: Scoobyd00


Also by touching the case and considering yourself grounded is totally depending on your house to have a pure earth grounding system, which many dont have.

The point is really not to "ground" yourself, but to equalize the charge between you and the PC.

 

[Baked]

Don't stand on carpet. I work on computer assembly in the living room w/ vinyl tiles. If you must, touch something metal before work on the computer parts.