Latex gloves and building computer.

[newbiecomputer]

Hello, I am new to building computers and I just started reading about how you should ground yourself so your electrical currents do not harm the computer.

Unfortunately I figured this out after I built my computer while using latex gloves.

All of my hardware is brand new and I haven't turned it on yet.

I am just wondering a few things I hope you guys can answer.


1. If I didn't actually zap anything, like feel a zap, then everything is ok?

2. If something may have went wrong will I only need to replaced the motherboard, processor, graphics card, memory and maybe power supply? I can keep the heat sink and fans, etc.


I would like to know as soon as possible before my 30 day return policy runs out.

Thank you!

 

[mvbighead]

In my years of building systems, I never once wore a strap or gloves. Generally speaking, if air is dry it would be wise to avoid building a system on carpet, but beyond that, the odds of introducing static shock are unlikely.

In short, turn on your system. There's no reason not to.

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

You're probably fine. ESD is not as destructive nor prevalent as some may have you think.

 

[newbiecomputer]

I plan to turn it on.

I am just curious if I may have shortened the lifespan of my machine. If it runs fine for a week then do I basically have nothing to worry about?

Thanks for the responses.

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

Basically you have nothing to worry about now. If it turns on and works you're fine.

 

[newbiecomputer]

Alright thank you very much!

I will give it a go and if it doesn't work I'll assume I botched it up and probably return the hardware.

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

If it doesn't work, we can help you. If you are new to building computers, there are some common mistakes that people make. One of the most common is not verifying the motherboard standoffs match up to the holes on the motherboard - I have seen people leave an extra standoff that came pre-mounted on the case and it grounded the motherboard and it wouldn't start. Easy fix.

Of course, I have also seen people who have screwed the motherboard directly to the bottom of the case and used no standoffs.

I have intentionally caused ESD on test components and zapped memory, CPU's, video cards, etc. repeated times and nothing ever died. This stuff is more resilient than people think. I wouldn't recommend doing this of course because it is possible to cause damage.

 

[newbiecomputer]

Great I feel even more confident now!

Um, you have brought another thing to my attention.

Motherboard standoffs. I may have just screwed my motherboard directly to the case. Was I supposed to put some kind of plastic covers before? My motherboard didn't include anything like that, so I have to buy them separately?

Sorry to keep taking up your time. I just really want this to work!

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

These are motherboard standoffs:

They are meant to go between the case and motherboard. Most cases come with some pre-installed, but you usually have to add some because not all motherboards follow the same mounting hole standard. These standoffs would come with your case. Sometimes the case will come with one pre-mounted that your motherboard does not have a hole for and it can short out the motherboard if not removed.

 

[newbiecomputer]

Oh thank you, yes I understand. These were already built in the case.

Thank you!

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

Oh thank you, yes I understand. These were already built in the case.

Thank you!

But did you count how many were there and did you use that same number of screws?

 

[newbiecomputer]

Ok, I am currently away from my computer (using a school computer).

But I will check when I get there. So what you are saying is make sure that there are no standoffs that are touching the motherboard that are not screwed in right?

Or do you mean I have to screw in every motherboard hole to a standoff? and if the case doesn't have enough I need to get some more and drills some holes in the case to fit the mother board in?

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

Make sure there aren't any extra standoffs that don't have screws and are just touching the motherboard. You can usually count the standoffs from behind the motherboard on the other side of the case, then count how many screw holes you used. That's a common mistake. The motherboard doesn't have to have all of them screwed in - just enough to secure it well. But I'm anal and always use a screw in each hole provided by the motherboard.

 

[newbiecomputer]

Alright thank you.

If they are touching the mother board, Do I use like standoff extenders. Or should I just, like cut them off?

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

You would have to take the motherboard out and then remove them. They should just unscrew. Some cases just have raised up portions instead of standoffs. Those are fine because all motherboards must have some specific holes in specific locations to meet the ATX spec.

 

[newbiecomputer]

Oh ok, great that's very convenient.

I will be sure to do this, thank you for the extra advice. I wish there was a way to give kudos.

If you have the time, is there anything else extremely important beginner should know?

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

Not really. A lot of things are made so you can pretty much only plug things in the correct way these days. Check it out, if it looks good, fire it up. If you run into trouble just make a post about it.

 

[newbiecomputer]

Ok! thank you very much again.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Installing everything at once can be problematic. If you turn it on, it boots and, everything works great! But, if it doesn't, by installing everything at once, you make troubleshooting way more complicated.

 

[CoPhotoGuy]

Installing everything at once can be problematic. If you turn it on, it boots and, everything works great! But, if it doesn't, by installing everything at once, you make troubleshooting way more complicated.

Meh. I always install everything at once. But then I'm very familiar with troubleshooting things as well.

These days, you have to install most things all at once anyway otherwise it won't boot. CPU, RAM, Video, Power Supply. You usually don't have other add-in cards anymore. Hard drives and CD/DVD drives usually don't cause a POST failure for the most part.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Meh. I always install everything at once. But then I'm very familiar with troubleshooting things as well.

Same. Even more so these days, given that today's PCs have so few components. You no longer have audio and network cards, and many computers have no video card or optical drive.