System reboots - I think it's from static electricity discharge

[bupkus]

It seems whenever I first sit down or push my chair away from the folding table I have, my computer reboots. I swapped out my USB keyboard for a PS/2, swapped my MS mouse for a Logitech, looked for some dangling wire plugged into my pc, but haven't solved the problem.

My table is one of the plastic topped jobs you see at Sam's Club or COSTCO. I have an area rug on an oak floor which could likely generate a static charge but my gf won't let me remove it as it protects the oak from my desk chair's wheels.

My mouse sits on a 1030 sUrface mouse pad which I can't imagine is the problem. My PC is on the floor under my desk with two UPSs. I inserted a Sperry Instruments 3 prong outlet tester into the UPS the pc is using and it tested "Correct".

If this is a common problem is there a recognized solution? I even just purchased a new PSU thinking maybe it was the source of the problem. I have a Corsair 650 W which I expected would be insulated against static disruptions. I swapped out a video card thinking that was the cause... I even dropped my RAM overclock so now only the CPU is overclocked.

I'm convince it's a static issue or else my computer doesn't like me to either approach or leave.

I would seem replugging the USB mouse

 

[mpilchfamily]

Get rid of the rug and use a chair mat under your chair. Chances are it is static electricity causeing the problem. You may also want to make sure everything in the case is grounded properly. If you have those insulated spacers between your motherboard and the standoffs you'll want to get rid of those. What case do you have. I know allpt of the Antec 900 cases don't have there front panel connectors grounded right so a slight static hit there while plugging an item in or out will knock out the system.

 

[bupkus]

Get rid of the rug and use a chair mat under your chair. Chances are it is static electricity causeing the problem. You may also want to make sure everything in the case is grounded properly. If you have those insulated spacers between your motherboard and the standoffs you'll want to get rid of those. What case do you have. I know allpt of the Antec 900 cases don't have there front panel connectors grounded right so a slight static hit there while plugging an item in or out will knock out the system.

I'm using a COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137
My mouse in plugged into the top of the case; perhaps I should try plugging it into the back.

Other hardware:
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128059

 

[bupkus]

I would seem replugging the USB mouse from case to motherboard has fixed the reboot problem. I hope I'm not jumping the gun.

 

[mpilchfamily]

That sounds about right. Your PC will take allot of static threw the mouse. I get little poping sounds from my speakers any time i have a static charge and touch my mouse. Since the USB connection on the motherboard are grounded directly to the case the system is better pertected. With the front panel there is no dirrect grounding. The static hase to travel threw the wire and to the motherboard before it gets grounded out threw the nearest motherboard standoff. So it can cause problems along the way.

 

[pcgeek11]

That sounds about right. Your PC will take allot of static threw the mouse. I get little poping sounds from my speakers any time i have a static charge and touch my mouse. Since the USB connection on the motherboard are grounded directly to the case the system is better pertected. With the front panel there is no dirrect grounding. The static hase to travel threw the wire and to the motherboard before it gets grounded out threw the nearest motherboard standoff. So it can cause problems along the way.

Not to pee on the thread, but static isn't what is going on here. Even the remote USB connectors in the front panel top side or where ever it is is grounded Via the shield wire back to the mainboard.

It may have been a USB problem but static electricity isn't the cause. He may have had a defective connector etc.

Just me

pcgeek11

 

[mpilchfamily]

Grounding threw the motherboard is the problem. The rear connctors have dirrect contact with the case. The front panel have to go threw the motherboard itself to get to the case for grounding. With the close porximity of the USB headers on the motherboard with the power and reset cuircuits on the board the static trips the reset just like pressing the rest button. I get the same problem if i get a static dishcharge on the edge of the USB ports on the front panel of my Antec 900 and CM 690 cases.

 

[pcgeek11]

Grounding threw the motherboard is the problem. The rear connctors have dirrect contact with the case. The front panel have to go threw the motherboard itself to get to the case for grounding. With the close porximity of the USB headers on the motherboard with the power and reset cuircuits on the board the static trips the reset just like pressing the rest button. I get the same problem if i get a static dishcharge on the edge of the USB ports on the front panel of my Antec 900 and CM 690 cases.

I know you believe this, but using my experience (36 years in electronics ) it makes no sense at all. Ground on the USB is the same as the ground on the case as the ground on the motherboard.

Ground = Common point in a circuit all tied to earth through the motherboard to the case and power supply housing and the ground prong on the 120 VAC power cord then goes to the ground buss in your house that is tied to a metal rod pounded into the earth somewhere near the electric meter base.

All of the above listed points are connected together. A static zap on the case will effect the entire ground or common circuit, regardless of the initial point of the static discharge. All USB Ports are grounded to the MB even the ones in the rear and a static discharge potential will be felt through the entire ground circuit.

The only way that a static discharge would effect anything is if part of this grounding circuit is open or not connected as it should be.

Basic Electronics.

I hope this clears things up for you.

pcgeek11