Toucing video card while running

[tigersty1e]

So I've always touched my video cards while they were running games/stress programs. I've touched the backside of the ram chips and vrm/mosfet chips to see how hot they got.

But I just got a new 4850 and the 2 times I've done this, the computer just went crazy on me. The first time I get a driver stopped error and the program crashes. The second time, the computer crashes.

Is this coincidence or is it fine to touch these cards? I could've had some sweat on my hands... I don't know.

 

[SneakyStuff]

That is strange, but if you've done it twice and it has flipped out on you I don't think doing it a third time would be wise!

 

[WaTaGuMp]

You can die. dont do it.

 

[taltamir]

mmm... i do it too. But good to know about not doing it with the 48xx
besides, real men can't die from electricity, it is a FACT!

 

[BFG10K]

Maybe your video card doesn't like to be touched. At least not on the first date.

 

[taltamir]

Originally posted by: BFG10K
Maybe your video card doesn't like to be touched. At least not on the first date.

mmm, maybe he is loosing his touch, the other ones didn't mind ;p

 

[n7]

:laugh:

Built anti-harassment

 

[Nafets]

Touching your PC's innards while it's on is fine, if done correctly. I've done this countless times, with no problems whatsoever.

You may have been discharging static electricity, which can damage your components.

To avoid this, make sure you first touch anywhere on the inside of the case surface first, and don't move your feet around, if on a carpeted surface, while probing around...

 

[Borealis7]

oh this is comedy gold right here.

 

[Cutthroat]

Originally posted by: Nafets
Touching your PC's innards while it's on is fine, if done correctly. I've done this countless times, with no problems whatsoever.

You may have been discharging static electricity, which can damage your components.

To avoid this, make sure you first touch anywhere on the inside of the case surface first, and don't move your feet around, if on a carpeted surface, while probing around...

Touching it in the right spot first might help.

However, if you're water cooling some Gin in the reservoir might loosen it up a bit and it'll be more likely to let you touch it.

 

[Elcs]

Dont blow in its ear, it doesn't like it!!

Maybe it doesnt like being touched in the ram chips. I know I hate anyone touching my chips!!

Being nervous and sweaty never helps. Dry your hands first.

Now that Ive had my fun, I think its very odd and more than like static or just pure coincidence.

 

[Denithor]

:laugh:

Ok, gotta give to you guys, you just got me some strange looks from around the office when I burst out laughing first thing this morning.

Originally posted by: Elcs
...just pure coincidence.

I tend to think Elcs hit this one right on the head. I've touched [stroked/fondled/insert appropriate verbage here] all of my video cards at some point or other, including the VisionTek 4850 I had briefly (and I do mean briefly, that thing ran HOT) and never had problems like you described.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

You wont be laughing when the sexual harrasment suit gets filed.

 

[BadRobot]

The amount of touching allowed is directly related to your hotness You obviously need to become better looking
Google "Tom Brady skit on Saturday Night live"

 

[Nathelion]

I envy you, having a hot thang like that within arms reach while you're on the computer

Seriously though, I wouldn't touch exposed chips if I were you. In general, one should never ever touch chips directly. One should also avoid touching wire traces and connectors. ESD is real and will only increase in significance as processes continue to shrink.