What's the best way to "discharge" myself

[davidober]

I just recently received my computer, but in transit, it was clearly banged hard, because there's a big gash in the box, and one of the fans came out of its seating, and it won't boot properly.

I contacted the builder, and we're going to try to get it going instead of sending it back -- which I'm perfectly fine with. If I need to send it back, I always can.

My question: How do I make sure that I don't damage the delicate internal parts with static electricity? I know I'm supposed to do something, but I'm not sure what it is...

Thanks,

David

 

[the Chase]

Save yourself a couple of years off of your life and just send the busted POS back for a new one.

 

[Seekermeister]

You can simply touch a bare spot on the metal portion of the case. But if you want to be more certain, buy a static wrist band.

 

[Leros]

Touch the metal case of the power supply while it is plugged in to the wall.

 

[CurseTheSky]

The #1 best way to eliminate static electricity is to wear a static strap. You can usually purchase them at any electronics store (Radio Shack for example) for around $5. You wear it around your wrist, and it has a cable that you can attach to a grounded metal object (such as metal office furniture) to continuously discharge static from your body.

A second, decently safe (but not 100% effective) way is to simply touch a grounded metal object every minute or two while working. This way you regularly discharge yourself from the static the builds up.

Finally, working in a safe environment is a huge factor. Avoid working on areas that promote static, such as carpetted floors. Don't wear clothes that easily build up static, such as hooded sweatshirts. Don't work anywhere near any other electrical or electronic components that have a ground short or current leak (we used to have a laptop sitting on top of a metal filing cabinent - anytime you touched the filing cabinent while the laptop was on, you got zapped).

Taking precautions about static is a good thing. Going to extreme lengths to ensure you're 100% static free isn't necessary in most cases. Personally, I build all of my computers while sitting on a carpetted floor, without a static strap. I do touch the outside of the case every few minutes or anytime I have to get up and move to make sure I don't build up excess static.

 

[Ken90630]

If it were me, I'd send the computer back 'cuz if it was banged that hard, that couldn't have been good for the hard drive(s) (which could explain why the machine won't boot properly?). Seriously -- the last thing you want is a new computer with a hard drive that's been subjected to physical shock. Even if you get it up & running, there's no telling how much the HD's life has been shortened.

To answer your question, though, the other guys gave you good advice. If you wanna get an anti-static wrist strap, here's an example. Just don't pay $11 for one -- that's ridiculous. I paid $5 for mine, I think, awhile back. I just posted this link to give you a picture of what they look like.

Incidentally, I've used one of those straps but they can be annoying. They can hinder your hand/arm movement a little, depending on how you work. And I find I often have to unhook it temporarily and then hook it up again 'cuz sometimes the cord gets in the way of what I'm doing. Sometimes I just think, "to heck with this right now, I'm just gonna touch the unpainted frame every so often." I mainly use the strap while handling the motherboard, RAM and cards during installation, then just touch the unpainted frame every so often for the rest of the build.

There's also a Web site called matsmatsmats.com that sells some special rubber mats you can stand on if you really want to dissipate your body's built-up static electricity. I think they're called "ESD mats." I'd prolly use one if I built or worked on computers for a living.

Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[ch33zw1z]

Send that thing back, get a brand new one...there's no way to tell if any internal components broke in transit..

 

[regnez]

Originally posted by: davidober
What's the best way to "discharge" myself

... :laugh:

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
You can simply touch a bare spot on the metal portion of the case. But if you want to be more certain, buy a static wrist band.

:thumbsup:

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
You can simply touch a bare spot on the metal portion of the case.

That is the way to do it.

Originally posted by: Leros
Touch the metal case of the power supply while it is plugged in to the wall.

No, it does not need to be plugged in. You want to bring your body and the motherboard to the same potential.
The power supply ground is electrically connected to the case. It is also connected to the motherboard by the PSU power cables. So, that's why you touch the case.



Grounding yourself could be the wrong thing to do if the PC itself is not grounded!

 

[davidober]

I have an unlimited 3-year warranty, so I'm not worried about there being any damage to the computer. If it doesn't run perfectly after I make go in and press in all the cards and cables, then I simply send it back. Also, if it doesn't run perfectly any time during the 3 year warranty (and it's hardware related, obviously), then I can send it back.

I'm in a no-lose situation. Unless maybe I'm missing something...

 

[Ken90630]

I'm in a no-lose situation. Unless maybe I'm missing something...

Hi, David,

Well, you'd "lose" if the hard drive dies and you lose all your documents, photos, music or whatever you had saved on it. Sure, you can (and should) back up everything on a regular basis, but I don't know anyone that really backs up everything on their hard drive daily (and most people really don't even do it weekly). Unless you're running a particular RAID setup and are thus creating a backup everytime you save something, you run the risk of losing everything you'd saved since the last time you backed everything up. Plus, if the HD dies and you get it repaired under warranty, you'd still have to spend all the time to reinstall and configure some software again after getting the machine back (except the OS and whatever software originally came with the machine, which I assume the repair shop would reinstall for you).

How significant a risk or concern that is to you, I dunno. I was just sayin' if it were me, I wouldn't want that worry in the back of my mind. The innards of a hard drive are extremely delicate and typically can't be subjected to physical shock without consequences. And since you said the machine won't boot, that'd be a HUGE red flag to me. But it's your call -- whatever works best for you, go for it.

 

[davidober]

Okay, here's what happened:

I went in, adjusted some of the plugs, etc., and then was about to turn on the computer. But just before I did it, I noticed that one of the hard disk drive bays didn't look right. Then I remembered:

My daughter had "unlocked" one of the bays with the key that comes with the computer. I'm guessing that the drive wouldn't even spin because it was "unlocked" and sliding around in its bay.

Do you think that was all it was? Because when I turned it on, VOILA!! Everytyhing's fine.

I am one happy camper right now. This rig is absolutely awesome.

 

[Jiggz]

There's nothing like going into the bathroom and staying in there until you feel "discharged"! Jokes aside, a grounding strap is the best choice. The other option is to keep youself in touch with the system case (making sure the plug is still plugged to the wall outlet with the power off).

 

[montypythizzle]

Originally posted by: davidober
Okay, here's what happened:

I went in, adjusted some of the plugs, etc., and then was about to turn on the computer. But just before I did it, I noticed that one of the hard disk drive bays didn't look right. Then I remembered:

My daughter had "unlocked" one of the bays with the key that comes with the computer. I'm guessing that the drive wouldn't even spin because it was "unlocked" and sliding around in its bay.

Do you think that was all it was? Because when I turned it on, VOILA!! Everytyhing's fine.

I am one happy camper right now. This rig is absolutely awesome.

OH GOD A KID ERROR
solution get rid of kid...