Best way to prevent ESD when building a new system?

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RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

Topic # 85431 19-Jun-2011 11:23

Hey all,

So tomorrow I'm going to be doing my first system build and I'm just wondering what will be the best way to try and reduce the risk of me shocking my new system while putting it together.
Originally I was looking at buying an anti-static wrist band but after going to a couple of different computer shops (none of which sold them) and talking to a guy at one of the shops, It doesn't seem so necessary.

So at the moment I'm looking at building my computer in my kitchen (wooden floor and glass table) and will just be touching the PSU/case every minute or so.

The thing that I'm not so sure about though is whether I should leave the PSU (It's a Corsair HX750) plugged into the wall but with both the switch at the wall and on the PSU turned off or whether it's better to have the PSU completely unplugged from the wall when installing parts in the case?

Thanks

Kraven

588 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 93

Reply # 482758 19-Jun-2011 11:29

Remove all clothing and assemble the PC naked. Nothing to generate static electricity then!

What you're proposing is prefectly fine, just handle all components from their edges, keeping your fingers clear of the important bits and you shouldn't have a problem.

tdgeek

12778 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2293

Trusted

Reply # 482761 19-Jun-2011 11:33

If convenient pop the PSU into the case, plug into the wall, leave the wall turned off.
You can touch the case before any components to earth you. Handling the cards by the edge will help

nickb800

1976 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 325

Trusted

Reply # 482764 19-Jun-2011 11:58

Further to tdgeek: Power switches, whether on the PSU itself or on the wall socket only turn off one (or sometimes two) of the terminals. They never switch the earth, so if you install the PSU, plug it in, and leave both the wall and the PSU switches off, then your case will be fully earthed

RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 482772 19-Jun-2011 12:52

Thanks for clearing that up guys. One less thing to worry about tomorrow :)

dpf81

54 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 485102 23-Jun-2011 16:40

sounds fine, most people dont bother taking any precautions so you'd be pretty unlucky for anything to happen given the steps your taking

RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 485176 23-Jun-2011 20:51

I wouldnt have even really thought about it if I hadnt of fried my old Radeon X1600 several years ago. Probably cause I was sitting on a couch on thick carpet though :P

Everything's setup now though and the performance increase over my Athlon X2 250/ Radeon 5750 is just tremendous ;D

Toiletduck

119 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 485179 23-Jun-2011 21:00

tdgeek: If convenient pop the PSU into the case, plug into the wall, leave the wall turned off.
You can touch the case before any components to earth you. Handling the cards by the edge will help

Yep. That about nails it.
Avoid anything that generates static or earth yourself regulary by grabbing case e.g after pulling back sellotape components may be packaged with / manuals if you read them