concerns about building my first computer!

ems · 07-07-2008, 11:51 AM

Im preparing to build my first computer and i belive I have all the components, many people say it is easy to build a computer, i hope they are right!

My main concern is this thing about static electricity, I dont understand this grounding thing! Do I have to keep my nad on the ground in the entire buinding process? Do I have to build it with my shirt off? What is these braclets, hos come they are connected to the ground?

Very confused, please help!

**manic** · 07-07-2008, 12:11 PM

Static electricity is a concern "esd". Nothing to freak out about, but
you should be aware always. If your in a dry climate ie, arizona. You
really should wear a ground strap, to your wrist or ankle. You connect
the aligator clip to something that is grounded. Most things that are
metal, and plugged into the wall are grounded. You can hook the
clip up to something metal on the device plugged into the wall.
Just a piece of metal laying around is not grounded.
The power supply when plugged in is grounded, I use that alot when
messing with pc, its only grounded when plugged in. You really have
to be careful of esd, when handling ram, very susceptable to damage
from esd....

patriothntr · 07-08-2008, 07:20 AM

Be VERY careful when connecting the clamp to things plugged into the wall. If you hit the hot wire, you could be in for a shock...

When playing around inside a computer, I always disconnect the power from the wall, and hold the power button to discharge any remaining power held in the PSU.

When I build a computer, I don't usually bother with a bracelet, though I do keep one hand on the metal computer case pretty much all the times...and I don't stand on top of a shaggy carpet and drag my feet around :) If I am using a bracelet, I will attach it to a piece of bare metal in the case, preferably somewhere out of the way.

vladimirb · 07-08-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patriothntr

When playing around inside a computer, I always disconnect the power from the wall, and hold the power button to discharge any remaining power held in the PSU.

Same thing ^-^...
Always be careful though...

07-07-2008, 11:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
ems Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3 OS: xp	concerns about building my first computer! Im preparing to build my first computer and i belive I have all the components, many people say it is easy to build a computer, i hope they are right! My main concern is this thing about static electricity, I dont understand this grounding thing! Do I have to keep my nad on the ground in the entire buinding process? Do I have to build it with my shirt off? What is these braclets, hos come they are connected to the ground? Very confused, please help!

07-07-2008, 12:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
manic Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 2,892 OS: xp	Re: concerns about building my first computer! Static electricity is a concern "esd". Nothing to freak out about, but you should be aware always. If your in a dry climate ie, arizona. You really should wear a ground strap, to your wrist or ankle. You connect the aligator clip to something that is grounded. Most things that are metal, and plugged into the wall are grounded. You can hook the clip up to something metal on the device plugged into the wall. Just a piece of metal laying around is not grounded. The power supply when plugged in is grounded, I use that alot when messing with pc, its only grounded when plugged in. You really have to be careful of esd, when handling ram, very susceptable to damage from esd.... __________________ Last edited by manic : 07-07-2008 at 12:12 PM.

07-08-2008, 07:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
patriothntr Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 321 OS: XPsp3, PCLOS, other	Re: concerns about building my first computer! Be VERY careful when connecting the clamp to things plugged into the wall. If you hit the hot wire, you could be in for a shock... When playing around inside a computer, I always disconnect the power from the wall, and hold the power button to discharge any remaining power held in the PSU. When I build a computer, I don't usually bother with a bracelet, though I do keep one hand on the metal computer case pretty much all the times...and I don't stand on top of a shaggy carpet and drag my feet around :) If I am using a bracelet, I will attach it to a piece of bare metal in the case, preferably somewhere out of the way.