Is an anti-static wrist strap really needed?

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It's not needed. I have built 4 computers and I didn't use one. No parts were fried at all. Some tips you should definitely use are as follows: NEVER build on a carpet, avoid wearing socks(not needed but better to be safe than sorry), before handling a sensitive part always touch a metal surface(if your PC case is metal just touch that) and it will discharge yourself, and avoid doing things that will generate a lot of static electricity. Good luck with your computer building!
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Zherms

Zherms

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Jan 16, 2014
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No, even for beginners it is not needed at all, all you have to do is touch something metal before you start building/taking apart a system. If you want to be extra cautious, don't build on carpet.
 
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rapman4488

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Jul 26, 2013
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It's not needed. I have built 4 computers and I didn't use one. No parts were fried at all. Some tips you should definitely use are as follows: NEVER build on a carpet, avoid wearing socks(not needed but better to be safe than sorry), before handling a sensitive part always touch a metal surface(if your PC case is metal just touch that) and it will discharge yourself, and avoid doing things that will generate a lot of static electricity. Good luck with your computer building!
 
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maxwellmelon

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Oct 2, 2013
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biggest thing never touch ics(worst thing to do as ic usually have protection devices like resistors installed between it and other circuits but touching an ic directly bypasses these.)and avoid touching the connector pins. it also depends on where you live. down here in florida static is only a concern in the middle of winter when the air is really dry.

just handle the cards and cpus from the edges only and like others say make sure to discharge yourself to something metal.

you can also if you have surge protector *******make sure the switch is turned off*** then plug your computers power supply in this will ground out you computer case as the ground is allways connected and all you have to do is make sure you have constant contact with the case while working with stuff. ive been known to have it sit on my leg while working on them doing it this way.(yes im crazy my mother had me tested :)
 
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JustANewUser

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Jan 14, 2014
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Huh, why touching something metal o.o? Does it take your static electricity away?

Huh, perhaps... the case?

Oh, maxwellmelon: My weather isn't dry... It's just the opposite, it's usually raining (everyday)... So that won't be a problem for me, I guess!

Another important info is it'd be built in glass or marble. Is it a good place?

Could you also tell me if the PC case is made of metal? I think most of them are lol, but better to be sure, right? ZALMAN Z9 PLUS (Mid-Tower ATX).

Thank you all!
 
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Jessy1014

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Feb 4, 2014
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Yes most if not all cases are metal since they are meant to act as a ground for your pc.

They are saying don't build on carpet since carpet has a nasty tendency to create static electricity when you walk on it. If you've ever been in vegas or fancy hotels, you get shocked everytime you touch the metal door knobs cause you've been collecting static electricity from walking on all the carpet.

Dry weather can make it easier to collect static electricity but you can get it just about anywhere. dry wet etc.

One thing I like to do is to touch a metal part of the case whenever i have to touch any components and to minimize my handling of any components as much as possible. It isn't at all necessary to hold the MB on the middle so just don't do it.
 
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Jessy1014

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Feb 4, 2014
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I think you are simply overthinking this. A touch of a second or two is more than enough your don't have to hold on to it. A simple touch can discharge all the electricity you have in your body.

Any place that isn't carpet is fine. I usually work on a hardwood floor and my computer is usually on top of a foldable plastic table. Don't worry too much, just touch the metal part of the case everytime you're about to pick up a component that may be prone to static damage.
 
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cyder

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Apr 20, 2013
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Usually the strap is not needed. Keep your pc case plugged in to a properly grounded plug and touch the bare metal. That should drain any excess charge you have in your body down to ground zero so you can work on large parts. For older types RAM , it was recommended that you do not do this as your discharge whilst touching the RAM could affect the MOS chips.
I would recommend the strap for two instances. Firstly if your in an area where there will be high amounts of static due to friction e.g. around carpet. The second area is in a large server room and you have to work on internal parts (again, high amounts of static could be present).
 
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cjn17

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Apr 15, 2015
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Lol almost thinking the same thing. Thought about stripping down and pulling the dinning room table up to the kitchen so I wouldn't be on carpet. However the wrist bands are $7 or cheaper. I may just buy one. Its not like its one time use. I can hold onto it for years of possible upgrades and builds down the line. $7 is cheap peace of mind when dealing with my first build that is pushing $800.
 
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Drumminggonzo

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Dec 15, 2015
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I Wear one as a CYA. If you don't know it and you work in computers learn it. That means Cover your ass. It is not necessary just a simple bump to the side of a metal surface does work but think logically. Do you really want to risk something that is a $40 to $5,000 dollar piece of equipment when your talking about servers over a 5$ Wristband?
 
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Donald_41

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Oct 8, 2016
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1,510
If your working on your PC and you turn your kitchen sink on and touch the faucet part of the sink while its running, it gives the static a way to go and work good too. after you touch the faucet, your ready to work on your build.
 
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Donald_41

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Oct 8, 2016
2
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1,510
If your working on your PC and you turn your kitchen sink on and touch the faucet part of the sink while its running, it gives the static a way to go and work good too. after you touch the faucet, your ready to work on your build.
 
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qtarrant21

Jul 27, 2018
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0
10


Hey neither me or my dad are too good with technology like this and this will both be our first times building a PC. Would you like to give me any tips? Also I was going to get a
ASUS ROG GeForce GTX 1060 Strix Gaming OC 6GB for $499 AUD but then I thought I could just get the 4GB version for $259 AUD I am only using 1 monitor for the time being but is that the right call or should I invest the extra 200 bucks? Thanks
 
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