Switching PC Cases - Static (Corsair 600t)

Aki M · Feb 8, 2014

Greetings from Australia,
I am looking to change out my current case (Crappy pre-built PC case) to a Corsair 600t White Edition (Already purchased). I am also installing a new CPU cooler, I have bought thermal paste and an anti-static wrist strap. I have some knowledge about PC building and components. I have installed PSUs and GPUs into my systems before.

To the questions, I'm terribly confused about how to prevent ESD onto my precious electronics. Some threads say install the PSU first and then plug it in but leave the power off. Others say that is a stupid idea because you could shock yourself, and just connect the clip to an UN-painted part of the case. I live in Australia so we have 3 metal prongs and switches on our wall outlets, I don't know if this useful information. Where do I connect the alligator clip to when the Corsair 600t is completely painted, inside and out. Some people said to my PSU, but my Corsair GS 600 is painted black, so no bare metal.

To clarify,
1, Do I plug my PSU into the wall outlet or not?
2. Where do I connect the anti-static wrist strap?
3. Anything tips or advice when building/swapping PC case?
4. Can I install my new CPU fan after my motherboard is swapped, because I would rather not have a motherboard sitting on a bare glass table.(Push in system like stock cooler - Intel)

I hope I didn't miss anything..

Many thanks,
Aki

cozmium · Feb 8, 2014

You don't need to plug in the psu first or anything like that, and whoever said you could shock yourself doesn't have a clue what they are talking about; there are no high enough voltages for you to feel anything at all.

The wrist strap is basically to ground yourself to what you are working with - so yes, an unpainted metal part of the case is fine, but if the case isn't grounded then there is no point. For example have the psu in the case and the wall socket plugged in, but that's all - no need to plug it in the mobo in a hurry. The wall socket will earth the psu, so connect the strap to that.

General tips; just take it slow, don't be in a hurry. I've not used any esd protection for pc work in 25 years, because it's as more about how you work. Hold sensitive devices by the edge as much as possible, avoid clothes rubbing together unecessarily etc. For me, it also meant touching the case a lot with skin to keep discharged. Static works by building up, it doesn't need constant contact to avoid it, but things like wrist straps are just an easy way of not having to think about it.

As far as the fan installation goes, read the instructions and know what you have to do. Basically, avoid anything that will put a lot of strain on the board - such as if you have to push down hard on it. With some coolers it can be better to attach them whilst you have access to behind the mobo, though a lot of cases have cutouts for that purpose these days, and many h/sand fans are designed to avoid strain

Aki M · Feb 8, 2014

cozmium :

You don't need to plug in the psu first or anything like that, and whoever said you could shock yourself doesn't have a clue what they are talking about; there are no high enough voltages for you to feel anything at all.

The wrist strap is basically to ground yourself to what you are working with - so yes, an unpainted metal part of the case is fine, but if the case isn't grounded then there is no point. For example have the psu in the case and the wall socket plugged in, but that's all - no need to plug it in the mobo in a hurry. The wall socket will earth the psu, so connect the strap to that.

General tips; just take it slow, don't be in a hurry. I've not used any esd protection for pc work in 25 years, because it's as more about how you work. Hold sensitive devices by the edge as much as possible, avoid clothes rubbing together unecessarily etc. For me, it also meant touching the case a lot with skin to keep discharged. Static works by building up, it doesn't need constant contact to avoid it, but things like wrist straps are just an easy way of not having to think about it.

As far as the fan installation goes, read the instructions and know what you have to do. Basically, avoid anything that will put a lot of strain on the board - such as if you have to push down hard on it. With some coolers it can be better to attach them whilst you have access to behind the mobo, though a lot of cases have cutouts for that purpose these days, and many h/sand fans are designed to avoid strain

Thanks, I am going to use the strap. But how/where would you recommend I attack the clip too? Would clipping it to a screw halfway into the case work? Like a stainless steel screw.

Thanks,
Aki

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Switching PC Cases - Static (Corsair 600t)

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