Mobo Static Electricity!

Chisfy · Mar 23, 2017

I have recieved my brand new motherboard today and because it is the brain of the PC i wanted to inspect it to ensure nothing is visibly damaged during delivery. I have only unboxed it (not installed yet into case until i have my cpu). I took it out to hold it and see it what it actually feels like but when i did in my excitement I touched the back of the motherboard twice. It was only after i packed it away did i think "was i supposed to do that?" i am extremely scared that i have damaged my mobo without ever installing it, please will the motherboard be alright?!

btw yes i am a computer noob if you haven't noticed!

GamingEnthusiast420 · Mar 23, 2017

You may have possibly short circuited the motherboard itself and any components attached to it. ALWAYS WEAR AN ANTI-STATIC WRIST BAND WHEN ASSEMBLING YOUR PC.

harrisjb78 · Mar 23, 2017

No you didn't. You have to hold it to install it!
But before you do always touch some grounded metal beforehand and never touch a running computer or components especially if on carpet.

Ground straps for your wrist are also a good idea.

th3p00r · Mar 23, 2017

Did you feel electricity discharge from your finger(s)? if not than no

Chisfy · Mar 23, 2017

GamingEnthusiast420 :

It hasn't been installed, i have literally just touched the motherboard to take a better look and put it back into the box...so many mixed answers! :/

Chisfy · Mar 23, 2017

th3p00r :

No i didn't feel anything of the sort, i have been watching some boxing videos where others have held the back of the motherboard longer but it's still a scary thought!

GamingEnthusiast420 · Mar 23, 2017

Chisfy :

I'm not saying that you definitely broke it completely, but there is a chance that your motherboard has short circuited. Many side effects of this is some/all ram sticks not being recognized, fan headers not working, etc.

If the warranty is not over, I would see if I could get a new one AND AN ANTI-STATIC WRIST BAND.

Chisfy · Mar 23, 2017

harrisjb78 :

Thanks! I just held it to have a closer inspection and to get a feel of the motherboard when i do install it I will most definitely make sure that happens!

Murissokah · Mar 23, 2017

Dude, relax. ESD protection is recommended, as the manufacturer cannot be held responsible for damages resulting from static discharge, but frankly this is very unlikely to happen.

I've installed dozens of systems and I never had any particular care for static. Never had a problem. It's very unlikely you damaged anything, really, unless you're Magneto.

Darthutos · Mar 23, 2017

geez stop panicking and install your motherboard.
touch your freezer before you start installation.
as if we can tell you yes! you definitely shorted your mobo. or NO! definitely did not. It's all on paper right now.
just start installation and then if something doesn't work then come back and we can help you.

right now the situation like is if you fell down and your head hurt a bit and you ask us those who are not doctors at hospitals, hey man, do I have a concussion or not?

Chisfy · Mar 23, 2017

Murissokah :

Thank you! I'm just a little tense about it since it's my first build and it is quite expensive... but yeah I just made an error to touch the back (whole hand for a second). I am a noob so yeah I thought ESD is only required when it's on or installing.

Chisfy · Mar 23, 2017

Darthutos :

can't install my motherboard until Saturday when my cpu is delivered! it's just tense that's all! my first build and i don't want anything major to go wrong! is it true that even if it's not completely broken the motherboard can be short circuited so that ram is incorrectly read or fan headers are wrong?

gdmaclew · Mar 23, 2017

It's understandable that you may be concerned, seeing that this is your first time but unless you walked across carpet in your stocking feet in a very dry environment, I wouldn't worry. I have installed dozens of motherboards over the years and I never used a wrist strap. Just touch your computer case (bare metal) often. Relax.

Murissokah · Mar 23, 2017

Sure thing. A few tips then:

1. Be more careful with delicate components such as memory and CPU. Avoid touching the connectors. Most components have decent protection circuits, but at the very least you are introducing skin moisture to the mix;

2. If your build is Intel, be very, very careful with motherboard pins. This is the easiest thing to screw up. There is a correct position to align the CPU with the motherboard slot, check it before inserting. Don't remove the protection lid until you are ready to install the CPU;

3. There is an optimal position for inserting memory in RAM slots, check your manual;

4. Make sure you connect BOTH ATX connectors to the motherboard (usually 24-pin and 4-pin);

5. If it doesn't start at first, make sure only CPU, Memory and PSU are attached to the motherboard to test. If that works add the other components gradually, until it either works or you pinpoint the issue. You can also clear your BIOS (CMOS) as per the manual;

EDIT:

And a last one, you don't need to apply too much thermal paste. I usually do a dot in the middle and move the heatsink a little to even out. If you are using a heatsink that comes with a layer of thermal paste on it, just avoid re-installing it many times.

g-unit1111 · Mar 23, 2017

GamingEnthusiast420 :

No, this will do absolutely nothing to prevent static discharge. The thing is unless your motherboard is hooked up and powered on, your chances of damaging it by static electricity are slim to nil. Only when your motherboard is powered up and operational do you run the risk of damaging it via static shock. So you can test if your motherboard is operational by installing your CPU, cooler, and RAM, and hooking it up to a power supply externally and powering it on if you're that concerned about it, but really, I wouldn't worry about it until you get it installed.

Darthutos · Mar 23, 2017

incorrect ram/fans don't run etc most likely culprit is
1. cpu socket pins bent/destroyed.
2. cpu power 4+4 power plug damaged by physical damage (not static). most likely by trying to plugging in psu to motherboard plug by incorrect position.

Darthutos · Mar 23, 2017

g unit.
I dare you to turn off computer.
five minutes with extreme movement with hands, computer turned off. now without touching any metal, touch your motherboard.

you will likely get a feeling that will hurt a bit, and your powerless motherboard will be static electricity'd.

g-unit1111 · Mar 23, 2017

Darthutos :

I've run motherboards outside of their cases powered on and operational. I've been building and rebuilding hundreds of systems since the 90s and I've never, not once used a static wrist strap. If your motherboard is not connected to power, you will not run the risk of a static shock. But you shouldn't be doing that anyways, you'd have to be trying extremely hard to get a static discharge, and if you want to, go ahead, I won't stop you. If you're going to be doing work on your computer's hardware, it should be powered off and unplugged, always.

Dark Lord of Tech · Mar 23, 2017

I've worked on 100's of builds \ pre-builts and assembled over 3 dozen computers , never used a strap. 0 issues.

Chisfy · Mar 23, 2017

Darthutos :

check this video out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1la0a8RQ7kI&t=326s

adiec · Mar 23, 2017

gives a new meaning to being 'short' changed!

Saga Lout · Mar 23, 2017

Me too but I am susceptible to static. I can get a static shock from the cashier just handing me my change in a store with certain types of carpet.

TechyInAZ · Mar 23, 2017

I can attest to this aswell. I've never used a static wrist strap for any computer builds. I do build on a table above carpet. All I do now and then is ground myself out every 5 minutes on some kind of metal. But that is it!

g-unit1111 · Mar 23, 2017

TechyInAZ :

Honestly I think a plastic chair mat over carpet is a much better tool at fighting static electricity, that way you diminish the risk of rubbing your feet on carpet and conducting static. That and having a clean area to work in. Those are the two precautions I usually take before building.

adiec · Mar 23, 2017

back in the 90s i used to carry cpus in my pocket. hold ram anyway i liked. motherboards.. held them in the palm of my hands. you'll be fine. but of course all when disconnected and discharged from power.

an anti static wristband is something you can make yourself. it's hardly some kind of revolutionary equipment and does exactly the same job as holding onto the side of the metal case with your hand.

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