Nervous about electrostatic discharge?

[sauron_the_great]

OK, my new computer parts came in yesterday, and I'm going to build it today. I'm really scared I'm going to damage something with electrostatic discharge.

Would putting the case on a ceramic tile floor or a wooden table be better? Also, I'm not sure if I can ground myself with the case, because I think it's all painted. It's the NZXT Tempest 210: http://www.nzxt.com/new/images/_upload/product_gallery/1414.jpg

Any advice?

 

[cball1311]

You can touch any where where it is metal. You will discharge through the paint. The only thing to make sure that you do not do is touch any pins on the CPU, RAM, and GPU.

 

[sauron_the_great]

OK. What about the building surface? Ceramic or wood?

 

[cball1311]

Either is fine. Just don't be around any plastics or styrofoam. Stay of the carpet, if you can, as this generates static as you move.

 

[sauron_the_great]

OK. I know I'm probably being way too paranoid about this, but do I need to plug in my PSU to ground the case, or will it be fine unplugged?

 

[cball1311]

No definitely leave it unplugged. You don't want to take any chances of turning it on by accident while you are installing parts.

 

[sauron_the_great]

Alright, thank you for helping me.

 

[sauron_the_great]

Best answer selected by sauron_the_great.