3
Score
Terrifiedz
96
Asked
Do I really need a anti-static strap/mat for dismantling a desktop?
Ok. I have a unused desktop and i want to dissect it to put fresher parts in it(currently it runs Pentium 4). Do i really need an anti-static strap/mat? Why?
PS: its untouched since 2007/2008
Thanks in advance
Update
uhhh so do i still need an anti-static mat?
2
Score
Taylor Arnicar
6.5k
Answered
Accepted Answer
Since there are conflicting answers here, let me try to clarify:
It is not vitally important to either your safety, or the safety of your computer's electrical components that you use an anti-static strap / mat. That being said, it does not hurt anything at all to be using one, and it will help to ensure that everything is more safe.
I have been doing computer repairs for the better part of a decade, and have never used an anti-static strap / mat myself. I have never shorted out any of the components I was working on. Like Tracey said, if you take other necessary precautions, you can get certainly away without it. It's more a question of how comfortable you are working and how confident you are that you won't accidentally zap something.
2
Score
mayer
121.8k
Answered
Getting electronics hit with ESD will drive you nuts. The RAM gets hit most often but it will cause intermittent errors and strange malfunctions that don't always show up with diagnostics. I have spent days trying to figure out what was wrong with a ESD hit machine. The mat is to prevent ESD (electrostatic discharge) which can severely damage electronic parts. Here's the Wiki on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostat...
Here's my former answer on this issue: You can build up a static charge wearing almost anything. ESD (Electrostatic discharge) 1/10 the amount of a felt shock can destroy RAM and other electronic components. If your wall jacks are grounded you can discharge yourself when you sit down. Reach over and touch the center screw of the plate. If you're still worried you can buy a wrist grounding strap that plugs into the wall for under $5.00 at your local Radio Shack or you can use a grounded mat.
Also take a look at this: http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/8497/...
For those that think I'm nuts please do a little study on the subject before you respond, here's a tutorial on it: http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/el...
Here's more from the ESD Association: http://www.esda.org/
But what are some common symptoms of ESD damage on a laptop, and some of these strange malfunctions? Not once have I seen a post here relating to this, and where the conclusion was, gee, darn it, we've lost another one to ESD damage! I guess that's where it loses me -- people talk about this issue on the level of voodoo and superstition, and not in terms of tangible symptoms that can actually be looked out for, so it's hard for me to take it seriously. It reminds me of the whole "how to properly care for your laptop battery" issue.
I am torn on this question. I agree with mayer on the basic idea of static protection. Learned it and used it as a working technician both in the Navy and at a large computer repair company. That said in my personal building and repairing computers I more or less follow Taylor and rdklinc. So all things considered I give all three a +
Rdkl, you have enough spare parts to try this. Zap a stick of RAM on purpose and see if shows up on any RAM test. This issue has given me more grief that anything else in the computer world. I have a iMac G5 that I've been working on for two weeks and it's just not right. Everything works till the last 2%. IT DOESN'T HAVE TANGIBLE SYMPTOMS. Everything works fine till it doesn't. Electric shock that stops your heart doesn't have symptoms most of the time but it's real. It will kill you or bring you back.
1
Score
Tracy
199
Answered
You do not need an anti static mat or wrist strap. It is best to have it plugged up, and unplug the power connector off the motherboard. Make sure you have one hand, or your forearm touching some metal part of the case while working. I am a field tech, and have never carried around a mat or strap. Just take the other necessary precautions.
1
Score
rdklinc
15.3k
Answered
I've never used one, and never witnessed damage that could be attributed to not using one. With these issues that are so debatable, the answer is usually that, no, it probably doesn't matter. If it did, the evidence would be far clearer. I mean, I'd advise against installing shag carpeting in the area where you repair computers, buy beyond obvious stuff like that, I'd say you're fine.
0
Score
Sonu
1
Answered
Not really. Just disconnect all power to the desktop atleast 5 minutes before you take it apart.
0
Score
Vic
7
Answered
0
Score
Chris
1
Answered
Ok, I myaswell add one for the books... Antistactic Mat? Sure if you intend to Bench a computer that you are working on. Installing and Removing parts as necessary while providing a workspace for the job. Antistatic wristband? Sure if you want to handle static sensitive devices.
But you don't really have to go to all of that extreme if you just want to do it at home and quick. The computer case itself when plugged in and turned off still provides ground just make sure the power switch either on your Power Bar or the back of your Power Supply is turned off. Using one hand to touch the metal case will discharge static.
Watch out for sharp edges. If you are unsure, leave it alone. Use at your own risk. Repairs to a "ZAPPED" computer can be costly. I personally never had any trouble.
0
Score
Morris Levy
49
Answered
No. Just unplug all electrical outlets and all peripherals and devices from the machine, and touch something metal to discharge the rest of your static electricity build-up (especially if you have carpets!).