Stupid Computer Question

Factual Questions
1

How is it that people insert cards and chips to upgrade their PCs without fear of static discharge frying the motherboard, for one? I used to work for a chip manufacturer, and we wore special straps to ground us against the risk of static discharge frying the individual chips or loaded boards we handled…

I know it’s easy to insert a card or chip, but isn’t it risky?

  • Jinx
2

It shouldn’t be if you touch the chassis of the computer to discharge static electricity. If you want to be extra careful, use one of those wrist straps that clips on to the computer.

3

People do get worried. I change my stuff out ontop of a plastic mat to avoid accumulating static electricity. And it is risky.

4

Yep, just touch the metal in the case and you’ll be grounded.

5

Oh come on, how do you open a case without touching it first? Hmmm…? Plus, if you take a screw out, that too is metal, one usually touches it too, presto! groundo! :slight_smile:

6

If, by chance, the power cord is unplugged from the PC, and ultimlately, unplugged from the wall socket, are you still grounded? Sure, the PC seems to be in contact with objects (a desk top, a linoleum or carpeted floor, etc.) which seem to be in contact with the ground, but such materials may not be the best conductors…and thus, this is NOT a true ground.

And, isn’t it best to have the power cord unplugged and give the capacitors some time to lose their charge? (Some boldly claim they discharge the capacitors by placing a screwdriver across the prongs of power cord (the male end, unplugged from the wall while the female end is plugged into the back of the PC.) Is this wise? I’ve heard it’s better to allow the humidity in the room to eventually help dissipate the static charge within the capacitors…

Is any thought given to all this when people start tinkering inside their PCs? Or, am I just giving this all too much thought? I’d rather be safe than sorry… - Jinx

7
      • It’s not that there has to be no charge, just that the charge between the PC and you has to be the same. So if you touch the metal chassis first, you are leveling the charge between the PC and you, even thought the PC isn’t technically grounded. It isn’t actually “grounded” unless it’s plugged in, but–>
  • Don’t change anything with the PC plugged in! Some portions of mobos are electrically “live” anytime they’re plugged in. Good boards will have an LED on the mobo that lights up when the board is powered, and takes 30 seconds or so to go off after unplugging–and you’re not supposed to work on it until after the LED goes off.
    ~
8

Just unplug everything from your PC for 10 minutes. Ground yourself before tinkering.