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ESD... help a noob!

E

Eagle156

2[H]4U
Joined
Jan 21, 2006
Messages
2,242
I have been resting my computer components ontop of antistatic bags all the time along with working on carpet, but this time while building a whole computer I want to be more careful. I read that putting things ontop of an antistatic bag is a bad idea as the bag is supposed to charge the static electricity from inside to outside, so I guess it would be ok if I turned the bag inside out and put the mobo on there? Or perhaps just put it ontop of the cardboard box that it came in? Also, I have carpeting everywhere in my apartment except the bathroom, but it's not very conveniant to work in there. ;) I guess that I should put the case ontop of a desk and work on it that way?
 
In order for ESD bags to work, they must completely encapsulate the itme being protected. In other words, you gotta put the shit INSIDE the bag for it to work. And even then, it doesn't PREVENT ESD. ESD could still travel through the bag and damage the components.

Your best bet is to continue using the bags, but use them correctly (as described above), and DO NOT build your shit on carpet.

Also, there is a very informative ESD post stickied in the electronics forum.
 
First, put your system together outside of the case, on top of your desk. Put the mobo on top of the cardboard box, NOT on top of the anti-static bag. The bag can conduct electricity, therefore shorting out your mobo. First install the CPU, then the CPU HSF. Then install the RAM. Then plug in the vidcard. Now connect the PSU. Remember, this is all being done outside of the case, on top of the motherboard box, on top of a desk (or table -- NOT on the carpet!!). Power it up and make sure you can get into the BIOS. Setup the BIOS. If you plan on overclocking, plug in the HDD and Optical drive, and install windows. If you plan on OC'ing, then read eclipse' OC'ing guide and follow its instructions. If not, skip this step. Then install everything into the case. The idea is to make sure everything works outside of the case, so you don't have to go through the trouble of pulling bad hardware out.
 
Agreed, antistatic bags are conductive, this is how they prevent static build up/discharge by conducting it away over the surface of the bag.
Dont place running components on an antistatic bag!
 
You can use one, but its not essential. They're cheap, so might as well use one. Anti-static mats are also cheap. Using these doesnt mean you can still move around alot on carpet while buiding your system or putting it together on the carpet, lol.
 
I put my hardware on the cardboard it came in.. you don't have to use any wrist wrap - just remember to ground yourself once a while..
 
an anti static bag doesn't "charge the electricity from inside to outside", so turning it inside out won't do much. In order for it to work correctly, the object must be placed inside the bag. The outside should be conductive, but I've never seen it become an issue while running a coponent on top of a bag (I don't do that though, I run stuff on cardboard or desk)

there's a bunch of ways to prevent. Some simple ones include leaving the PSU plugged into the computer while you work on it, but just turn it off so it stays grounded.
If you are building a new one out of the case, connect the power supply to the motherboard and leave it off to ground it.
Don't work on carpet... try not to handle compoents too much, if you do hold it by the edge.
 
Here's a tip for you ugys who build lots of systems:

Take an old power cord, and cut off the smaller flat blade. Use that to plug in the power supply while you are working on the system. There is no way the system will turn on, since you cut off the "hot wire", but you still have all of the grounding capabilites by leaving the system plugged in.
 
That doesn't always work. What if the switch isn't hooked up yet? I've plugged systems in and they turn on immediately, without even hitting the power button. That woul;d be very bad if I had the HSF off at the time.
 
no, the switch on the Power Supply. That completely cuts off power from the PSU, but keeps it grounded.
 
yeah, I just unplug when I come across one of those.. but your method would work nicely.
 
Will I be ok from just grounding myself by touching a metal object and working on the desk instead of the carpet? The case will be a bit cramped with the PSU in which will make it pretty hard to install the mobo (this is my first build). I can't quite imagine how hard it will be to install a mobo while always touching the PSU with one hand as well.
 
You wont need to touch something all the time.
Periodically touch the PSU while it is plugged into the mains.

To help reduce ESD build up:
Wear cotton clothes and go bare foot or wear leather soled shoes. Dont drag your feet when you walk if you have carpet.
If you are wearing static prone clothing or have a staticy (tech term ;)) carpet, always earth yourself after you have moved much, before you touch anything sensitive.
If your PSU is in the case, touching any metal part of the case will suffice
 
agreed.
If it has no power switch, use the mains switch on the wall or unplug the motherboard power connector while building it.
 
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