Static Control

[Reyzac]

Hey all,

After so much time dealing with computer parts that feel like they were molded out of sh!t, I finally have some parts on the way for a new rig, that I'm christening "Project Panama." But after losing two builds to ESD, I am really leery this time around and want to ensure that NOTHING goes wrong. The nature of my place means I must build while standing on a carpeted surface (although on a wood table with metal legs). I will be wearing rubber-soled flip-flops, but I feel like I need to go further. I feel like I need a pair of nitrile gloves ('cause I hear nitrile is naturally static-resistant) and an anti-static wrist strap. Or more. Do I really need all this? Is there a better way? Am I being paranoid? Any input appreciated. Just wanting to not fry my brand-new rig.


EDIT: Also, I just realized, to my disdain, that my GPU doesn't come with a DVI-to-VGA adapter. How much do these generally run? Prefer to buy one local, not interested in paying like $30 in shipping.

[Dr_BenD_over]

A wriststrap at a minimum should be enough. Being barefoot might be better than the flip flops.

[Reyzac]

Originally Posted by Dr_BenD_over

A wriststrap at a minimum should be enough. Being barefoot might be better than the flip flops.

Even on carpet?

[Dr_BenD_over]

In my experience, yes. But the wriststrap should be enough on it's own for consumer electronics.

[jcmaz]

Just ask the manufacturer to send you one. I know XFX does this for sure since they sent me a HDMI-DVI and a VGA-DVI adapters in two separate occasions. However, your mileage may vary.

As for static electricity, i just touch my case before I start working on it. So far, all is well.

[Reyzac]

Originally Posted by jcmaz

Just ask the manufacturer to send you one. I know XFX does this for sure since they sent me a HDMI-DVI and a VGA-DVI adapters in two separate occasions. However, your mileage may vary.

As for static electricity, i just touch my case before I start working on it. So far, all is well.

Do they really do that? Hmm, should check that out.

Yeah, I built a rig for a friend where that's all I did, and it was stellar, but then again he had hardwood.

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by Reyzac

Do they really do that? Hmm, should check that out.

Yeah, I built a rig for a friend where that's all I did, and it was stellar, but then again he had hardwood.

It's the movement on the carpet that causes the static build-up, not the carpet itself. Just be sure to touch the case every time you move around and your potential (difference in electrical charge between you and the components) will be neutral.

[jcmaz]

I build my PC's on my carpetted floor coz I don't have space on my tables. But that hasn't killed any PC parts yet. (Knock on wood)

[Reyzac]

All right then, I'll make sure to do all that (but I'm still wearing a wrist strap.)

[Reyzac]

One more thing: How do I tell which port is a DVI-I and which is a DVI-D on my vid card?
Sorry for the double post.