How fragile are computer parts?

[1stXP]

I am in the process of building my first computer and am waiting for my video card to arrive and I was wondering how easy it is to screw up my parts while assembling them? I know that it should be easy but I've had very bad luck on upgrading two IBM computers but no problems on some others. I can fix most anything software related but don't know anything about hardware yet.
When I was putting in my cd drive I accidentally clipped one of my capacitors and bent it a little but it didn't fall off. It beeps to tell me that I have no video card but other than that it seems ok..... Thanks for any info.

 

[sohcrates]

Don't go crazy and get all worried, hardware holds up allright to basic manipulating and what not....just take a deep breath and go SLOW! hehe

actually, you're biggest worry would probably be static electricity...make sure you ground yourself by touching the back (unpainted) part of your case before you touch any hardware, and try to keep cards and what not in static bags until they are to be installed.

 

[KouklatheCat]

You almost have to TRY and break computer guts. Static is your worst enemy. Short of you dropping them on the floor and stepping on them, lighting them on fire, throwing them in the wood chipper or letting the cat pee on them you will be fine. I was nervous when I put my first machine together. You are definately in the right forum (Anand) for good help.

 

[smp]

actually, you're biggest worry would probably be static electricity...make sure you ground yourself by touching the back (unpainted) part of your case before you touch any hardware, and try to keep cards and what not in static bags until they are to be installed.


You are almost right
If you really want to ground yourself good, attach a long wire to your wrist (wrap around) and then stick the other end in the middle prong of any wall outlet. It's a bad idea to have your computer plugged in while you are assembling it (regarding that 'touching the back of the case' bit, it's only grounded if it's plugged in) .... of course, the ATX connector doesn't necessarily have to be plugged into the board, so you could do that.
</nitpicking>

and to answer your question.... not as fragile as you would think. (unless you're talking about athlon cores)

 

[Daovonnaex]

Whatever you do...don't take a screwdriver to the mainboard.

 

[WDCentral]

They are not fragile at all.

Feel free to set them on fire, and shoot them.

 

[jamarno]

<< If you really want to ground yourself good, attach a long wire to your wrist (wrap around) and then stick the other end in the middle prong of any wall outlet. It's a bad idea to have your computer plugged in while you are assembling it >>


Never ground yourself directly to the middle prong of a wall outlet; put at least one million ohms of resistance between you and that connection, in case you accidentally come in contact with a defective electrical device (example: person touches a defective toaster with one hand and a grounded oven range with the other).

It's safer and just as effective to the wrist wire to the middle prong of the computer's power cord, but only if that cord is unplugged from the wall outlet.

 

[WarCon]

I may be wrong here so please feel free to correct me, but I thought relativism worked here. Relativism you say, (I know your thinking SU and get to the point). But it is static flow, not simply static level that damages parts.

First scenario Person picks up the static bag which normalizes it and the part to your static voltage. Then while holding the part in one hand, you normalize the case to your static voltage by touching it with your bare skin on the metal. No possiblility for damage in said scenario. No chance for voltage to flow since all parts are at same potential.

Second scenario, person is strapped to building ground so static level is zero. Feeling safe they grab the bag and thereby make the part have zero static voltage. Computer case is sitting on bench or table not grounded (even if sitting on grounded pad most computers have rubber feet) so has picked up some static voltage from environment (really depends on moisture content of air). Person then puts part in case thinking all is safe and ends up providing path for static voltage to flow to ground from case through part(s).

In either case, all parts must be brought to the same static level and can be done safely (IMHO) without the need for being plugged into the wall. I have always rebelled against straps that plug me into something that carries voltage.

 

[FreakyGuy]

Computer parts are more durable than you might think. Aside from static damage the parts themselves are usually built durably and can handle alot, most of the time, unless you step on the part or sit on it or scratch it with a screwdriver.

 

[smp]

In either case, all parts must be brought to the same static level and can be done safely (IMHO) without the need for being plugged into the wall. I have always rebelled against straps that plug me into something that carries voltage.

You know you're right.
I never put myself in the ground plug, I was always too scared, but one of my friends always sticks his leatherman in there everytime he goes to work. I was really just trying to be tough



You're right though. I do leave my PSU plugged into the wall and the board while I work on my system. I just keep touching the PSU. You're right though.

 

[flippinfleck]

<< You're right though. I do leave my PSU plugged into the wall and the board while I work on my system. I just keep touching the PSU. You're right though. >>

Are you saying that you leave your computer plugged in while working on it??? Isn't that... kinda dangerous? To yourself and your computer I would think.

Just make sure you are not dragging your feet along the carpet while whearing socks, sit down at the kitchen table where you have room to work, go slow, and keep your pets away. Touch the PSU once in a while (after inserting each part) and you should be fine.

 

[smp]

Are you saying that you leave your computer plugged in while working on it???

yeah

Isn't that... kinda dangerous? To yourself and your computer I would think.

It's the way I've always done it, I figure if it ain't plugged in, then it ain't grounded, so touching the PSU is pointless. I could be wrong, and I probably am, but I've never had a problem. I work in my basement in the dry, warm (yeah, it's actually warm down here) on a carpet while wearing socks too.

 

[tcrosson]

The parts aren't as fragile as one would think. As long as you don't drop any hard drives or optical drives, you should be fine.

Good luck and have fun with it!

 

[jamarno]

<< I figure if it ain't plugged in, then it ain't grounded, so touching the PSU is pointless. I could be wrong, and I probably am, >>


It doesn't have to be grounded to earth, only to you and to the other parts. Touching an unplugged PSU isn't groundless because it is ground.

 

[Bovinicus]

I never have trouble with static, and I always build my systems right on my carpet. Hehe. Of course, I always make sure I have my shoes on. Rubber soles help keep you from absorbing electricity. I also make sure I touch the PSU a few times to release and build up charge. If you work on hardwood or tile, then it shouldn't be much of a problem.

 

[Daovonnaex]

<< I never have trouble with static, and I always build my systems right on my carpet. >>

Highly inadvisable. While Bovinicus can get away with it, not everyone can.

 

[Yoshitoshi]

I always work on the internals of my machine with the PSU plugged into the wall, PSU switch turned off, and one hand on the metal casework if i can.

Wriststraps can be dangerous if you earth them to a different earth to your case and then handle items in your PC. This is because the potential at different earth points can be very different, creating a potential difference and thus a small current through you and then whatever you are touching in the PC, through to wherever the PC is earthed to. Called an 'Earth Loop' - has the same effect as static.

Earth the wriststrap to your case metal if you use one.

Yoshi.