Is an Anti-Static Wristband necessary?

[imported_charger10s]

I have all of my components, and I am ready to begin my first build. Is an Anti-Static Wristband really necessary? Do most people use them? Or is it reasonable for me to think that if I am very careful to ground myself often, then I should be fine?

 

[nick1985]

ive made about 30 computers and have never used one. maybe im just lucky

 

[Newfie]

Id get one just to be safe. I mean, your dealing with expensive parts (well...maby), it wouldent hurt.

 

[RyanB18]

no, just touch the metal case once in a while

 

[The Pentium Guy]

I'd get one anyways. First build - you don't want to mess up. $5 insurance is a good investment for a (random price) $700 computer.

 

[bocamojo]

As long as you touch the power supply every once in awhile, you should be good. I've never used those dorky looking wristbands and have never had a problem.

 

[CreativeTom]

I think you should be fine, just don't put it together on a carpet floor, and be sure to touch the inside of the case with one hand anytime you get ready to touch a vital part. The wrist band is not really necesary for you, I have worked on and put together countless machines and never had a problem without a wrist strap.

 

[imported_charger10s]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I will be careful and go without.

 

[Cheezeit]

No, you don't need it. Components these days are much less possible to be damaged by static than carelessness

 

[Cheezeit]

good choice

 

[Mrvile]

I used mine once, but when I build I usually do it in the workshop in the basement on concrete floor anyway.

 

[daniel1113]

Simply put, no. Unless, of course, you are working in an area that has a higher than normal level of static eletricity build-up.

Just don't work on carpet and discharge the static electricity from your body each time you work and you will be fine.

 

[CrispyFried]

I try to rest my arm on part of case whenever poking around inside it.

 

[JBT]

I've never used one before I think you'll be alright...

 

[phisrow]

I've never actually had a problem; but most of the machines I work on, day to day, are old so I don't really care too much about taking precautions. I did drop the extra $2.50 or so when I needed to poke around inside a laptop that I actuall cared about. Pretty much optional, and I've never had a problem; but you'll feel somewhat silly if you get to be the one that has trouble.

 

[Jakebrake]

They're 5 bucks...Unless you have to eat ramen every day, spend the money.

 

[PerfeK]

Originally posted by: The Pentium Guy $5 insurance

Insurance is the devil.

 

[Cheezeit]

Originally posted by: Jakebrake
They're 5 bucks...Unless you have to eat ramen every day, spend the money.

so just bcause you have money you waste 5 bucks?

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: nick1985
ive made about 5 computers and have never used one. maybe im just lucky

 

[Cheezeit]

I did a computer on carpet without grounding myself once. nothing happened

 

[SonicIce]

who acually HAS fried anything?

 

[Cheezeit]

I made a thread in OT asking that:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1624199&enterthread=y

 

[TankGuys]

I have, once. I grabbed a network card, and saw a nice blue arc jump between my finger and the board. The card was ruined after that.

However, I also worked as a computer tech at a college for many years, and now run a parts business and that's the only time I ever fried something. So as long as you're reasonably careful, you're usually fine.

 

[formulav8]

I've built well over, probably 100 computers, and never used a anti-static anything. I have never fried any hardware do to static charge or anything like that. But as others have stated, it definitely wouldn't hurt and could give you alittle more peace of mind. But no, a static band is not necessary. But could be cheapo insurance.


Jason

 

[boran]

the thing is that an anti static wristband also limits your mobility, thus hindering you in your work.
imho plugging in your PSU and touching that everytime you will put something in your case is a good way to prevent static damage.