ESD/Anti-Static Protection

[xox]

You don't really need one. I have built my computer on a carpet quite happily. Just make sure you keep touching your case (or a metal surface) and you'll be fine.

[FireFox]

They just get in the way is all.  In my experience static is not really a danger unless you try.  Building on carpet with a fleece blanket over your head or something.  Simply taking some basic precautions by building on a hard surface/ground, and touching the case periodically, static won't be a problem.

 

Even building on carpet isn't the be all and end all if the precautions are met, I've built my current PC on carpet and she is fine.

 

@OP - Always touch the case (preferably bare metal like a case screw or something) and don't be a knob and you'll be fine mate

[mgsstar]

I used these for my first build when I was building on a carpet but I don't think I would use one anymore because I could just touch the case/psu plugged in but turned off periodically. 

[CwGoh]

The only damage static has done to me is giving me a shock whilst opening a case. Just don't try to get your stuff killed, and touch the case every now and then.

[Giddyguy]

I am too cheap to buy one so whenever I did something with my computer I just touched my PSU (which was plugged in) like Linus suggests. And honestly I have touched my CPU and gpu parts with my bare hand before and I've never had an issue. My room also has carpet which I walk barefoot on so...

 

Still though I take precautions and do touch my PSU and If i were given a free strap I would use it.

[mr moose]

I understand how they work and all that, however when Installing a CPU that is worth a weeks pay and the ever rising cost of ram, I would rather not take that risk, be it ever so small. 

 

And for the record I have killed ram with static before. It might only be one in every million pc builds that has static issues but I'd rather it not be mine for the sake of putting on a wrist strap.

[Sharp_3yE]

YOU MUST make sure you have no static. Here is a couple tips. 1.) Keep the cords close so that they don't bother you as much stretched out. 2.) Put it around your ankle instead so that it doesn't get in the way of your hands. 3.) Instead of wearing it the whole time cuz u might find that annoying cuz it is, instead keep touching it as you work/build your machine. So like before you start pulling things out of the boxes and touch stuff, first touch the anti static wrist rest. As you work and it has been several minutes touch it  again.

[Phillyphries]

Just build on clean tile with flip flops if you're really scared or cautious imo

[IdeaStormer]

I get them for free, the disposable type come free with components that are worth it and use them so as to not take the blame for frying a $10K or more computer due to not wearing it. Sure if you are working on a computer you didn't pay with your own sweat and tears I see how you could care less but once you are forking over you own money you will change your tone, especially after frying one of those components you spend a good paycheck on.

 

Keep rolling the dice but snake eyes will eventually fall.

[PerryTheBadAss]

Hey guys i am going to be building my first PC YAY <3 and i did not buy a  Anti-Static Wrist Strap and i was wondering if i should build my PC or buy one and wait a week until it arrives.

[naca1227]

You'll be fine. 

[MbV93]

Not at all.

[Kayn]

They are not necessary

[iruixos]

Linus seems to be an advocate of them.

[Sharif]

well if you could ground your self with something else that could work too also build it in a place with no static charge waiting to be free 

[Jvagle875]

Linus seems to be an advocate of them.

Probably so people don't go yelling at him.

 

I've never used one and I've build several computers on carpet and everything. Just ground yourself every now and then and don't go sliding around on shaggy carpet.

[Imabigmac]

I'm not going to say no its not necessary, but I question their usefulness myself. I do own on one and use it however. Just don't work on carpet. Also touch a grounded object once and a while.  

[flibberdipper]

It's a good idea if you live in an extremely dry place, especially, but as long as your careful, you should be fine.

 

Something I like to do (which sounds like a pain in the ass) is build it inside of the case, so I can touch the case while I build it, therefore grounding my self.

[Suspectmammal]

Nah i built mine without one, just make sure to ground yourself before you start touching shit.

[Bonsai99]

If you plan on building multiple computers/repairing computers often them I would buy one.

 

If not you should be fine just touch something grounded frequently. e.g. Power Supply plugged into wall but switched off.

[PerryTheBadAss]

Linus seems to be an advocate of them.

YEAH i saw linus and Paul saying you should wear one

[PerryTheBadAss]

It's a good idea if you live in an extremely dry place, especially, but as long as your careful, you should be fine.

 

Something I like to do (which sounds like a pain in the ass) is build it inside of the case, so I can touch the case while I build it, therefore grounding my self.

i live in south Texas its really dry

[Bluejay0]

Nope

[PerryTheBadAss]

Thanks for everyone who reply and if i touch my case now and then would that work my case is the Fractal Design R4

[Hoppa]

Where Linus is, he seems to get a lot of static shocks. So he does need them.

If you have never had a static shock in your house then there's no need.