How important is an anti static strap?

[Zeke_]

I'm not quite sure how important and anti static strap really is. I've seen hundreds of builds on YouTube at this point where people don't even use one or mention it at all. I took a PC class where I learned some programming and all the hardware stuff, I also ended up building a pc during that class and we didn't use any anti static straps during that either. I'm currently saving some money towards building myself a gaming rig and don't know wether to worry about using one or not. What do you think?

 

[Sacriledgy]

<----- Read my name 

[Lord Nicoll]

3 minutes ago, Zeke_ said:

I'm not quite sure how important and anti static strap really is. I've seen hundreds of builds on YouTube at this point where people don't even use one or mention it at all. I took a PC class where I learned some programming and all the hardware stuff, I also ended up building a pc during that class and we didn't use any anti static straps during that either. I'm currently saving some money towards building myself a gaming rig and don't know wether to worry about using one or not. What do you think?

 

between not at all and saving you $1000, depends on your room

[AdamBGames]

3 minutes ago, Zeke_ said:

I'm not quite sure how important and anti static strap really is. I've seen hundreds of builds on YouTube at this point where people don't even use one or mention it at all. I took a PC class where I learned some programming and all the hardware stuff, I also ended up building a pc during that class and we didn't use any anti static straps during that either. I'm currently saving some money towards building myself a gaming rig and don't know wether to worry about using one or not. What do you think?

 

its not that important, as you can ground yourself on the power supply

[Q..]

Don't worry about it. Handle you'r parts with care and u will b fine.

[DaftBehemoth]

I've never considered them to be important. I mostly just build PCs while wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and no socks. Avoid static-y clothing and you'll be fine.

[brob]

Anti static straps are not absolutely necessary, as you have seen. However if one is careless, especially in a location that suffers from static buildup, the cost of a strap is insignificant compared to the potential loss.

[IanDrexP]

Its overrated. PC components today are more resilient to ESD and you don't build up so much (unless you rub your feet on a carpet, work near mechanical equipement, etc.) that can damage your parts. I personally do the touching of a plugged in PSU to discharge myself. I feel many get anti-static straps for peace of mind rather than functionality.

[sauce-c]

I built my first computer without one and just grounded myself on the case/psu and made sure I wasn't working on surfaces that produce static easily. This includes both the table you're working on and the floor you're standing on. However, I wouldn't always assume that just because you don't see a static strap that they aren't using them, many people put them on their ankles so that its not in the video and their hands are free to work.

[DrMacintosh]

Do you live in a dry area like Arizona? Does your home have a lot of carpet? Do you get static shocks in your home from just lying around doing stuff? 

 

If the answer is no to all of those you don't need a static strap. 

[Daniel644]

1 minute ago, DrMacintosh said:

Do you live in a dry area like Arizona? Does your home have a lot of carpet? Do you get static shocks in your home form just lying around doing stuff? 

 

If the answer is no to all of those you don't need a static strap. 

THIS right here the dryer the environment and the more carpet the more likely to get static shock, that said I've built a PC on carpet before.

[DrMacintosh]

Just now, Daniel644 said:

THIS right here the dryer the environment and the more carpet the more likely to get static shock, that said I've built a PC on carpet before.

Same, I live near the CA coast but I built my PC on a carpet. My house never gives shocks anywhere from just moving around. 

[JoostinOnline]

It depends entirely on your weather. I definitely have to wear one in the winter here. Shifting slightly in my chair is enough to build up static electricity. During the winter I get into the habit of touching everything metal when I walk.  50 small shocks are less painful than the incredibly loud ones that make you feel like you've been struck by lightning. 

 

The rest of the year, I don't need one.  At Christmas I was so excited to put in my new 4790k that I forgot my wrist strap. It ruined my motherboard.  

[Daniel644]

Just now, DrMacintosh said:

Same, I live near the CA coast but I built my PC on a carpet. My house never gives shocks anywhere from just moving around. 

when I say built it on carpet, I mean litterally sitting on the carpet with the motherboard on the carpet when I inserted the RAM and other components.

[DrMacintosh]

Just now, Daniel644 said:

when I say built it on carpet, I mean litterally sitting on the carpet with the motherboard on the carpet when I inserted the RAM and other components.

Yeah I know, I did the same thing lol. 

[A Silver]

If you are really nervous just touch a grounded piece of metal like a radiator in your house to discharge any potential static electricity every so often. Otherwise, don't worry.

[NachoILF]

5 hours ago, DrMacintosh said:

Do you live in a dry area like Arizona? Does your home have a lot of carpet? Do you get static shocks in your home form just lying around doing stuff? 

 

If the answer is no to all of those you don't need a static strap. 

And that guys is the correct answer. Where a live I get shocked every 30 seconds. It is a nightmare.

[DrMacintosh]

Just now, NachoILF said:

And that guys is the correct answer. Where a live I get shocked every 30 seconds. It is a nightmare.

damn, I could imagine  

[Zeke_]

5 hours ago, DrMacintosh said:

Do you live in a dry area like Arizona? Does your home have a lot of carpet? Do you get static shocks in your home from just lying around doing stuff? 

 

If the answer is no to all of those you don't need a static strap. 

I live in a very dry area as a matter of fact and most of my home is tile. I haven't gotten static shocked in years.

[DrMacintosh]

Just now, Zeke_ said:

I live in a very dry area as a matter of fact and most of my home is tile. I haven't gotten static shocked in years.

then you are probably fine.