CPU durability

[danlinus84]

Hello,

 

Would you say the outside of the CPU offers any protection against ESD or static shock? I am guessing a shock could not go through the IHS but perhaps the pins are more vulnerable. Is the CPU die the main part at risk, but protected by the package? 

 

Thanks

[Ashleyyyy]

ehm, the shock can travel through the IHS, because it's made of metal. 

 

the pins are the main risk. if you touch those while you're static, that cpu will almost always break. 

 

side note: just use an ESD-free workspace when working with computers. a static shock might not immidiately break a component, but it could make it break more quickly. 

[WereCatf]

27 minutes ago, firelighter487 said:

ehm, the shock can travel through the IHS, because it's made of metal.

The actual core itself is encased in silicon, so even if one did apply a voltage to the IHS the core would still be insulated.

[Ashleyyyy]

1 minute ago, WereCatf said:

The actual core itself is encased in silicon, so even if one did apply a voltage to the IHS the core would still be insulated.

there are a number of other things on a cpu though... 

[WereCatf]

Just now, firelighter487 said:

there are a number of other things on a cpu though... 

The IHS isn't in contact with them, that'd be stupid.

[Ashleyyyy]

3 minutes ago, WereCatf said:

The IHS isn't in contact with them, that'd be stupid.

if you ahve a powerful enough spark to go from your hands to the ihs thren it can go from the ihs to whaterver else is on there. 

[danlinus84]

What sort of power are we talking? A noticeable static shock?

[danlinus84]

How the hell do I know if I am static lol You just never know!

[Ashleyyyy]

36 minutes ago, danlinus84 said:

How the hell do I know if I am static lol You just never know!

nope, you don't. that's why it's important to use an ESD-free workspace.