How essential is Anti-Static?

[Knaj]

I have a few questions about anti-static:

 

1: I plan to build my computer on a concrete floor with a plastic foldaway table much like this one. Would that be a safe environment?

 

2: Do I need an anti-static mat for this?

 

3: Do I need an antistatic ankle strap or wrist strap, or will I be fine if I just take precautions like touching metal to get rid of discharge before handling parts?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[TheeBackground]

Long story short, get your PSU in first, keep the switch off, plug it into a wall socket, touch it each time you go from a new part and you should be fine.

[iamdarkyoshi]

you will be fine. I have assembled computers in the dead of winter on a shag carpet without any precautions. I have not killed anything yet.

[Stefan1024]

Plug the PSU in, but leave IT OFF.

Touch the grill every three minutes or so and you should be fine.

All parts have ESD protection, but if you are charged to much you can kill it despite of the protection.

[o0Martin]

Tbh anti static wrist straps are like £1 on amazon, may as well just pick one up and connect it to your case (If it's metal) while you work.

 

If not plug your PSU in but keep it off then touch it before you touch anything else. 

 

You may as well do one of the above just to be safe, it isn't much of a hassle.

[Ganz]

Just touch anything metal (case, psu as others suggested) before touching any important components and you should be fine.  You don't 'need' an anti-static wrist strap.  It's one of those things where if you have one great, if you don't it's not mandatory as you can work around it.