Static Damage

[Aleksbgbg]

I'm going to be building a PC for the first time, I'm in the middle of getting all the parts.

 

So I've been doing some research, watching videos of people building and etc.

 

I've heard most of those people mention using an anti-static wrist strap to get rid of static discharge...

 

but is this really true? Would it hurt if I was to build my computer without one of those or do I really need it?

[c0d0ps]

I'm going to be building a PC for the first time, I'm in the middle of getting all the parts.

 

So I've been doing some research, watching videos of people building and etc.

 

I've heard most of those people mention using an anti-static wrist strap to get rid of static discharge...

 

but is this really true? Would it hurt if I was to build my computer without one of those or do I really need it?

Yes it can hurt your parts very badly.

However, it is not necessary. 

 

I am pretty sure Linus explained/gave tips on this not so long ago..

I might go look it up.

 

Edit: 

Before I have found the video I might as well say what I remember from it...

You can ground yourself by touching something metal like the case (the others seem to be saying the PSU so I would go with that instead) every once in a while,

put your motherboard on something that isn't static like the bag/cardboard package it came in

and

don't stand on those rugs that pump you up with static electricity, I have forgot what they are made of (maybe wool?).

 

Edit 2:

Here is the video!

[Darkman]

If you have a psu lying around or in a different computer that is on, you can ground yourself with that then begin building, it is what I do most of the time.

[Godlygamer23]

I've built three computers without using an anti-static wrist strap. All components worked and no damage was done at all - the one PC I built I even did walking across carpet. That being said, in the area that I live, I never encounter static electricity but some areas are different. So if you get shocked frequently, invest in some sort of grounding method, either using an ankle-strap or wrist-strap. If you don't, occasionally touching the power supply(with it plugged in and off) or case should work just fine for grounding.

[werto165]

I think the static discharge affects the mosfets most. Makes the gate not function anymore. 

[Aleksbgbg]

If you have a psu lying around or in a different computer that is on, you can ground yourself with that then begin building, it is what I do most of the time.

If you do it most of the time does that mean that it is not that important or that in minor changes it is unnecessary? 

[Aleksbgbg]

I've built three computers without using an anti-static wrist strap. All components worked and no damage was done at all - the one PC I built I even did walking across carpet. That being said, in the area that I live, I never encounter static electricity but some areas are different. So if you get shocked frequently, invest in some sort of grounding method, either using an ankle-strap or wrist-strap. If you don't, occasionally touching the power supply(with it plugged in and off) or case should work just fine for grounding.

 

 

Ok, thanks a lot! It makes sense.

 

Still open for other suggestions as well.

[arronleeds]

never had a problem without one, i did do it stood on wooden floor though,  a friend i know built his on his carpet.