Makeshift Anti-Static Mat?

[QuadNine]

So today I am finally building my PC. Since it will be my first PC build, I want to be really safe and cautious. So I was wondering could I use something like a yoga mat to act as a makeshift Anti-static mat? Or is there something else that I can use?

Also what are some ways that I can ground myself before I start working on assembling it?

Thanks in advance

[Liquid Cooled Human]

5 minutes ago, QuadNine said:

So today I am finally building my PC. Since it will be my first PC build, I want to be really safe and cautious. So I was wondering could I use something like a yoga mat to act as a makeshift Anti-static mat? Or is there something else that I can use?

Also what are some ways that I can ground myself before I start working on assembling it?

Thanks in advance

Depends on what the mat is made out of. Anything that doesn't build a static charge on your body will work. I didn't use one for mine, just put yor mob on the box when building and plug in your psu into the wall but don't turn it on, then touch it after a while to discharge yourself.

[AresKrieger]

4 minutes ago, QuadNine said:

So today I am finally building my PC. Since it will be my first PC build, I want to be really safe and cautious. So I was wondering could I use something like a yoga mat to act as a makeshift Anti-static mat? Or is there something else that I can use?

Also what are some ways that I can ground myself before I start working on assembling it?

Thanks in advance

Just use the motherboard box, the anti static bag the motherbard is in or a wood table

[QuadNine]

6 minutes ago, Liquid Cooled Human said:

Depends on what the mat is made out of. Anything that doesn't build a static charge on your body will work. I didn't use one for mine, just put yor mob on the box when building and plug in your psu into the wall but don't turn it on, then touch it after a while to discharge yourself.

Just making sure. The "O" on the power supply is the one that needs to be pressed down for it to be off, right?

[Liquid Cooled Human]

Just now, QuadNine said:

Just making sure. The "O" on the power supply is the one that needs to be pressed down for it to be off, right?

'O' is digital for off, 'I' is on.

[bgibbz]

While ESD (electrostatic discharge) can be dangerous to parts, its really not as concerning as many people may think. As long as you follow basic precautions, you will be fine. Working on a non carpeted floor is ideal, while wearing shoes. I strongly dont recommend socks on carpet, that builds up static electricity fast. The first component i would install in the case would be the PSU. Turn the PSU power off, and plug it in. You can then touch the case periodically to ground yourself. additionally, you can go to a computer store (best buy would work) and by an anti static wrist strap that you can then connect to the case. Also, keep your board on the cardboard box. DO NOT PUT IT ON THE ANTI STATIC BAG. This could potentially kill your board. 

[bgibbz]

8 minutes ago, AresKrieger said:

Just use the motherboard box, the anti static bag the motherbard is in or a wood table

Im not sure if your suggesting to put the motherboard on the antistatic bag, but this is a bad practice. those bags are antistatic because the outside is conductive. This could short out your motherboard.

[Liquid Cooled Human]

1 minute ago, bgibbz said:

While ESD (electrostatic discharge) can be dangerous to parts, its really not as concerning as many people may think. As long as you follow basic precautions, you will be fine. Working on a non carpeted floor is ideal, while wearing shoes. I strongly dont recommend socks on carpet, that builds up static electricity fast. The first component i would install in the case would be the PSU. Turn the PSU power off, and plug it in. You can then touch the case periodically to ground yourself. additionally, you can go to a computer store (best buy would work) and by an anti static wrist strap that you can then connect to the case. Also, keep your board on the cardboard box. DO NOT PUT IT ON THE ANTI STATIC BAG. This could potentially kill your board. 

I agree. It's not really a concern unless you wearing socks on a carpet but it's always nice to limit possibilities of hardware failure.

[QuadNine]

Thanks a ton guys, I am really excited to finally build this thing

[AresKrieger]

1 hour ago, bgibbz said:

Im not sure if your suggesting to put the motherboard on the antistatic bag, but this is a bad practice. those bags are antistatic because the outside is conductive. This could short out your motherboard.

The board isn't powered so it's a non issue

[bgibbz]

Just now, AresKrieger said:

The board isn't powered so it's a non issue

Regardless, it is never a good idea to do. With that logic, may as well just sit the board down on sheet of copper.