PC Cleaning and Static Guide

tippmannnewb · 12-30-2006, 03:08 PM

Also, i read this in another thread:

I can just ground myself to my case instead of using an anti-static mat or wristband. TRUE. However, you must be in contact at ALL times with the case, and the case must be grounded to your home's electrical system. If the case is just sitting on your floor and not plugged in, then grounding yourself to the case does no good at all.

So i plug it in and do the work? isn`t that dangerous?

MPC · 12-30-2006, 05:41 PM

you must NEVER have your computer plugged in when working on it. Unplug it from the wall and have it turned off. Yes it is dangerous, to you and your parts.

Touching the case before you touch parts is the same as being in constant contact. You touch the case before you make contact with a part, whe you let go of the part you touch the case again. It has the same affect but unless you are experienced I do no reccomend it

tippmannnewb · 12-30-2006, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPC

you must NEVER have your computer plugged in when working on it. Unplug it from the wall and have it turned off. Yes it is dangerous, to you and your parts.

Touching the case before you touch parts is the same as being in constant contact. You touch the case before you make contact with a part, whe you let go of the part you touch the case again. It has the same affect but unless you are experienced I do no reccomend it

"If the case is just sitting on your floor and not plugged in, then grounding yourself to the case does no good at all."

What does this mean then?

MPC · 12-30-2006, 05:50 PM

first off, who is telling you this?

For proper grounding of the chassis, you need a grounded outlet. That's it, that's all. To properly ground your MB indide the chassis, well, you can't help but ground it. The 0V lines (or Ground or black wires, whatever you want to call them) are directly connected to the chassis through the PSU. So every single piece of equipment in your chassis is grounded properly. That's all there is to it.

As to anti-static protection, all connectors on your PC have to pass a static suppression test. In other words, any connection on the outside of your PC is capable of suppressing a 15kV static shock. The only time you need to worry about static is when you're working on your PC. In those situations, touch the unpainted chassis of the case and use an anti static band. It doesn't matter where your pc case is on floor or off. not on carpet though

A good place to start is your choice of clothes. Identify which clothes you have that generate lots of static and avoid wearing them when working with PC's. That applies to shoes too. Avoid moving your feet when you're working on the PC. I like to find something other than the PC to earth myself on. Plugged in PC's are good, but if you have a permanent object that you can earth on, use that too. Good to know if you're working on laptops or other devices that don't have earth through mains power. I used to touch a metal shelf behind me and my bench was also grounded. A good jolt sometimes, but it'd help discharge static.

The point of grounding yourself to the case is that it doesn't matter if it's actually at 0V or not. As long as you and your case are at the same voltage, there's no voltage difference on components, which is what fries them.

69! · 12-31-2006, 08:35 PM

nice Job.

tippmannnewb · 01-01-2007, 01:48 AM

Would it help if i used the anti static bag my video card came with as a glove when installing?

pimpified · 01-06-2007, 12:24 PM

i just opened my other oc and i cant believe the amount of crap in there thanks guys i am now off to clean it up , over a years worth of dust no wonder its getting slower by the day ..lol

MPC · 01-06-2007, 02:02 PM

glad to help out

youm0nt · 01-09-2007, 04:01 PM

is a ziploc bag just as good as an anti static bag?what exactly makes the anti static bag special?

PBJ-Sammich · 01-09-2007, 07:04 PM

nice guide

i actually one time took everything out of my case to clean everything

yes i was very bored and... stupid

Blazestorm2 · 01-13-2007, 12:15 AM

Ghettoest way to avoid static... just ground yourself on the case..

I've been building computers for a while, never used wrist-straps or anything because... you ground yourself by touching the case... pretty simple concept

Don't use a ziplock bag... anti-static bags have a metallic film and other attributes that shield the components from static electricity... ziplock bag won't do ****... it may even create some... (Ever get the ziplock bag that tries to stick to your hand... static electricity durr)

MPC · 01-13-2007, 08:13 AM

I believe I have mentioned the touching the chassis method. I wouldn't call it ghetto though...

also a ziploc bag will create a large build up of static

*knock-out05* · 02-15-2007, 03:34 PM

You might want to add this.

The past couple of Days ive been wearing those types of shirts that are made out of the material that UnderArmor is made up, the silky typer shirts, and i noticed that they DO create ALOT of static if they move around alot on your body.

This probably isnt much of a worry, i just thought i would post it.

EDIT:This also includes those basketball shorts that people wear alot. The shirts that im talking about are made of the same type of material

PabloRodriguez (Banned) · 02-20-2007, 10:42 AM

LOL u cant clean pcs and u guy call urself geek?

Wendig0 · 05-12-2007, 11:09 AM

I thought that Rubbing alcohol would damage your lcd screens. But maybe i was getting mixed up between that and windex I know that windex will ruin it.

Kegerator (Banned) · 05-14-2007, 02:25 PM

I alwalys like washing my computer in the bath tub

Wendig0 · 05-14-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kegerator

I alwalys like washing my computer in the bath tub

nice contribution to the thread

Grayscale · 05-18-2007, 04:35 PM

I have been building computers for 12 years and I have yet to have any issues with static. I don't use a wristband or anything like that, in fact, I've heard that those can cause more harm than good.

Honestly, ESD is highly unlikely to cause any problems during your build, so much so that you shouldn't even consider it unless you're rubbing your feet on the floor or something stupid.

Masterdog99 · 06-09-2007, 11:51 PM

hmm to make life easier make a fricken air filter. once i upgrade like another 8800gts ill clean my computer. whoops drifting from the subject. anyways just buy one of those dry sweeper cloth at wally world (i hate that store) and cut it to the shape of a fan :p hehe im lucky mine came with a filter

aea414 · 06-10-2007, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masterdog99

hmm to make life easier make a fricken air filter. once i upgrade like another 8800gts ill clean my computer. whoops drifting from the subject. anyways just buy one of those dry sweeper cloth at wally world (i hate that store) and cut it to the shape of a fan :p hehe im lucky mine came with a filter

Panty hose can work as well. If you are talking about what I think you are.

krushed · 06-10-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grayscale

I have been building computers for 12 years and I have yet to have any issues with static. I don't use a wristband or anything like that, in fact, I've heard that those can cause more harm than good.

Honestly, ESD is highly unlikely to cause any problems during your build, so much so that you shouldn't even consider it unless you're rubbing your feet on the floor or something stupid.

im with ya, i think its a highly over rated