Anti-Static Wrist Band Necessary?

Well today's the day; I have all my PC components (finally) and I want to assemble the PC. I've been looking at guides and saw that an Anti-Static Wrist Band is recommended. Now I don't know of any local stores that sell these unless Best Buy or a local hardware store would sell them, but I really don't want to ruin any of my new PC components. My question is do I really need one of these wrist bands?

i didnt but when i built my computer i was getting really parinoid that it wont work

and i almost freaked out when my comp wouldnt display anything i forgot to plug in a 4 pin connector into my mobo :P

so if it eases your mind then i would do it if its not to expensive

It is best practice to use one and is the safest thing to do, especially in the winter where the air is cold and dry, conditions that ESD love. Now is it 100% necessary? I would say no, as long as you are careful. If your case is made of metal then you can just toucg it right before you pick up a component or fiddle with any part inside or outside your PC. It will discharge any static you've bult up without hurting anything. Also it's good to stand on wood or tile flooring as it will be less likely to build up a charge compared to carpet, but like I said earlier if you keep touching the case it should be a non issue.

So yes professionally it is a good idea, especially if you are working on a pc that isn't yours or at work, but at home as long as you know what you are doing it's pretty safe. I've actually tried to fry some RAM on purpose once, took me 10 good shocks before it went bad.

I'm sure you can order one online cheaply as it is generally best to use one, or at least try to discharge the static by touching something metal beforehand. Either way its generally safer to use a strap, just in case

I've built #'s of PC's - and have yet to ever utilize a Wrist Band - and have never deemed unfortunate circumstances because of it. These days, I'll etiher use the Dining room table for a build or on my floor which is entirely carpet. I suppose it's a great idea to use a band - and at the very least, try and touch the Case to try and ground urself when u can...But for most part, I've never had an issue...

I have never used one. I just leave the case (with PSU attached) plugged into the wall. Just make sure to cut the power with the main switch on the PSU.If I am wearing a sweater or something I spray some static guard on myself.

Never had a problem with ESD's.

When I was a repair technician, I would alligator-clip a long stranded wire to the chassis and tuck the other end under my belt against the skin when I thought I needed to be grounded. That way there's nothing hanging off your arm to catch on things. Yes, static can blow things up, and if it does you'll never know whether that's what did it. Better safe than mystified.

If all I'm doing is popping a PCI card in or something, I just try to stay in contact with the chassis until it's in.

also trying to avoid touching the pins will help too.

i use one when working on the cpu now only because I bought a computer repair pack with one in. After about 300 builds myself I've never experienced it but I know a few who work for pc world 'tech guys' (such a lame name :D) that have. Like the others suggest use common sense: touch the metal casing before hand and periodically before picking up any component and don't go walking around in nylon socks on a nylon carpet heheh

*you can buy computer repair kits with them in for next to nothing.

just touch a metal part of the case before touching anything and you will be fine.

I have never used one. That is saying something.JigglyWiggly_

:P

I use it on and off.

I dont feel it neccearry when installing a gpu but i will deffentally use one when installing a cpu and ram.

Never have, never will... unless I get a job that requires it.

...I watched an old episode of "The Screen Savers" on TechTV, and they said that your body's static electricity is in no way powerful enough to fry any components...superclocked

Never used one, never had a problem.

i think he gets the point ppl lol

That would assume I have had sex wouldn't it :P

SEX AFTER MARRIAGE DAYUMIT

I would get one to be on the safe side, but I don't find it necessary. It's totally up to you.

That would assume I have had sex wouldn't it :P

SEX AFTER MARRIAGE DAYUMIT

JigglyWiggly_

Edited:What the hellis Sex ? :cry:

[QUOTE="JigglyWiggly_"]

That would assume I have had sex wouldn't it :P

SEX AFTER MARRIAGE DAYUMIT

Xsan3

Edited:What the hellis Sex ? :cry:

[QUOTE="Xsan3"]What the hell is Sex?JigglyWiggly_

[QUOTE="JigglyWiggly_"][QUOTE="Xsan3"]What the hell is Sex?smc91352

Actually, they're really aren't any lol. One thing good about a mac. (Their kernel is UNIX now, and they run each application (dmg) in a virtual drive, so they have gotten security really good)JigglyWiggly_

I CAN READ MINDS DAMNITJigglyWiggly_

For personal use, I wouldn't bother with a wrist band, just do your building on non-carpet floors and discharge every now and then.

If you have a cat, I'd suggest slapping one on him/her.

My cat rubbed me while I was tinkering inside my PC and gave me enough of a jolt to make me jump. The stick of ram I held in my hand went dead but I was fortunate enough to be within the 30 day return period and RMA'd it.

Be wary of winter months when the air becomes dry; static builds up a lot more easily. My girlfriend was afraid to touch me for a few days in December when I began shocking everything I came into contact with (fuzzy slippers + carpet + low humidty).