Safety While Building PC

[Varmint]

I am about to build a PC and was wondering if any one could provide me with some safety precautions I should take. Where is the best place to assemble the computer? Should I get an anti-static wrist band? Are there any other precautions I should take?
Thank You
Varmint

[PeterStoba]

I'd just reccomend being careful. I've never used any antistatic measures really and every one of my computers has been fine.

I'd say, get all your parts together on a flat surface, wooden table would be good, put the motherboard on top of the bag it comes in, on the box and install everything into it on that.

Just don't drop anything and make sure you double check everything (connectors the right way) and you will be fine.

[sadbuttrue]

If it's a cheap case either wear latex gloves or keep a box of plasters handy.

You can discharge static electricty by placing your bare skin on unpainted metal in contact with the ground (screwdriver for instance). Do this every so often as static can build up over time. I've also never used a wrist band and the only time I've killed components was due to plugging something in the wrong way. Don't do any work on carpet, or place bare parts on it. Don't wear a wooly jumper

[MoonPig]

I've never taken any special measures. I've build lots of systems and they've all been on either wood or rubber mating (for cutting card, got a big one on a table). Cuts wise, theres nothing wrong with afew cuts

[PeteSmith]

Wear a full body suit and wield a lump hammer. Guaranteed safety.

[Flibb]

for the safety of the components, mobo in particular, make sure that the the mobo spacers things are in the right place, get them wrong and its by bye mobo.

[Varmint]

I've never taken any special measures. I've build lots of systems and they've all been on either wood or rubber mating (for cutting card, got a big one on a table). Cuts wise, theres nothing wrong with afew cuts

I don't understand your comment about cuts...could you please explain?

Is it okay to assemble the parts directly on a wooden floor even if there are carpets in the surrounding area (though not really close by)?

[Haiku32]

Some cases are torture devices designed to shred your fingers whilst fitting components.

Keep some plasters handy just in case .

[Flibb]

Yep cheap cases have lots of sharp bits, many more expensive cases have rolled edges so you tend to bleed less.

[samwyard]

just use your anti static bags until everythings in the case, also if this is your first build remember the thermal paste, i know so many people who have forgot it and wasted £200

[WhiteGiant]

Think about what you are doing, plan it all out, in your head or even on paper! First time builds can become very exciting and you might get carried away.

Don't worry too much about safety, use your noggin, and read all the manuals before starting!

[MoonPig]

I don't understand your comment about cuts...could you please explain?

Is it okay to assemble the parts directly on a wooden floor even if there are carpets in the surrounding area (though not really close by)?

Haha, i ment nothing weird. Just, i've cut myself afew times on cheaper cases and it doesn't exactly hurt. Hell, i've stabbed myself in my wrist with a scalpel before and only felt shock... lol.


Tbh mate, aslong as your not wearing socks and constantly rubbing your feet on carpet - you'll be fine.

[watercooled]

Also it's best to avoid touching any gold contacts. Probably wouldn't do much hard but it's best to keep electronic contacts clean.

[MoonPig]

Ooo, thought on one thing. If you can, use a magnetic Screwdriver. They can be REALLY helpful with motherboard mounting.

I know it's not a safety thing, but it's useful for building.

[Varmint]

just use your anti static bags until everythings in the case, also if this is your first build remember the thermal paste, i know so many people who have forgot it and wasted £200

When you say thermal paste, are you saying I should get a special thermal paste or should I just remember to use the one that comes?

[peterb]

Most stock coolers come with a thermal coating already applied. If you are using no stock, you may need to apply thermal compound separately.

As for a building area, a table top is fine - put a cotton cloth or something to protect the table. If there is carpet on the floor, bare feet are quite a good idea (helps prevent static build up) and try to avoid synthetic clothing. In any case, it is good practice to handle boards by the edges, but in relity, it is quite hard to damage PC components through static.

It can be a goiod idea to assemble and test everything outside the case - although once you have mounted the heatsink on the CPU, you shouldn't really remove it (if you do, you need to clean off the old paste and apply new) so it can make installing the mobo a bit trickier.