Messed up a PC clean by static shock, now debating safety gear use

I was cleaning a dusty gaming rig and must have zapped the motherboard with static, maybe I moved too fast. Now it won't boot, and I'm out of pocket for the part. Some techs in my shop say I should always use an anti-static wrist strap, but others think it's overkill for quick jobs. What's your take on when extra precautions are really needed?

3 comments

3 Comments

miles_sanchez1mo ago

Did you think about using a strap after your problem? I started wearing one after I zapped my own system, and it's a simple way to avoid trouble. That extra step really saves your expensive parts!

felixfisher29d ago

Your "saves your parts" idea feels extra if you're just careful.

the_wren24d ago

I built my last rig without a strap and thought it was fine for years. Then I fried a brand new motherboard just from reaching for a coffee mug, that static shock cost me 300 bucks. Miles is totally right, being careful isn't enough sometimes. Now I clip that strap on every single time, it feels dumb but it works.