The Importance Of...

[jaygee61]

Hey all!

Just had a rather unpleasant experience while working on my system and thought I'd share something that many may have forgotten...

While doing some work on my rig, (upgrading the CPU heatsink/fan and applying new thermal paste to the video card chipset), I inadvertantly "shocked" my system with static electricity. I had no idea that this had happened until I reassembled and tried to boot up. To make a long story short... I lost my CPU and an auxiliary hard drive!

I can't stress enough how important it is to "ground" yourself before doing even the simplest task involving your system! After this little episode, I invested in an anti-static wristband. If you can't do this immediately (although I'd strongly recommend it!), make sure to make contact with your rig's chassis with both hands every time you reach into the system. Also, try to avoid working on a carpeted floor if at all possible.

These simple steps can help you to avoid costly repairs/replacement that can easily be avoided.

[rspassey]

There you go folks... a real life example to the dangers of static electricity.

Sorry to here about that jaygee61, but believe me, you aren't the first to forget to ground yourself and accidentally destroy some hardware.