Can static damage a computer when inside a case?

[Tiby]

This is another on of those questions of mine that I couldn't find anything about online, even after searching for several hours. I know that when a computer is plugged into the wall, the case becomes grounded. Therefore you cannot damage anything inside it with static. However, if I where to have my computer unplugged and if I picked it up to move it elsewhere while having a large amount of static in my body, couldn't I damage any components inside of the computer by shocking the case? After all, it is metal...

Also, this may sound stupid but one of the reasons I'm asking this is because I want to install an SSD but do not have a mounting bracket. I want to know if just throwing the SSD inside the case would be a good idea since mounting brackets have little standoffs on them. Just wanna make sure that its okay to have the whole SSD in contact with the metal of the case, maybe exposing it to static when the case is not grounded.

 

[BadActor]

Two words: Velcro Tape. Mount the SSD anywhere you want and no worries. For what it's worth, I've never seen any damage caused by a static discharge to the case itself.

 

[USAFRet]

Many cases from the last couple of years have dedicated 2.5" mounting points.
Does yours?

 

[littleleo]

Static discharge to the body of the case should be okay especially if its plugged in the power cord will ground it to your power grid. If you are touching you motherboard or VGA card then yes a good spark can damage it. That is why I ground myself to the power supply before I touch any components and use a grounding strap.

If your case doesn't have a 2.5" bay you can get and 2.5" to 3.5" adapter and mount it in a normally hard drive bay.

 

[Karadjgne]

Standard procedure during any pc build or addition/upgrade is with the power cord unplugged, touch the metal frame before handling the component. Common sense also dictates wearing clothing that is static resistant, like cotton, not rayon or nylon based stuff (fleece is an absolute no-no) and wear shoes, not socks on carpet. Minimizing static goes a long way to safe installation.

 

[Tiby]

Standard procedure during any pc build or addition/upgrade is with the power cord unplugged, touch the metal frame before handling the component. Common sense also dictates wearing clothing that is static resistant, like cotton, not rayon or nylon based stuff (fleece is an absolute no-no) and wear shoes, not socks on carpet. Minimizing static goes a long way to safe installation.

Could you please explain why this works? I realize that touching the case equalizes the charge between you and the system that you are working on, but wouldn't this be the same as directly touching the components inside? Or does the case somehow resist the current?

 

[Tiby]

A static transfer to the case while it is not plugged in to the grid will damage nothing, as the case will act as a faraday cage, and the static will either pass to the ground via any external contact point or it will dissipate when you put the case down.
Shoes on carpet are a bad idea by the way, they insulate you from earth whilst providing a friction surface which can charge your body with static.
Socks are better, and bare feet better still.
But anyway, I have never heard of static being a problem whilst the pc is in the closed case.

My understanding is that you cannot ground yourself unless you are actually connected to the earth, not just standing on the floor of your house.

 

[Tiby]

Woops it looks like i accidentally selected the best answer. Still looking for answers

 

[Tiby]

A static transfer to the case while it is not plugged in to the grid will damage nothing, as the case will act as a faraday cage, and the static will either pass to the ground via any external contact point or it will dissipate when you put the case down.
Shoes on carpet are a bad idea by the way, they insulate you from earth whilst providing a friction surface which can charge your body with static.
Socks are better, and bare feet better still.
But anyway, I have never heard of static being a problem whilst the pc is in the closed case.

thanks (my first time on these forums haha)