Did I do static damage to my PC?

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squid917

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Nov 30, 2013
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I have asked this before, however I have realized that a large portion of people don't seem to think as static as much of an issue. I need an answer of someone who knows the true danger of static with computers. About 9 month ago, I bought a new PC. Before I new how to build one. So I wanted to check out the inside so I popped off the side panel. I didn't touch the mobo or anything. Just the plastic gtx 680 logo, my cpu cooler, and the outside of my psu. My computer was plugged in, and I touched the case obviously to get it open. But, I was on carpet. Then I put the cover back on. Everything has been fine, and my computer has been running great. However I have heard that static damage can happen over time. The reason i'm asking is way back in the middle of July I got something like video hardware error. I didn't blue screen or anything just a regular windows error. I think that is because I had some trouble installing new drivers that day. Also my computer sometimes tends to restart when I tell it to shut down. Am I just paranoid or should I be worried. By the way I have checked for malware with like 15 scanners. So don't think its that. I don't want an answer from someone who "sometimes" puts on their wrist strap. Thank you so much! My specs are alienware 875 watt silver rated psu, 8gb quad channel, msi x79 mobo, gtx 680, i7 4820k, and 2tb HDD. Sorry for havind to deal with someone like this.
 
Solution
kanewolf
I work for a company that requires me to have ESD training. By touching the case (when you opened it) and having it plugged in (which grounded the case) you would have discharged the static. You MIGHT have generated additional static since you didn't stay in contact with the case the way a wrist strap would, BUT it is very unlikely that you did any damage. You didn't touch VERY sensitive components like the pins on your CPU.

@olsaltydog, LOW humidity is bad for ESD. Our environmental requirements at work require a MINIMUM of 40% humidity to minimize ESD.
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You are fine from what you described, static damage from ESD can happen and is either immediate or cumulative over time but sounds like you didn't actually remove anything or touch near anything sensitive. Think of ESD like when you shock someone else, touching their pants or shoes wont shock them and touching their skin will but you have to be close for the charge to make the jump. Dry air = bad = high static capability, Humidity = bad.
 
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Your PC is just fine.

PC components are designed to be resistant to ESD (electrostatic discharge). One would need to rub a graphics card all over a cat to cause damage, and even then the damage will come from the pissed off cat rather than ESD.
 
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I work for a company that requires me to have ESD training. By touching the case (when you opened it) and having it plugged in (which grounded the case) you would have discharged the static. You MIGHT have generated additional static since you didn't stay in contact with the case the way a wrist strap would, BUT it is very unlikely that you did any damage. You didn't touch VERY sensitive components like the pins on your CPU.

@olsaltydog, LOW humidity is bad for ESD. Our environmental requirements at work require a MINIMUM of 40% humidity to minimize ESD.
 
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Solution
40% - 60% is a relative industry standard for a computers atmosphere. Anything less can generate upwards of 25kV. I can pull the quotes directly from the MIL-HNBK or any other ESD manual if you would like. How many volts does it take to damage equipment 30v.
 
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