I discharged esd on my computer button, I'm wondering if a computer can take damage

[Scribels]

I discharged esd on my computer button, I'm wondering if a computer can take damage. What components will be damaged, the motherboard? Will it not turn on some day?

Motherboard is :

GA-P35-DSR

My case is custom. There really isn't a brand name on it.

 

[Moonstick2]

Don't worry. ESD can definitely be a problem and should be avoided, but at the same time it's not a definite killer. The power switch (though normally it's plastic -sure it wasn't the metal surround) is probably one of the safer things to discharge through.

If your computer is turning on, it's highly unlikely to start failing later because of this.

 

[Scribels]

Don't worry. ESD can definitely be a problem and should be avoided, but at the same time it's not a definite killer. The power switch (though normally it's plastic -sure it wasn't the metal surround) is probably one of the safer things to discharge through.

If your computer is turning on, it's highly unlikely to start failing later because of this.

Alright, and just to confirm what is the reason why the power switch is probably one of the safer things to discharge through? Is it because it's outside of the case? And I had the 3 prong power connector plugged in, so it's earthed, also? I'm assuming the ESD can't make it to the motherboard, but if it does, it will go through the case rather than isolate and damage the component, right?

 

[Moonstick2]

Do you mean the switch to boot the computer, or the power switch on the power supply at the back?

If you mean the switch on the power supply, you've even less to worry about. ESD from that switch isn't likely to make it through the PSU to the motherboard.

I say power switches are 'safer' because they're not generally part of a direct circuit with any ESD senstive components such as integrated chips and the like. That doesn't make them completely safe, just less likely to cause damage.

 

[Scribels]

Do you mean the switch to boot the computer, or the power switch on the power supply at the back?

If you mean the switch on the power supply, you've even less to worry about. ESD from that switch isn't likely to make it through the PSU to the motherboard.

I say power switches are 'safer' because they're not generally part of a direct circuit with any ESD senstive components such as integrated chips and the like. That doesn't make them completely safe, just less likely to cause damage.

I mean the power switch on the front of the computer.(to boot the PC). Oh, so the motherboard has components on them such as integrated chips, that are so sensitive to ESD. I see what you mean. Thanks

*correction.

 

[Moonstick2]

Which are sensitive to ESD, you mean.

The power switch on the front of a PC is almost always plastic, and certainly would be isolated from the switch within. I'm almost certain that you touched the case edge around the switch when pressing it and it was this which you ESD'd through. ESD into the case would eventually hit ground, no components. You've no need to worry.

(Unless it happens again, which would mean more likely that the power switch is shocking you, no the other way around!)

 

[Scribels]

Which are sensitive to ESD, you mean.

The power switch on the front of a PC is almost always plastic, and certainly would be isolated from the switch within. I'm almost certain that you touched the case edge around the switch when pressing it and it was this which you ESD'd through. ESD into the case would eventually hit ground, no components. You've no need to worry.

(Unless it happens again, which would mean more likely that the power switch is shocking you, no the other way around!)

Oh I was thinking it got inside to where my components are, but you are saying not likely, I see. You are correct, the button is plastic. And the case around the button is plastic, I could have touched both at the same time. So I discharged through the case. I got you.

And it is pretty cold in my room yesterday when it happened. Actually it was 43F/6C in my room today when I woke up. So I'm thinking, I probably didn't get the electrostatic from the case. Usually I hit the light switch in my room and it discharges as well. I probably got the electrostatic from my blanket