Removed GPU from anti-static bag - Did I kill it?

[idontknow2254]

So, I recently received my PowerColor Red Devil RX 580, and once it arrived I removed the card from it's anti static bag for inspection. However, while I was inspecting it, I felt my shirt give a jolt, or zap, when it touched the PCIe connection of the card. I'm fairly sure that it was my shirt pulling on the PCIe connector (is that what it's called? The little golden part that you plug into the PCIe slot?), but I'm not sure. Now I'm paranoid that I killed the card somehow. I read on some other forums that I didn't have to feel something to discharge static on the card and kill it, so was removing the card from it's ESD bag a bad idea? I was holding it for about a minute before putting it back in the bag. What are the chances of me now having a dead card, because of my stupidity? I'm not building my PC for about another month, so I can't test it until then. And if it is dead, will I be able to RMA the GPU?

 

[WildCard999]

You'll be able to RMA it through PowerColor but I'd be surprised if you killed it from static on your clothes.

 

[iamacow]

I doubt its dead. Plug it into the computer and find out.

If just removing it from a anti-static bag and stocking things was all it took, I would have hundreds of dead parts. I'm the definition of what not to do. I work on a carpet and drag my feet. I often shock things during my builds. Haven't lost anything yet

 

[R_1]

you cannot feel en ESD until it hits 20,00V, a discharge 1/10 that can damage parts. if you suspect it is bad test it. do you know anyone who has a PC you could pop it in a boot it up? but first a refresher on proper grounding. do not touch any components until you have grounded yourself.


Assembly grounding:
plug in the power supply to the wall. you can touch an unpainted part of the PSU (insert an unpainted unfinished screw into the PSU mounting holes and touch the screw as a grounding point) once you have grounded yourself you can now touch and assemble the parts of the PC.
if you move your feet, or shuffle in your chair, reground yourself again.
install the CPU into the motherboard and the RAM into the slots.
if you move your feet, or shuffle in your chair, reground yourself again.
install the cooler to the CPU. install the motherboard into the case.
secure the motherboard down with the screws, make sure you remove any unwanted/needed mounts before securing the motherboard.
unplug the PSU and ground yourself again. install the PSU into the case and secure with the 4 mounting screws.
plug in the power cord and ground yourself again from now on after grounding, unplug the power supply cord from the wall.
if you move your feet, or shuffle in your chair, plug in the cord, reground yourself and unplug again.
connect the power supply to the motherboard by the 24 pin and the AUX CPU power connector, install the GPU if one is selected, and install the drives with the supplied mounts in the case. connect the front panel connections to the case according to the manuals.
if you move your feet, or shuffle in your chair, plug in the cord, reground yourself and unplug again.
if there are any other peripherals, like wifi cards or sound card install and secure now. verify all power cables are connected to the motherboard and the GPU if needed.
the system can now be booted and the BIOS adjusted if needed (refer to motherboard manual) then an OS installed. when you are sure the system will need no more working/tinkering you can install the side panel and close the case. you have now assembled a PC.
end canned rant

 

[idontknow2254]

Can I take it into a computer repair store and have them test it? Or is it something they can't do?

 

[WildCard999]

Can I take it into a computer repair store and have them test it? Or is it something they can't do?

A local store could probably test it for a minor fee as it shouldn't take long to do.

If you live near Western Massachusetts I'll test it for you.

 

[iamacow]

Yes everyone should do what R_1 listed safety wise, but I cannot say I ever have done any of these things in 15 years.

 

[idontknow2254]

And while it's most likely the graphics card isn't completely dead, could I have damaged something, or degraded it's lifetime by shocking it either with my clothing or hands?

 

[WildCard999]

And while it's most likely the graphics card isn't completely dead, could I have damaged something, or degraded it's lifetime by shocking it either with my clothing or hands?

If you have someone test it they can run it through a benchmark such as Heaven and see if any artifacts show up or if there's damage to the fans.

 

[idontknow2254]

Sorry for the lot of questions, but I'm really paranoid. Would my shirt have built up enough static to kill the graphics card, or some part of it?

 

[R_1]

without testing the only answer we can give is maybe.

 

[iamacow]

Sorry for the lot of questions, but I'm really paranoid. Would my shirt have built up enough static to kill the graphics card, or some part of it?

If you are unlucky than yes. Only way to find out is testing it. A dead card in a computer won't harm the computer.