[SOLVED] Should I be worried about ESD and DOA parts? Are ESD bracelets overkill?

[Mherrmann2]

Title says it all. I'm new to PC building and I really don't want to damage my parts by accident. These are really the things that I still have questions about and I want to get it straight My question to you is, If you have built many pcs, or have been building them for a long time have have you ever-

1. Used a ESD wrist strap that clips to your case to ground yourself
2. Damaged a part (or parts) from ESD (Electro-static-discharge.)
3. Had a product Dead on arrival

Lastly, any tips for grounding yourself? What methods have you used to prevent ESD? Thanks.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

I have had dead on arrival parts, though its not usually common. The most recent DOA part I had was used, too.

I honestly never worry about static, though the best practice is to use a bracelet and ground yourself. Alternatively, instead of buying a bracelet you can take out the PSU, plug it into a grounded outlet, and periodically touch the grounded housing of the PSU to discharge yourself.