Adding new memory to pc - antistatic bracelt

mum_to_izzy

My memory has just arrived and was planning on doing it now, just double checked what I am doing by watching video on youtube, and guy says I should get an anti static bracelet?

Is this essential? and where can I get one from today?

Thank you

Shambler

I just leave the PC plugged in ( not switched on! ) and make sure I am touching the metal frame of the PC before touching the ram.

Try not to touch the gold edge connectors at all even if using a wrist strap.

Maplins do a strap if you want one http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=32142&C=Maplin&U=SearchTop&T=wrist%20strap&doy=20m3

DatabaseError

i've bee building pcs for 15 years and have never worn one, or damaged any memory. if really concerned, leave the pc plugged in (socket turned off) and have 1 hand touching the PSU (power supply) this should earth you

edit - beat me to it, shambler

BillScarab

What Shambler said. You can get a wrist starp but it's not really necessayr if you're just going to change the RAM and not do anything else.

If you have a power switch on the back mqke sure that is off and it is switched off at the plug socket, it will be earthed through the power lead earth connection so just touch a metal part of the case to discharge any static and you should be fine.

Try and avoid creating static as well so try not to move around too much after touching the frame. Also try and avoid clothes that can generate static like nylon or wool.

vyseyboy

I've put 1Gb of RAM (2x 512 sticks of DDR) through a 40 degree colour wash cycle (in the front of my hooded top) and it worked, still using it to this day.

The stuff is much more robust than installation instructions and literature usually makes out, but I suppose if you were an IT professional and doing it every day, it pays to take static precautions.

But what the other guys said should be fine in almost all cases.

Stephen_Leak

vyseyboy wrote: »

The stuff is much more robust than installation instructions and literature usually makes out, but I suppose if you were an IT professional and doing it every day, it pays to take static precautions.

Nah. I can't be *rs*d with all that. It's a waste of valuable coffee drinking and surfing time. Slam in the RAM.

spud17

I've put 1Gb of RAM (2x 512 sticks of DDR) through a 40 degree colour wash cycle (in the front of my hooded top) and it worked, still using it to this day.

Was that for a clean install?

Belnahua

Stephen_Leak wrote: »

Nah. I can't be *rs*d with all that. It's a waste of valuable coffee drinking and surfing time. Slam in the RAM.

Our antistatic mat is proudly on display, and shows its battle scars. Well you have to look like you know about anti-static precautions when the client is around!