about ESD in DIY builds?

Question

its my first time building a pc, and i know i can assemble most of it without problems - however recently, i heard about ESD - is it a real problem, cause i dont wanna destroy my Bad Axe 2 or my E6600 - will an anti-static wriststrap help, and if i were to get one, what do they really mean by a grounded piece of metal - would that be attaching it the the case?

thanx alot, my $2000 custom build depends on your help!

Answer 1

Yep, the wrist strap goes around your wrist and the "alligator" clip attaches to the bare metal frame of your computer case. Radio shack has a anti-static kit that also includes a anti-static mat to place your computer on while your working on it.