putting in memory sticks?

Question

somene said i needed to ground myself or something when i do it because static could ruin it, or my computer? huh? I dont want to ruin my computer, so any suggestions, i really dont have the money to pay a proffesional to do it. so please help.

Answer 1

It is true. You do need to ground yourself prior to touching both the computer AND the memory sticks. What I usually do is the following:

1. Power down and unplug the computer

2. Then power drain it (you can do this by pressing the power button and holding it for 10 seconds after it has been unplugged. This gets rid of what i call "renegade electricity" left over from the power supply. You usually either hear a faint "zap" sound, indicating the computer is charge free, or if you want a visual, look at the back fans and/or lights. You might see the fan spin a bit or you might see a light blink or fade).

3. After that, touch the metal case of the computer first, and keep a hand on it most of if not all the time while taking the memory and placing it in the system. You can get an anti-static mat to stand on, or even an anti-static wrist band if you want to be extra extra, but I've never needed to do so, even when working on a carpet surface, which is a huge static charger. Bottom line, be sure to discharge yourself before swapping memory, even though shorting a computer out because you're a walking lightning rod is very rare, from what I've seen anyway.

4. Have fun installing! And be sure the memory lines up with the notches and each module (stick) clicks into place before trying it out!

Hope this helps out!

Answer 2

Make sure your computer is plugged in (to a grounded 3-prong outlet) but not turned on. That way the metal case is connected to the earth ground wire.

Just make sure one hand is touching some part of the inside metal case of the computer before you touch the memory stick. Try and maintain contact with the metal case when you handle the stick and "stick" it in the slot.

I've done this many times -- it's a lot easier than getting my anti-static smock and wrist band. Following the advice, above, I've never had a failure of a memory stick, PCI card, or processor (and I've built several computers from scratch).

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Answer 3

just make sure to touch something metal before you pick up the memory stick and touch the computer. do not move your feet during the time between touching the metal and handling your computer. a shock from static electricity can ruin your computer. my husband did it to his xbox by shocking the controller.

Answer 4

Usually touching the metal case of the computer is all you need to do (be sure the computer is unplugged though)

Answer 5

If your in a high static area, then a ground strap might
be good to use.

Answer 6

all you need to do is touch the metal computer case before u touch the chips. the box is grounded already.

Answer 7

if you touch the pc or components without grounding yourself, you will put an electrical charge thru it from your body so wear rubber soled shoes before connecting your bits

Answer 8

Wear a cloth wristband.

Answer 9

Just unplug it. It will be ok I do it all the time

Answer 10

As long as your unplugged you'll be just fine.