So recently I recieved two doa parts from newegg. At the time I had no idea that they were DOA so I did some research on damage done to components via static electricity. I came across posts ranging from "even a shock you can't feel or hear could damage components beyond repair" to "if you didn't feel anything, it's extremely unlikely that static electricity was the problem", and i don't know what to think. I wanted to hear your opinions on the topic. Is static electricity really all that dangerous and is it worth buying a static wristband?
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
Buying a wrist band isn't necessary, but I use one. Simply touch a metal part of your computer chassis to discharge the electricity in your body. It takes less than 100v of static to destroy a component and our bodies can hold something like 25,000 volts at any one time. When you "feel" discharge, thats around 4,000 volts being discharged.
Edit: Corrected information
Just ground yourself, and you should be fine. It is dangerous, se don't build up a charge beforehand, but it is pretty easy to dsicharge it to be safe.
So many ppl are going to cringe, Ive assembled all my computers on carpet. Like the above post, it's as simple as discharging yourself. Ive never seen damage done by static, in theory like said in the above post we can carry 25kv but with no current that voltage is useless. we are about 600000 ohms at 4kv discharge thats 0.0067 amps. take that .0067 amps and mulitply it by the resitance of your component and you can figure out weather or not it can handle it.
Remember that electricity follows the path of least resistance, I'm no expert on pc component resistances but if the mobos component has less resistance then whatever your wristband is connected to, then its pretty pointless if you ask me.
I find the wrist straps useful in unboxing and handling but when it comes to actually inside the case i just make sure to touch the case or the power supply thats turned off.
Yes. You should always discharge yourself on your case or PSU first. I tend to work on my carpet as well and a tiny discharge could mean some very expensive paperweights ;)
Or badass coaster? Citation needed
Don't just discharge yourself. Remember to stay grounded, too, and you'll have no problems what-so-ever.