Rosewill Anti Static Wrist Strap Band, ESD Strap Anti Shock Wristband Bracelet with Grounding Wire Alligator Clip, Detachable Extra Long Cord (Packaging May Vary) - RTK-002

Phillips #2 screwdriver is just about the only mandatory tool needed. Any local hardware store will have these.

Cable ties/zip ties to help with cable management (nice to have).

Anti-static wrist strap is handy but you can still build without one, it just helps reduce the risk of static shock on your parts as you build. Cheap one here

Very minimal ive done builds not grounded. You wear one of these and stay clipped to metal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_UcS3EbAJR6J8Z

Edit: every part has its own warranty

Beware of Alcantara Seats- Static Discharge Can Mess with Wheelbases

First of all, apologies for the wall of text. I spent days searching the sub for some info, but could not find any answers. So hopefully this can save someone else some trouble.

For a while now, I have been experiencing issues with my Thrustmaster TS-XW rig. It started with random button activation, and culminated in my rig having a total meltdown which I documented here.

Originally I thought that my TM open wheel rim was toast, but after it started to happen to my other rims, I began to suspect that it was actually my base that was having problems. Fortunately u/bam_14 was kind enough to humor me and tell me that the issue looked electrical and that I might need to ground my rig.

This led me down an internet rabbit hole. Apparently a bunch of Fanatec and OSW wheels have this issue, and usually it can be solved with grounding. However, this did not solve my problem. I tried a grounding cable, ferrite clamps, nothing seemed to stop this problem. I was convinced that I was screwed and my TM base was completely fried.

As a last resort, I tried using an anti static wrist strapwhich I connected to my rig, and you know what? It worked! I played for a couple of hours, switched up the rims, no issues whatsoever.

It still didn’t solve the question of what caused it though. So, I went back into the rabbit hole, which led me to this thread.. Apparently the common denominator in all the issues stated in the thread were that they were all using Alcantara seats. (I have a Playseat challenge, which also uses Alcantara). Apparently the friction caused by the Alcantara seats results in an Electro Static Discharge that can mess up and potentially fry wheel bases. The folks in the thread started putting cotton sheets over their seats and the problem went away. I might do the same if I get sick of wearing a bracelet every time I race, but as things stand now, it’s a small discomfort relative to getting a new wheel base.

I’m cautiously optimistic.

So, if you are having issues with your wheel, it could very well be your alcantara seat that is causing the problem.

TL;DR: My Alcantara Playseat Challenge nearly messed up my base and I was able to mitigate the damage by using an anti-static wrist strap. Others have used cotton bed sheets.

With that oh-so-fashionable accessory, the grounding wrist strap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_gAZoEbT933CTM

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY

I use this with any build. Clip it to a grounded metal surface.

Sounds like you've got a lot of static generating fabric on you/your feet and nowhere for it to go.

Curious what happens if you where one of these and attach it to a ground.

Rosewill Anti Static Wrist Strap Band, ESD Strap Anti Shock Wristband Bracelet with Grounding Wire Alligator Clip, Detachable Extra Long Cord (Packaging May Vary) - RTK-002 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RuYmEb7RBJ5R6

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=static+bracelet&qid=1590164801&sr=8-5

Having worked at the head end of the steel making process at a massive furnace that riddles the air of coal, iron, and coke particles: skin cells and dust is the least of your worries. You'd have a heart attacked seeing how thick a layer of iron dust a panel of PLC cards would have and have ran fine for years.

Your biggest worry when handling small electronics like your arduino and pc mother boards is carrying a small static charge from things like your carpet and accidently transferring it over when handling these PCB's.

Other than that, sounds like you're doing your best to keep your mitts off the shiny parts of the boards, which I recommend you keep doing just in case because things do tend to happen, but I'd also recommend, if you're worried about it, do your tinkering on noncarpeted areas and you can even go as far as to get an antistatic bracelet do help prevent the static from damaging your delicates.

So don't worry about it too much, have fun tinkering with your Arduino!

PS: still probably is a good idea to do some maintenance on the insides of your electronics, not because dust will mess it up directly, but more so to allow for good air flow and preventing your processor and such from getting too hot. Gotta keep things cool!

I have this. I’ve never fried anything while wearing... but neither have I fried anything when I was too lazy to put it on. So...yeah...

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY/

it isn't about "touching metal" like these idiots would have you believe. it's about draining the static potential from you to ground continuously. you are the one with money on the line for your parts, and just because some of these "just touch a spoon" idiots got lucky and didn't cock anything up means nothing. a spoon will not discharge the static if it isn't grounded. i have a degree in electronica systems technology. a cheap grounding strap is worth the investment if used properly.

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22K2IDZDV94IL&dchild=1&keywords=grounding+wrist+strap+for+computer&qid=1586378500&sprefix=groundig+wrist+%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

Same sander, nice! If you start getting zapped while grinding you can hook up an anti-static bracelet. I use this one, does the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY

YouTube videos are pretty helpful I would just search ‘how to build a gaming pc’ and you’ll be in good hands with pretty much any of the top results. Just be careful with your parts and get an anti static wrist band (https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY)

Another thing you can do if this is bothering you during the recording process especially and you want to ensure that you won't have the buzz kick in for a second if both your hands come off the guitar is to use one a anti static wrist band. I use this during recording. I usually have it up around my fore-arm or even stuff it under your belt so it's touching the skin of your hip or wherever. Then you clip the other end (you may need an extension wire) onto somewhere on the guitar that accommodates this (often the intonation screws on the bridge or the bridge itself are good candidates) and your buzz should be gone even when you're not touching the strings.

Get yourself one of these grounding brackets for starters. Rosewill Anti Static Wrist Strap Band, ESD Strap Anti Shock Wristband Bracelet with Grounding Wire https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sl8vEb19S9BAY

Also knowing the potential dangerous spots aka capacitors that store tons of energy. Be careful not to touch more than one thing with your screwdriver. Double check the unit is unplugged. Clean your workspace so the unit isn’t accidentally touching metal and shorting our.

You’re right to be a bit nervous as it’s good to have a healthy respect for electricity.

Wear an ESD grounding strap for computer technicians and connect it to your headset cap. It has a snap and will break free or disconnect easily. Make sure the metal on the inside of the band is touching skin.

Rosewill Anti Static Wrist Strap Band, ESD Strap Anti Shock Wristband Bracelet with Grounding Wire Alligator Clip, Detachable Extra Long Cord (Packaging May Vary) - RTK-002 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2V.rEbXY97AHF

Deal link: Amazon

^^Note: ^^The ^^deal ^^may ^^have ^^expired ^^by ^^the ^^time ^^you ^^see ^^this ^^post.

I'd invest in an antistatic wrist wrap and ground yourself to your kitchen sink or something. Watch a few videos on building them it's not difficult I promise. If you have any more questions I can help out. I used to build and troubleshoot builds professionally

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kKgfFb8P3RSNY

I'd strongly advise that users ground themselves before switching on the detector on this unit. Rosewill has produced a very handy wrist strap band with grounding wire alligator clip. It allows visits to the sanitary facilities without too much hassle. You can either use the liberty the extra long cord supplies, or you can easily unhook yourself for longer distances.

Dude, get a grounding bracelet and laugh at your old man!

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY

Yes, holding the power button while the laptop is unplugged and the battery disconnected will discharge any built up electricity in any of the components. Safe bet is usually to hold it down for about 15-30 seconds.

However, you can still generate static electricity. The power button hold discharges electricity that may be retained in any of the components, but what I mean by static electricity is like when you are wearing wool socks and you slide you feet over the carpet and then touch a sibling, it gives them a little zap. Doing that to a mobo can completely destroy it and even less of a shock (one you might not even feel you did) can ruin a component like a chip.

An anti-static wrist strap will mitigate this risk

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY

When I first started working on PCs I would always wear one, but as I got more comfortable, I stopped. Like with anything, experience will make you comfortable with certain tasks.

You're overthinking it. Ground yourself first if you're concerned. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qFJ.EbRC93T92

And a cheap screwdriver kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ZSK57K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eGJ.Eb0C512WA

We have all been there.

Some questions to maybe help you calm down:

1: do you regularly have static shocks around you? If you do, grab an anti-static wrists trap...you can find one much cheaper on newegg, but I have this one to use during the drier months when static is an issue for me: https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY

2: are you normally clumsy? Do your hands shake when you need fine motor skills to put a screw into a hole? If not, excellent. You'll do fine. If you do shake a little, people may disagree with me, but you can use a magnetic precision screwdriver set. That way, the screw won't fall from your bit. The chances of you doing something you shouldn't due to the tiny bit of magnetism: slim to none. These are a bit expensive, but very good quality: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Toolkits

If you're worried about putting the wrong power connector into the wrong slot, you can't. They are all "keyed" to make it easy for you. The corners of some connectors are flat instead of cornered off to a sharp edge. This makes it simple.

If you are worried about bending the motherboard too much when you place in the 24 pin ATX power connector, just stop all that worrying right there. If it were that simple to snap a motherboard just by plugging in a power cable, they would have some lawsuits on their hands for bad design.

If you are worried about using too much or too little thermal compound on your CPU, don't worry about. Most, if not all CPUs that come with their own heatsink have thermal paste on the plate already. You can't mess that up.

If you have issues placing a USB drive/cable into it's port, flip it over and insert it the other way. It's just that simple :)

You will be fine.

I'll go in order of each question.

• So the issue is that if someone who is not grounded and has a static charge on them, it can shock on of your component that you are working on. For example, if you are putting your CPU into socket, you go to pick it up and you have static on you, it could shock the CPU and damage it. Same thing for your motherboard, GPU, etc. Basically anything wrapped in anti-static bags are something to be careful with.

• You can buy any other static wrist band like this one and attach the clip to something like your PSU and you'll remain grounded. Linus from Linus Tech Tips can help explain with this old Tech Quickie

• Unless you notice your office chair giving off a lot of static, then you're probably fine. You'll definitely be good if you have the anti-static wrist strap because you'll remain grounded constantly, compared to the touching the PSU method that I used when building my PC, which Linus explains in the Tech Quickie video I linked.

I think that covers it. Keep firing questions if you've got more! I'd be happy to help any way I can.

You could get everything you need to build for $25, or even less if you didn't use an ESD wrist strap or expensive thermal paste. But again, I don't know what the premium is for a micro center build PC, but I'm sure it's a good deal more than $25 odd dollars.

I'd recommend this ESD wrist strap, these zip ties, and this thermal pase which is some of the best on the market. As for the screwdriver, any old thing will do.

The reason why they tell builders to avoid carpets is that when people walk across them, they build up static electricity, which is bad for microelectronics. A tiny spark that is barely noticeable to a human is a huge lightning bolt to a tiny microelectronic circuit.

To avoid the buildup of static electricity, you can simply buy an antistatic grounding strap and connect it to a large metal object to keep your body grounded. Electronic techs use these when they are repairing sensitive electronics.

Here's one example, I'm not endorsing this particular product, I'm using it as an example of the type pf product I am talking about: https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY If you order lots of stuff from a website, then you can add a cheap strap to the order to give yourself peace of mind.

There are many guides on how to use them, here is one, again I'm not endorsing this but simply using it an an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGg0yUTgT_M I'd connect the alligator clip to a large metal object.

edit: ignore everything here about the case and gfx card. I looked it up and its a sub-compact form factor, which means you cant really upgrade the graphics card or case :( You should definitely reseat ram though and think about a SSD. And think about building it yourself next time you get a computer. Its much cheaper and not that difficult if you follow a tutorial or something.

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Aha thats the problem. Its definitely the graphics card. Intel Graphics 630 is an integrated graphics card, which means that its built into the motherboard and they're usually very low power. All the applications you've listed (gaming, video rendering, adobe products) are all very graphics heavy. So thats probably whats causing the bottleneck.

What other graphics card do you have that doesn't fit the case? If its a decent one I could probably give you instructions on how to swap the parts in it to a different case (60-100+$ depending if you want a cool looking case or don't care). Then you could use the other graphics card. You want an ATX form factor case, but probably want to make sure its also compatible with micro-ATX boards since I think thats what you have now (almost all of them are).

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The 6GB of memory thing is weird too, it sounds like one of the two sticks of ram has wiggled loose in its socket and needs to be plugged back in. I would open task manager and see if you are filling up your memory when doing various things that make it slow. That can cause major slowdowns.

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The other thing that I noticed that might be improved is that you have a hard drive, not a solid state drive. Hard drives are slower but you can get much more storage for cheap, so they are a good option if you have to store a lot of games or high definition video. However you can have both, which is the ideal setup (this is what I do). All you need is to buy a solid state drive from somewhere like tigerdirect.com or newegg.com and plug it into the motherboard. They start around 60$ last time I checked. I can show you how to do that or there are lots of youtube videos on it. But to really get the benefits you will also need to back up your files, wipe your hard drive, then reinstall windows on the solid state drive with the backup copy that came with your computer manual. The benefits of this are huge. Your computer will boot up in about 1 second, applications and documents will open instantly and generally it will feel like a much more expensive computer.

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So yeah my recommendations are:

- Swap to a bigger case and install the graphics card ($60+)

- Reseat the ram (free)

- Add a solid state drive and wipe and reinstall windows onto it ($60ish depending on the size you want. But with a 1TB hard drive you can get a small one and store all your games and videos on that)

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The only thing you need to be careful about when working on a computer is make sure its turned off and you are grounded when touching the parts inside it. To ground yourself you need to either be touching your arm to a metal part of the case, or buy an electro static wristband for like 8$ that clips to a metal part of the case. If you aren't grounded the static electricity in your fingers can damage sensitive parts like the ram or cpu.

Heres an electrostatic wristband: https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY

Paul is actually the one who "taught" me how to build a computer back when he was cutting his teeth at Newegg. He has a 3 part guide which is good. The actual parts he uses are probably out of date since this is from 2019, but the concepts and procedures are not:

Part 1: Hardware Basics

Part 2: The Build

Part 3: System Setup

Also here is a graphic that explains the process.

The one thing I think Paul doesn't do is do a pre-build test. You basically take the motherboard out and set it on top of its box. Install the CPU, memory, and GPU, then hook up the power cables and boot. What you're looking for is for the system to POST (power on self test). Once you see the splash screen, you can power off and build everything properly. The point of this is to make sure everything is working before you spend the time and effort installing everything.

Jay explains that process in this video.

Jay also did a video on how NOT to build a computer, so you can get an idea of what NOT to do. I actually think even though he did things you're not supposed to do it didn't break anything so it should give you some comfort that it's really not as hard as it sounds.

As for tools:

1. A modmat like this one from Gamers Nexus is nice to have but not necessary
2. An anti-static bracelet
3. A screwdriver, preferably an electric one with it's own light, it's very nice to have. I like this one
4. Zip ties or something similar for managing cables

I think that's it!!

First-time builder, would love any advice/tips nd tricks :)

Hey guys!

I've lurked this sub for probably almost a year now, but I've finally decided to kick my butt in gear and try my hand at building.
I wanted to build earlier on, but I settled on a pre-built pavilion. Don't get me wrong, it has carried its weight, I just want to make MY own personal pc. Plus my little brother wants to buy it off me(as I'm looking to move up.)

I'm a senior in high school and know basically nothing when it comes to building. I've been on my pc more as quarantine has ruined life, and I only use it for two purposes- 1) School (online classes, research, some videos), and 2) Gaming. (I don't think they are heavy games, but, again, I know nothing :P ) I play games like Minecraft, GTA V, Mordhau, Fortnite, CS:GO, and PUBG.

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Build-

Rosewill Anti Static Wrist Strap (Saw I needed one of these)- $6.99 https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Grounding-Alligator-RTK-002-Detachable/dp/B004N8ZQKY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=MPVW94OW0DQC&dchild=1&keywords=anti+static+wrist+strap&qid=1594593623&sprefix=anti+s%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-3

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X - $282.56

https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-3700X-16-Thread-Processor/dp/B07SXMZLPK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1FECF5EYIVI2L&dchild=1&keywords=ryzen%2B7%2B3700x&qid=1594600456&s=electronics&sprefix=ryzen%2B%2Celectronics%2C620&sr=1-2&th=1

Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 32GB (2x16GB)- $169.99

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-2x16GB-PC4-28800-Optimized/dp/B082DGZJ9C/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2Q9J5SK6QG97M&dchild=1&keywords=ddr4+ram+32gb&qid=1594600841&sprefix=ddr4%2Caps%2C426&sr=8-3

WD Blue SN550 1TB NVMe Internal SSD- $129.99

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-SN550-500GB-NVMe-Internal/dp/B07YFFX5MD/ref=sr_1_5?crid=MWUBYFTO4CCB&dchild=1&keywords=m.2%2Bssd&qid=1594601155&sprefix=M.%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-5&th=1

GameMax Power Supply 850W- $149.99

https://www.amazon.com/GameMax-Supply-Modular-Certified-Addressable/dp/B088QYVBBH/ref=sr_1_2?crid=24WQ6LDTGQ5J3&dchild=1&keywords=pc+power+supply&qid=1594601506&sprefix=pc+powe%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-2

AeroCool Cylon RGB Mid Tower- $47.34

https://www.amazon.com/AeroCool-Cylon-RGB-Acrylic-Window/dp/B079P1VBDY/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=pc+case&qid=1594594469&sr=8-2

Rx 590 Fatboy 8GB- $219.99

https://www.amazon.com/XFX-RX-590P8DFD6-Radeon-1580MHz-Graphic/dp/B07TK37HPW/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=gpu&qid=1594601558&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A6066318011%2Cp_36%3A-30000&rnid=386442011&s=pc&sr=1-4&th=1

ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING MOTHERBOARD- $129.99

https://www.newegg.com/asus-rog-strix-b450-f-gaming/p/N82E16813119140?item=N82E16813119140&source=region&nm_mc=knc-googleadwords-pc&cm_mmc=knc-googleadwords-pc-_-pla-_-motherboards+-+amd-_-N82E16813119140&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6ar4BRDnARIsAITGzlBZ6hnlb2Kd25wpigRcyU4aJNl_XIf7gD22PXBApfWsonfZPJxVdykaAia4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Price: 1,135.85

My question is this- Is there any way I could potentially remove or switch certain things out? I had to save up for this myself, so saving anything would be incredible :))

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Thank you so much if you actually read this!