Using antistatic bags while assembling items helps prevent static buildup and damage.
Using antistatic bags while assembling items helps prevent static buildup and damage.
This seems to be a new discussion, possibly a repeat. Apologies if it’s been covered before. Just now I watched the live build Linus posted some time ago (late 2019? It was part of a giveaway for a Canadian winner). In that video he mentioned avoiding the antistatic bag that comes with mainboards during component installation. I disagree. His reasoning was that the bag is conductive and could cause a capacitor to harm a PCB trace if there’s voltage across it. My counterargument is that if any residual voltage remains on the board while unpacking, it should be neutralized quickly—ideally before placing the CPU and RAM. Such voltages might damage either component or both. If a capacitor or trace gets affected, it would likely fail to perform as intended from the start. Please share your thoughts! (And keep it respectful or the moderators will step in!) PS: I have experience with electronics, HVAC systems, designed my own PCBs, and recently earned an EXIM CDCP certification with a 93% score. Just let me know.
ESD has remained manageable for years in the realm of computers and electronics. They are covered and adequately shielded.
It was once believed in a long time ago that static formed on the surface of antistatic bags, though I don’t remember that ever happening.
Static damage tends to be hidden unless there’s any visible harm, so claims that suggest otherwise usually rely on personal stories. Some parts of components can hold static, but it remains a concern for most everyday users. If something fails, diagnosing the cause would involve checking for static effects first. Humidity levels also influence how much static is kept in place.
Explain your point clearly. I mean what you're referring to by "coated and properly protected." In our work with military-grade electronics, we apply various types of protective finishes to the boards based on the design or customer requirements. Otherwise, the surfaces remain unprotected. Boards in cars often have coatings, but most consumer or commercial products don't. Still, these coatings only provide limited electrical insulation. If a strong enough voltage flows through and someone touches a board, it’s likely to break through the coating and reach a component inside. Also, physical connectors are always exposed—shocking them won’t stop the damage either.
This kind of stuff won't really harm a computer anymore. The protection layer is solid enough that minor shocks won't cause much damage. Don't treat ESD like something huge when you haven't seen any real issues in building systems over the last few years.
You mean which protective layer you're talking about? I wasn't suggesting any sudden reaction would happen right away. It's the hidden aspect you need to consider—this might not impact it for years (so would you even consider ESD damage?). However, if you repeatedly touch things without proper safeguards, it can cause harm, particularly with delicate parts like MOSFETs. I agree with that. I've placed RAM on a motherboard while walking on carpet and not being grounded, and it functioned normally. That doesn't prove nothing changed. You're passing high voltage through tiny components. Whatever you do, there will be consequences—even if you don't notice them right now. If you think I'm exaggerating, look into ESD protection methods; they’re much more severe than what I’m describing. ESD damage remains a real concern no matter your beliefs or past stories.