posted on March 29, 2001 07:55:36 PM newToke,
I'm about to attempt installing a bigger memory chip in my PC, and I seem to
remember you chatting with someone recently about doing the same thing. What I
recall is about the demagnatization (jeeze- is that a word?) of the tower in
order to avoid static electricity damage. Something about touching your
finger to something first??.
I would sure appreciate any help you or anyone else could offer. Left to my
own devices, I will look pretty goofy with one finger in the computer and
one elsewhere.
posted on March 30, 2001 04:41:51 AM new
If you leave the tower plugged in, and touch the metal frame before touching the chips, any static built up in your system would be discharged.
You can buy anti-static straps as well. Below is a humorous look at destroying a computer but if you read around the tongue in check comments, you'll get the drift.
It is possible to destroy computer components just by touching them, thanks to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Static electricity accumulates best on humans when the air is dry and both the carpet and the soles of the shoes are made of synthetic materials.
Unfortunately, static discharge damage is actually a fairly rare cause of computer problems. On the bright side, however, a discharge as low as 200 volts is sufficient to destroy a chip, and this level of charge can easily be accumulated in just a few steps on carpet. Static discharge can only be felt when the charge gets up around the 2000 volt mark, so it's possible for a truly adept user to unknowingly destroy several components in one session.
If the user employs an anti-static discharge strap connected to an earthed object or simply leaves the computer plugged in (thus maintaining the chassis earth connection) and takes care to touch some exposed metal on the power supply before handling static-sensitive components (and periodically during the job), the chance of static damage becomes depressingly low.
posted on March 30, 2001 07:44:30 AM new
Thanks Meya,
I appreciate that! I remembered that the solution was simple, just not how simple. Duh.
I am the truly adept user in that little scenario so I wanna keep my chance of static damage just where it stands-static.
I will now remove the errant finger.
posted on March 30, 2001 07:52:26 AM new
Hi mscue...
You're right...terrified though I was, I installed a memory module. I bought a book on how to upgrade computers, and followed the instructions...LOL Turns out the pros do things differently. I think it's because they are not terrified Anyway, I bought an anti-static wrist strap at Radio Shack ($6.95) and attached the alligator clip to an unpainted part of the puter innards.
First though, I unplugged the power and took the side off my tower. Then I dropped the module (out of its anti-static bag) onto my wooden floor. I cursed quite a bit, then decided I might as well put it in anyway, just in case it might still be working...
It did! After all the dire warnings in the book...it still worked after its nude and unprotected little parts crashed on the floor. Amazing, huh? The book said not to even touch the metal parts of the module...only the plastic edges...for fear of static. Maybe it was good that it landed on wood instead of carpet...
The only serious trouble I had, was getting it into the slot. It took several tries and some major (for me) force to get it to seat. Plus, there were a lot of ribbon cables in my way...didn't have the nerve to unplug them.
Be careful of the plastic clips on the sides of the socket...they are supposed to be fragile. Make sure they're open first...then when the module is seated, they should close by themselves. Also, make sure to line everything up...the module can only go in ONE way. If you spend some time looking carefully, it will become clear how it has to go...there are little notches that fit over the "keys" in the sockets.
Of course, I was installing a DIMM...you may have something different. Here's an informative link I found - should help you a lot:
posted on March 30, 2001 08:10:25 AM new
Hey Toke,
Good to "see" you! It's been awhile.
Thanks for the link (wonderful!) and the reply, both are happily received.
Mine is a DIMM also, so I'll be aware of your insights.
I am frightened witless but will proceed with newfound courage and a sense of purpose, ever onward and upward, keep on truckin', etc, etc.
