Poll of the Day > Is it actually necessary to unplug your PC before you service it?

(+) Yeah! (+)

If you have a switch on the PSU, isn't turning that off the same thing as unplugging it? At least, assuming it's a simple switch, since that's basically the equivalent of disconnecting a wire


I unplug it anyway because it always seems to be recommended to do so and couldn't hurt, but I always question whether it's necessary

You need to unplug it.

And use a static bracelet.

And discharge the board before starting (so hit the power button after you unplug it)
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IDK about computers specifically but when servicing tube guitar amps you need to unplug it so any excess electricity can die out.

Maybe it's just a safety measure in case anything has dormant electricity.

Also, I know I'm not using the correct terminology but whatever lol

Thunder_54 posted...

You need to unplug it.

And use a static bracelet.

And discharge the board before starting (so hit the power button after you unplug it)

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you don't need to unplug it if you just flip the switch

you don't need a static wriststrap as long as you touch the metal of the case every so often. (and even then, the amount of static you can build up will not effect anything in the computer. the shit is shielded and sees more static when turned on than anything you could muster)

you should discharge the board, though.
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Thunder_54 posted...

You need to unplug it.

And use a static bracelet.

And discharge the board before starting (so hit the power button after you unplug it)

I've only ever done one of those things

gravy posted...

IDK about computers specifically but when servicing tube guitar amps you need to unplug it so any excess electricity can die out.

I've heard of capacitors maintaining charge, and wanting those to discharge before you service certain electronics, but I thought those only got charged when the device was on (not just plugged in)

DorkLink posted...

I've only ever done one of those things

Eh, what I listed is the safest way to go about it.

TBH half the time I do something to a machine at work I do like two of those things. (I usually don't wear a static bracelet.. I won't tell if you don't ;D)
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Thunder_54 posted...

You need to unplug it.

And use a static bracelet.

And discharge the board before starting (so hit the power button after you unplug it)

Fuckin nerd.
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