Installation Manual

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Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic discharge can cause a range of harmful and permanent damage to electronic
components including the processor. Static electricity is easily generated by humans as their
clothes rub against each other or against the skin. The average person requires an Electrostatic
Discharge of 3,000 volts before he or she feels it. An electronic component can be damaged with
as little as 30 volts. A visible static spark is seen at 30,000 volts.
Some electronic components may not be damaged the first time a static discharge occurs.
However, the effects of static discharge can be cumulative, weakening or eventually destroying a
component. An Electrostatic Discharge event that damages a component is not recoverable. The
component cannot be repaired. Electronic chips and memory modules are most susceptible to
Electrostatic Discharge strikes.
Charges can build up over 100V very quickly and is not being noticed until a discharge
happens. Therefore, Electrostatic Discharge precautions must be followed when handling any
electronic device including processors (APU, GPU, CPU), computer components (memory,
HDD etc.), motherboards and computer systems.
Best Practices
 Use a grounded Electrostatic Discharge mat, alternatively referred to as a grounding mat. An
antistatic mat is a table mat that reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge while working with
electrostatic sensitive equipment. The pictures blow show an example of an antistatic mat and
the power socket required to correctly ground the mat.
 Avoid improper clothing – Do not wear any clothing that easily generates static such as a fleece
or wool sweater.
 Disconnecting power cords - Disconnect all un-used hardware for the computer system (e.g.
other power cords, monitor, and USB cables) except the computer power cord to power supply.