it's winter, so everything i touch results in static shock. but lately my media server reboots itself any time i touch it or plug something in (ok not any time but enough to make it annoying). this doesn't happen to any of my other computers or laptops or anything. my media server has a metal case (as opposed to mostly plastic cases on my laptops). my work desktop is metal, but it's a huge case whereas the media server is a small form factor htpc case. does the case size make it more susceptible to shocks? it has a relatively small power supply (250W). does that make a difference? anybody else had a problem like this? anything i can do to stop this annoying reboot issue, other than ground myself any time i go near it? and how likely am i to permanently damage something if this keeps up?

2/2/2009 10:40:52 AM

my first guess would be a grounding problem with the comp. The case should be grounded to the wall so your static should be discharged out there. Check ur psu, check ur power cable, check ur outlet.

Fastest thing would be to swap plugs with a comp that doesn't have the problem and see if it still happens. If it does, your case or psu is fucked. if it doesnt, its the outlet.

2/2/2009 10:45:19 AM

Quote :

"grounding problem with the comp"

check all the connectors, especially the front power and reset switches

when you touch the case, you are pulling something high that is triggering a reboot

2/2/2009 10:54:08 AM

Quote :

"grounding problem with the comp"

bingo. you could use a simple continuity checker (on most multimeters) to make sure the case is grounded.

as for the damage I don't know. I've killed at least two flash drives from static shock.

2/2/2009 10:59:26 AM

We have laptops in the office, the humidity is typically below 20%, I've reset my laptop, the network switch, and the server from a good charge!

Definitely check the grounding otherwise you can be in for a world of hurt!

2/2/2009 2:58:18 PM

Quote :

"the humidity is typically below 20%"

ick id hate that on a regular basis

2/2/2009 4:01:42 PM

put the server on a decent surge protector if it isnt, and like everyone else has said, ground the case.

2/2/2009 7:35:49 PM

as far as i can tell the grounding is set up correctly. would an underpowered power supply contribute to static shock reboots? my case came with a 250W but my motherboard "requires" a 300W. I haven't bothered to track down a new power supply cus it's a weird shape/tight fit in the case and most of the reviews say the 250W works fine.

[Edited on February 16, 2009 at 10:49 PM. Reason : .]

2/16/2009 10:47:41 PM

it shouldnt

2/16/2009 10:51:45 PM