Open hardware on motherboard box.

[ShrimpBrime]

So, I've decided to ask ya'll if you test your board and other hardware on the motherboard box.

Or feel the need to "play it safe" and use a box without printing on it, or super worried and use a plank of hard wood or something.

Making a thread for serious responses only please.

reason for thread=
Inserting my deleted post here:

I found it amusing because it's the first I've ever read something like that while we all have used our motherboard boxes, not just this year, but for decades now for bench testing our hardware.

My fault for the amusement I found in your post

 

[tabascosauz]

accident prone + tiny ITX boxes = I always use a testbench of some sort

SFX PSU cables tend to be short and stiff, 24-pin always wants to swing the entire board off the box

My Core P3 is my choice of testbench nowadays, it works great.

 

[ir_cow]

I've done some super shady stuff before. As long as the bottom does not short (backplate helps) and is grounded. I'll put on mostly anything that isn't wet or a carpet.

 

[R-T-B]

I've done some super shady stuff before. As long as the bottom does not short (backplate helps) and is grounded. I'll put on mostly anything that isn't wet or a carpet.

I mean I'm the same way but not sure that's excellent advice... but I mean it usually works.

 

[LFaWolf]

I have built over 50 computers and I have never had an issue using the motherboard box. That said, I have been contemplating buying open benchtable. It looks nicer.

 

[Super Firm Tofu]

I'm sure I've used the motherboard box in the past at some point. One of the boards I bought in the last couple of years came with actual stands to use for testing out of case.

Now I just have a case that's setup with everything all wired up and ready to go. Mounting a board only takes me 5 minutes or so being careful and then everything's secure and easily moved when I have to adult again.

 

[theFOoL]

I have built over 50 computers and I have never had an issue using the motherboard box. That said, I have been contemplating buying open benchtable. It looks nicer.

Same dude same. I'm just lazy and the prices right now

 

[freeagent]

Honestly, I take the brave route and build it first. I don't bother testing it anymore beforehand. I bought my son an m/atx TUF B550 and built it all nice, took pictures. Pushed the go button and fans spun, RGB lit up, but nothing. DED. Dead. After about 5 hours and a few failed flashes I sent the board back lol. But that was the first time in many moons that I regretted going through the effort. Of course, Xavier was not impressed, big glossy eyes... so I gave him my board

 

[ir_cow]

Here is the thing though, anything I put on a box, floor, wood plank or whatever. I don't care if the hardware dies. If its $$$ hardware. I will use a test bench or put it in a case.

 

[Kissamies]

Works as fine as a poor man's testbench. No problems ever here.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

I'm using plywood draped over a 100 year old Mosler safe. I have some chopping block, but the piece isn't wide enough.

Have used the motherboard box and many occasions. But prefer using a wooden surface. Cannot drag the board around though.

Was thinking of a plastic surface, but don't want static build up. Always seem to need to scoot the board over a touch so the video card can hang over the edge.

 

[Bill_Bright]

or super worried and use a plank of hard wood or something.

It is not about being "super worried". It is about being smart and safe and doing it the right way (as in professional, non-amateurish way). If you are going to be doing "bench" work on "live" (as in powered) electronics (including ESD sensitive device), the right way to do so is always on a non-conductive surface. Period. End of discussion.

Clearly, this thread is in response to my post here. My comments stand.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

It is not about being "super worried". It is about being smart and safe and doing it the right way (as in professional, non-amateurish way). If you are going to be doing "bench" work on "live" (as in powered) electronics (including ESD sensitive device), the right way to do so is always on a non-conductive surface. Period. End of discussion.

Clearly, this thread is in response to my post here. My comments stand.

Right, I could have chosen better wording for that sentence I suppose.

Maybe concerned or have some or slight concern would had been wording.

It was in response to moderation deleting my posts for being off topic. Nothing to do with you directly. Though I can't recall anyone ever saying to NOT use the motherboard box, so I found it a little funny.

 

[sneekypeet]

I have to agree with IR. While Bill has the right ideas in a technical environment, and is the "proper" advice, many of us have "gotten away" with being much less careful.

TBH, I would stay away from boxes with chromed/metallic lettering, but I always flipped them over if I needed a quick test option.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

I have to agree with IR. While Bill has the right ideas in a technical environment, and is the "proper" advice, many of us have "gotten away" with being much less careful.

TBH, I would stay away from boxes with chromed/metallic lettering, but I always flipped them over if I needed a quick test option.

I can "get on board" with this!! pun intended!

 

[damric]

You can always turn the box inside out if you are worried about printing.

 

[Bill_Bright]

but I always flipped them over if I needed a quick test option.

And if a large wood cutting/bread board or sheet of cardboard is not available, I think this is a great option - it goes along with my comment in that other thread about using the inside of the motherboard box if plain white - as they typically are. The white, btw, is not white ink but typically just made with "bleached" paper pulp.

And I sure am not suggesting everyone go out and buy a proper electronics test bench. But I think (I might be wrong, but I think) that most users have access to a cutting board - perhaps a slide-out board built into their kitchen counters - or a plain brown cardboard box they can cut up and use.

But if someone regularly works on computers, it just makes sense (to me) to invest in some sort of permanent or at least semi-permanent solution they know for a fact, is not conductive.