PC Parts Storage Solution?

OriginalSpaceMan asks: "I have a lot of hardware, so I've been looking for some sort of a static free PC parts storage solution. Preferably this would be something modular. I have Googled this for a while now and, as you can guess, I can't find much other than data storage solutions. I'm picturing something that is specifically designed to store drives, memory, CPUs, expansion cards and maybe mother boards. Also, it could have smaller compartments for screws, cables, LEDs, switches, case accessories and etc. It would be really neat to have built in slots to hold expansion cards in a static free case. Does anyone make anything remotely similar to this, or will this end up being my next project?"

Comments

just buy..

[gl4ss]

some metallic workshop type desk.

or any desk.. and use those bags.

though.. any closet will suffice for most pc junk in bags so i'd be a bit surprised if there were some manufacturer doing something like you're looking for.. and what exactly are you looking for then, something to use for assembling them? something where they're accessible? something where to store them? something where to forget them for 5 years? because usually long time storage means that it doesn't need to be accessible even and can be tucked in the closet without too much grief, i wouldn't be looking for a spesifically antistatic desk solution though, as anything non plastic suffices for that pretty well.

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Try the right search terms maybe?

[Meowing]

esd storage antistatic storage akrobins

Re:Rubbermaid...

[Anonymous Coward]

You must be made out of nickles!

I've just been using Anti-static bags, old xerox boxes (lined with a garbage bag) and careful packing.

My technological solution to remembering whats in the boxes is a sharpie.

3m static boxes?

[squant0]

3M(TM) Velostat(TM) 4025 Conductive Hinged Container, 178mm x 123mm x 13mm

Although not huge, they may fit expansion cards and the like. No pics on the site, but good starting point.

also: 3M(TM) 8523 single Card Carrier, 254mm x 203mm x 51mm is a little bigger.

two layers.

[TheSHAD0W]

First, put 'em in antistatic plastic bags. They're cheap.

Then, put 'em in ordinary sealable plastic tubs. They're cheap too. You'll want to throw a packet of silica gel in each as well.

Static is only one of the enemies you have to deal with in long-term storage solutions; oxidation is the other. To do that you need to reduce moisture, and those plastic tubs are the best way to handle it.

Re:two layers.

[chriso11]

Make sure you use the grey metallic bags, and not the pink see-through bags. Make sure the bags have no holes or tears. You also need to COMPLETELY close/seal the bags for ESD protection.

Re:two layers.

[The Mayor]

No you don't. Basic electromagnetic theory shows that a Gaussian surface (any volume surrounded mostly by metal) will cause any electrostatic charge to exist solely on the *outside* of the surface. Michael Faraday proved this by making a mostly solid metallic surface around a volume, poking a hole through it, then measuring the static electric charge on the inside.

The same effect works on a car (with massive "holes" in the form of the windows). During a lightning storm, being on the inside of a car is the safest place to be. This is because a lightning string will result in *no* electric charge being transferred to the inside othe Gaussian surface (i.e. the inside of a car). This is why planes don't crash when struck by lightning, even though it is not uncommon for planes to be struck by lightning often during a storm.

Don't worry about holes or tears, except in as much as it allows humid air to flow inside. Humidity and corrosion are far worse problems than any electrostatic charge.

Any problems with the wood?

[bbk]

Have you had any problems with the card edge connectors being in contact with the wood - corrosion, sap out of the wood, moisture, etc? What kind of wood specifically are you using? Is it chemically treated in any way?

I personally don't let cards hang around without an anti-static bag over them. Can this setup accomodate both a bag and card?

My solution

[Feztaa]

I just put things into anti-stat bags, and then throw them all into a larger anti-stat bag.

Google Tricks

[fm6]

I have Googled this for a while now and, as you can guess, I can't find much other than data storage solutions.

When you go Googling, remember that there's more than one way to skin a cat. (To quote one of my favorite TV bad guys, I happen to know that's factually true.) If your keywords keep pointing to things you're not interested in, use different keywords. Usually it suffices to use synonyms or words that describe a similar concept. If you get stuck, refer to thesaurus.com.

As you observed, most of the top Google hits for "storage" refer to data storage. So try "containers". "Parts" also seems to generate a lot of noise, so try "components".

It also helps to throw in related concepts that narrow the search. Since static electricity is an issue, "static" makes a good keyword.

Conductive Bins

[SEWilco]

I haven't run out of antistatic bags so I haven't had to improvise or build something...

• If you want to hold cards upright, cut slits in a material softer than cards and copper. Also consider plastic book binding spines (I am not remembering the name for that type of binding), wire guides (some are plastic rings with gaps between), coarse brushes...browse stores for other soft bristly things.
• Test the resistance of the surface to see if it is already conductive.
• To make the surface conductive, paint it with a metallic paint or cover it with aluminum tape. There are paints for this task, although you could check a test patch of a paint to see if you chose a proper one.

Cardboard box

[foonf]

I used to get uptight about static and proper storage. I actually lost a hard drive to static about 10 years ago, giving me reason to be paranoid. But really, given how hardware depreciates in value, you shouldn't worry about anything you're not actually using.

I have a shoebox filled with old ISA cards. No static wrap or other packaging, I just threw the cards in there. Every one of them that I have actually tried to use still works. Same with hard drives I have just stacked bare on shelves. And some CPUs I've been using to decorate the top of my (metal!) computer case, they still work too. This danger of breaking your stuff is not nonexistent, but in practical terms its overrated. There are so many other things to worry about, I just don't care so much about this junk. If it was damaged somehow by improper storage, I'd just have to get rid of it, which actually is what I should do with most of the parts I have anyway.

Re:IBM plastic antistatic boxes

[gpend]

I did a little further searching and googled for "conductive cantainer". The company that makes them is Conductive Containers Inc. and the ones that I have are a version of the CFP and Plastic Shippers. another company is Century Container Corp.