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

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.

[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.