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I have a new PC built but don't have a case presently. I am jumpstarting it. It works with a screwdriver, keys, pens. Previously I was afraid but now I casually do it since touching other metal contacts or if incorrect pins are touched doesn't cause any issue.

Can I also jump-start using my fingers? Without any serious shock etc.

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  • Are you fingers conductive? Oct 3, 2019 at 9:57
  • Yes, they are, you can hold two wires in hand and can have a bulb lit up. Also when I jumpstart just having a little brush up on contacts it's instantaneous so it looks like there is no serious current being passed and just a circuit completion is needed.
    – garg10may
    Oct 3, 2019 at 10:00
  • This probably won't work (unless you have conductive metal on your hands). Its not a electrocution risk, but its not safe for the motherboard. While your hands may he conductive they will have fairly high resistance.
    – davidgo
    Oct 3, 2019 at 10:56
  • Also note you are not atrptong to jump start it - you are not providing electricity or using jumper cables. You are trying to short two pins to initiate a startup sequence.
    – davidgo
    Oct 3, 2019 at 10:57
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    Because it is just 3 volts (or probably 5) the current is low enough to not have enough resistance to flow through the finger with enough residual electricity to form a loop. It is likely not going to work and the voltage change may cause more voltage to build up causing a sudden spike which may prove to be harmful for the system.
    – LPChip
    Oct 3, 2019 at 11:24

1 Answer 1

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Don't, you might ruin your motherboard.

If you are carrying electrostatic charge (like a capacitator), you might discharge via some electronic components, and fry them. That's why people take "ESD" (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions when handling electronic components... it's not for the operators' safety.

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