"Die faster" is correct. There is no practical way to test to see if a device on the board has been slightly damaged due to ESD event(s). It might still function and meet all specifications (e.g. be just as fast as it should be)... but it might die after 20 years of use instead of 50 years
That said, from what you described, your board is fine.
The OP never mentioned actually having a static discharge. Did you actually have a static discharge? If you didn't see or feel anything then you likely didn't damage the board but then my observations are limited to only one personal incident. As mentioned you can connect it and test. You would likely know if you had a static discharge. I'm sure you've had it happen before when you touch a metal surface and get a mild jolt. It's the same thing.
Yes, I think I know what you mean. I did not feel anything.
We could guess forever.
As I see it you have these choices.
1. Throw the motherboard away.
2. RMA the motherboard
3. Install the motherboard test and use it.
I would suggest that #3 is your best choice.
I will give it a shot and see
I'm not trying to agrue with you townsbg, but the voltage at which people feel static discharges varies considerably one day to the next. Many damaging static discharges will never be felt by a human. That mild jolt that you referenced was probably around 3000 volts. The duration of a static discharge is tiny (about 10 nanoseconds) - so the overall power is small - so the jolt is perceived as mild.
Lots of chips are going to be damaged with static discharge voltages above 2000 volts. Lots of people will never feel a static discharge in the 2000 volt range. That said, there are chips that can not handle a static discharge in the 100 volt range. Non-disclosure agreements prevent me from telling you the names of companies that use chips with that low of a ESD protection rating. It is really sad since it is hard to create a board assembly area where there is never going to be 100 volts of static buildup/discharge from time to time.
I'm not trying to say that the OP damaged the board. I don't think that he/she did. I'm just attempting to counter the concept that people can know when a damaging static discharge occurred based on whether they felt a discharge or not.
modelcars87
Not need to worry too much.
The most important is connection, which best handle carefully.
Meaning, connect wire & cards & RAM require care.
For example, my friend RAM slot was damaged by me, as i tend to use too much force.
Something stuck in the slot and cannot be remove, as it may damage the gold contact.
These required care attention, as you need to know what to insert /slot in first, in order.
Power connectors best slot in last, starting with the MB power connectors.
It is these inserting that you need to take note, not the MB.
Added: I never bother with these static &or ground issue.
Added 2: Do note that the power connection is not connect to any power supply point, while working on the MB, for any things such as open the computer to tinker on any items.
If memory serves me correctly, the average person cannot feel electrostatic discharge that is under 4000 Volts.
The JEDEC Human Body Model for ESD testing aims for a target of 1000 Volts, though 2000 Volts was previously acceptable. Due to new fabrication processes (the transistors in your CPU are getting closer together) the threshold for damage is getting lower. Where 2000 Volts used to be a safe margin, that is no longer the case. With today's chips it doesn't take much to fry one, which is why a person should always handle a computer assembly with a proper ground strap on the wrist, and/or leave the items in an anti-static bag until you are ready to install them.
Note that a person can develop up to a 100 V charge even with a wrist strap on.
To the OP:
You may have damaged your board, but it's impossible to know unless it either doesn't work, or exhibits flaky behavior. The only way to know is to install it and use it.
Over many years I leave them laying around touch wherever, never a problem.
well, i had something else come up today. i got a new power supply and took it out of the box. i made sure to touch something metal, like a screwdriver, prior to opening. when i took it out, i felt what seemed like a vibration on my thumb. not a shock or anything, but a vibration. so i am wondering if its ok? i was sitting on a tile floor, but there was a bit of carpet where my foot was, so i didnt know if that could cause anything
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