How exactly does static electricity damage computers?

When internal workings of a computer are exposed it is possible to damage the computer with static electricity held by the human body. read more

Microchip damage can occur if it is exposed to static electricity as low as 10 volts, and humans are not able to perceive static electricity until it has reached about 1,500 volts. Walking across a rug can produce a static electricity voltage of up to 12,000 volts, but static voltage is not life threatening. read more

A static electricity discharge can damage a chip in ways that are not immediately evident, but may slowly cause the chip to fail over time. Most computer chips are vulnerable to even small amounts of voltage. read more

Yes static electricity can/will damage your pc parts. Will you have static electricity is a completely different question. If you are on a non-carpeted surface, not wearing socks or wool sweater or other static electricy inducing clothing, then the chance of producing the static electricity is very very low. read more