What does an antistatic wrist strap do?

An antistatic wrist strap is specifically designed to protect sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD can occur when there is a difference in charge between two objects, leading to a sudden flow of electricity that can damage electronic components. By wearing an antistatic wrist strap, the individual is grounded, allowing any static electricity that may have built up on the body to safely dissipate. This grounding effect significantly reduces the risk of ESD when handling delicate hardware or components, such as computer processors or circuit boards, ensuring that they remain functional and undamaged during installation or repair.

The other choices do not accurately describe the primary function of an antistatic wrist strap. It does not affect system performance, connection speed, or hardware cooling directly. Its sole purpose is to provide protection against ESD, which is crucial when working with sensitive electronic parts.