How to install a motherboard in computer case

Installing the motherboard may seem like a breeze, like putting it on, screwing it and ready, but it has its technique. Almost all computer cases, when you buy them, already have the brass brackets pre-installed that will raise the base plate a little so that it does not make contact with the box metal plate and, at the same time, acting as anchor points for the screws.

The first step is to place the box horizontally and check that all the supports are correctly positioned according to the motherboard layout we are going to install. More than once, even the most expert, we forget this step: install the rear trim that not only serves to make the part of the motherboard ports more presentable, but also covers holes through which dirt could enter. To install it, simply make sure it is in the correct orientation and push it in with your fingers it snaps in , making sure it is even and secure.

A step prior to this point, and highly recommended, is to have previously installed the processor and, in some cases, even the heatsink. Now, the time has come to mount the motherboard. To do this, hold it carefully with one hand on the right side, and insert it diagonally making the rear ports coincide with the trim.

Once they match, carefully lower it until the holes in the plate are over the brackets. Generally, these brackets have a protrusion that will allow the plate to remain firm even without screwing as long as it is horizontal , even if we have to press against the bezel to match the holes.

Lastly screw the motherboard in place. Since the holes already match the brass brackets, the process is as simple as inserting the motherboard screws and tightening them.

Be careful not to over-tighten the screws so as not to damage the motherboard. Whenever you notice that it is becoming difficult to tighten, stop using applying torque not to force it. And rest assured, the plate will be well supported since it has multiple attachment points. For example, the normal thing in an ATX board is that we have to put a total of nine screws.

Ready, once we have tightened the screws we will have the motherboard correctly installed and we can proceed to connect all the cables and install the rest of the hardware of the new PC.

It will be more than once that we will encounter the problem of having a screw in our pc we cannot remove. Unfortunately, it is more common than it seems, and we have a couple of methods to solve it. There are no miraculous results, a stuck screw, for whatever reason, only has two solutions in a PC chassis: either it ends up coming out or we will have lost that thread forever. In many cases the screws are made of plastic, generally ABS, so destroying them becomes be very easy.

The harder task is when a metal screw decides to rise against you. It seems the most obvious thing in the world, but nothing could be further from the truth: most users have at most 3 screwdrivers for all types of screws. The problem is that depending on which screws the head of the same has nothing to do with what we need, neither in dimensions nor in depth. The first recommendation is to acquire once and for all a specific screwdriver kit, type iFixit with one of its kits.

If we do not want to spend money, ideally we do not use a star head for a star screw if it is too big for the screw head. Otherwise, it is better to use one with a smaller blade and using small blows to try to force the rotation of the screw. It will take time and the blows should be dry, not very strong and accurate, but it usually works if we have patience.

If the motherboard supports this feature, make sure the jumpers are set to auto. If you want to adjust the settings manually for your peripherals, make sure you are using acceptable settings. Although you can overclock a system, we recommend you use auto or the real values of the system first to make sure the system works before tampering with its settings. After checking the jumpers, if pegs or standoffs are not in the chassis , insert these attachments now.

These are required to prevent the motherboard from shorting out and must be inserted before installing the motherboard. When installing the pegs or standoffs make sure to insert them into the proper holes. Many cases support different motherboard form factors, and if not placed in the proper holes, it may cause damage to the motherboard.

The holes on the case have a small indication of what uses them. As the standoffs are being installed, make sure they are installed firmly into the case. Doing so helps to prevent issues such as the pegs coming loose when unscrewing the screw from the peg. When doing so, make certain you align the back of the motherboard with the back of the case.

As the motherboard is being installed, align the holes in the motherboards with the pegs or standoffs. Once aligned, begin placing screws into the motherboard that should go into the peg or standoff inserted earlier. When screwing in the screw you do not want the screw to be too tight. If tightened too much, it can cause the motherboard to crack. To mount the motherboard, gently lower it into the case — depending on the frame, coming in at an angle slanted upward towards the front of the case will help.

Make use of the screws that came with your motherboard. You will need to gently keep the motherboard in place when installing the first screw or two, but once those are in place, the rest should be simple. Since the plugs would be difficult to access later, it is advised that you attach the power supply first. Locate and connect the following wires to the necessary pins on the motherboard:.

Must link two connectors. The ATX connector is the first. A pin connector is needed on modern motherboards. On the power source, there is only one of these. However, since older motherboards only needed a pin connector, a four-pin connector usually is available for removal. A secondary control connector is also used on modern motherboards. It is usually a single four-pin connector on most boards, but some need eight-pin connectors.

Check the power source to see what it has, as you can need to purchase an adaptor. The eight-pin connector on power supplies can be broken into two in the same manner as the pin connector. Then, attach the second connector from the power supply to it. Can be slid The connector into the plug softly. During the motherboard removal and installation process, you might run into a variety of minor roadblocks.

Components will malfunction at any time. Things happen, and they may even do irreversible harm to your motherboard. It takes a lot of effort to replace a motherboard. Before you begin, double-check that your motherboard is not defective. The first step is to use one of these helpful troubleshooting flow charts to ensure your motherboard is the issue. Ensure that the motherboard you choose is compatible with your existing or future processor.

Both industries use a variety of processor sockets to house their processors. Choosing a motherboard with the correct color scheme for your PC would still be a personal choice. We are unable to assist you in this region.