Motherboard screwscome with PC cases, which is why you won’t find them in the packaging box. That’s not just about it – your PC case offersa set of screwsfor each component.
When fitting the motherboard, always verify whether the chassis ispre-equipped with standoffs. If not, your PC case likely offers both standoffs and screws (in pair). Use an appropriate screwdriver (one with a hex head) for installation.
If you use the wrong screws or fit the motherboard without standoffs, it may cause short-circuit and yourPC may not boot to BIOS.
Also, keep in mind that thereshouldn’t be an extra standoffunderneath the board – or you may end up frying it!
Without further delay, let’s get into everything you should know about motherboard screws.
What Screws Come With Your Motherboard?
You might be wondering why your motherboard box is short of screws. Well, that’s because the ones needed to install the board actuallycome with your PC case.
However, the latest models are equipped withM.2 screws, standoffs, and sometimes,anchors. You certainly can’t use them to install the motherboard.
These are for yourNVMe drivesand here’s aguide on how to install such SSDs. But if you plan to use SATASSD or HDDinstead, these won’t be required. Keep them safe so you may use them later.
Other than that, a motherboard comes with auser manual,warranty card,I/O shield,SATA cables, anda support DVD. There might be heatsinks and additional stuff, but this varies depending onwhat motherboard you have.
What’s the Right Screw For Motherboard?
PC cases come with all the screws requiredfor your PC build. These involve motherboards, hard drives, case fans, caddy, chassis, and more. But since theyaren’t given any label, choosing the right screws can be tricky for beginners.
Technically speaking, most PC cases include the#6-32 UNCstandard measuring5 or 6 mm. Some might offer theM3screw measuring5 mm.
A quick way to verify this is bychecking the user manual. The above example fromThermaltake Versa H18 TGclearly indicates the screw name, quantity, and what it’s used for.
Unfortunately, not all manuals offer such descriptions. Even some of the best ATX cases at our office (NZXT H510 EliteandH700 PUBG) have no such indications.
Also, not all screw threads fit in the standoffs. You may try screwing them using your bare fingers to test whether the one you’ve chosen is correct. As long as it fits well, there shouldn’t be a major issue.
Never try cranking the wrong screws! If theydo not thread properly, you need to go with another set. Especially, avoid the ones with bigger threads (example, case fans).
Forcing the screws might make you feel they are fitting well. But in reality, they candamage the standoffs beneath.
Even so, yourPC should still POSTas the risk of complete damage is quite minimal. In case you haven’t removed the additional standoff, that can also lead to issues.
you may even differentiate the screws visually.Look for the round one, as demonstrated in the PC screws image above.
They fit perfectly in the motherboard holes and come in direct contact with the metal rings. So, choosing the right screw also means you’regrounding the boardwell.
Importance of Motherboard Standoffs
As the name implies, standoffs raise the motherboard so thatit won’t sit directlyon the metal chassis.
Caution:If your board touches an additional standoff, it may short-circuit and lead toNO POSTissues. The worst-case scenario is it may even causepermanent damage!
It’s essential to choose theright combination of screws and standoffs. ensure you’re using the ones that come in the PC case. If you’re purchasing online, it should match thethread sizeandlength.
Moreover, the amount of screws to use depends on thetotal mounting holeson your motherboard.
For instance, mostmini-ITX boards have around four,micro-ATX up to 7,ATX with 6 to 10, andEATX usually has the highest. While themotherboard form factorgives a general idea, the exact number and positionvary on every model.
Note that the ATX standard (rules) only apply to PC cases. That’s the reason most come withpre-installed nine standoffsthese days. You’ll likely get some additional ones with the PC case’s screw set.
It’s possible to move these standoffs around depending on where the motherboard requires to be screwed. To take them off, use an appropriate screwdriver (with ahex head) orspecial caps(offered by a handful of PC cases).
If you don’t have such, you mayutilize a wrench or even pliers. But since these can potentially cause scratches, ensure you take extra care in the process.
Usually, there are markings on where exactly the standoffs go. This is to help determinewhether the motherboard fits into your PC case. Check the one on ourH510 Elitebelow:
When installing one of myMicroATX motherboards(Gigabyte Ultra Durable H610M), one standoff was missing in the middle. So, I had to shift the one from the far right.
Fitting and Screwing Motherboard the Right Way
Now that you’re aware of both motherboard screws and standoffs, it’s time to install the motherboard.
It’s wise toseat the CPU,cooler, andmemory stick(s)beforehand. This way, you may hold onto the cooler to lift the board, which is what I always do!
And if the holes and standoffs aren’t aligning properly,do not wiggle too muchor you may end up scratching the PCB. Instead, I advise lifting the board and redoing the process.
It’s always recommended toscrew all the holes. As I stated earlier, the exact number varies for every motherboard.
But it’s completely fine if you miss one or two screws.This scenario is especially for those users whose PC cases offer fewer standoffs than the holes in the motherboard.
Also, note that the one in the middle (calledcentering standoff) is compatible with all the form factors. That should be your reference point when checking the alignment.
Follow the instructions below and you should be able to fit the motherboard without any mistake. If you’re new to any of the steps, follow the linked guides to understand the process even better:
Once everything is done, you may continue with your PC build.Connect the graphics card,install the PSU, and don’t forget tomanage the cables!
