A computer becomes the necessity of every field. Innovations, advancements, and up-gradation become a routine for computer systems. It is mandatory to upgrade your computer for better and efficient performance so that your data remains safe and secure.
If we compare the prices of processors and motherboards with last 10 years, they become relatively cheap and easy to buy. It will become more feasible if you learn to install a motherboard by yourself.
Installing a motherboard is just a game of being planned and highly attentive because it requires details. The most important task in installing a motherboard is properly attaching the standoffs. Standoffs of a motherboard are a screw, shaped like an anchor to attach another screw.
Motherboards are mounted on the standoffs and screwed into them. These standoffs are also used to keep a distance between motherboard and case for cooling and shorting out purposes. Many computer cases contain preinstalled standoffs or sometimes it may be built directly onto the case for ease. So let’s discuss how you can easily install motherboard standoffs.
How important are the Motherboard Standoffs?
We can also call standoff a barrier. It maintains a distance between the board and the case. If unfortunately, a metal case was touched by the board, it results in a short circuit and ruins your whole machine. Standoffs are used to secure your machine.
They are small pieces of metal just like a screw but instead of a head, it has an anchor to fix another screw on it. Computer cases come with relevant standoffs and screws. Every case has a different size, shape, and depth. So it comes with its compatible standoffs. If you want to avoid the hassle of fixing the standoff, go for the case that has preinstalled standoff.
Table of Contents
How to Install Motherboard Standoffs?
1. Assembling the CPU
The first step in assembling the CPU is to adjust the backplate.
2. Holes and Positions
Before placing the motherboard in your case, you have to install standoffs. Before jumping on the last step, i.e., installing a standoff, first you have to plan where to screw them. Count the holes and positions on the motherboard as well as on the case too.
You can roughly get the idea by placing your motherboard inside the case. This practice determines the holes where you need to install standoffs.
In short, you have to match the holes of the case with that of your motherboard. It is highly advised to handle your motherboard carefully. Place your board safely on a clean and non-conducting surface.
3. Fit the Socket
Standoffs come with the socket attachment that is used to install a standoff, to screw them properly. Normal screwdrivers may not be found worthy directly on a standoff. A standoff socket comes with the case.
Fit the socket on top of the standoff and tight it with the help of a screwdriver. This practice is valid for metal or brass standoffs. If you have plastic standoffs, they can be easily pushed in the holes. There is no need for screwing and socket. Some brass hex standoffs are installed by the hex driver.
4. Place the Motherboard
After placing all the standoffs, place the motherboard carefully. Make sure the ports are fitted according to the backplate. Also, make sure that every standoff is properly adjusted into the holes on the board.
A gentle force might be required to fix the motherboard properly against the backplate. Watch for all the ports properly assigned on the backplate.
5. Fit the Screws
Now once the board is placed properly, fit the screws on the motherboard but never over tighten them. If we break all the above processes into steps it will become easier for us to remember.
The summary of the step by step process of assembling a PC is as follows:
- Place the back cover appropriately on the case
- Count on the holes on the case and the motherboard
- Count on the positions on the case and the motherboard
- Install standoffs in the case
- Place the motherboard carefully
- Tighten the screws on the motherboard
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How Do I Remove Motherboard Standoffs?
Sometimes standoffs are not assigned properly or your case comes with some extra standoffs already fitted in it and you want to save them for later use. In such cases, standoffs can be removed with the help of a pair of pliers.
Needle-nose pliers specifically are of great help. You have to hold the standoff with the help of a plier and then unscrew the motherboard.
Afterward, the motherboard and standoff can be easily detached from the case. The same steps are followed if the motherboard is not there. There is a firm and vice grip required to take off a standoff.
Do Motherboard Standoffs Come with a Case?
Standoffs come with many computer cases to place your motherboard accordingly. Some cases have preinstalled standoffs with a pack of some extra standoffs. The number of standoffs required in a CPU case depends on the size of your motherboard.
There are different types of motherboards like ATX, micro ATX, miniATX, eATX, etc. They vary in size so the standoffs should be placed accordingly. If you run short of the standoff, you can buy it at a cheap price from any computer accessories shop.
ATX standoffs are universal and can be easily found and fixed in almost all types of cases. It is advised to gather any extra standoff if placed not accordingly.
Motherboards of big size require more standoffs than the smaller ones. A microATX requires 6 standoffs. While on the other hand, ATX motherboards require 9 standoffs.
Our Takeaways:
Assembling a PC is not difficult at all. It only requires prior planning which helps you in getting to the right and final stage. If you don’t want to give money to a computer associate, to assemble your PC according to your requirement, then you must learn the steps and precautions on how to install a standoff initially. Proper care and handling are required for the motherboard too.
