Easy methods to Set up a Motherboard

The motherboard won’t be essentially the most thrilling a part of your system, but it surely’s arguably an important. It’s additionally the largest, which may make it a bit awkward to put in, however so long as you’re cautious it’s not tough. Whether or not you’ve gotten a mammoth eATX board, a extra typical ATX, or one of many smaller mATX or ITX choices, right here’s the best way to set up a motherboard in just a few fast steps.

Should you’re nonetheless on the fence about what motherboard to purchase, listed below are some nice choices for players.

Step 1: Put together your instruments

Prior to installing any PC part, it’s necessary to get all of the instruments you’ll want and adequately shield your self and your . Meaning carrying an anti-static wristband and performing the set up on a non-conductive floor — undoubtedly don’t do it on a carpeted ground.

Within the case of a motherboard, you’ll desire a lengthy, Phillips head screwdriver, ideally one with a evenly magnetized tip to carry the screws to it. A pair of needle-nose pliers is a good suggestion too, ought to it is advisable to fish out any screws which can be dropped inside the bowels of your PC case.

We’d additionally suggest good lighting in order that you may see what you’re doing and ensure to have your motherboard guide helpful when you have any questions which can be particular about your board.

Step 2: Screw within the standoffs

A motherboard is a delicate piece of digital gear, so we don’t need it to come back into contact with the conductive chassis of your case. That’s why, earlier than putting in the motherboard itself, we have to set up the standoffs. They’re male screws with a feminine head, letting you screw the motherboard into them immediately. They’re typically brass, however are typically painted black. It’s best to have acquired plenty of them in a small bag together with your motherboard, or alternatively, together with your case.

Many instances include these pre-fitted, however not at all times for the particular kind or dimension of motherboard you’re utilizing.

Consult with your motherboard and case guide (or search for eATX, ATX, mATX, or ITX notes on the motherboard tray) to search out out which of them it is advisable to screw in and the place. Whenever you’ve discovered the right areas, screw them in by hand. It may be somewhat fiddly, however you shouldn’t want to make use of any form of instruments to get them in. Should you really feel the necessity to, it’s normally as a result of the standoff alignment isn’t proper. Readjust and take a look at once more.

Step three: Set up the I/O protect

Michael Krawczyk/Wikimedia

The ultimate step earlier than the motherboard itself, is putting in the I/O protect. It’s the silver or black panel that can shield the rear ports of your motherboard and can have include the motherboard in its field.

Discover it and press it into the rear hole in your case. It ought to be apparent the place it goes, however be certain to double test the orientation earlier than urgent it in.

Step four: Set up the motherboard

At this level you would possibly need to set up the CPU first, but it surely’s not a should. For extra data on that, right here’s the best way to set up CPU, whether or not it’s AMD or Intel. To put in the motherboard, you’ll need to fastidiously decrease it into the case — coming in at an angle slanted upwards in the direction of the entrance of the case will help, relying on the chassis.

You need to line up the screw holes on the board with the spacers you’ve put in place. Make sure that it additionally matches neatly into the rear I/O protect too, and that no items of metallic cowl up any of the ports.

Use the screws included together with your motherboard. Chances are you’ll want to carry the motherboard gently in place whilst you put the primary screw or two in, however as soon as these are there, it is best to haven’t any bother screwing the remainder in. As with the standoffs, for those who really feel like you’re forcing it, unscrew and begin once more.

It’s additionally a good suggestion to solely screw within the screws somewhat to get them positioned, earlier than going round and tightening all of them, one after the other.

Step 5: The ability cables

To present energy to your motherboard, you’ll have to plug in its energy cables too. For many boards it will imply the 24-pin lengthy connector, and a smaller, 4 or eight pin connector. The previous is normally positioned on the fitting aspect of the motherboard after putting in it, whereas the latter is often discovered close to the highest. Placement can differ, nevertheless, so consult with your motherboard guide to make sure.

Route the cables to those areas nevertheless you want, then gently push them into the respective slot, ensuring they’re oriented accurately. Should you’re unsure, test the form of the facility sockets as they’re rounded and squared intentionally to make incorrect inputs unattainable.

With that carried out, it’s on to the opposite elements in your construct. Consult with our information on the best way to construct a PC for extra data on them.

Editors’ Suggestions