3.5 Installing the Motherboard
3.5.1 Installing the motherboard into the case
Before installing the motherboard, review the section on motherboards in Chapter 2 "How Computers Work". The following steps summarize the motherboard installation process:
 
Step 1 Position the case in such a way that gives easy access. Then, locate the holes on the motherboard and the corresponding holes on the case. Holding the board just above the case will allow the holes on the case and motherboard that need to be seen for alignment purposes to be shown. The expansion card slots give a good indication of how the board should be oriented.
Step 2 Insert the spacers that came with the motherboard securely into the holes on the case (or mounting plate).
Step 3 Install plastic standoffs into the holes on the motherboard that line up with an eyelet (a hole that is very long and key shaped so that users can slide things into it). Some cases do not have an eyelet and instead use only the metal spacer screws to hold the motherboard in place.
Step 4 At this point, carefully slide the board into the case, making sure that it sits on the spacers and that all the spacers line up with an available hole on the motherboard.
Step 5 Inspect the screws to be used. It is a good practice to insert plastic washers on each screw before they are installed. This will prevent the metallic screws from overlapping and possibly destroying or shorting any part of the circuitry near the holes.
Step 6 Now tighten the board to the case, first by hand, and then finish with a screwdriver. Make sure the screws are not tightened too much. The screws only need to be tight enough to prevent the board from moving around in the case.
Step 7 Check the work to make sure everything is right. Verify the following:
  • The back of the motherboard is not touching any part of the case.
  • All the slots and connectors line up properly with the holes on the back of case.
  • The board is securely held in place.
  • When pressed at any point, the board does not bend.

The steps outlined above are very general. Some cases have additional features. After becoming familiar with assembling PCs, some of the steps can be combined.