The motherboard is the backbone of your computer. All the various components are mounted on the motherboard, so mounting it correctly is the first step towards building your new computer. Read on to find out how!
Steps
Step 1. Open the case
Remove both panels for better access to the area to mount the motherboard. If the motherboard tray is removable, removing it will allow you to work better, but not all cases provide it.
- The motherboard tray is usually held in place by two screws. Set them aside so as not to lose them.
- Installing a motherboard is almost the same as building a new computer. You will need to reinstall the operating system even if the motherboard is the only component you are updating on an existing computer, and you will also need to format the hard drive. You can't just change the motherboard without doing anything else.
Step 2. Discharge the static energy in you to the ground
Before you start working inside your computer or handling the new motherboard, be sure to discharge any charge you may have. Simply touch a metal tap.
Wear an anti-static wrist strap while working on the computer to prevent damage from electrostatic energy
Step 3. Replace the panel with the rear doors
It is located on the back of the case, it is the area from where the motherboard connectors for the monitor, USB sticks etc. come out. Many houses have a default panel already installed; it will be removed and replaced with the one received in the package of the new motherboard.
- Apply light pressure on the 4 corners of the new panel to secure it to the case. You should hear a click.
- Make sure you are mounting the panel in the right direction. Compare it to the motherboard connectors to make sure it's okay.
Step 4. Look for the spacers
The spacers hold the motherboard slightly away from the case. This prevents it from shorting and aids in cooling. Some houses already integrate spacers, others don't. In the box of your new motherboard you should still find some new spacers.
Step 5. Fit the spacers
Match the motherboard holes to the spacer holes on the motherboard tray. Each case and motherboard tray will be different, so there are many possible hole layout configurations. Lay down the motherboard to figure out which holes to use, and mount the spacers in those holes.
- Many spacers are screwed into the hole, others simply pushed.
- With some motherboards you may not be able to take advantage of all the holes that the card makes available to you. Use as many spacers as possible, but don't fit more. The spacers should only be mounted in correspondence of a possible hole on the motherboard.
Step 6. Put the motherboard on the standoffs
The holes and spacers must coincide. If the motherboard tray is not removable, you may need to gently push the card against the previously mounted back panel to snap it into place. Start fixing the motherboard with the appropriate screws.
- Do not over tighten the screws. Make sure they are tight, but not too tight. Do not use an electric screwdriver.
- Holes in non-metallic material need a washer between the screw and the motherboard. If possible it is best to use only the holes in the metal.
Step 7. Assemble the various components
Before reinserting the tray with the new motherboard into the case, mount the processor, heatsink, and ram. Doing this now will make it so much easier for you. On the other hand, if your case does not have a removable tray, mount the components only after connecting all the cables.
Step 8. Plug in the power supply
once the motherboard is in place, you can start connecting the various components. It is recommended to connect the power supply first, as its connectors would be difficult to reach later. Make sure both the 20-24pin connector and the 4-8 12V connector are well connected.
Consult your power supply manual if you are unsure which cables to connect
Step 9. Connect the front panel
To be able to turn on the computer with the front buttons or to see when the hard disk is in use, you need to connect the buttons and indicators on the front panel. Look for the following cables and connect them to the corresponding pins on the motherboard:
- Power button
- Reset button
- Power LED
- Hard disk LED
- Headphone and microphone jack
Step 10. Connect the front USB ports
Connect any front USB ports to the corresponding connector on the motherboard.
Step 11. Connect the fans
Connect any case fans and cpu fan to the connectors on the motherboard. There are usually several connectors for the case fans, and a two-pin connector near the CPU itself for the heatsink fan.
Step 12. Mount the hard drives
Once the motherboard is firmly attached and connected, you can start connecting the disks. Make sure you connect all SATA hard drives and any drives to the motherboard's SATA ports.
Step 13. Install the video card
One of the last components to be mounted is the video card. The video card takes up a lot of space, so it would make it difficult to reach the various areas of the motherboard. You may not even need a video card, depending on your computer configuration and needs.
Step 14. Tidy up the cables
Now that everything is connected, it's time to clean up to ensure the best possible airflow and prevent any cables from getting caught in one of the fans. Bend the excess cables into the empty slots on the discs and use cable ties to tie them together. Make sure all components have some free air.
Step 15. Shut down your computer
Put the side panels back in place and screw them back on. Plug in and turn on your computer. You are now ready to install the operating system.
Advice
- It is a good idea to install the processor, heatsink and ram before inserting the motherboard into the case.
- It is important to respect the order of the steps.
- Consult any manuals for the various components before installing them, including the motherboard. You will find out if there are any jumpers to marry before starting it all.
