Cheap Computers and Parts

Before we begin

I like to split the motherboard installation into 3 parts. I usually prepare the case for the motherboard (parts 1 & 2), install the power supply then install the motherboard (part 3). You don't have to do it this way, but I find preparing the case without the power supply installed gives you more room to work with. I install the power supply before installing the motherboard simply because I don't want to accidentally drop the power supply on the motherboard when installing it.

Step 1: Find screw holes on motherboard

The first thing we need to do is locate the screw holes on the motherboard. Not every hole is a screw hole, the ones you should look for will look similar to the ones below:

There is one screw hole behind the ram that's difficult to see in the picture but I outlined it's position anyway.

This is the location of all screw holes on this particular motherboard. Yours may be slightly different but I'm confident you can figure it out.

Step 2: Screw in mounting crews

Your case may have lots of extra holes for mounting screws, this is ok. This just means your case can fit more than one type of motherboard. Simply match up the mounting screw holes on the case and motherboard.

Note: Some cases will have a few "beveled" areas for the motherboard to rest on. These places do not need a mounting screw. But before you go screwing in a mounting screw in every hole in the case, STOP! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Only screw in mounting screws into the case where the screw holes are located on the motherboard and are not on any beveled areas. If you can't screw the motherboard into it, then don't put a mounting screw there.

Some mounting screws have a "male" end so the motherboard can stay in place when you sit it on the screws. Your case may come with one or both types.

Notice how they match up to the holes on the motherboard. This is exactly what we want.

Next Lesson: Installing the Faceplate

Before we can mount the motherboard or the power supply, we should swap I/O faceplates: Lesson 8: Mounting the Motherboard Part 2 - Installing the I/O Faceplate.