Help - what's best way to mount a motherboard?

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tarlog

Limp Gawd
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May 1, 2009
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Hi. I'm ready to mount a new motherboard in it's case and came up against a question I've seen answered BOTH ways:

#1). FLOAT the motherboard ground by using NYLON stand-off's and let the motherboard be GROUNDED only at ONE POINT - by the power supply cable

(I've successfully used this method in previous builds but in some recent reading this method was severely criticised in favor of the following method)

OR:

#2). Ground the motherboard by using BRASS STANDOFFS - you usually get a handfull of them, in conjunction with those kind-of-rust-colored paper washers so you don't "accidentally" ground out the motherboard (so they say) - which kind of contradicts the purpose of using the brass standoffs in the first place, doesn't it?

I have a bunch of those paper "washers" and I can never figure out how/where to use them.

Do they go on the TOP side of the motherboard, underneath the head of the mounting screw, or do the paper washers go on the UNDERSIDE of the motherboard, between the motherboard and the brass stand-off? (If so, how does one keep them in place until the screw pulls the motherboard down onto them ande fixes them in place?

So, expert readers: would you kindly share your expertise (and experience) with what seems to be a trivial but vexing question:

Nylon stand-offs, motherboard grounded through 24-wire Power Supply connection,

Or:

(edit) brass stand-offs and those paper washers? If your opinion/experience says "go with the paper washers," would you kindly share where exactly they go? On TOP of the motherboard underneath the mounting screw-head, or BENEATH the motherboard (and how do you recommend holding the washers in place until the motherboard screws get tightened?)

thanks :)
 
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the paper washers are simply used to keep grouted (sp?) screws from grinding into the pcb material. if the motherboard has grounding paths built into the mountings, it'll be on the bottom and the top of the board - so it doesn't really matter if you use the paper washers on the top.
 
Ive had paper washers I got who knows how long ago on some mobo and I keep transferring them from build to build. I use them on my builds but honestly, I dont think youre supposed to anymore. If it was that big of an issue, I would only guess mobo manufacturers or case manufacturers would include them with their products(common sense right?).

So while I use them simply because I have them, I dont think they are necessary. And yes, they go under the screws on top of the mobo. I dont know how a person would mount them under the mobo heh.
 
My preferred method, brass standoffs, smooth under-head screws, no paper washer. If I can only find screws with under-head teeth, then I would consider washers if I was planning on doing multiple installations, otherwise I would simply make them snug and not torque them.
 
I use brass standoffs with no washers and standard #6 screws and torque them until I hear the stress on the PCB. The only issues I've had with grounding or shorting is when a screw happens to fall behind the motherboard. Other than that never really worried about grounding seeing as the PSU and case both provide sufficient grounds.
 
150+ builds and never once used anything besides the standoffs.

And staples.

:D
 
I have done at least 100 builds. I used to build every single machine for my department until I got locked into approved vendors who don't sell components cheap. I have only used standoffs. The last build for a server I lost the standofss that were from the case and for that particular case they were shorer than normal however after looking throgh the closit of obsolete machines I found one case with the same size standoffs so I did not have to resort to either cutting down standoffs or homedepot.
 
I've built a machine or two in my day and use the brass standoffs that come with the cases.
I have not used any of the paper washers either.
 
Also used the brass standoff and once in a while a wooden peg...

Well my first build I had an oversized mobo and not enough brass standoff... So I sculpted one!

Now everytime I get rid of a pc I scrounge all the brass standoff and a few nuts and bolts...You never know.
 
just a quick follow-up; Went with the brass stand-offs, no washers, and...it LIVES!

thanks again everybody
 
Personally I like to use some gum under the motherboard, usually Bublicious or Hubba Bubba. You'll need a good 3-4 pieces to do it right, (once piece under each corner). Sometimes I get really wild and chew it until the flavor runs out.
 
Zero82z said:
Remember, place the board right-side-up.
Click to expand...

Damn............I knew there was something I forgot.:eek:

Anyway.......I use what ever standoff the case manufacturer supplied, and the screws that match.

No washer, no tape, no gum,no hair gel.
 
wait a minute... you're supposed to use standoffs and screws????

I've been putting it in the case on top of the foam that comes with the motherboard, and holding it in there with those ESD warning stickers that come on the bags...

huh... so much for the "tool-less" installation these guys always seem to go on about.
 
dont forget bent paper clips :p

i never liked nylon stuff as it would tear up under any kind of manipulation, always used brass and smooth screws
 
Nside said:
I've been putting it in the case on top of the foam that comes with the motherboard, and holding it in there with those ESD warning stickers that come on the bags...

huh... so much for the "tool-less" installation these guys always seem to go on about.
Click to expand...
hehe... "tool-less" installation. good one. ;)
 
From Behind!

NO really, the brass stand off's are what I use. The clip in nylon supports are good if you have a case without a screw hole but your board has one. In the old days this was between the PCI slots or maybe a corner...

Especially use one if it is under a slot or memory where you'll be pushing on the board from above!
 
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