I/O shield Importance

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MightyDiomed

Gawd
Joined
Apr 15, 2008
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Hey guys, last time I rebuilt my PC when I got a HAF 932 case...I couldn't get the I/O shield installed correctly for my mobo, so it doesn't have it on atm...running fine and no problems, but I am curious as to how important this flimsy piece of metal is?
 
MightyDiomed said:
Hey guys, last time I rebuilt my PC when I got a HAF 932 case...I couldn't get the I/O shield installed correctly for my mobo, so it doesn't have it on atm...running fine and no problems, but I am curious as to how important this flimsy piece of metal is?
Click to expand...

It acts as a ground for the I/O components and should be used to help with any static/ground issues.
 
firebane said:
It acts as a ground for the I/O components and should be used to help with any static/ground issues.
Click to expand...
Interesting, didn't know that..

And I guess more dust will enter the case with it being so close to the exhaust fan
 
I've got/have had a variety of naked (caseless) boxen scattered all over the house and not one of them uses an I/O shield.... never had a problem. In fact, my main boxen has no I/O shield as I type this and the only issue I have noticed is dust, which is a pain, but not a big deal in my opinion...

Just my personal experience... keep that in mind...
 
I've run many computers without an I/O shield and had no issues.

firebane said:
It acts as a ground for the I/O components and should be used to help with any static/ground issues.
Click to expand...

Do you have references for this? I've never heard of that either. :confused:
 
protias said:
Do you have references for this? I've never heard of that either. :confused:
Click to expand...

Most motherboard I/O shields have little spring loaded tabs on them which are designed to contact around the shell of the connectors. Static discharge should then flow through the I/O shield and to the connector shell to chassis ground, as opposed to jumping into the connector itself.
 
Yeah, if you don't have one, technically the only ground you have are the screws holding your mobo to the chassis. I am running my case without an I/O shield currently, as I purchased my mobo open box. I have not had any problems thus far, but I contacted my mobo manufacturer (DFI) and inquired about having one sent. It looks like it should work out. I would recommend you do the same.
 
The ground info makes sense. I don’t think it is that important of an issue though. I was told that having the I/O shield in place helps keeping the dirt out especially if you have a cat or a dog that sheds!
 
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