Do I need to use all the motherboard standoffs included with my case?

[jacksparrow]

Im being build an AF build and noticed that my case came with a bag of motherboard standoffs but in my case only some are pre-installed right out. I know they are supposed to keep the board from touching the metal case but I am afraid of what happens if I miss one or put one in the wrong spot. If a standoff is touching the back on the motherboard no screw hole is there a short circuit? Also, is it OK to leave a few of the holes empty if the board is felt to be secure enough or is it indispensable grounding that every single mounting hole should have a standoff underneath it?

 

[HeatherMun]

You would be advised to ensure that you match the standoffs to the respective holes on your motherboard. Assuming that you have a board with nine holes, then use nine standoffs. Although you do not always require each of them during grounding, most of the work is done by the main power connector, but the holes left open may cause the board to flex. This is particularly risky when pushing in RAM or the 24 pin power cable since the PCB might bend and break or strike the tray.

 

[ArthurMex]

okay, take some out. How is it that no one would love hearing a $300 motherboard cracking as a dry twig as a result of being too sluggish to screw on a two-penny piece of brass? It is not as though these holes were installed by those engineers who have any clue how structural integrity functions or not.

 

[megamind]

To respond to your particular issue: Yes, it is a very big problem to be in a standoff in the wrong location. A standoff may bridge electrical traces in the event that it contacts the back of the motherboard that does not have a mounting hole. This will short as soon as you press the power button that will potentially permanently kill your motherboard or PSU. It is preferable always to dry fit your board and make sure that all of the standoffs line up correctly with a reinforced silver ring on the PCB.

 

[Olivier]

I have always thought standoffs were optional until I one day installed one on the back of the capacitor directly on the board. The ensuing spark was better than my future. Consider standoffs such as the buttons on a shirt, you can ignore one, but sooner or later there will be something voice hanging in the wrong place.

 

[Ghausmakin]

I hear that people say that you have to use all of them, but when you are lacking one in a non-critical place (i.e. in the very bottom corner far out of the way of any ports), you are probably all right. The argument about the grounding is somewhat much ado as the PSU and the large 24-pin cable bear the brunt there. It is just not to miss those ones next to the RAM and CPU cooler.

 

[captainghost]

In the majority of modern cases, there is a peg centered in the center rather than a screw hole to assist you in centering everything. It simplifies it to a great extent. Only have to count the holes on your board, count the standoffs in the case and have to be the same. It is rather tiresome, but it is that kind of peace of mind that it boots at the end that makes it worth those five minutes!

 

[TaylorTravels]

Each mounting in the motherboard should have a standoff. No hole = No standoff. Any additional standoff of the board is a dead PC. Simple as that.

 

[jameswill8520]

I completely understand the anxiety! I recall my initial construction, I was taking an hour to stare at the standoff bag. Advice: place your motherboard in the case and do not put anything by screwing it in. Use a flashlight to look under and ensure that all standoffs are poking through holes. Where you can see that there is no hole in the gold/brass metal, remove the board and shift that standoff!

 

[jimmy]

To tell the truth, the short-circuit phenomenon is not a common occurrence with current solder masks, nevertheless, it is better to be safe. The larger of this is the IO shield. When you fail to use the right standoffs, your ports (USB, HDMI) will not fit the holes in the back of the case, and you are going to end up taking the entire piece apart regardless. Do it right the first time.

 

[Eric]

The unsung PC world hero is the standoff. It establishes the literal space in which existence of your components is possible without annihilating them. It teaches the lesson of what is just enough, what is too little is wobbling and what is too much is blowing.