Selecting the perfect motherboard might not be as thrilling as, say, selecting a CPU or a GPU, however it’s an vital a part of any PC construct. It is the primary element that you just begin your construct with because it’s primarily a platform on which you put in the elements on. Putting in the motherboard contained in the PC case itself is sort of straightforward, however there are just a few vital issues that you could be not know, particularly if you happen to’re new to the world of PCs. As an example, you may assume step one is to instantly set up the motherboard contained in the case, however it really is not. There’s a lot that goes on a motherboard earlier than it is able to get contained in the case, and there are just a few conditions to deal with as effectively.
Stipulations
Stuff you’ll want to put in a motherboard inside a PC case
- Core elements: Earlier than you even consider mounting the motherboard inside a PC case, it is vital to fetch all of the core elements of the construct. This consists of the CPU, RAM modules, and the M.2 SSD. It is best to put in these core elements earlier than mounting the board contained in the case.
- Instruments: Not like different elements, putting in a motherboard will not be a toolless operation, a minimum of not but. You may want a minimum of one Philips head screwdriver to place every little thing collectively.
- A suitable PC case: Choose the suitable PC case primarily based on the dimensions of the motherboard you are planning to make use of. A full-tower PC case, as an example, helps E-ATX, ATX, mATX, and miniITX motherboards. An SFF case, nevertheless, will solely help a miniITX or, at occasions, an mATX motherboard.
- Motherboard guide: Not all motherboards are constructed the identical, so you will positively want a guide to determine energy leads, headers for USB, followers, RGB lights, and extra.
Putting in core elements on the board
Step one of placing collectively a PC
It is best to put in a few of the core elements of the construct, together with the CPU, the RAM modules, the M.2 SSDs, and in some instances, the CPU cooler on the motherboard earlier than mounting it within the case. Even the most important full-tower PC instances in the marketplace have restricted house, so it is simpler to put in as many elements as potential earlier than dropping the board inside.
Step one is to put in a CPU, adopted by the RAM modules and SSDs. You may take a look at our The right way to set up RAM and The right way to set up M.2 SSD guides to know tips on how to set up these elements. You may’t set up all of the elements on the motherboard earlier than dropping all of it contained in the case, however the goal is to put in as many as you’ll be able to to keep away from working with much less house contained in the chassis. It’s also possible to set up a CPU air cooler presently, particularly if it is a inventory cooler or an air cooler just like the Noctua NH-D15. Liquid coolers can solely be absolutely put in on the motherboard is contained in the case as they arrive with radiators and such to cope with.
The right way to set up the motherboard contained in the case
A step-by-step information
The very first thing it’s worthwhile to do is set up the IO plate on the PC. Most motherboards — particularly the high-end ones — have pre-installed IO panels, however you will must manually set up this piece if you happen to’re utilizing a comparatively previous or cheap board. You may set up the plate behind the PC case within the designated IO plate slot. Simply watch out to not damage your self whereas coping with IO plates as a result of they have an inclination to have very sharp edges.
To put in the motherboard:
- Set up the motherboard standoffs on the PC case if it is not already pre-installed, and hover the motherboard contained in the case to align it with the standoffs.
- Align the standoffs and place the motherboard fastidiously contained in the case.
- Screw the motherboard down by following an ‘X’ sample, which means it’s worthwhile to work the screws that’s diagonally reverse to the one that you just tightened first.
Simply be cautious of the quantity of power utilized whereas screwing down the board. The primary concept is to safe the board contained in the case, not overtighten them. And that is it! That is how straightforward it’s to put in a motherboard contained in the PC case. You may now want to attach the principle ATX energy cable and the CPU energy leads. These two cables will make sure the board can provide energy to the elements.
As a lot as we would love that can assist you work out which cables go the place on the board, it is not a simple process since no two motherboards are the identical. The situation of the ports and leads will probably differ in your motherboard from the place it is situated on the Aorus Z690 Professional motherboard we’re utilizing for this information. Fortunately, virtually all cables and the corresponding ports and leads are marked with their names, so you should not have any points determining which cable goes the place. If not, you will must seek advice from the motherboard guide to search out applicable leads.
Closing ideas
Putting in the board itself is not a troublesome process. Putting in all of the elements earlier than and after mounting the motherboard is what takes up lots of time. The subsequent step after dropping the motherboard contained in the case entails putting in the remainder of the elements. After that, flip the PC on to see if every little thing works. Additionally, remember to spend a while on cable administration, too, because it helps so much in maintaining monitor of all of the cables. Good luck!
