Motherboard is one of the most important components on your PC. It is a large circuit board that connects different internal components of the computer and establishes a network so that when you connect your computer to a power source, electricity surges through these circuits and goes to different parts of the computer. It is regarded as the powerhouse of a computer.
There are many electrical connectors on a motherboard, these connectors can be found at the back of the board and some at the front. Standoff is a required metal placed between the motherboard and computer case.
Computer cases are made from metal,there is a space between the motherboard and the case to prevent them from touching each other thereby causing damage to the computer.
Standoffs on a motherboard are small pieces of metal like screws that act as a barrier between motherboard and the metal case of the computer (they are also available in plastic). A standoff does not have a head like screws instead it has an anchor where another screw can be inserted.
They are traditional screwed into a case through the mounting holes designated to install standoffs. Then the motherboard is placed on top of the standoffs and screwed into them.
They are called standoffs because it keeps hardware apart, prevents unwanted contact between motherboard and metallic surfaces like the computer case, helps prevent damages that may arise from unwanted contact.
Each motherboard screws requires a standoff but depending on what form of motherboard,i.e. ATX,mATX, mini-ITX. Different amount of screws and standoffs are needed for the different forms, the motherboard and standoff has to be compatible.
Do Motherboard Standoffs come with the computer?
No they do not come with the computer. Motherboards are standardized within forms,but computer cases can have different shapes,sizes and depths.
Some computer can come with standoffs built directly on the case but most don’t. You have to buy from online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, AliExpress, NewEgg , and any other trusted online retailer. Or buy from your local hardware store.
Ensure you buy the one that is compatible with your computer case. Read the product description thoroughly to be sure.
Tip: Standoffs designed for ATX case will work with any board in the ATX series.
How to Install Motherboard Standoffs
Some Motherboards have brass hex and Standoffs requires hex driver to install. While others include a clip you can snap into the tray. Place the motherboard over the tray and align the board so that all the standoffs are visible through the mounting holes . Then insert screws and clips to affix the motherboard to the tray,start with the centre mounting point.
Take time to install standoff carefully. If you cannot get through with installation, you can contact a technician who will help you.
How to Remove Motherboard Standoffs
If you want to remove your motherboard standoff and install a new one, use needle nose pliers to hold standoff in place, unscrew the motherboard screws. Then remove motherboard and standoff. Easy peasy!!
Consequences of not installing Motherboard Standoffs
The motherboard houses large circuit board which connects the different internal components of the computer. When the computer is connected to a power source, electricity surges from the motherboard to other parts of the computer. It’s important to keep electricity contained within the pre -designed circuit.
If motherboard touches any metal surface,the electricity will go all over the place without coordination thereby causing a phenomenon known as short circuit.
The computer case is made of metal which is a good conductor of electricity, so the motherboard does not have to make contact with the computer case else there will be a short circuit and it damages your motherboard, CPU, and other components that will be burnt. That’s why you can’t do without motherboard standoffs else you ruin your computer.
Now that you know Motherboard Standoffs are really important if you want to keep your computer, it’s important you take active steps to installing one into your computer (if you don’t have one already).
This article was first published on August 3, 2022 10:01 a.m. WAT
