Step 3 Preparing PC Case

Preparing PC Case

Next is preparing the computer case to begin installing all of the hardware purchased. The first thing I will do is find the bag of accessories that came with the computer case (this should consist of the mounting hardware for the motherboard, the screws or clips to mount the rest of the computer hardware, and other accessories that are needed to install the computer hardware), and the back IO shield that came with the motherboard.

Mounting Hardware that came with the computer case and the IO shield that came with the motherboard.

• I need to locate the IO shield on the back of the computer case. The shield on the case is held in by small metal tabs. I will need to break the tabs on the shield and remove it. (Note: Some computer cases will just come with an empty IO space and this step will not be necessary.)

Removing the IO panel that came with the computer case

• Now I need to take the IO shield that came with the motherboard and clip it into the computer case.
• Once I have the IO shield in place I will need to locate the expansion slot screw cover (on the back of the computer case) and remove it. This will give me access to the area of the case where the expansion cards will mount. Depending on the computer case these covers may be held in by screws, clips, etc. This case has two screws holding the cover to the case, so I will now remove them.

Removing the expansion card cover

• Now that I have the screw cover off it is time to remove the covers out of the case where the expansion cards will go. Some covers are simple pieces of metal which break off, while other cases have pieces that screw in and are replaceable in case a person chooses to go with a different setup. This case has the covers that break off. I counted the number of cards I have, decided how and where they will fit into my case, and broke out only the covers where I would be installing these cards.

Breaking off the expansion slot covers

• Now that I have removed the covers it is time to flip the case on its side and located the mounting holes for the motherboard. I will need to check your motherboard to see which holes to use. When I have located the proper holes I will need to screw the motherboard spacers into the proper holes on the computer case. The mounting hardware came in a bag of accessories that came with the computer case. (Example: The mounting hardware that came with the case I am using came with six plastic and three metal fasteners. This can vary depending on the case being used.) The back of the motherboard should not make contact with the computer case. (Note: some older motherboards use the case as a ground for the motherboard but it is not common in motherboards today. Always check the motherboard user guide to see the specifications.)

Installing the motherboard spacers

All of the motherboard spacers installed