Useful for BCS/BSC/IT/BCA/MCA/MCS and all information technology student and for teacher for refrence

1. Definitions
Steps to install Motherboard

2. INDEX
Introduction
1. Open your computer case
2. Ground yourself
3. Replace the I/O panel shield
4. Find the standoffs
5. Install the standoffs
6. Place your motherboard on the standoffs
7. Install your components
8. 8. Connect the power supply
9. Connect your front panel
10. Connect the front USB ports
11. Connect the fans.
12. Install your drives
13. Install a video card
14. Adjust your wiring
15. Close up the computer

3. Motherboard
• The motherboard is the backbone of your desktop computer.
• All of your components plug into the motherboard, so ensuring that you
install it correctly is the first step towards building your own computer or
upgrading an old one.

4. 1. Open your computer case.
• The motherboard tray can be removed from the case, which will allow
you to easily install the motherboard. Not all cases have removable
motherboard trays. The motherboard tray is typically held in with two
screws. Set these aside so that you don’t lose them.
• Installing a motherboard typically means you are essentially building a
new computer. You will need to reinstall your operating system.

5. 2. Ground yourself.
• Before you begin working on the interior of your computer or handling the
motherboard, make sure you discharge any electrostatic charge you may
have. You can touch a water tap to discharge your electrostatic charge. It
help to avoid electrostatic damage.

6. 3. Replace the I/O panel shield
This is located at the rear of the case, where the connectors for the
motherboard extend out for your monitor, USB devices, and other
peripherals. Most cases have a default panel shield installed, which will
need to be removed and replaced with the panel that came with your
motherboard.Apply pressure to all four corners of the panel to secure it into
the case. It should snap into place.
Make sure that you are installing the panel in the correct direction.
Compare it to the actual layout of the connectors on the motherboard to
make sure it is going in the right way.

7. 4. Find the standoffs
• Find the standoffs. Standoffs keep the motherboard above the case.
This prevents it from shorting out and helps cooling. Some cases will
come with standoffs, while others do not. Your motherboard should come
with its own standoffs as well that you can use.

8. 5.Install the standoffs.
Match the holes on the motherboard with the available standoff locations
on the motherboard tray. Every case and motherboard tray is different,
and all will have different hole configurations. Line up the motherboard to
see where you can use standoffs to secure it. Every hole possible on your
motherboard should have a standoff installed. Most standoffs screw into
their holes, but some are pushed in like pegs.
Not all motherboards will be able to attach with all of the available holes.
Connect as many standoffs as possible, but never use any extra
standoffs. Standoffs should only be installed in locations with a
corresponding motherboard hole.

9. 6. Place your motherboard on the standoffs
Place your motherboard on the standoffs. The holes and the
standoffs should all line up. If your motherboard tray does not come
out of the case, you may need to gently force the motherboard against
the I/O panel on the back of the case to fit it. Start securing the
motherboard with screws. Don’t over tighten the screws. Make sure it
is firm but not too tight. Do not use an electric screwdriver.
Holes that don’t have metal on them will need cardboard washers
between the screw and the motherboard. It is best to avoid using non-
metallic holes at all.

10. 7. Install your components
• Before reinserting the motherboard tray with the newly- motherboard into
the case, install your CPU, CPU cooler, and RAM. Doing this now will
make it much easier to reach everything. If your motherboard is not on a
removable tray, install your components after wiring.

11. 8. Connect the power supply.
• Connect the power supply. Once the motherboard is secured, you can
start connecting your components to it. It is recommended that you
connect the power supply first, as the plugs will be difficult to reach later.
Make sure that both the 20/24-pin connector is attached as well as the
4/8-pin 12V connector. Refer to your power supply’s documentation if you
are unsure which cables to use.

12. 9. Connect your front panel.
Connect your front panel. In order to turn on your computer with
the front power button or see when the hard drive is being
accessed, you will need to connect the front panel switches and
indicators. Locate the following wires and connect them to the
appropriate pins on the motherboard:
Power switch
Reset switch
Power LED
Hard drive (HDD) LED
Speaker

13. 10. Connect the front USB ports
Connect the front USB ports. Connect any front USB ports to the
appropriate connectors on the motherboard. These are typically
labeled. Make sure the correct plugs are placed on the correct pins.

14. 11. Connect the fans.
• Connect the fans. Connect any case and CPU fans to the appropriate
pins on the motherboard. There are typically several places to plug in
chassis fans, as well as a two-pin connector near the CPU for the CPU
fan.

15. 12. Install your drives
•
Install your drives. Once the motherboard is secure and connected, you
can start attaching your drives to it. Make sure that you attach your SATA
hard drives and optical drives to the correct SATA ports on your
motherboard.

16. 13. Install a video card
• Install a video card. One of the last components you should install is the
video card. The card will take up the most space, and will make reaching
other areas difficult. Installing a video card may be optional, depending
on your system and needs.

17. 14. Adjust your wiring.
Now that everything is connected to your motherboard, it’s time to move
that wiring around so that heat doesn’t get trapped or wires don’t get stuck
in fans. Tuck excess cable into spare drive bays and use zip ties to bundle
cables together. Make sure that all of your components have room to
breathe.

18. 15. Close up the computer
• Close up the computer. Return the side panels of the case to their
original positions and screw them back in. Plug your computer and
components in. Turn your computer on and prepare for operating system
installation. Follow the guides below for specific instructions for your
operating system:
• Install Windows 7.
• Install Windows 8.
• Install Windows XP.
• Install Windows Vista.
• Install Linux.

19. Thank you