Case first or Processor

[allend]

Do you guys install your CPU and Heatsink Fan on your motherboard before installing the MB in the case or After?
If before, isnt it a concern that the bare of the motherboard will be touching the floor?

 

[SafeZone]

thats y u put it on those foamy anti-static mats that come with ur mobo

 

[MercenaryForHire]

If it's got a removable motherboard tray, I use that. Otherwise, I install motherboard into case after the CPU/HSF combo.

- M4H

 

[DaveSimmons]

I usually install CPU / HSF first, with the motherboard resting on an antistatic bag and being careful not to zap it with static electricity.

Some cases have a slide-out motherboard tray, for those you can install the motherboard to the tray first, then the CPU / HSF, then put the tray back in the case.

Some HSF require a lot of carefully-applied force to get the clip to attach to the motherboard socket, and the risk of messing that up is much higher installing inside the case instead of outside.

 

[farmercal]

You can do it either way. If you have to put the MB on something and don't want to zap it, use a piece of cardboard, wood, or as others have said (best choice) the anti static pad that came with the board.

You can damage a MB mounting the HSF even when it is not installed in the case if you use the wrong size screwdriver (assuming that you are using a clip mounted HSF). Ensure you use a flathead screwdriver with the proper size tip (not too big or small) that will fit entirely into the mounting slot of the clip and only apply enough pressure to secure it.

With the proper tool you have complete and full control of the mounting clip and lesson the chance of damage to the board. Good Luck.

Note: I almost destroyed a board by using too large a screwdriver which barely fit in the slot and when it popped out with a lot of force I almost sheered a capacitor. So just pay attention to what you are doing and you will be fine.

 

[allend]

Anyother dumb question ...
With the case back plate that comes with the epox 8rda+, what i am supposed to do with the little edges that are on it?
Am i supposed to cut them out or bend them? Without either, no way the motherboard ports will fit

 

[SafeZone]

not sure what u mean by little edges, but there some pieces of metal hanging off mine that I bent off, also there was a cover over one of the holes that I bent off too...do what u hafta do to make the mobo fit I guess

 

[Macro2]

"Some HSF require a lot of carefully-applied force to get the clip to attach to the motherboard socket, and the risk of messing that up is much higher installing inside the case instead of outside"

Exactly. I always put the HSF on before putting the mobo in the case. I even plug in the floppy and HD cables if the case is tight. You never know when you might rip off a capacitor...
Yep, been there done that.

 

[buleyb]

Originally posted by: SafeZone
not sure what u mean by little edges, but there some pieces of metal hanging off mine that I bent off, also there was a cover over one of the holes that I bent off too...do what u hafta do to make the mobo fit I guess

Did you just punch out a new porthole, or did you remove those tabs that are meant to provide contact from the rear-I/O panel to the mobo (to ground the shielding I would imagine). Those tabs shouldn't be removed, they need to make contact to the outside of the port housings on the motherboard.

This is just a shielding thing though, no biggie if you mess it up

 

[techfuzz]

I'd also take in consideration what heatsink/fan you are using. I have an Thermalright SLK-800 that is big and bulky. Putting that on before I try to put the motherboard in the case is easier than if the motherboard is already in the case. But trying to get the motherboard into the case with that big heatsink/fan is sometimes very tough indeed. Lately I've been removing and attaching the heatsink while the MB is still in the case for those reasons. I have a strut running the length of the case that makes MB installation a trick!

techfuzz

 

[RaymondY]

I normally install the processor and HSF on my motherboard first and mount them into my case unless I have a case with a removable motheboard tray

 

[human2k]

I take my magical wand and with snap of finger viola its installed......

or you could just install it on teh board first then place it in the chassis....

 

[DimZiE]

install cpu/hsf memory on the mobo first and then mobo into the case..

then the VGA,audio, and expansion cards comes in.. IDE cables, PSU Connector, front panel switches , and i usually put my HDDs and optical drives the last connect everything voila.. ready for o/s setup