Could my case have caused the destruction of my motherboard?

[desura]

I'm RMA'ing a motherboard after months of trying to get it to work right.

I'm considering replacing my case. I don't really want to spend the money on a new case b/c a computer isn't high on my priorities list. But still it managed to malfunction.

Does this happen often. Are some cases worse than others with protecting equipment from shocks and shorts?

Or am I overthinking this?

 

[aigomorla]

well it could be possible, although very highly unlikely with proper standoff's on a steel case.

on a alu case... impossible... u cant even tack magnets on a alu case.

Care to share with us what case you have?

 

[desura]

http://www.outletpc.com/wh7575-inwin-v-series-ca-v500-matx-case.html#.U3h4PFhdXmQ

This is the case and the vendor where I bought it.

I got it for the...retro feel.

If you look closely, it has built-in standoffs.

 

[aigomorla]

messure the height of the standoff's.

then messure the longest pin u have on the board.

if there is contact on the pins to the panel, then possibly u are shorting the board out.

Another easier way to test is to pull the board out and run it caseless.

if u see that its working fine outside the case, then its possible the case is shorting the system out.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

Yes, a good clearance (between the metal of the case and motherboard), to avoid potentially breaking (permanently or temporarily) the motherboard, is important.

If the case included stand offs (in a plastic bag), then they should really be used, as the slight indentations (in the too small picture you supplied), may be too short to provide adequate clearance.

 

[desura]

Well, I just did the best measurement/comparison I could muster.

Looks fine.

What I do suspect is that like a hair or something might have blown in the back of the case between the MB and the case and caused a connection there somehow.

In any case, I think I"m going to part out the system and get a laptop.