Help please! Which motherboard screws to use?

[guptasa1]

Hey all,

First time builder and so far so good (prepped the case, got the fans installed, PSU in there...motherboard try prepped with the spacers).

Now it's time to screw on the motherboard. But...I'm not sure what screws to use! My case came with several types (and the motherboard none). I know the one type is for expansion slots and the like, so those (sextagon with washer rim and teeth on the underside) are likely out. Really, I'm stuck between two, and both will thread into the spacers.

The first type is a bit smaller and has a completely flat, low profile head. I'm almost wondering if the heads are so small they'll completely clear the motherboard holes and not be big enough to hold, but I'm not sure (keeping the mobo in its static-proof bag til I know what I'm doing - lol).

The second type has the same thread and is just slightly bigger. It has a rounded head with a small attached washer rim around it. (I've used this type before to attach drives.)

So...which should I use to try to attach the motherboard to the tray? The case I'm working with is the Silverstone TJ-09 and the motherboard is an ASUS P5E3 Premium WiFi @P. Thanks so much for any help!

 

[cubby1223]

There are two types, fine thread, and coarse thread. Hard drives use coarse thread, cdroms use fine thread. Look at the threads of the screws, you'll see the difference.

Which ones screw in the motherboard? Could be either. Usually coarse threaded screws. Sometimes fine threaded screws. Try a coarse thread screw, if it doesn't screw in, then use a fine thread screw.

If you try with a fine thread screw first when you really need a coarse thread, the screw will often fall straight in and can me a major pita to get it out. So always try the coarse thread screw first if you're not sure.

 

[guptasa1]

Thanks for the tip! The one with the smaller head (completely flat and no washer rim) has the courser thread. I also tried to match it with the motherboard and it is *just* big enough, so I'm pretty sure it's the ticket, especially since I've never seen this type before for anything else (drives, expansion cards, etc.). So this must be it. Not actually screwing it in until later tonight, so if anyone disagrees, I'll check the thread first!

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[Cutthroat]

I have seen the hex screws with the washer used before, currently I'm using a flat screw Philips head. It should be whichever screw they gave you the most of, if it's a regular ATX mobo you need 9 screws.

 

[tcsenter]

It doesn't matter really, as long as the threads are compatible. You can hand thread each screw type into a spare stand-off and tell whether they are compatible. You should be able to fully insert the screw into the stand-off using only your fingers. If it starts to feel a little too snug half-way down or begins to cross-thread, try the next type.

 

[lenjack]

Whichever you use, no washers needed or desirable.

 

[guptasa1]

Used the smaller flat ones (with the courser threads) and worked perfectly! Thanks all!