How critical is I/O shield contact with the motherboard?

[Ken90630]

I'm having a hell of time getting the I/O shield to 'fit' properly against the mobo in a new build I'm doing tonight. I'm using the shield that came with the mobo, and it doesn't appear bent or damaged in any way. In fact, I've tried three different shields from the mfgr and the prob remains.

Basically, the shield snaps into place okay but as soon as I press the mobo up against it and screw the mobo down onto the standoffs, the shield bends outward in the middle and a few of the leaf springs on the back of it don't contact the USB and FireWire jacks on the mobo. I even tried another of the same model of case, to no avail. This mobo/shield/case combination just doesn't wanna work & play well together.

Where I'm at now is I'd like to know just how important it is for those leaf springs on the back of the I/O shield to contact the jacks on the mobo. Is it critical? What happens if a couple don't? Will I get EMI in the form of noise? This build is for an acquaintance, who's paying me for it, and she won't want a computer that makes a high pitched squealing noise. I don't want any other problems with it either, of course.

I'd really appreciate any advice/info. Thanks.

 

[adamantinepiggy]

The shield is more about protecting outside-the-pc stuff from stray EMI, versus inside. Also helps protect against static spark jump to the motherboard from stuff you are trying to plug in (like USB) if you been dragging your feet all over the carpet.

As such unless you have poorly shielded external devices (like cheapo speakers), it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[fffblackmage]

It's fine. I've left the I/O shield off before and the computer runs fine.