Install cpu, heatsink, memory w/ mobo in or out of case?

bgc99

Senior member
Aug 13, 2004
472
0
71
Just wondering how most people do it? The last time I built a system I installed it all with the mobo laying on the bag it came in with a thin layer of foam from the mobo box between the bag and the table top. It didn't cause any problems the last time, but I'm wondering if there are any problems I might run into if I do it the same way again?

The system I will build shortly will use the ASUS A8N-SLI Premium mobo with an XP-90 heatsink. If I install it all outside the case I wonder what would be less stressful on the mobo during install, lifting it by the edges or lifting it by the heatsink and one edge?

Thanks,
BGC
 

forumposter32

Banned
May 23, 2005
643
0
0
First, I put on my anti-static strap and connect it to a metal part of my case.
Then I take out the motherboard and put it on the floor (can be on a table I guess, I just like it next to my case so I'm grounded).
Then I take out the foam thingy under the motherboard, put the bag back in the box and put the motherboard on top of the bag in the box.
Then I install the CPU, heatsink and THEN the RAM. I don't want to put the RAM before because I don't want to knock it when I'm trying to install the heatsink.
I put in the power supply in the case before I try to put the board in. Also, I put in the in and out shield in the case before I put the mobo in. Anyway, when I put in the motherboard, I try to make sure the in and out shield is completely lined up with all the connectors. Make sure you have your 9 standoffs and you're ready.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
I always install whatever I can on the board, outside the case. Makes things so much easier.

I usually just use the static bag, put it on the box just outside the case, and place on top of the case (laying down) for the last prep step, connecting the LED's power buttons, USB headers.

I've built a hundred+ PC's and that is the way I've always done it without ever a single issue.
 

Imager

Senior member
Aug 10, 2005
369
0
0
Originally posted by: bgc99
Just wondering how most people do it? The last time I built a system I installed it all with the mobo laying on the bag it came in with a thin layer of foam from the mobo box between the bag and the table top. It didn't cause any problems the last time, but I'm wondering if there are any problems I might run into if I do it the same way again?

The system I will build shortly will use the ASUS A8N-SLI Premium mobo with an XP-90 heatsink. If I install it all outside the case I wonder what would be less stressful on the mobo during install, lifting it by the edges or lifting it by the heatsink and one edge?

Thanks,
BGC

DON'T Lift by the heatsink! :Q
Lift with the edges...
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
Originally posted by: Imager
Originally posted by: bgc99
Just wondering how most people do it? The last time I built a system I installed it all with the mobo laying on the bag it came in with a thin layer of foam from the mobo box between the bag and the table top. It didn't cause any problems the last time, but I'm wondering if there are any problems I might run into if I do it the same way again?

The system I will build shortly will use the ASUS A8N-SLI Premium mobo with an XP-90 heatsink. If I install it all outside the case I wonder what would be less stressful on the mobo during install, lifting it by the edges or lifting it by the heatsink and one edge?

Thanks,
BGC

DON'T Lift by the heatsink! :Q
Lift with the edges...

I say just pick the thing up however.. This stuff is not fine china... picking up the board by the edges and even holding it with 1 hand has no detrimental effects at all...