Motherboard short/ground question

[Demitri]

I have read a few articles here and there about systems not booting because the motherboard was shorted, or grounded improperly or something to that effect? I've read a few cases where they said there was a improper standoff that the motherboard was screwed into and that was causing problems.

Can anyone clarify this concept to me? Can a motherboard touching something, like a screw or part of the case it normally shouldn't touch cause it to not function? Or does it need to be connected to some type of ground (I would think provided via the P1 ATX power connector...) Any replies greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Tim

 

[Binky]

An ATX MB should be touching the posts and screws it is mounted with and nothing else.

 

[Buz2b]

Yes, a board can malfunction if it is shorting or grounding on the case. I've seen people leave standoffs under a board where there is no mounting hole and short the board. This can sometimes ruin the board. Other times it just may or may not post and/or behave erratically.