Motherboard trouble

[AliasX]

This is really annoying me.

First off, this is my first time building a computer.

So 2 questions, my motherboard has 9 areas for screws, but my case only came with 8 standoffs. Is it safe to just use 8? And do I need to screw them in, or can I just twist them with my fingers until they are tight?

Now, what is really annoying me. Before I put the mobo in, I have to put the backplate in. My mobo is an ASUS A8N5X. The backplate has these sort of prong things coming out facing the interior of the case. I had to bend these up, because they prevent me from getting the mobo in. Now, when I put hte motherboard in, as far as it will go, the standoffs and the motherboard wont line up. I know I put my standoffs in the right places, but this backplate is being a B**CH.

 

[Radiohead57]

Does it go in any better if you remove the backplate. When you say backplate are you referring to the plate on the back of the mobo that holds the HSF socket in place or the insert that houses your PS2 USB LAN outlets etc?

 

[Ivan05]

The screws holding the mobo in place should be screwed in securely, but not so hard as to crack the board. They provide a ground path for the PSU and may help prevent RFI.

You normally have to provide some pressure to force the mobo against the spring clips (to compress the clips) at the backplate. Sometimes it can be tricky to jockey the mobo into position and keep the pressure against them. If you have somebody to help you, it may go easier. You can run without the backplate, but expect a lot more dust inside and, since most backplates are near the exhaust fan, you may have slightly diminished cooling because the exhaust fan is sucking air in through the gaping hole in the back of your box instead of pulling it in through the front and sides to cool the components.

 

[cmdrdredd]

with the backplate I hold the mobo in position with one hand and start the upper left-most screw in finger tight just to hold it. Then the rest line up easy.