Need help with Motherboard Standoffs: Brass or Plastic?

[SP33Demon]

Guys, I just bought a full size ATX case, and it came with "brass" standoffs. The dealer told me this was standard, but I thought that plastic ones were supposed to come with it? He claims that plastic ones were the standard for AT cases. Can anyone provide further insight into this? I don't believe him, doesn't brass conduct electricity which could short out your board?

 

[NelsonMuntz]

It shoyld be fine. The plastic ones were for AT mostly and they sucked anyway because once they were in they were a pain in the butt to get out, at least that was my experience. The brass standoffs are much better and the motherboard holes should all be separated from the rest of the board by metal rings so it should be obvious as to where you want to put the standoffs and again, it should be fine.

 

[SP33Demon]

Thanks Nelson! Much appreciated... Does everyone agree with this assessment?

 

[Shmorq]

NelsonMuntz is usually always right. Your board will not be shorted by using brass standoffs. If you look carefully, the metallic rings around the screw holes are not connected to any part of the motherboard which would create a short.

 

[Viperoni]

Actually, the metal rings on the mobo should be connected to the system ground (the 3rd prong on the power plug from the wall outlet), but this isn't always the case....problem is when a standoff touches somewhere where it's not supposed to touch

Anyhow, brass is the correct one