Possible motherboard shorting?

[Eureka]

Ok, so I have the Aspire X-Dreamer case, and I think it's causing my computer to short. If I bump it or move it, the case bends (it's pretty flimsy, cruddy Aspire construction), and I think it's causing my motherboard to grind against the metal plate and shorting it. Is that possible, and is there anyway I can fix this with a little DIY? I definately don't want to replace the case (I don't even have the box it came in anymore).

Norm

 

[Zepper]

The mobo should be at least 1/4" away from the case metal at all points. If it isn't, then you haven't mounted the mobo properly. It should take an almost impossible amount of flex for it to touch anywhere. You must use only the proper mobo mounting points (noted in the mobo manual). Other holes may be used for extra support if not needed for anything else, but the old fashioned plastic standoffs (may need to be trimmed to fit) must be used in those holes to prevent shorting. See Mechbgon's builder's guide (mechbgon.com) for more tips.

.bh.

 

[Eureka]

Hmm, after checking that guide, it says not to use the extra-standoffs... I think that may be the problem... I have more than needed.

I'm using the standoffs that came with it...and they're brass standoffs.

Norm

 

[Zepper]

That's right. Metal standoffs can only be used at the true mouning points (usually 9 for a standard ATX mobo - any other standoffs must be plastic. As I said in some other post today, I most always use extra plastic standoffs for as much support as possible but I have a ton of old parts. you could probably get some to replace the metal ones that are in the wrong place at your local Mom & Pop computer shop.

.bh.

 

[Eureka]

Hmm, I removed the extra brass standoffs and it doesnt seem to be shorting out anymore. However, I'm still getting a Chassis Fan and CPU Fan abnormal alert when I start the computer... any clue on that that is?

 

[Zepper]

Perhaps you need to clear the CMOS and/or update your BIOS. Sometimes BIOSes have a hard time with slow speed fans and an update will cure the problem. Or perhaps the warning levels have been set too high.

.bh.