Developing your computer from beginning to end up is exciting, but it also comes with many questions, especially for those just starting. “Do motherboards come with screws?” is one of the most often asked questions. The simple answer is No. Usually, mounting screws are not included with motherboards.
In this article, we’ll get into the details of motherboard packaging and answer all your questions about screws, accessories, and everything else you need for a successful PC build. So, let’s get started!
Do Motherboards Come With Screws?
No. Most motherboards do not come with screws for installation. Your case has the screws you need to place your motherboard since each has different mounting screw needs and thread patterns. As for the M.2 screw, it should already be attached to the processor.
The screws and standoffs needed to mount the motherboard are typically supplied with computer cases, so you can locate them within the case or in a bag that is also part of the case. You can often buy them at hardware stores or online retailers specializing in computer components if you upgrade a motherboard in an existing patient or need more screws. Use the right size and kind of screws to ensure a secure and safe installation.
The most popular kinds of screws used to install motherboards are as follows:
- The motherboard is fastened to standoffs inside the computer casing using M3/M3.5 screws. The standoffs establish a space between the motherboard and the case to avoid electrical contact. Usually, the computer casing comes with these screws.
- M2 Screw: For attaching M.2 SSDs and other compact form factor components to the motherboard, smaller M2 screws may be utilized. Depending on the manufacturer, these screws could or might not be included with the motherboard.
- Hexagonal or Phillips Head Screws: Depending on the case manufacturer and motherboard, the screws may have hexagonal or Phillips heads. Both types are effective at holding the motherboard in place, but to prevent damage, it’s crucial to use the proper screwdriver or bit for the particular type of screw.
It’s vital to remember that even though motherboards usually don’t come with screws, they frequently come with paperwork that lists the necessary kinds of screws and standoff locations. To ensure you use the proper screws and mounting points for a secure and safe installation, consult the motherboard instructions and the case manual before installing a motherboard.
Why Motherboards Do Not Come With Screws?
Each cover you buy for storing your PC parts will need a different type of screw. For example, the screw holes in each case are a different size.
This means that the screws wouldn’t fit in some cases if they were packed with the motherboard. In most high-end cases, the screws are big. This is because ATX and extended ATX systems are heavier, so they need screws that can hold more weight.
On the other hand, cheaper cases tend to have smaller screws. Usually, they are only made to keep the weight of smaller motherboards, like MATX motherboards. Motherboards only come with the following extras:
- The backplate for in/out
- Software files
- More cords and wires
- Screw M.2 (PCI SSD)
But you should also consider other gear when using screws to mount your motherboard.
Does M.2 Drive Screw Hardware Come With Motherboards?
M.2 drives, a small form factor of SSD disk, are supported by most recent motherboards. Direct mounting of these is possible on the motherboard.
As a result, these have M.2 screw holes for installing the drive. Even though there are only a few standard sizes for M.2 drives, measure one before mounting your motherboard.
Because you won’t be screwing the motherboard into the PC’s back plate there, you’ll need to leave any slots underneath it free of standoffs.
Additional Screw To Consider:
Risers are used to elevate the motherboard away from your computer’s backplate. There are mainly two types of them:
- Risers that the case itself is created with. They resemble painted metal folds in a way.
- Brass risers that screw in. These are made of brass metal, which is not conductive.
Only low-end PC cases often contain simple fold risers. Because they give the user many alternatives for mounting the motherboard, brass Screw risers are frequently used in mid-to-high-end PC cases.
Risers screws are tiny brass screws resembling hexagonal bolts, with one end with a male screw thread and the other with a female screw thread hole.
Risers typically protrude 5–10mm from a case backplate surface after being screwed into it. However, they can extend up to 30mm.
The riser is screwed into the backplate of the case of your choice in this configuration. The motherboard is then set on top of these risers.
After that, line up the risers with the motherboard’s built-in screw holes. Finally, insert a standard mounting screw into the riser through the motherboard.
Top 5 Advantages Of Using Risers: Don’t Skip Step 3
- One of these is to make sure the motherboard is not in any manner in contact with the metal of the computer case.
- The motherboard would short out and fry itself if it came into contact with the case’s metal while it was turned on.
- You have room underneath the motherboard thanks to the riser screws. This enables you to run cables, like power cables, underneath the motherboard.
- Having more room enhances the airflow quality throughout your system.
- The CPU is the part of your computer that gets the most heat. Most people overlook the three dimensions in which heat dissipation takes place. So your cooling system doesn’t only remove heat through the top of the CPU. Additionally, heat is transmitted via the motherboard from below the CPU. Therefore, you remove additional heat by allowing air to flow underneath the motherboard. Your CPU’s temperature should drop by roughly 1-2°C. When you are trying to overclock your CPU, this could be crucial.
Which Screws Should I Use To Set Up The Motherboard?
Typically, metal motherboard standoffs have a #6-32 UNC male thread that screws into the PC chassis’s back plate. Naturally, all you need to do is turn them with your hand.
On top, there will be a hollow of a comparable size (#6-32 UNC) where the screws will go. A #2 Phillips screwdriver is often required to install your motherboard to your computer and just about anything else.
Place the motherboard gently on top of the standoffs after installing them, and then begin turning the standoffs’ top screws.
Like the standoffs, the screws typically feature a pan or hexagonal head. Their heads will be larger than the holes in the motherboard to keep the motherboard firmly in place.
Where To Purchase The Risers Or Screws?
Do not panic, fellow PC maker, if you manage to misplace your screws like I did. Risers and screws are pretty inexpensive to purchase.
Purchase this fantastic mounting screw set at Amazon.com. Along with risers, mounting screws, case screws, and other components, it has more than 300 parts. You might only ever require this case screw set. And the price is below $10.
Read Also: Is SSD Compatible With All Motherboards? | A Pro Guide 2023
Screws For A Motherboard: Screws For A Cooling Liquid
The screws for the CPU cooling system are another set of screws associated with the motherboard that you should be aware of. The option to place a cooling system over the top of the CPU to keep it extraordinary is built into 99.9% of all motherboards.
Every cooling system you purchase, including a new CPU, will require a different screw type. Therefore, your motherboard will never come with cooling solution screws. They will always be delivered packaged with the cooling agent.
How Can I Get Standoff Screws?
So where do you find standoff screws in reality? Usually, you shouldn’t have to worry about this, but if you’ve found yourself here, something in the process must have gone wrong that was out of your control.
Several variations in standoff screw standards and materials are also discussed in Alex’s expanded Motherboard Standoffs Guide. They even come in a variety of colors!
To be sure that your screws match the intended standard for your case, remember that motherboard standoff screw standards are not interchangeable.
Unfortunately, if the standoff screws that should have come with your case are absent, it will be challenging to determine what standoff screws you need.
If you purchased your case and cannot locate the standoff screws it was supposed to include, contact the manufacturer and request a set of replacement screws! Or, at the very least, ask them for the specs so you can purchase replacements on your own.
Wrapping up:
In other words, mounting screws are typically not included with motherboards. As each case has various mounting screw requirements and thread designs, motherboard mounting screws are included with your case. Your computer case includes mounting screws. You might need risers to raise your motherboard to the proper mounting height. Risers allow air circulation beneath the motherboard and assist in managing wires.
FAQs:
Q1. Do motherboard boxes include screws?
No. Mounting screws are typically not included with motherboards. As each case has various mounting screw requirements and thread designs, motherboard mounting screws are included with your case.
Q2. Are M2 screws included with all motherboards?
Some M. 2 drives include screws. However, the majority do not. Your motherboard will have M. 2 screws.
Q3. Are SSD mounting screws included with motherboards?
Typically, the screw and a standoff for the screw are preinstalled in a ready-made design or included in the package for your motherboard if built by the end user.
Q4. What type of screws are used in motherboards?
A #6-32 UNC standoff is frequently used on motherboards and other circuit boards. Commonly found on the ends of DVI, VGA, serial, and parallel connectors are #4-40 UNC thumb screws.
Q5. what is corsair 4000d airflow?
An ATX mid-tower box with excellent cooling, the CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW is simple to handle cables in. In addition to the two integrated 120mm AirGuide fans with anti-vortex vanes that improve cooling, a steel front panel provides ideal airflow to your components.