Motherboard installation needs proper screws to tighten up the accessory in the right place. Different types and sizes of screws are available in the market. But you have to find the perfect size according to the requirement.
Most screws come with motherboards, but if you buy them separately, check their exact size. This article provides a complete guide on the types of screws you need for motherboard installation.
Types of Screws for Motherboard Installation
When installing a motherboard, you can use several types of screws. The most common ones include M3*5 and M3*8 screws. You can use them to fasten other components on your computer or to mount the motherboard in a case.
However, it’s important to note that not all manufacturers will provide screws with their motherboards; some may only provide those with the CPU socket itself (therefore you should have enough screws for both parts).
- M3*8: mount the motherboard in a computer case.
- M3*5: fasten other components to the motherboard.
- Hexagon head with flange: 2.5mm thread diameter and 6mm long for general construction.
M3*5 screws fasten other components to the motherboard. They’re also famous as standoffs and provide support for circuit boards and other hardware.
The head of an M3*5 screw has a flat bottom that fits into a thin slot in the motherboard’s side panel, while its shaft extends through the back panel.
The flat bottom makes it possible to use a single type of fastener throughout your entire system enclosure—no more hunting around for different sizes.
The Hexagon Head With Flange
A hexagon head with a flange is the most common type of screw for motherboard construction. It’s also famous as a Philips head, or flathead, because of its shape. The diameter of this screw is 2.5mm and its length is 6mm (1/4″).
It means you can insert it into both holes on your board and into any other attachment points that require 1/4″ screws. This includes memory modules or case fans.
Hexagonal heads are common because they allow you to use less expensive aluminum washers when mounting parts onto your motherboard assembly. However, be careful not to over-tighten them.
Do I Need All Screws for the Motherboard?
You will need to buy all of the screws that come with your motherboard. If you are installing a larger graphics card, or if you want to water-cool your computer, you may need additional screws.
If the manufacturer doesn’t provide the screws along with the motherboard, you should buy the right one carefully. Therefore, read the complete guidelines about the size and length of the screws for motherboard installation.
Are All Motherboard Screws the Same?
A motherboard is the physical part of a computer that contains all of the components necessary for running software and performing basic operations. It includes a CPU, memory chips, graphics cards, and other components.
The most common types of screws for motherboards are Phillips heads (also called flathead), Pozi (flat), and Torx® heads.
In general, there’s no need to buy new screws when you’re replacing your old ones because they’re not designed to be reused—they’re made specifically for each motherboard model so they fit into specific places to keep things secure.
However, if you notice that one or more of your existing screws have become loose over time or have been damaged somehow by being handled too much during installation/removal then we recommend replacing those first before ordering new ones online or at an electronics store near where you live.
Can Screws Damage the Motherboard?
Screws that are too big or small can damage motherboards as well—especially if they’re used incorrectly by novice builders who don’t know what size driver should fit into each pinhole in their motherboard’s design.
- Screws that are too long can damage the motherboard. If you have a board with screws that are longer than the ones on your motherboard, they could cause a problem. The reason is simple: they will prevent sufficient movement of the CPU and GPU, potentially damaging both components.
- Screws that are too short can damage the motherboard. This happens when you enter the screw into a hole that’s too small for it (or vice versa). The result? Your board might not be able to take full advantage of its features because there isn’t enough space for everything.
What Are the 3 Types of Screws?
It is important to know the types of screws. There are three main types: Phillips head screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, and Torx screwdriver.
You can use Phillips head screws on small things like circuit boards, while flathead screws on medium-sized boards like motherboards and power supplies. Torx has a hexagonal shape. It is easy to tighten or loosen them by using an Allen wrench.
How Many Screws Do You Need to Install the Motherboard
You should use only the proper size of screw for your motherboard. For example, a Mini-ITX motherboard has different types of screws than an ATX or E-ATX. In general, all motherboard screws look the same and generally come in lengths from 3/4 inch (19mm) to 1 inch (25mm).
How Do I Know if My Screw Is Going In Correctly?
First, secure your board before installing any hardware on it. The easiest way is by using Velcro strips or double-sided tape around each corner. So, when you use one side as a lever against another part of your case, it won’t fall off due to friction against other parts inside the case itself.
If it did, it could cause damage elsewhere down below where all these components connect via cables running through holes drilled into them. Furthermore, the particular-sized holes depend on what type of material used when constructing those particular devices.
Does the Motherboard Generally Come With Screws?
You will need to buy motherboard screws separately.
- Computer stores: The price of motherboard screws varies depending on the type of screw and the brand of the computer. Some computer stores may offer discounts on buying a set of screws, so you can save money by purchasing them from them instead of buying them online or elsewhere.
- Online retailers: You can also find these types of screws at an affordable price if you shop around online, as they may be available with different retailers at different prices. The price depends on the place or store where you are buying the screws.
Are Motherboard Screws Universal?
You might have heard that motherboard screws are universal, but this isn’t true. The reason they aren’t universal is that they’re specific to a particular model of motherboard and there’s no way you can get them from the manufacturer or a local computer shop.
You can find them online though, so if you want to replace your screws with better ones, now you know where to start looking!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful. This article covers all the details of the screws you need for motherboard installation. Moreover, you have to buy all the screws for the perfect installation of the motherboard, graphics card, and other hardware accessories you need.
In addition, you can also order them from online retailers separately if they don’t come with the motherboard.
Motherboard installation needs proper screws to tighten up the accessory in the right place. Different types and sizes of screws are available in the market. But you have to find the perfect size according to the requirement.
Most screws come with motherboards, but if you buy them separately, check their exact size. This article provides a complete guide on the types of screws you need for motherboard installation.
