Stripped Motherboard Stand-Off Preventing Proper Contact

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630
Helping my friend build his computer, basically the standoff just spins around whenever i try to screw it in. I can't remove it, and holding it in place with pliers doesn't make a difference, the screw won't go in either way.

I've heard some horror stories surrounding not having a screw in a standoff, so i want to make sure that they're true, i should NOT boot the computer at all while there is improper grounding on the standoff, correct?

I could get a rubber band and cut it into a small square to insulate the spot and not install a screw into it, but i want to make sure that it's the best possible course of action before i do anything.

Any help is appreciated
 
Solution
nukemaster
Is the standoff spinning in the case or the screw in the standoff.

Some stand offs use a fine thread(like that of an optical drive or SSD) and some use a coarse thread(6-32 i think) like hard drives/power supplies and most case panels. If you happen to put the fine thread screw into a coarse thread standoff it will spin just like you say. Try to gently remove it(a magnetic screw driver may help).

If the case is what is letting the standoff spin, you may need to get a nut to place on the backside of the motherboard tray(the thing that the standoffs screw into) Or get to the back of the tray with the board done and solder that thing in place forever.

As for damage from not being mounted properly, It is unlikely. I have seem users mount...
Sort by date Sort by votes
nukemaster

nukemaster

Titan
Nov 23, 2004
19,626
6
74,965
Is the standoff spinning in the case or the screw in the standoff.

Some stand offs use a fine thread(like that of an optical drive or SSD) and some use a coarse thread(6-32 i think) like hard drives/power supplies and most case panels. If you happen to put the fine thread screw into a coarse thread standoff it will spin just like you say. Try to gently remove it(a magnetic screw driver may help).

If the case is what is letting the standoff spin, you may need to get a nut to place on the backside of the motherboard tray(the thing that the standoffs screw into) Or get to the back of the tray with the board done and solder that thing in place forever.

As for damage from not being mounted properly, It is unlikely. I have seem users mount full ATX boards with 4 standoffs instead of 6(board that are not as deep)|9(normal ATX depth). I would NEVER recommend that, but the boards did live. If anything standoffs and the screws ground the board(in a pace made for it) so rubber is not that you are after.

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630


the standoff is what's spinning in the hole it was factory shipped in, so just having the board sitting on the standoff (shouldn't) cause any problems? I just want to make completely sure before i make a decision because this is my friend's computer and not my own.

The case is an NZXT h440 razer edition, and the board is a shitty HP stock board, so uatx sized
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
gergguy

gergguy

Honorable
Oct 12, 2013
214
0
10,710
You will not hurt your computer powering it on with out the standoff/screw secured. I would just take the screw out and leave it as is. The only thing a standoff does is keep the motherboard from grounding on the case. The other standoff with screws in them will keep it in place. ^^^ Nukemaster is probably correct in assuming you put the wrong screw in the standoff.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630


no it is the correct screw, as i used the same for the other 5 or so that i had to do. Its literally the standoff spinning in the hole preventing the screw from going any further. The standoff grips to the screw so momentum to turn the screw would also turn the standoff preventing it from being fully screwed in. it IS the correct screw and i know for a fact it is
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630


I did not overtighten anything, it was factory shipped with the standoff in the hole and i had not touched it before i tried to screw the board into it, i could see how you could assume user error but i'm fairly certain i didn't cause the problem. it is a brand new case, just out of the box
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ironsounds

Ironsounds

Champion
Jul 31, 2011
10,403
4
56,960
Hello... You do not need the motherBoard "Grounded" connected to the PC case too work... MFG'r recommend test booting a MB on the cardboard Box they are sent in... it is not a needed electrical connection... but more MB physical support.
Hardware stores sell standoffs in different materials and Various sizes... also check your local computer store for spares/replacements... re-tap the screw hole bigger... use your creative instincts here... BUT make SURE that screw cannot fall out is the most important thing here. It can cause electrical damage later if it falls out during transportation. B )
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630


So there will be no issues just having it sit on top of the last one? i just want to make extremely sure before i proceed because it is not my computer, and i dont want to damage any of his property
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630


So there will be no issues just having it sit on top of the last one? i just want to make extremely sure before i proceed because it is not my computer, and i dont want to damage any of his property
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630


asking for clarity, you refer to is as (a) screw, if i have 5-6 others completely snug in their spot then there should be no way for any screw to fall out? that is what you mean correct?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Z

Zinatrafan

Honorable
Feb 8, 2014
77
0
10,630


nope, the screw is out and the mobo is resting on the last standoff.
Thank you for your, insight :)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom