Motherboard standoffs & separators

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acpohio

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Jan 31, 2013
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Hello all,

I have a questions regarding standoffs.
I am preparing for my first build tomorrow. I am using a NXZT S340 case and a MSI z170a M5 motherboard. The NXZT seems to have pre-installed mobo standoffs, however, the very center one is not threaded. Instead, it is capped with a little dome looking piece. From what I have gathered from the net, this is a separator? Is the separator to be used under the mobo where there are no holes for the threaded standoffs?
The case came with an extra threaded standoff. Should I keep the separator in or replace it with the threaded standoff? My motherboard has a hole where I could use a threaded standoff where the separator was pre-installed.




Also, (this is unrelated to motherboards) I have a question on fan placement. I have two 120mm fans and one 140mm fan. For the rear fan, only a 120mm can be installed. Should I use the 140mm for exhaust on the top of the case or for the front intake?

Thanks a bunch!!!
 
Solution
t53186
Best practice is instal as many threaded standoffs as the motherboard has holes for and screw the MB down to all standoffs.

For fans is air flow and noise that really matter, not necessarily the size. However its preferable to have fans in the front or bottom as intake and fans in the rear or top exhaust. Given what you describe I'd probably put it up top unless it was quieter in front.
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t53186

t53186

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Aug 6, 2006
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Best practice is instal as many threaded standoffs as the motherboard has holes for and screw the MB down to all standoffs.

For fans is air flow and noise that really matter, not necessarily the size. However its preferable to have fans in the front or bottom as intake and fans in the rear or top exhaust. Given what you describe I'd probably put it up top unless it was quieter in front.
 
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Solution
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acpohio

Honorable
Jan 31, 2013
23
1
10,515


Thanks for the info,

So Ill replace the capped standoff with a threaded one. Do I need to use the capped standoff(separator?) for anything or can I leave it out of the build.

I have not tested them yet as I am going to start the build tomorrow, but for now I will leave the 140mm up top as exhaust. I do have a fan in the front/bottom as an intake fan.
 
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t53186

t53186

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Aug 6, 2006
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Yes you got the idea, don't need the spacer. Have fun completing the build.



 
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acpohio

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Jan 31, 2013
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10,515


First build is complete and running well, thanks again.
 
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