Removing motherboard to install a cpu cooler

Petri_

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Nov 17, 2015
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I bought an Evo 212 to replace my stock Intel cooler. My case has a cutout on the side so I thought I could install it without taking the motherboard off. Turns out the lower screw holes are covered just a bit by the case (like 4 millimeters or so at most) so I couldn't install the cooler like that.

Also the space between the motherboard and the case is pretty tight, the nuts (the ones between the case and the mobo, just clarifying in case this makes no sense) for the lower screws are just barely able to fit in the gap. The lower ones actually get stuck and I have to bend the case a bit so the nut falls off to the bottom of the case.

I'm worried about the nuts touching the case, could it be a problem? Also, how hard it would be to remove the motherboard so I could install the backplate? Is it possible to just barely take it off while keeping most of the wires plugged in, or will I have to take it out completely?

Any answers are much appreciated.
 
Solution
You should just be able to remove the screws in the motherboard and tilt it forward a couple inches to do this. Don't worry about it touching the case it won't hurt anything.

Darthutos

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Sep 15, 2014
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it looks like the screw and/or standoff is damaged. May be a good idea to replace both. you don't want to bend the motherboard too much and damage that.
there are places like newegg or amazon that sells standoffs and standoff screws.

take the mobo out completely with everything detached. basically build your computer from the start.

 

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator


What are you talking about? There are no pictures or damage here. he is seeing a common problem with coolers that the back window doesn't line up.
 

Karadjgne

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Ambassador
On the flip side, you could do what's realistically called mod the case. Pull the motherboard totally out, use a sawzall or dremel cutting tool and make that hole bigger than what is currently worrying you with backplate and screw clearances. File the cut edges down smooth and reinstall the motherboard. This has 3x benefits. 1st is its quite often easier on the build to install the cooler after the installation of peripherals such as hdds, 2nd, if for any reason to need to fiddle with the cooler (replace paste) you'll not need to do the whole motherboard removal again. 3rd, you won't have to worry about dropping screws behind the mobo if you have easy access to them from behind.

Just a thought.
 

Darthutos

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Sep 15, 2014
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I'm not talking about the fact that the case opening isn't lined up.
I'm worried that when he takes out the mobo from case after taking out 8 screws the last one refuses to come off because no matter how he turns the standoff in the case turns with the screw and they gets stuck together. He would then need some heavy pliers to stablize the standoff and then turn the screw to separate.

When he finally separate the mobo from the case, I am advising him to buy new set of standoffs (higher ones then what he is owning right now). with new screws as well.

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Higher ones (taller??) will not work!
The standoff height goes hand in hand with the overall case, and the I/O port on the back.

You can't just put in taller standoffs. Other things will fail to line up.
 

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator


He is saying he has a small case so getting the screws in there is a tight squeeze, nothing to do with the standoffs.

And No you cannot get taller standoffs, then nothing would ever fit properly in the case (I/O panel, cards, etc).