On my I/O shield that came with my Abit IP35-Pro mobo, there pieces of metal over most of the holes that would block any connection. I was thinking when I put the mobo in, it would somehow resolve itself. Doens't appear so.

Do I just break all these little pieces off so there can actually be connections?

Yup, break any metal off that cover the connections. The I/O shield is common to many mobos and some don't have all of the connections, so they are covered.

can I make a comment about this?

Feel free.

ok.

Come on David C. Dont be afraid to try stuff!!! This is not the kind of thing you should second guess yourself on.

To be blunt, if you are worried about pulling the blanks out, then you may not be ready to enter the enthusiast world.

Perhaps I am reading into things a bit much, but seriously, no need to be so timid.

I gave you the go ahead for that? That wasn't nice. Everyone has to start somewhere.

^ true,but sometimes people need to just use common sense.



Guy: "Gee, i wonder what to do with this metal covering my ports, must be a defect, i guess i'll go RMA it."

ok maybe not to that extent, but come on. its not exactly quantum physics.

Qantum physics I understand. Covering ports in a metal plate that's sole purpose is to create those very ports, didn't make much sense.

Don't let'em get to you.