Preparing the PC Case

If your case came with instructions then make sure you read it so you know how to open the case to enable you to access the inside of the computer case. Most cases have side panels secured with one to four screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Some cases you have to remove the top and the sides as one unit, some other cases after you remove the screw or screws you just have to slide backwards the side panel. Once you figure out and open the side panel you can now have access to the inside of the case.

You got your computer case open; take some time to go through the screws supplied with the case. Usually the screws are in a small plastic bag or a small cardboard box inside the case. There are different screws for different installations. You should find some

• Chassis screws: These are the type used to tighten down cards like the Video or Graphics Card, Sound Card, etc.


• Smaller screws: They look like the chassis screws, but with a smaller diameter. They are used to fasten the motherboard to the standoff screws in the case.


• Standoff Screws: These screws are used to help secure the motherboard about 1/8" from the base plate. (See photo on the right.)


• Washers: These are small paper like washers, used them to cushion the screws onto the motherboard. Some motherboards have silver metal plates around the holes to prevent the screws from causing a short circuit on the motherboard which means you will not be using the paper washers.

OK, before we move on to the next step there are a few things that have to be done.

• Clean Case: Make sure you're the computer case you are using if it is a used one is clean. It is most likely that the used computer case needs cleaning. Clean both inside and out the case which you can do with a rag and compressed air. If your case is empty at this point you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck out all the dirt in corners but only is your case is empty with no components in there. Make sure PSU (Power Supply Unit) is free of any dust.


• Install Feet: Your case will come with some inserts to install at the bottom of the case so it can stand on. If you have one of these fancy cases then maybe you don't need to but you will know it your case needs it when you see the inserts or feet.


• Free Up the Drive Bays: If your case is brand new you will notice the drive bay is sealed with a metal plate. Please don't cut yourself when removing it as the edges are sharp enough to give you a nasty cut. Free up the number of drive bays you will need. If you just have a CD/DVD drive then you just need one free drive bay. If your case hasn't got those metal plates then you might just have to remove a plastic covering.


• Replace I/O Shield: When you were unpacking your motherboard you should have found a metal template for the I/O ports on the back of the motherboard. This I/O Shield looks like a piece of metal with punched out holes and shapes. You need to remove the one that came with your computer case and replace it with the one that came with your motherboard.
  
  This I/O Shield allows the connections on your motherboard like USB, Video, Mouse, Audio ports to be aligned for easy access. Some of the ports will be protruding from the I/O Shield. Just push the new shield from the inside of the computer case.