Case Grounding out Motherboard

[Zorba]

I am building a new computer for my brother, but it seems that the case I bought is grounding out the motherboard. Everything work well outside of the case, but the computer will only spin up the fans with the motherboard inside the case.

So to fix the problem I placed the pink foam that came with the motherboard under it, and over the case stand-offs. It seems to have fixed the problem, but I was wondering if this could case future problems.

The case is an Apex SQ-328
Motherboard is a Biostar TForce 6100 MicroATX

What do you guys htink about leaving the foam under the board?

 

[bruceb]

Better to use Nylon Washers under the standoffs ... readily available almost any hardware
or electronics store will have them

 

[lenjack]

You shouldn't need to do this. I suspect that there is a standoff where there shouldn't be one, that is touching the mobo. Standoffs should align with mobo mounting holes only.

 

[tropic]

Originally posted by: lenjack
I suspect that there is a standoff where there shouldn't be one...

Ditto. I've been building systems for a while, so imagine my embarassment last week when I RMA'd a motherboard and noticed the next day that I'd put an extra standoff in there right under the rear-panel USB ports.

 

[Jiggz]

The foam under the mobo poses no present or future problem. But the technically sound fix is of course the use of nylon standoffs or verifying to make sure no extra standoffs is causing the short.

 

[Zorba]

Originally posted by: tropic

Originally posted by: lenjack
I suspect that there is a standoff where there shouldn't be one...

Ditto. I've been building systems for a while, so imagine my embarassment last week when I RMA'd a motherboard and noticed the next day that I'd put an extra standoff in there right under the rear-panel USB ports.

Well there are no Standoff were there shouldn't be, I did check that out. That was my first thought when I realized it was a grounding issue, but no loose screws, misplaced standoffs, etc. I will try out the nylon washers tomorrow and see how that works out.

 

[pkme2]

My Asus mobo manual said not to insert anything between the motherboard holes and mounting screws; no spacers, no washers, no nothing.
Each mobo has a certain ridge around hole that must contact screw head upon fastening.

My LLs has slide out mobo boards which means easy mounting outside of cases. I check mobo install and then slide tray into case.

One can check manual and read mounting instructions, this can make or break a situation. This is the time to read instructions.
I hope there is another reason for your mobo board not working and something minor. I just hope the mobo doesn't have a shorting problem.

 

[pkme2]

Just checked on another mobo. It came with washers, must be an older version.
Haven't seen that for such a long time.
Still the cautions are still there, like don't over tighten screws or you got problems.
Who's going to do that? Not me! or I wish. Those who use power screwdrivers, beware!
Just having fun with you......

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, Washers haven't been necessary for man years. Design of MB places grounded rings around each mounting hole. Makes no difference whether there are washers or not. Something else was contacting the board and causing the problem. Maybe a standoff at a hole that is not really a mounting hole? Luck, Jim