Ok, now it's time to locate the mainboard(or motherboard) to the case tray, or motherboard tray of the Antec SX-1030 case used in this example. From previous activities, the PSU has already been mounted, and secured, and the main harness secured out of the way.

The mounting studs that the motherboard will be secured to have already been placed and tightened in a previous activity, the Case Preparations and Power Supply Considerations section. Be sure to support the motherboard by the CPU/HSF area, as it will now be the heaviest part of the board, and the you want to avoid any unecessary flex on the board.

Angle the board in diagonally, and align the mouse/keyboard/port area witht the cutouts on the back of the case. Take special note of the metal tensioners that are on the cutouts, to see to it that none of them are protruding vertically into the side of the motherboard.

Once you are satisfied with you have the board placed, check the alignment of your studs in relation to your stud holes. The Antec SX-1030 requires that the motherboard be slightly against the tensioners in order to properly align the stud holes. This pressure is applied again, from the CPU/HSF area, and a hex head screw is placed in each corener of the board to hold it's position. The screws are tightened only about 75%, to allow clearance in the installation of the other motherboard anchor screws. Proceed to apply the remaining motherboard anchor bolts for each mounting hole that you have placed a stud for.

 

In the picture here, we have removed the components for clarity, to allow you to see the anchors used to secure the motherboard to the case tray.

My choices for the anchors is based upon the following;

  • Back Top - Required for support of heaviest area of board
  • Back Bottom - Support for the AGP and PCI cards.
  • Top right - For support of DIMMS, and corner support
  • Middle Right - For support of DIMMS/IDE Ports
  • Bottom Right (behind BBT logo) - for corner support
Unless you are building for an Antec case, your motherboard layout is likely to be different. You will need to study it, and your motherboard to determine the best fit, and combination of anchors.


Previous Article Links

  • Should I build, or should I buy?
  • Setting an Inventory and Ordering it All
  • Setting up the Work Area
  • Having the right tools for the job
  • Forming an "Order of Battle"
  • Arranging your parts, and getting started!
  • Case Preparation and Power Supply considerations
  • Main Board Preparation
  • Cpu Alignment and Mounting
  • Thermal Paste Application
  • HSF Alignment and Mounting

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