The first step to installing our motherboard is to remove the standard I/O
core shield that shipped with our case and replace it with the custom shield
that matches the motherboard I/O core. Some standard I/O shields are actually
stamped out of the same metal as the back of the case, as in our Chapter
5 build. This standard I/O shield is a separate piece held in place by spring
force of the folded metal strips along the edges of the shield. A screwdriver
serves to help compress the spring along one edge, after which the shield
can be pushed down into the case.
Figure 24: Removing the standard I/O shield
The custom I/O shield is now installed in the opening from the inside of
the case. The symbols identifying the I/O ports face the outside of the case,
and any grounding or positioning tabs above the port holes face the inside
of the case. The two round port holes for the keyboard and the mouse go next
to the power supply. The I/O shield is simply pressed into the opening, where
spring force keeps it in place.
Figure 25: Installing the custom I/O shield
Some cases ship with a number of brass standoffs preinstalled in standard
mounting positions, but this doesn't mean they will line up with the holes
in your motherboard. Place the motherboard next to the case, and install
standoffs in the predrilled holes in the case where it looks like they'll
match holes in the motherboard. Count all of the installed standoffs, but
do not tighten them at this point.
Figure 26: Screwing standoffs into the motherboard by hand
Next we test fit the motherboard in the case, lowering it down onto the standoffs
with two hands and then easing towards the back of the case until the I/O
core is in position through the I/O shield. To avoid dragging the motherboard
on the standoffs during this operation, I usually lift a little on one of
the white PCI slots and on the motherboard edge towards the front of the
case. Now inspect the solder ringed holes in the motherboard and make sure
there's a brass standoff under each. If you have trouble determining this,
shining a flashlight through the holes or under the motherboard can help.
Figure 27: Fitting the motherboard in the case
Next, remove the motherboard again, take out any standoffs that didn't align
with holes, then tighten the remaining standoffs. You can use a nut driver,
socket, adjustable wrench or even pliers, just make sure you don't create
any brass splinters, or clean them up if you do. A fraction of a turn is
all it takes to tighten a standoff. Count the standoffs, reinstall the
motherboard, and install a screw in each ringed hole. If the screw count
doesn't match the standoff count, you're going to have to remove the motherboard
again and recount.
Figure 28: Tightening the motherboard screws
Double check that the I/O core is fully engaged through the I/O shield, and
that none the metal tabs have been folded over any port openings. The I/O
core of this Intel D925XCV motherboard includes all the standard I/O ports,
plus a Gigabit Ethernet port, four USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port, optical
and coax S/PDIF ports. Five audio out ports are present for the integrated
eight channel (7.1) sound.
Figure 29: Fully engaged I/O core
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