Most computers and electrical gadgets include a motherboard, a printed circuit board that is their central part. It’s the backbone of any computer system and is responsible for connecting all of the components together. One of the most critical aspects of installing a motherboard is ensuring that it is securely fastened in the computer case. To do this, many computer cases use screws specifically designed to hold the motherboard in place. Maybe this is why many users often ask whether they need to buy screws separately. 

It’s a common question, and the answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss do motherboards come with screws needed to secure them in a computer case, the types of screws that might be included in your purchase, and how to use them. We’ll also cover what you should do if you need to purchase screws separately. We will look at the various types of screws typically used and any other hardware that may be required to secure the motherboard. Be with me until the post’s end to get the answer.


Key Takeaways

  • Motherboards have screws in the box to mount the M.2 SSD but not the ones to secure themselves. 
  • The screw-like standoffs are used to secure the motherboard that usually comes with the PC case. 

Do motherboards come with screws?

Motherboards do come with screws, but those aren’t used to hold or secure the motherboard inside the PC case. Instead, most of the brand-new motherboards with those tiny screws are required to attach your M.2 SSDs to the motherboard. Therefore, even though some motherboards come with screws, those screws aren’t used to secure the motherboard to the computer.M.2 drives, a compact kind of SSD drive, are supported by newer motherboards.

Motherboards typically do not come with screws to hold them since they are typically installed into a computer case using standoffs, which are small cylindrical pieces of metal that raise the motherboard off of the case and prevent it from touching the metal. These standoffs are usually included with the case and are screwed into the threads that are located on the inside of the case. Some cases may come with the screws to mount the motherboard, but it’s not guaranteed. 

It is a good idea to check the documentation with your case to see if screws are included or if you need to purchase them separately. To secure a motherboard, screws are used. The type of screw needed depends on the type of motherboard being installed. It is also worth noting that there are special screws that are used to hold the expansion cards, such as the graphics card, in place, which may come with the expansion card or be included with the case. 

What screws secure a motherboard?

For most motherboards, the standard screws used are M3 standoffs. These consist of two components: the screw and the standoff. The screw is a standard Phillips head screw with a 3mm thread pitch, while the standoff is a cylindrical metal tube with a female thread. These are designed to fit together and secure the motherboard. 

In addition to M3 standoffs, some motherboards may require additional screws, such as hexagonal or captive screws, depending on their design. Hexagonal screws are usually provided with the motherboard and have a slightly wider thread than the M3 screws. On the other hand, Captive screws, also known as thumb screws, have an integrated washer that prevents them from becoming loose over time.

Remember, when installing a motherboard, it is essential to ensure all screws are securely tightened, but not too tightly, as this could damage the board. When using additional screws, such as hexagonal or captive screws, it is crucial to ensure that the threaded holes line up correctly to prevent them from stripping. Unsecure board fitting can cause severe damage to the motherboard and other components in your PC.

How many screws are needed for motherboard?

The number of screws needed to secure a motherboard will depend on the specific type and size of the board. Generally, a standard ATX motherboard requires 8-9 screws to be secured appropriately. However, this number can vary depending on the size and shape of the board. For example, an ITX motherboard may require fewer screws, while a larger E-ATX board may require up to 12 screws.

In addition to the number of screws required to secure a motherboard, you’ll also need to use standoffs. These are threaded spacers used between the motherboard and the computer case to prevent electrical interference. Typically, the standoffs will match the number of screws used to secure the motherboard. In addition, when installing a new motherboard, it’s essential to double-check that all the screws and standoffs are in place before powering up the system. 

Conclusion

This post tells us that the motherboards come with screws to secure the M.2 SSD but not the ones to secure the motherboard itself. A motherboard is installed into the computer case using standoffs, which are small cylindrical pieces of metal that raise the motherboard off of the case and prevent it from touching the metal. These standoffs are usually included with the computer case, not the motherboard’s box, and are screwed into the threads inside the case. Some cases may include the screws to mount the motherboard, but this is not always the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are M.2 SSD screws?

Once connected to the M.2 slots, M.2 SSDs must be screwed into the motherboard.

As illustrated above, a typical M.2 slot on the motherboard contains many holes for different-sized SSDs. M.2 SSDs come in a variety of sizes. The M.2 SSD screws are included with the motherboard.

Are the screws on the motherboard in the same place?

No, The form factor of the motherboard determines where the screws go on a certain motherboard. For instance, the screw locations on all ATX motherboards are identical. However, they change when compared to Mini ITX motherboards. As a result, you must ensure that the standoffs in the Case are appropriately positioned about your motherboard.

Zohaib Hassan
Zohaib Hassan is a staunch tech enthusiast and has been writing about his interactions with computers for years. He has been serving the UpdatedPC as a content manager along with experimenting and testing numerous tech masterpieces. Indeed, he often forgets about eating his spicy snacks when has his head on the computer screen.