Question Can a motherboard be accidentally damaged by bending or applying pressure on it ?

[TheHardWay]

Hello everyone.

I tried to upgrade my computer. I'm pretty new to all this hardware stuff.

When I was connecting my front panel to the motherboard, I noticed that there were no screws at one side of the mobo (it was hanging in the air). I applied some pressure on it to connect the cable (9-pin_USB2.0), which wasn't easy since I used an adapter (9-pin to 20-pin_F_USB3.0). I also tried to add the missing screws and tighten them. Then (in a few seconds) I realized it was a bad idea, because the mobo was bent. I did not think. Then I read that such bending could damage some components (PCB, microfractures, whatever) and it wouldn't even be visible/noticeable.

Here is the bending:

https://imgur.com/a/Fs1hNlD

https://imgur.com/a/g2GfK5R

The computer works fine, but I'm just a bit too worried.

The motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-D3H.

 

[JeffreyP55]

Hello everyone.

I tried to upgrade my computer. I'm pretty new to all this hardware stuff.

When I was connecting my front panel to the motherboard, I noticed that there were no screws at one side of the mobo (it was hanging in the air). I applied some pressure on it to connect the cable (9-pin_USB2.0), which wasn't easy since I used an adapter (9-pin to 20-pin_F_USB3.0). I also tried to add the missing screws and tighten them. Then I realized it was a bad idea, because the mobo was bent. I did not think. Then I read that such bending could damage some components (PCB, microfractures, whatever) and it wouldn't even be visible.

Here is the bending:

https://imgur.com/a/Fs1hNlD

https://imgur.com/a/g2GfK5R

The computer works fine, but I'm just a bit too worried.

The motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-D3H.

Standoff not screw. MB are multilayer. The bend is on the ground plane. Leave it alone or do it the right way.

 

[COLGeek]

You need to remove the motherboard and install the proper stand-offs/mounts and then reinstall the motherboard. Those mounts should have been included with the case parts kit.

 

[drea.drechsler]

Yes, definitely bending the board like that can cause damage. The most likely problem would be a fractured solder joint. It may not show up right away, but later on when surfaces in the fracture zone oxidize a bit and/or when temperature changes cause intermittent problems that are a PITA to isolate. The solder ball joints at BGA devices are especially prone to just this sort of problem.

And absolutely put a standoff with a screw in the location too. Making a solid ground connection through the screw is also good for reliable operation.

 

[TheHardWay]

Standoff not screw. MB are multilayer. The bend is on the ground plane. Leave it alone or do it the right way.

I'll leave it alone.

You need to remove the motherboard and install the proper stand-offs/mounts and then reinstall the motherboard. Those mounts should have been included with the case parts kit.

Thanks for the advice. I think that won't be necessary, I screwed up already.

Yes, definitely bending the board like that can cause damage. The most likely problem would be a fractured solder joint. It may not show up right away, but later on when surfaces in the fracture zone oxidize...

Is there any benchmark software that can detect such malfunction? I guess such problems are undetectable.
Can this cause data corruption on any hard drives / SSDs / MicroSDs connected to the motherboard? That bothers me more.

 

[JeffreyP55]

I'll leave it alone.

Thanks for the advice. I think that won't be necessary, I screwed up already.

Is there any benchmark software that can detect such malfunction? I guess such problems are undetectable.
Can this cause data corruption on any hard drives / SSDs / MicroSDs connected to the motherboard? That bothers me more.

You most likely will have to replace the motherboard.

 

[COLGeek]

You most likely will have to replace the motherboard.

If damaged, this is the only recourse.

I would suggest mounting properly and then running it a bit before declaring defective. You may actually be okay.

 

[TheHardWay]

I would suggest mounting properly and then running it a bit before declaring defective. You may actually be okay.

Isn't it mounted properly? I bought a prebuilt PC. They didn't mount the mobo properly, did they?

 

[COLGeek]

Isn't it mounted properly? I bought a prebuilt PC. They didn't mount the mobo properly?

No, it isn't mounted properly if there are missing mounts (stand-offs).

 

[drea.drechsler]

I'll leave it alone.

Thanks for the advice. I think that won't be necessary, I screwed up already.

Is there any benchmark software that can detect such malfunction? I guess such problems are undetectable.
Can this cause data corruption on any hard drives / SSDs / MicroSDs connected to the motherboard? That bothers me more.

It is potentially detectable as a problem, you just won't know it to be the problem as such. It all depends on the location of the cracked joint. It might be as simple as it won't boot up until you pick up a corner of the case an inch or so and then drop it to make a (sort of) reliable connection again. I have known people to operate like that thinking it's just fine.

It's extremely unlikely for a benchmark to detect such a problem, as such. Only if it results in sub-standard performance from something like single channel memory operation if the CPU fails to detect both channels due to a cracked solder joint.

And an intermittent due to cracked joint can absolutely, positively, cause data corruption .

 

[COLGeek]

I bought a prebuilt PC.

Is this a recent purchase?

This is an ancient (relatively) system and was a poor performer when new.

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-F2A68HM-D3H-rev-10

 

[drea.drechsler]

Isn't it mounted properly? I bought a prebuilt PC. They didn't mount the mobo properly, did they?

Pre-builts are frequently thrown together in garage shops by the dozens using child labor in countries with low HDI's. It's sometimes a miracle it even works after unboxing.

 

[JeffreyP55]

Tough lesson to learn. One you will probably never forger. Standoffs are needed at all points for clearance of any grounding issues. Also keeping the board at the correct height to plug-in 3rd party cards.

 

[TheHardWay]

Is this a recent purchase?

This is an ancient (relatively) system and was a poor performer when new.
https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-F2A68HM-D3H-rev-10

Yes, three months or so.
That's because the computer was inexpensive. The processor (AMD A8-7600) is also an ancient one (relatively).

 

[COLGeek]

Yes, three months or so.
That's because the computer was inexpensive. The processor (AMD A8-7600) is also an ancient one (relatively).

What operating system are you using with this relic?

 

[TheHardWay]

What operating system are you using with this relic?

Windows 10 Pro x64 22H2

 

[SkyNetRising]

You need to remove the motherboard and install the proper stand-offs/mounts and then reinstall the motherboard.

I think that won't be necessary, I screwed up already.

You'll still have to do that.

Standoffs Amazon

You could also cannibalize some old pc case and get standoffs from it, to fill missing spots for your motherboard.

 

[drea.drechsler]

Windows 10 Pro x64 22H2

You are aware it's going unsupported in a few months aren't you?

All it means is you have more problems coming: one is to find one of the "hack" methods to force install Windows 11. You could also opt to pay an annual fee for security "updates"; not sure what that means, probably just continued Defender anti-virus definition updates.

 

[JeffreyP55]

Windows 10 Pro x64 22H2

Windows 10, version 22H2 end of support date updated​

As documented on the Windows 10 Enterprise and Education and Windows 10 Home and Pro lifecycle pages, Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10. The following editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date:

• Home
• Pro
• Pro Education
• Pro for Workstations
• Education
• Enterprise
• Enterprise multi-session

 

[TheHardWay]

You are aware it's going unsupported in a few months aren't you?

All it means is you have more problems coming: one is to find one of the "hack" methods to force install Windows 11. You could also opt to pay an annual fee for security "updates"; not sure what that means, probably just continued Defender anti-virus definition updates.

Yes, I'm aware. Thanks. So what? That's not an issue.
You'll be surprised. I have an old computer (Pentium G3450, 4 Gb RAM) running Windows 7 (I installed it about 10 years ago) and I still use it (I'm using it right now). Nothing bad has happened. I've never kept any system up-to-date (since Windows XP).
Let's say my budget is strictly limited. I cannot afford many things...

 

[chaz_music]

Hello everyone.

I tried to upgrade my computer. I'm pretty new to all this hardware stuff.

When I was connecting my front panel to the motherboard, I noticed that there were no screws at one side of the mobo (it was hanging in the air). I applied some pressure on it to connect the cable (9-pin_USB2.0), which wasn't easy since I used an adapter (9-pin to 20-pin_F_USB3.0). I also tried to add the missing screws and tighten them. Then (in a few seconds) I realized it was a bad idea, because the mobo was bent. I did not think. Then I read that such bending could damage some components (PCB, microfractures, whatever) and it wouldn't even be visible/noticeable.

Here is the bending:

https://imgur.com/a/Fs1hNlD

https://imgur.com/a/g2GfK5R

The computer works fine, but I'm just a bit too worried.

The motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-D3H.

That is probably not enough flexing to damage a well made board. But if the MB vendor has a manufacturing issue (poor solder process), you could crack some of the poorly done solder joints on the surface mount components. If you hear lots of creaking and cracking - that is bad.

I would be concerned about why the motherboard is sitting so far up and not in contact with that outside mount. It would be wise to unscrew and lift up the motherboard (I know it is a pain) and make sure you don't have a standoff with the wrong height. An alternative that I have used before is to cut a nylon standoff and use that by the location that is lifted up to al least give it support. But that can be more work.

If you do take the motherboard back up, make sure you use good ESD practices. Use an ESD wrist strap, and place the motherboard back onto the ESD bag that came with it. When you go back to later to pick the MB back up, touch the bag first to equalize your charge with the MB and ESD bag. The bag has surface resistance that allows the static charge voltage to slowly spread around, and not stress anything on the PCB. You and the bag make up a huge RC system. You are the C, and the bag is the R.

BTW: I saw your comment on old PCs, and I have many old PCs that I use, including some old WXP machines for interfacing lab equipment. Just don't go onto the Internet with them! My WXP/Vista/W7 machines are now on an airgapped network for safety - no connection to the outside world.

 

[TheHardWay]

Is that what I need?

https://imgur.com/zw855G1

I read the motherboard User's Manual. It said nothing about bending:

https://imgur.com/Q9N4k4U

I contacted Gigabyte eSupport, asked the same question. They said such bending was not enough to damage the mobo. Maybe they just didn't want me to worry.

BTW: I saw your comment on old PCs, and I have many old PCs that I use, including some old WXP machines for interfacing lab equipment. Just don't go onto the Internet with them! My WXP/Vista/W7 machines are now on an airgapped network for safety - no connection to the outside world.

Why shouldn't I? Because an old system is vulnerable or what? I've been doing it for years with no problems at all.

 

[chaz_music]

With old operating systems, over time hackers learn to overcome unpatched vulnerabilities when the makers stop providing updates. A typical Windows XP machine is compromised in under 10 seconds connected to the Internet now. Windows Vista and 7 are getting there but they require hitting a rogue website, as I understand it. Literally just going to see a website can cause those systems to get hacked and then you are in trouble. As a minimum after that, your old PC becomes a part of a bot net, and becoming a part of the same bot nets that infected your system. But you are in danger too because they can see what you are doing and what data you passing and saving. So they see passwords, financial data, government ID (SSN in the US), and more. The most insidious ones can get into your BIOS, so the hard drive or SSD is not what is holding the virus anymore.

The mount hardware that you showed looks about right. I have a ton of those that I have accumulated over the years, so it is easy to get mixed sizes and heights, so be careful that they are the same height, for sure.

On the board flexing issue, it is common for minor flexing to occur even at the manufacturing plant. I don't think flex a PCB by 2-3 cm / 1" is going to cause damage if the board manufacturer has good processes. Don't flex it over and over and over though. In the engineering world, we call that kind of thing accelerated life testing. Tempting fate.

Gigabyte is pretty reliable vendor, so I would expect the soldering to be pretty good. As long as you system seems to be running ok, I would not worry about it. If you really want to verify thing, look at the circuits in that area and figure out how to exercise them. Like run the audio system if the audio codex is in that PCB area, etc. But you really do want to support the motherboard at all the mount points.

 

[Misgar]

Don't flex it over and over and over though. In the engineering world, we call that kind of thing accelerated life testing.

Agreed. I remember testing circuit boards with unsupported vertically mounted electrolytics on a large scale industrial vibration table. It was fascinating watching the capacitors "waving around in the breeze" using a strobe light to freeze motion. Eventually the capacitors broke and fell off the board. It wasn't one of our products and we requested a redesign.

Whatever you do, don't flex the board with the mains supply connected. Even in standby, the +5VSB like is still active and you might short out the underside of the board to chassis, killing some components in the process.

 

[TheHardWay]

When I plug a USB flash drive into the front panel, it doesn't show up at all sometimes. The flash drive is OK. My PC just does not see it. This started to happen right after the purchase. I think this is a hardware issue. Is it the front panel or the mobo?

Here is my case:

https://imgur.com/AvzBMYq

The CardReader 2.0 wasn't connected to the mobo (because all 2.0 slots were occupied). I plugged it myself using an adapter.