Can you use regular steel screws to install motherboard?

[Evan007]

Hello, Can you use regular steel screws to install the motherboard? I thought you could but there is a warning in my motherboard manual saying that no metal components should be placed on the motherboard that may cause a short circuit of the board.

 

[Gam3r01]

It is recommended to use the included screws to install the components.
You could use other standard sized screws and get the same results, but make sure they are the same size so you dont strip or short anything.

 

[Ubrales]

Yes you can use steel screws to fasten the motherboard. However, brass screws are better because brass will not rust; steel will. Rusted screws will be hard to remove later. From this standpoint I recommend brass (usually nickel plated) screws.

 

[SkyBill40]

I'd only suggest using screws designed for motherboard installations that came with the case. Should you not have any, a computer hardware store should carry them. Using anything else puts you at risk for shorting.

 

[Gam3r01]

I believe I am using painted steel screws provided by asus in my system, they could be other painted metalic though.

 

[jitpublisher]

That means literally what it says, don't lay anything metal on the motherboard.
Its not pertaining to the fasteners or screws.

 

[Evan007]

Thanks for the quick responses! Right now im just trying to get the machine to boot up so ill stick with the steel screws. will switch out later.

I would have used the screws that the case intended me to use but they were left out of the package :/

 

[SkyBill40]

If you have some, just as "insurance", use some rubber o-rings to buffer between the board and the bare screw. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Ubrales]

Using spacers (O Rings) will change the elevation of the motherboard with respect to the case. This will alter the spacing and the fit-up of the RF shield at the back of the case.

 

[SkyBill40]

I doubt the change in spacing would be significant enough to alter the fitment that much. If they were only used on the top side and not both sides, I would think they'd be okay for the short term (as clearly that's all he's interested in at this point). It was only a suggestion to help prevent any chance at shorting, nothing more.