How much can a motherboard flex?

[N_L_F 919]

Hey guys I have another noob question for ya. Last weekend I was putting together a new rig with a new Asus board. Everything went good but after everything was in the case and screwed down I realize I forgot to connect the wireless module the comes with the z77 Asus boards. After taking out all the screws I grab the board near the data ports and pull up to take it out of the case but it was flexing about a half inch until I realized I didn't remove the middle screw. My question is did that damage the internal traces on the board? Can they flex like that safely?

 

[cklaubur]

At this point, it's a 50-50 shot. Any damage is going to be hard to see without magnification.

That being said, I have seen a motherboard that had a noticeable bend (it had a heavy cooler installed on it) and still worked, so I think you may be alright.

Casey

 

[CaedenV]

While I would not make a habit of doing that, a normal ATX board can move a good 1/2 inch or more before sustaining damage... an mATX may not be so happy with it though.

Still, I would hook everything up and see if it is still happy. More likely than not then you are probably fine unless you heard some horrible creeking or cracking sounds.

All the same, if it does not work when you put it together again I would probably not mention it to the ASUS support... I would just play dumb and say 'I put it together and it didn't work' and they would give you a new one on RMA.

 

[Ubrales]

The fact that it flexed and didn't break is a good sign. PC boards are tough and the traces and soldered components have quite a bit of flexibility. Go ahead and put it back together.

 

[N_L_F 919]

OK yeah I put everything back together and it works. I've play a couple hours of bf4 on it I'm just a bit worried that I did damage that cannot be seen just yet or shorting motherboards life

 

[N_L_F 919]

I have noticed Asus boards are sturdy and a half inch of travel is about all the flex it will do but while I didn't hear any noises, I know the traces on the bottom are made of copper and as the board is bent up is only seems logical that the traces sort of stretch. If the board worms should I worry about hidden damage or life shortage? I appreciate the help guys

 

[cklaubur]

As long as you don't put the motherboard through that regularly, you'll probably replace it during an upgrade before it dies. Asus boards are very reliable. I used to have an A7N8X-Deluxe during the AMD Athlon XP days.

Casey

 

[CaedenV]

I have noticed Asus boards are sturdy and a half inch of travel is about all the flex it will do but while I didn't hear any noises, I know the traces on the bottom are made of copper and as the board is bent up is only seems logical that the traces sort of stretch. If the board worms should I worry about hidden damage or life shortage? I appreciate the help guys

I have bent many a board as you described, and never had one of them fail. Maybe I am just lucky, but I think that PCB materials are simply pliable enough to handle that on occasion.

Doing it regularly would be a whole different issue, but I think you learned your lesson and will think twice before removing your motherboard again 😉