Do Motherboards Come With Screws – Guide for PC Builders!

Do Motherboards Come With Screws? The short answer is that NO, motherboards don’t come with screws!

However, some boards include standoffs that either provide the option of using them if desired or replacing them with your own preferred mounting hardware.

Most motherboard manufacturers ship their products without screws as not everyone will want to use them, even though these standoffs are necessary.

A Summary:

1. A motherboard doesn’t come with mounting screws, but with your PC case
2. There are several other types of screws for your motherboard
3. You need a riser screw to help your computer function properly
4. M.2 screws are those that come with the motherboard
5. Cooling solution screws that help dissipate heat are supplied by its manufacturer since every cooling solution is different

Do Motherboards Come With Screws?

At first glance, It might seem odd that motherboards do not include screws since other pieces of computer hardware like CPUs and power supplies certainly do.

The truth is that different types of motherboard form factors use different methods of connecting to the case, which means they require a variety of different types of screw mounts.

Hence, a lot depends on the motherboard form factor, which determines the screws and their placement that will fit within the case.

Motherboard Form Factor

The motherboard form factor is defined by the physical dimensions (size), screw hole locations, and some major features such as CPU socket placement, memory slots, or other additional peripherals present on the PCB.

In general, there are two main form factors: ATX and MicroATX, and screws required to mount them on the case will be located at different places due to allowing them to adapt to the environment.

Generally, the ATX form factor uses a more standard layout of having screws for mounting with the motherboard.

On the other hand, MicroATX has two holes in the same location to support standoffs, but instead, it can also have four holes arranged in a square, which means that these types of motherboards can support either type of configuration.

The majority of cases will accept one or both formats, and you are able to mount your motherboard without any issues.

Why Are Screws Not Shipped With The Motherboard?

Motherboards are not shipped with the screws for several reasons. Firstly, not all cases support the same form factor, which means motherboard manufacturers have to leave space in their PCB so that they can be mounted properly in different types of cases.

Also, there is no strict standard as to what type of screw mount should be used, and motherboard manufacturers tend to have different preferences on this subject.

The bottom line is that if you want more flexibility in choosing the motherboard according to your needs, then it is just better not to ship it with the screws.

However, there are some extras which you can consider getting with your motherboard, and these includes

• The I/O backplate
• M.2 Screw
• Extra wires and cables

The Different Types Of Motherboard Screws

It is also worth noting that your motherboard might require different screws for different settings. Some of the usual motherboard screws include.

Riser Screw – Usually Comes With The Casing

A riser screw is a screw that attaches the motherboard to the case. They can either come as standard screws with cases or as an option from motherboard manufacturers.

The screws are usually short because of their placement (not near any large components) and are supplied in different sizes, usually M3 or M4.

Risers are small brass screws that look like hexagonal bolts with a male screw thread sticking out one end and a female screw thread in the other.

In order for them to fit into the case backplate, risers tend to stick out by 5-10mm, but it could also be as much as 30mm.

Using motherboard riser screws has a lot of benefits; one of the most important is that it helps you to mount your motherboard in such a way that helps prevent it from coming into contact with the metal of the case.

The other reason for using riser screws is that they allow you to route cables underneath the motherboard. This space improves airflow and provides a convenient place for your power cable.

The CPU is the hottest component in your computer. Most people forget that heat dissipation occurs in 3-dimensions, so heat isn’t just drawn out through the top of the CPU by a cooling solution.

Heat is also transferred underneath the CPU through a motherboard, so by creating a gap to let air circulate under it and removing extra heat with the help of riser screws, you’re also improving the performance and lifespan of your hardware.

M.2 Screws – Usually Comes With The Motherboard

M.2 screws is a small screw that is used for mounting M.2 Form factor SSD in the computer case.

New motherboards and cases both support an M.2 slot which allows you to screws and holds your Solid State Drive in place as well as secure it from moving or vibrating inside.

Most motherboards have holes pre-threaded for these screws, and they come attached to the correct size.

Also, the screws for mounting an M.2 are small, which is why they are easy to lose if care is not taken during installation. Once you have screwed in your M2 screw, check that it’s tightened securely into the motherboard.

Cooling Solution Motherboard Screws

Another special type of motherboard screw is that used for a cooling solution. Motherboards require the use of such screws to attach fans, a water cooling pump, and other similar components to prevent the PC from overheating.

These screws are usually supplied with the cooler and don’t come with either the casing or the motherboard.

Motherboards come with the ability to mount a cooling solution on the top of the CPU, and each solution has different screw types.

These screws are never supplied with motherboards and are always included with your cooling solution.

Conclusion

Above are some types of screws that come along with either the motherboard packaging or the CPU case.

These screws play a huge role in installing your board into its chassis and ensure proper connection between all the components inside your computer case.

Also, using the right screw for a specific job can save you from unnecessary hassles and issues in the long term, so make sure you have an idea of what type of screws does what.