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Now it is time to install the motherboard into the case. To do this you will need to install risers into the case. Figure 3-4 shows a riser.

Figure 3-4: A Motherboard Riser Screw

You will need to install risers to match the “holes” in the motherboard. These holes are usually silver circles, as seen in the bottom center of Figure 3-18 above.

You can see the holes in the case, where you will install the risers, in Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5: A Motherboard Riser Installed

Once you have installed all of the risers, you are almost ready to install the motherboard. The last step is to put the motherboard’s port cover into the case. Figure 3-6 shows the case’s and motherboard’s port cover.

Figure 3-6: The case Port Cover and the Motherboard Port Cover

As you can see the port “holes” are different on each cover. Simply “pop-out” the case’s port cover and push in the motherboard’s. There are no connectors on these, generally they just pop in and out. You will also have to bend back any metal brackets that are covering the holes. When you install the motherboard you will see the ports line up nicely, such as in Figure 3-7.

Figure 3-7: The Motherboard Installed

Once the motherboard lines up to the port “holes” you should attach all of the motherboard screws to the risers. This secures the motherboard in the case.

Now that the motherboard is secured in the case you must attach the power supply. There are usually two connectors that must be attached to the motherboard. The first is the 24-pin power connector, as seen in Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-8: The 24-pin power connector

Figure 3-9 shows the 24-pin power connector attached.

Figure 3-9: The 24-pin power connector attached

The 24-pin power connector is designed so that it cannot be installed backwards.

Next you will need to install the 4-pin power connector. This is seen in Figure 3-10.

Figure 3-10: Hook up the 4-pin Connector

Figure 3-10: Hook up the 4-pin Connector