Motherboard grounding issue

[cletus_cassidy]

I just purchased an Asus P5B Deluxe Wi/Fi motherboard for a new build to install in an Apevia X-Pleasure case. However, when I installed the motherboard on the provided brass standoffs inside the case, the PC would not post at all. However, when I run the motherboard outside of the case it boots just fine, so it is apparently grounding at some point inside the case but I have not been able to figure out where.

I tried adding putting electrical tape around each of the standoffs, but the motherboard still wouldn't post when installed inside the case. My ultimate "workaround" was to make a cardboard cut-out of the motherboard, and to insert the cut-out between the case and the motherboard (on top of the standoffs). As you might imagine, I'm a bit concerned about leaving a piece of cardboard inside the PC as a long-term solution. Does anyone have any other ideas for working around this?

Thanks.

[staffsMike]

Try it with the minimum number of stand off's you can get away with and vary them perhaps.

Are you using the correct screws?

You can buy motherboard trays for pc's (to replace the cardboard)

I'd check the first couple of things first though.

[cletus_cassidy]

Thanks for replying.

I am using the screws the case manufacturer provided for the motherboard. Are there less conductive screws I could pick up somewhere?

Any recommendation as to which motherboard tray to use?

[DougMcDonald]

I had no problems with the screws out of the box on my P5B.

I did encounter this problem years ago on an old board when i put a new on in the case without ensuring all the old screws were out. One was in there but not being used and as a result it was sitting there shorting something underneath.

I know it's an obvious suggestion and you've probably made sure there are no redundant screws, but it could be worth checking.

[staffsMike]

I can't find a specific one but i've build PC's with them in the past. Is essentially just a custom piece of acrylic/plastic etc.. You could make one no problem but it might cause hieght issues with pci cards.

Best way is to find out whats causing the short.

You can always try these

http://www.stuff-uk.net/?s=ST-STANDOFF2

[cletus_cassidy]

Does the type of screw make a difference?

[SuicidaL]

or try these on either side of the mb

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...shers&doy=11m6

[Clunk]

Its more often than not, the I/O shield that causes a short. Take out the shield and clip off any of those sharp bendy bits that they like to leave on there.

If the board isnt insulated round the screw holes, you should rma it.

[Jazzforce]

These i/o shields are getting worse all the time with the extra tabs and such.

I'm curious if that's what it was.

[cletus_cassidy]

The board is not insulated around the screw holes, but I bought some paper washers and will give them a try. I will also try to clean up the I/O shield, although I tried it without the shield being in there and it did not work.

[kalniel]

If the board isnt insulated round the screw holes, you should rma it.

Don't you actually *want* the motherboard to ground at those points? I thought they deliberately conduct to provide a better earth. It's if it grounds somewhere other than those points that you get a problem.

[Clunk]

The I/O shields do alledgedly provide a grounding point, but they (the manufacturer) also cut the metal the wrong way, so that you end up with shards sticking into/obscuring the sockets.

The boards work fine when they are out of a case, so clearly, the I/O shield ground isnt needed is it?

I usually end up cutting them off.

[cletus_cassidy]

Do you see any problems with using the cardboard cutout under the board for a short while? The board doesn't seem to get all that hot underneath.

[Clunk]

I wouldnt do that myself. Something is really wrong, if you are sure it is the board, then you should return it.

[cletus_cassidy]

Thanks. I guess I'll try the paper washers and plastic standoffs first, but if that doesn't work I will RMA.

[nvening]

tbh, you shouldnt have to use washers so something is obviously up with something, and if youve been through everything else then its probably the mobo

you dont know what else is wrong with it so best it rma it imho