Installing Mobo

T

TigersEye

New Member
Just curious which is better: to install the mobo into the case first or install the CPU and heatsink before putting it into the case?
 
It's personal preference, but I always install motherboard first and then install cpu/heatsink.
 
Toss up. Depends on the case and cooler. I always put the CPU in before installing the board. If its a big cooler and covers any motherboard screws, you have to put in the board first. If not, just which ever is your personal preference.
 
Last edited:
As above its personal preference, I find it much easier to install the CPU, cooler and RAM first onto the motherboard then motherboard into case
 
I agree: Do it OUTSIDE the case.

Another reason is I like to have the mobo out on a table so can access it from all sides, to apply CAREFULLY the thermal paste to the CPU and make sure the HSF is seated on said paste and attached properly. Even if the HSF comes with its own paste/wax compound (as most do), I remove it (since it's an unknown compound) and as I prefer to know FOR SURE what my thermal paste is, so I always remove what comes with it and apply what I use -- Arctic Silver. All that's harder to do with the mobo already inside the case.

While it's out, I also install the RAM...
 
Last edited:
Since both side covers come off my new case, i put the mother board in first then the other stuff, its easier to put screws in and the board sometimes needs to be wiggled into place to get all the screws to match up, plus my cpu heatsink is very large and is easier to put in after the board. Both its diffrent for each person as some people have small heatsinks and some cases have only one side that comes off and if you need to get to the back of the motherboard then you would put everything on the board first then in your case.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top