First PC Build

[Neostarwcc]

So I was building my first PC today, and unfortunately, I’m at a standstill. One of the screws in the motherboard is stuck in a standoff, and I think I’m done for today. I should’ve stopped when my PC guy told me to, but I figured I was about done, so I kept going. Additionally, I cannot get the USB3 cable out. Can I just leave it as is? (PICTURE)

Holy smokes that's an old computer. I haven't worked on that stuff in years. Well at least the Power Supply and mobo are old at any rate you mentioning USB 3.0 isn't super old. Umm, like was stated that isn't really going to be an issue until you take the mobo out. It sounds like the screw you were trying to use was stripped and you stripped it even more when you tried to force the screw in. You can't do that. But, your computer will be fine. When I was younger I never screwed in the mobo at all except for one-two screws and it worked fine for years. They only have eight screws in the mobo for safety to keep the mobo securely in there because you don't want it rattling around all over.

If you can't get the USB cable out it isn't going to do anything unless you want to use that slot for something else like a flash drive or something. It wouldn't damage any components in the computer.

 

[TenthAveN]

So update, talked to my pc guy, who’s kinda talking me through this. He says I should not use the computer as is, and to remove the mobo. I have spare screws and standoffs so I’m thinking I’ll replace both. He said I need to take a flathead and short the power pins.

 

[Halbhh]

So I was building my first PC today, and unfortunately, I’m at a standstill. One of the screws in the motherboard is stuck in a standoff, and I think I’m done for today. I should’ve stopped when my PC guy told me to, but I figured I was about done, so I kept going. Additionally, I cannot get the USB3 cable out. Can I just leave it as is? (PICTURE)

If a screw was stuck in a standoff, I'd just leave it be, and likely it won't ever matter, unless you like to rebuild really often. also, if the motherboard died one day (doesn't happen often, but I've had at least one that did if I recall), then you could (in that future situation if it ever happened) use more force to unscrew in a risky way you would not want to do with a good new MB.

 

[Wookiee]

For what it's worth, ESDs aren't super necessities and unless you're walking around in socks, flannels, and/or something that causes a butt tonne of static to generate, you're unlikely to do anything bad. As long as you're grounded by skin contact to the case (or something metal), you'll generally be fine.

So update, talked to my pc guy, who’s kinda talking me through this. He says I should not use the computer as is, and to remove the mobo. I have spare screws and standoffs so I’m thinking I’ll replace both. He said I need to take a flathead and short the power pins.

If you haven't actually plugged in the power supply into power, you probably don't need to do this if you're going to pull it apart. What he's telling you to do triggers the board to turn on or off as if you're pressing the power button on the case.

That said, if you're seeking advice from someone you trust with this sort of stuff, I'd probably just deal directly with him than get a heap of different opinions on the Internet*

*(and never ever ask the Internet about thermal paste, because every single answer will be both right and wrong).

 

[TenthAveN]

For what it's worth, ESDs aren't super necessities and unless you're walking around in socks, flannels, and/or something that causes a butt tonne of static to generate, you're unlikely to do anything bad. As long as you're grounded by skin contact to the case (or something metal), you'll generally be fine.



If you haven't actually plugged in the power supply into power, you probably don't need to do this if you're going to pull it apart. What he's telling you to do triggers the board to turn on or off as if you're pressing the power button on the case.

That said, if you're seeking advice from someone you trust with this sort of stuff, I'd probably just deal directly with him than get a heap of different opinions on the Internet*

*(and never ever ask the Internet about thermal paste, because every single answer will be both right and wrong).

I did try turning it on and I didn’t get anything. I’m not sure what the problem might be. Perhaps I plugged the headers in wrong

 

[Wookiee]

I did try turning it on and I didn’t get anything. I’m not sure what the problem might be. Perhaps I plugged the headers in wrong

Best thing to do in that instance is unplug everything except:
- CPU
- RAM
- 4-Pin and 24-Pin power connectors
- PC speaker (if your case has that)

Check it with a monitor plugged in and see if you get a POST beep and/or anything on the display. Try turning it on by shorting the power pins (make sure it's the PWR SW connector and definitely not the LED). If it works, you potentially mixed up the connectors, or it could be something not connected properly (or dead).

You should - at the very least - get the fans spinning up if your computer gets power.

 

[TenthAveN]

I cannot stop getting these screws stuck in the standoffs. I keep trying to screw the mobo in, but I don’t think they’re going in straight. The standoffs aren’t getting stripped out I don’t think, I think they’re getting cross-threaded.

 

[JesseRaymondBassett]

@TenthAveN,
Have you tried using a glue called LockTight? Its specificially for those things...

 

[TenthAveN]

@TenthAveN,
Have you tried using a glue called LockTight? Its specificially for those things...

Using glue to put in a screw?

 

[JesseRaymondBassett]

Yes, it works. For example. I have a large computer chair that the screws keep popping out of. My mother bought me locktight to glue in the screws so they wouldn't pop out anymore. It works believe it or not.