What size is ATX Motherboard screw?
So, you bought an ATX motherboard and what you get to know is that it does not come
with any standoff screws?. Well, yes, this is the truth with not only ATX but almost all of
the motherboards. Here is all you need to guide about your ATX motherboard’s size and dimensions and where you can get that.
ATX Motherboard Screws
So when non-tech people buy an ATX motherboard, they are usually asked which
screws are for ATX motherboard screws and how many are there.
Usually, with an ATX motherboard, you should have nine motherboard screws for the
standoff.
So, what size is an ATX motherboard screw?. It uses 6-32 Brass standoff screws and
can be easily found on Amazon or any other online platform. You can get ATX standoffs
in a vast assortment of sizes and shapes, as well as materials.
As long as your motherboard or any expansion card is sitting upright, it fits within your
case. You can have any sized standoffs you like (they need to be big enough to hold
from the backplate, and for some CPUs, they’ll require a little room for storing plates
that fit the CPU’s backside. This varies too much within ATX motherboards. They can
range from your motherboard size and may require different standoff screws.
What is a Motherboard standoff?
A motherboard standoff is a small cylindrical-shaped metallic screw used for dedicated
mounting holes onto the PC case. The purpose of motherboard standoffs and screws is
to lift the motherboard from the CPU case.
Therefore, the motherboard must be elevated so that it does not contact the metallic PC
case. It could create problems or maybe a short circuit.
Motherboard standoffs may look small, trivial, and without much consequence, they are
an integral part of PC building.
Types of Motherboard Standoffs
Usually, the motherboard standoff has a #6-32 UNC male thread #6-32 UNC female
thread on the other end accepts a screw to retain the motherboard. The #6-32 UNC
also expands with its types. #6-32 UNC comes with a flanged hex/Phillips head,
commonly provided in PC cases and also comes in Phillips pan head,
Some motherboard standoffs use the M3 female thread (which is faced towards the
motherboard). Instead of #6-32 UNC, and on a rare occasion, a mixture of types can be
used in the same case.
The M3 female is used only in specific places of the motherboard, which are fragile and
need more attention.
The M5X10 comes with a socket head cap. A size of 0.8mm is variably suitable for
screwing in the outside fit of the motherboard and keeping it sturdy.
Phillips screws allow a tighter fit than a flat head screw, which is why it is the best
screw for motherboard standoffs. These screws are lightweight and relatively small. The
only problem is to match your screwdriver to the type and size of screws you’re using.
The Thumbscrews are used as an alternative to Philip head screws as the size of the
thread is the same. Still, the diameter of the neck varies between them, and that is the
only reason people tend to avoid using the thumbscrews, as there is a chance of
short-circuiting the motherboard.
The 6-32 screw, M3*5 Flat, 6-32 *2 screw, and 6-32 screw Hexagon are other types
used in motherboard standoffs. Some motherboards require special standoff screws like
mentioned above, which are hard to find sometimes and may require a lot of research.
ATX motherboard screw guide
Here is what you need to know if you have bought an ATX motherboard and need a
guide of screws used for mounting the motherboard to the PC frame:
● For standoff: A minimum of 6.5mm and the external cross-section has to fit
within a 10×10 mm area will be suitable.
● For mounting screws: The screws must match the standoff screw wells (usually
6/32 or M3 thread size).
● The length of the screw can be whatever you want as long as the components
will fit in your case and do not damage the motherboard.
● A more extended standoff allows cables to be run under the motherboard and
may also improve airflow. (Longer standoffs are more preferred)
There’s a lot of variation to how various manufacturers meet those specs. Still, as long
as the mounting screws match the standoff screw wells, it does not need to pre-drill the
screws for better grip.
The external width doesn’t matter as long as it’s within the 10 x 10 mm screw size.
From many years of experience, they are all standard threads and size, but not length,
that varies by case manufacturer.
Generally, a computer case will come with nine standoffs to meet ATX standards. If the
case is small, the required screws may decrease to 6 or even less in some
motherboards.
More expensive ATX motherboards will use all 9, which is nice when they are next to
the main I/O for the disk drives to prevent damage while the PC is running.
Many cases that used zero or only some standoffs and threaded and stamped raised
sheet metal for the standoffs are available.
Precaution
You should use standoffs and screws in the locations where you want to prevent the
motherboard from bending and might crack it.
You should always have a screw by the corner near the IO shield. When you insert
connectors in the IO shield, the motherboard should be firm to prevent any other
damage. It is a good idea to screw in the middle, close to the PCI-e connector, with the
proper standoff screwed under the board so that when you insert a video card, the
board won’t bend in the middle.
You should screw the 24pin power connector initially. When you insert that connector
into the motherboard, it takes a bit of downwards pressure. If there’s no standoff under
the board near that connector, the board would bend and cause severe damage.
The rest are usually less critical, for example, the bottom corners, because you typically
don’t fill all the board with cards to put weight on the motherboard. There’s only a front
panel header and SATA connectors on the other corner, so again not much downwards
pressure to cause bending.
Do ATX Motherboards come with Mounting Screws?
No. ATX Motherboards do not come with mounting screws. Every Motherboard
mounting screw comes with your purchase. The reason for that is every PC case has
different mounting screw specifications, thread designs, and dimensions. But for the M.2
screw, these screws should come pre-screwed into your motherboard.
What size should you use for your ATX motherboard?
The screws vary from each model and what size of motherboard it is. If you want to see
the right size and number of screws required for your ATX motherboard, you need to
know what type and model of ATX motherboard you own.
Some sources say the standoffs are 6-32 to 6-32 for the threads. Some say it’s 6-32 to
M3. However, on Grainger/Mcmaster. Most ATX motherboards can easily fit within the
size of screws, but there must be a guideline on the box and the components needed if
it doesn’t.
Where to buy screws and standoffs for your motherboard?
So you finally know about the size of your ATX motherboard screw, and now you want
to know where to buy them?. Well, screws and risers can be purchased at a low price.
You can check on Amazon or Alibaba and buy some mounting screws set at a low price.
The set usually comes with 300+ pieces, including risers, mounting screws, case
screws, and more. It’s probably the only case screw set you’ll ever need, and it’s no
more than $10.
Do all Motherboard screws are the same size?
The reason for this is because every single case you buy to hold your PC components
will have different screw needs. For example, various cases have other-sized screw
holes. This is because larger screws can take the heavier weight of ATX and extended
ATX motherboards, and not just the size, the dimension, weight, material used of the
screws may vary accordingly.
What material is used in making ATX motherboard screws?
The material used to make these screws is mostly steel, the most common material
used. Frequently with a plated or anodized finish. Other materials, including brass,
aluminium, nylon, and various plastics, are also used for applications with particular
physical or aesthetic requirements.
Summary
We have learned a lot about motherboard standoffs and screws in this article. Well, now
it is time to summarize all the main points we have discussed above:
● ATX or any other motherboards do not come supplied with mounting or standoff
screws.
● Mounting screws come supplied when you purchase your PC case.
● You may need standoffs to lift your motherboard to the correct mounting height.
● Standoffs of large size help you manage wires and provide airflow under the
motherboard.
● The standoffs can be built into your case, or you may have to screw them in
yourself
● M.2 Screws usually come with the motherboard you purchase
● The screws of the cooling solution with its purchase as every cooling solution are
different and vary accordingly.
● M3 screws can be used for ATX motherboards.
● The size and quantity may vary depending on its model and size.
What size is ATX Motherboard screw?
So, you bought an ATX motherboard and what you get to know is that it does not come
with any standoff screws?. Well, yes, this is the truth with not only ATX but almost all of
the motherboards. Here is all you need to guide about your ATX motherboard’s size and dimensions and where you can get that.
ATX Motherboard Screws
So when non-tech people buy an ATX motherboard, they are usually asked which
screws are for ATX motherboard screws and how many are there.
Usually, with an ATX motherboard, you should have nine motherboard screws for the
standoff.
So, what size is an ATX motherboard screw?. It uses 6-32 Brass standoff screws and
can be easily found on Amazon or any other online platform. You can get ATX standoffs
in a vast assortment of sizes and shapes, as well as materials.
As long as your motherboard or any expansion card is sitting upright, it fits within your
case. You can have any sized standoffs you like (they need to be big enough to hold
from the backplate, and for some CPUs, they’ll require a little room for storing plates
that fit the CPU’s backside. This varies too much within ATX motherboards. They can
range from your motherboard size and may require different standoff screws.
What is a Motherboard standoff?
A motherboard standoff is a small cylindrical-shaped metallic screw used for dedicated
mounting holes onto the PC case. The purpose of motherboard standoffs and screws is
to lift the motherboard from the CPU case.
Therefore, the motherboard must be elevated so that it does not contact the metallic PC
case. It could create problems or maybe a short circuit.
Motherboard standoffs may look small, trivial, and without much consequence, they are
an integral part of PC building.
Types of Motherboard Standoffs
Usually, the motherboard standoff has a #6-32 UNC male thread #6-32 UNC female
thread on the other end accepts a screw to retain the motherboard. The #6-32 UNC
also expands with its types. #6-32 UNC comes with a flanged hex/Phillips head,
commonly provided in PC cases and also comes in Phillips pan head,
Some motherboard standoffs use the M3 female thread (which is faced towards the
motherboard). Instead of #6-32 UNC, and on a rare occasion, a mixture of types can be
used in the same case.
The M3 female is used only in specific places of the motherboard, which are fragile and
need more attention.
The M5X10 comes with a socket head cap. A size of 0.8mm is variably suitable for
screwing in the outside fit of the motherboard and keeping it sturdy.
Phillips screws allow a tighter fit than a flat head screw, which is why it is the best
screw for motherboard standoffs. These screws are lightweight and relatively small. The
only problem is to match your screwdriver to the type and size of screws you’re using.
The Thumbscrews are used as an alternative to Philip head screws as the size of the
thread is the same. Still, the diameter of the neck varies between them, and that is the
only reason people tend to avoid using the thumbscrews, as there is a chance of
short-circuiting the motherboard.
The 6-32 screw, M3*5 Flat, 6-32 *2 screw, and 6-32 screw Hexagon are other types
used in motherboard standoffs. Some motherboards require special standoff screws like
mentioned above, which are hard to find sometimes and may require a lot of research.
ATX motherboard screw guide
Here is what you need to know if you have bought an ATX motherboard and need a
guide of screws used for mounting the motherboard to the PC frame:
● For standoff: A minimum of 6.5mm and the external cross-section has to fit
within a 10×10 mm area will be suitable.
● For mounting screws: The screws must match the standoff screw wells (usually
6/32 or M3 thread size).
● The length of the screw can be whatever you want as long as the components
will fit in your case and do not damage the motherboard.
● A more extended standoff allows cables to be run under the motherboard and
may also improve airflow. (Longer standoffs are more preferred)
There’s a lot of variation to how various manufacturers meet those specs. Still, as long
as the mounting screws match the standoff screw wells, it does not need to pre-drill the
screws for better grip.
The external width doesn’t matter as long as it’s within the 10 x 10 mm screw size.
From many years of experience, they are all standard threads and size, but not length,
that varies by case manufacturer.
Generally, a computer case will come with nine standoffs to meet ATX standards. If the
case is small, the required screws may decrease to 6 or even less in some
motherboards.
More expensive ATX motherboards will use all 9, which is nice when they are next to
the main I/O for the disk drives to prevent damage while the PC is running.
Many cases that used zero or only some standoffs and threaded and stamped raised
sheet metal for the standoffs are available.
Precaution
You should use standoffs and screws in the locations where you want to prevent the
motherboard from bending and might crack it.
You should always have a screw by the corner near the IO shield. When you insert
connectors in the IO shield, the motherboard should be firm to prevent any other
damage. It is a good idea to screw in the middle, close to the PCI-e connector, with the
proper standoff screwed under the board so that when you insert a video card, the
board won’t bend in the middle.
You should screw the 24pin power connector initially. When you insert that connector
into the motherboard, it takes a bit of downwards pressure. If there’s no standoff under
the board near that connector, the board would bend and cause severe damage.
The rest are usually less critical, for example, the bottom corners, because you typically
don’t fill all the board with cards to put weight on the motherboard. There’s only a front
panel header and SATA connectors on the other corner, so again not much downwards
pressure to cause bending.
Do ATX Motherboards come with Mounting Screws?
No. ATX Motherboards do not come with mounting screws. Every Motherboard
mounting screw comes with your purchase. The reason for that is every PC case has
different mounting screw specifications, thread designs, and dimensions. But for the M.2
screw, these screws should come pre-screwed into your motherboard.
What size should you use for your ATX motherboard?
The screws vary from each model and what size of motherboard it is. If you want to see
the right size and number of screws required for your ATX motherboard, you need to
know what type and model of ATX motherboard you own.
Some sources say the standoffs are 6-32 to 6-32 for the threads. Some say it’s 6-32 to
M3. However, on Grainger/Mcmaster. Most ATX motherboards can easily fit within the
size of screws, but there must be a guideline on the box and the components needed if
it doesn’t.
Where to buy screws and standoffs for your motherboard?
So you finally know about the size of your ATX motherboard screw, and now you want
to know where to buy them?. Well, screws and risers can be purchased at a low price.
You can check on Amazon or Alibaba and buy some mounting screws set at a low price.
The set usually comes with 300+ pieces, including risers, mounting screws, case
screws, and more. It’s probably the only case screw set you’ll ever need, and it’s no
more than $10.
Do all Motherboard screws are the same size?
The reason for this is because every single case you buy to hold your PC components
will have different screw needs. For example, various cases have other-sized screw
holes. This is because larger screws can take the heavier weight of ATX and extended
ATX motherboards, and not just the size, the dimension, weight, material used of the
screws may vary accordingly.
What material is used in making ATX motherboard screws?
The material used to make these screws is mostly steel, the most common material
used. Frequently with a plated or anodized finish. Other materials, including brass,
aluminium, nylon, and various plastics, are also used for applications with particular
physical or aesthetic requirements.
Summary
We have learned a lot about motherboard standoffs and screws in this article. Well, now
it is time to summarize all the main points we have discussed above:
● ATX or any other motherboards do not come supplied with mounting or standoff
screws.
● Mounting screws come supplied when you purchase your PC case.
● You may need standoffs to lift your motherboard to the correct mounting height.
● Standoffs of large size help you manage wires and provide airflow under the
motherboard.
● The standoffs can be built into your case, or you may have to screw them in
yourself
● M.2 Screws usually come with the motherboard you purchase
● The screws of the cooling solution with its purchase as every cooling solution are
different and vary accordingly.
● M3 screws can be used for ATX motherboards.
● The size and quantity may vary depending on its model and size.
