Do Motherboard Screws Matter? (Explained for Beginners!)

We all know that computer motherboards have always been assembled with PC cases and other components by using different types of screws.

But many people are confused about whether they require special screws for this or they should use regular screws instead.

I have assembled many computers in the past, and in this article, I will answer your every question about whether the motherboard screws matter or not.

So, Do Motherboard Screws Matter?

Yes! the motherboard screw size matters, but If the screws fit tightly, then it will work perfectly without any problems. But, it often seems that the screw will fit inside the motherboard, but it doesn’t fit, and if that happens, you would have to remove the motherboard. Therefore, it is advised to use proper size screws within exact areas.

I know that the short answer doesn’t clarify your doubts; therefore, I have explained all the things regarding this topic in the below section.

But before that, let’s take a look at different types of screws used for motherboards.

Table of Contents

What Screws Do Motherboards Use?

On average, 8 different screws are required to assemble your motherboard inside a PC case with different PC components.

Some screws are required to screw your motherboard with the PC cases, while others may require installing new components.

Here in this section, we are going to explore all the motherboard screws you require to a greater or lesser extent, so let’s take a look-

M5x10

This screw is primarily used to hold the fans to the case of our computer, and in most instances, its head remains flat.

Generally, computer case manufacturers usually include 4 of these types of screws, and when we buy any external fan, these types of screws typically come with the fans.

6-32

This is a very common screw used inside our PC, and it is also used in several areas. For most instances, this pc is used to hold the expansion cards, the power supplier, and the side panels of our case.

M3 Hexagonal Head

This type of screw looks very similar to the 6-32 type screw. The only difference between these 2 types of screws is the thread pitch. Compared to 6-32 screws, the M3 hexagonal head screw has a finer thread.

Moreover, these screws are often used to hold the optical drives.

M3 Round Head and Long Shaft

This type of screw is primarily used to secure the brass standoffs with motherboards, and often it is also used to attach 2.5-inch SSDs with brackets.

M3 Round Head and Short Shaft

These types of screws are primarily used to attach the optical drivers with the motherboard cases, and you require a special #1 Philips screwdriver.

Thumbscrews

This type of screw has a large head, which has been knurled. This type of screw is mainly used to hold the case’s side panels.

M3 Metal Standoff- Fine Thread

This is the brass standoff used to mount the motherboard on the mounting tray inside the PC case. This type of separator has a male and female thread.

M3 Meta Standoff- Coarse Thread

This spacer is almost identical to the previous one, except for the thread pitch of the stem 1/32. The thread pitch of the internal hole is still maintained at 5mm.

These are all the different types of motherboard screws; in some cases, you may require most of these screws, and in some instances, you don’t require all of these screws.

Does the Motherboard Screw Material Matter?

No! the material that the screws are composed of doesn’t matter too much.

Usually, motherboard screws are made of different components, and I don’t see an issue if the motherboard screw is made of stainless, brass, or metal. They all conduct really well; therefore, you should not worry about this factor.

Also Read: Do Motherboard Screws need Washers?

Does Motherboard Screw Size Matter?

Yes! the motherboard screw size definitely matters, and sometimes a screw looks like it will fit inside the motherboard, but it doesn’t fit, and if you forcefully push it, then it can damage your motherboard portion, and you have to remove the motherboard.

So, be careful while experimenting with different sizes of motherboard screws.

Now, let’s take a look at all the different types of motherboard screw sizes-

M5x10- Its length, excluding its head, is around 10mm.
6-32- The diameter of this thread is around 3.5 mm, and the standard stem length for it is usually 6.35mm.
Thumbscrews- 7.5 mm.
M3 Hexagonal Head- 5.5 mm.
M3 metal standoff (Fine thread)- 3mm.
M3 metal standoff (Coarse thread)- 5mm.

As you can notice, the different types of motherboard screw sizes. Here 6-32 is the most common type of screw used, and its size is around 6.35mm.

Moreover, what types of motherboard screws you require also depends on the motherboard and standoffs. For example, if you have a standard ATX motherboard, then you would use screws that are about 1.2″ in length & if you have a microATX motherboard, then you would use screws that are approximately 0.8″ in size.

If you are confused about what type of motherboard screws you should use, then you need to consult your motherboard’s manual or standoffs themselves (they should have some form of engraving or identification on them).

Once you know what types of screw you should use, you can purchase them from a local hardware shop or online.

Check Out a whole sets of Motherboard Screws on- Amazon.

Can I Use any Screws for Motherboard?

Yes! You can use any screw with your motherboard, but you have to make sure that the screws fit perfectly inside the motherboard standoffs.

Do Motherboard Screw Location Matter?

Yes! the location of the motherboard screws matters; you need to use the proper screws at the exact location because different screws are used to install other components inside the motherboard.

Is it OK to Miss a Motherboard Screw?

Yes! Missing just one screw won’t do much as long as the motherboard is firmly in place and isn’t touching anything on the case other than the case standoffs and the I/O back panel.

Moreover, another thing you need to remember that never touch the middle screws because the middle portion is too important.

On the middle portion, GPUs are attached to the PCIe slots, and if by mistake you touch the middle screws, then it can worsen the connection with the PCI-e slot.

Final Thoughts

Based on all the facts, it can be said that the motherboard screw size and location matter, but if you perfectly fit the screws inside the motherboard, then it will work perfectly.

I hope this article is helpful for you and if you want to know more about motherboards and their screw sizes, PC components, and other technology-related things, then keep following this blog regularly.

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