Motherboard Mounting Holes Out Of Alignment (I Think I Need To Drill)

Mpyra

Mpyra

Mpyra

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8 Mar 2010
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The distance of mis-alignment is approximately 1 PCI slot.

The problem seems to be arising from the fact that i am using 3x GTX 280's, which are an extra PCI slot thicker.

There does not seem to be any solution to this problem other than to drill some new holes.

The only way i can think to do this is to hold my motherboard in correct alignment and drill through it's holes.

I don't have that much experience with power tools or DIY, i am wondering if simply drill holes into what i think is aluminum is then going to provide something i can then screw into.

Is this a good idea?
 
^^this.......You will be fine if you miss one or two unless your missing the whole side of were the gfx is going to go etc you will be fine as the rest can support it
 
Mpyra said:
The distance of mis-alignment is approximately 1 PCI slot.

The problem seems to be arising from the fact that i am using 3x GTX 280's, which are an extra PCI slot thicker.

There does not seem to be any solution to this problem other than to drill some new holes.

The only way i can think to do this is to hold my motherboard in correct alignment and drill through it's holes.

I don't have that much experience with power tools or DIY, i am wondering if simply drill holes into what i think is aluminum is then going to provide something i can then screw into.

Is this a good idea?
Click to expand...

Sounds like a new case! the card plates should all align with the slots in the back of the case and likewise the onboard ports on the motherboard. I have never encountered a situation where the motherboard requires realignment. Is this just not having enough open slots in the case back? more information needed.

However do not use the motherboard as a template for drilling. transfer the holes through onto a paper or card, stick it into the case and drill through that.

Or superglue some fixing studs (tall nuts) into the case to screw into, saves drilling and could be removed with effort.

regards, andy.
 
This doesn't sound right. You should never have to miss any of the holes. What board and case? Are all the motherboard spacers in the right place for the board? Does the IO shield line up? There's a chance the motherboard tray is warped, I've had that before, but it's never been that far out.
 
nkata said:
However do not use the motherboard as a template for drilling.
Click to expand...

This is important. As for the hole, it'll be fine if you get it in the right place and the right diameter, i.e. smaller than the thread but bigger than the shank.

I've got a gigabyte case here where two of the motherboard holes are in the wrong place and I can't fit two hard drives into the two 3.5" bays. Tolerances can be crap in cheap cases.
 
im confused, even in the £15 cases I have bought, as long as it supports the correct size of board, they are never out of alignment?
 
PhillyDee said:
All the holes are out of alignment? or just 1 or 2?
Click to expand...

All holes fall out of alignment.

I may only drill a couple as my setup is a very snug fit it seems.

My PSU is braced against my motherboards heatsinks and my graphics cards are braced against the bottom of the case.

This in itself turns out to be enough support for all to remain in position when my case is turned up right.
 
nkata said:
Sounds like a new case! the card plates should all align with the slots in the back of the case and likewise the onboard ports on the motherboard. I have never encountered a situation where the motherboard requires realignment. Is this just not having enough open slots in the case back? more information needed.

However do not use the motherboard as a template for drilling. transfer the holes through onto a paper or card, stick it into the case and drill through that.

Or superglue some fixing studs (tall nuts) into the case to screw into, saves drilling and could be removed with effort.

regards, andy.
Click to expand...

The motherboard lines up 1 PCI slot down, but this does not provide quite enough room for the GTX cards due to their size.

The case was likely design before the advent of these cards.

If i had the motherboard in this position, the top of the motherboard would fall just slightly below the PSU.

As i am moving my motherboard up, it fact overlays onto the area the PSU would occupy, thus my PSU (Enermax Galaxy DXX 1000w) must sit higher, it in fact rests on top of one of my motherboards heat sinks.

I'm thinking of marking the back plate through the holes, removing the motherboard from place and then proceeding to drill.

Would probably be a smarter idea :)

Thanks
 
Uh, that's not good. Your graphics card needs to draw air from below really, and it sounds like there's case in the way. Could we get a photo?

You really don't want the case shorting out the back of the motherboard and it sounds like that's where you're headed

On the bright side, mystery solved. You've bought a case which has 7 slots and a motherboard which needs 8 when using dual slot graphics cards.
 
JonJ678 said:
Uh, that's not good. Your graphics card needs to draw air from below really, and it sounds like there's case in the way. Could we get a photo?

You really don't want the case shorting out the back of the motherboard and it sounds like that's where you're headed

On the bright side, mystery solved. You've bought a case which has 7 slots and a motherboard which needs 8.
Click to expand...

Due to the way the GTX cards are designed there is a small space for air to reach the fans even when the bottom of one card is pressed against another, this design also functions with the card that is pressed against them floor of the case, there is plenty of room for air to reach the fan.

I wish i could take pictures, but i am in between mobile phones, i expect my new one to be delivered soon.

I also do not possess a digital camera.
 
Howitzer said:
Yup, as suggested above, that's completely the wrong case for your setup - you can try and make it fit I guess... but I'd highly suggest a new case! Surely you can pick up a cheap one to fit it in (even if just temporary)?
Click to expand...

I really like the way the one i have looks and it everything does fit inside it, it's just very um.. snug?

Now i just need to know what size drill bit and screws to use, does anyone know the diameter of standard motherboard holes/screws?

Will i need a special drill bit to drill through what i am assuming is either a steel or aluminum back plate?
 
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