how much clearance do you need behind a motherboard?

[macmodder]

Assuming I'm not running cables or anything behind a motherboard, how little space can I get away with generally speaking? Is there much variation in things like components, solder and other things like cpu heatsink brackets?

I've never built my own system from scratch so I've never seen the underside of a motherboard (well except for the 486 me and my dad disassembled when I was 11!)

The nub of my point: will 4.5mm be enough? My mother board will be mounted on 6mm spacers, but I'd like to use a little of that space to fit a few bits.

 

[23JMZ07]

As long as nothing is shorting the solder joints then you are fine. Usually the standoffs come with the case and are case specific (About 4-5mm but can be up to 8mm)

 

[belial8321]

As above poster says, just make sure there isno contact and enough room for one mm or so heat expansion and its cool

 

[chaparral]

Usually the standoffs come with the case and are case specific (About 4-5mm but can be up to 8mm)

Never thought of this before..

Now looking at my motherboard and it looks like the stand offs are about 10mm...
Wonder if i could fit shorter stand offs so i could fit a taller cpu cooler

 

[Surveyor]

Never thought of this before..

Now looking at my motherboard and it looks like the stand offs are about 10mm...
Wonder if i could fit shorter stand offs so i could fit a taller cpu cooler

No, you need to use the standoffs supplied with the case.

If you don't then the I/O ports won't line up with the case and any expansion cards installed won't fit properly.

 

[C64]

You run cables behind the motherboard tray at the back of the case not underneath the motherboard