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CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

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are too small for a regular ATX motherboard. Cube cases generally require a

specific motherboard, so be prepared to buy both pieces at the same time. A

quick test-fit before you buy saves a lot of return trips to the supplier.

Better cases offer tool-free component installation, so you don’t have to

screw down cards or drives. They just snap into place. You’ll still need a

trusty screwdriver to secure the motherboard, though. No installation is

completely tool-free yet.

Power supplies sometimes come with the case. Watch out for “really good

deal” cases because that invariably points to a cheap or missing power

supply. You also need to verify that the power supply has sufficient wattage.

This issue is handled in Chapter 7.

Installing the Motherboard

If you’re replacing a motherboard, first remove the old motherboard. Begin

by removing all of the cards. Also remove anything else that might impede

removal or installation of the motherboard, such as a hard drive. Keep track

of your screws—the best idea is to return the screws to their mounting holes

temporarily, at least until you can reinstall the parts. Sometimes you even

have to remove the power supply temporarily to enable access to the

motherboard.

EXAM TIP The CompTIA A+ exams may test you on the basics of

installing a motherboard, so you need to know this section.

Unscrew the motherboard. It will not simply lift out. The motherboard

mounts to the case via small connectors called standoffs that screw into the

bottom of the case (see Figure 6-40). Screws then go into the standoffs to

hold the motherboard in place. Be sure to place the standoffs properly before

installing the new motherboard.

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