Be cautious with USB 2.0 and FireWire connections, although, since they’re keyed the identical however are not electrically suitable. Connecting a USB port to a FireWire header may end up in sparks and harm to the motherboard and any gadgets plugged into the port. Once every little thing is aligned, screw the motherboard into the posts. A magnetic-tipped screwdriver really helps when guiding the tiny screws into the posts, particularly in crowded areas of the board. As we did with the CPU cooler, tighten the screws on opposing corners first. This step ought to hold the board centered over the posts.

First, you’ll have to take away the protective plastic cover from the face of the socket. This piece shields the underlying pins, so be careful. There should be a tab on one edge that unclasps the cap from the socket. Don’t toss this piece; motherboard makers sometimes require that it be put again in place if a board is returned for RMA service.