2. Hardware Setup
In this chapter we will elaborate all the information you need upon installing this motherboard to your computer system.
※Always power off the computer and unplug the AC power cord before adding or removing any peripheral or component. Failing to so may cause severe damage to your motherboard and/or peripherals. Plug in the AC power cord only after you have carefully checked everything.
2.1 Choosing a Computer Chassis
•This motherboard carries an mATX form factor of 244 x 244 mm. Choose a chassis big enough to install this motherboard.
•As some features for this motherboard are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indicators and switches or buttons on the chassis, make sure your chassis supports all the features required.
•If there is possibility of adopting some more hard drives, make sure your chassis has sufficient power and space for them.
•Most chassis have alternatives for I/O shield located at the rear panel. Make sure the I/O shield of the chassis matches the I/O port configuration of this motherboard. You can find an I/O shield specifically designed for this motherboard in its package.
2.2 Installing Motherboard
Most computer chassis have a base with many mounting holes to allow the motherboard to be securely attached, and at the same time, prevent the system from short circuits. There are two ways to attach the motherboard to the chassis base:
1.use studs, or
2.use spacers
In principle, the best way to attach the board is to use studs. Only if you are unable to do this should you attach the board with spacers.
Line up the holes on the board with the mounting holes on the chassis. If the holes line up and there are screw holes, you can attach the board with studs. If the holes line up and there are only slots, you can only attach with spacers. Take the tip of the spacers and insert them into the slots. After doing this to all the slots, you can slide the board into position aligned with slots. After the board has been positioned, check to make sure everything is OK before putting the chassis back on.