How To Remove Motherboard From Case

How to detach & rebuild a desktop PC

Whether yous're taking autonomously your reckoner to scrap it, install new components, clean it, or merely to see how it works, our guide shows yous how to accept it all apart, then put it dorsum together.

Reckoner disassembly

Our guide covers the most common means computers are put together, but computers and manufacturers can vary. If y'all tin can't admission a particular component when it's listed in the guide, skip to the instructions to remove the other parts until you lot can reach the original component.

Generally, the process is to unplug all the cords and cables connecting a component to other components, then remove the office from the case or frame. Components can be attached to the case with special clips, screws, or past insertion into a holder. In each case, no more than than a small amount of strength is needed to remove the part. If it's non moving, check for more attachments that are holding the component in place.

You will need a minor Phillips-caput screwdriver and depending on the manufacturer of your components, maybe a flathead screwdriver. The metal within the computer case tin can be precipitous, so you might desire gloves, every bit well.

If you are rebuilding the reckoner, be sure to document what area you removed components from, the order you removed them, and what cables attach to each function. You lot tin can take pictures before each removal or write it down. Proceed careful track of the screws, as well. Keep the screws with their relevant component by screwing them back in the holes either on the component or on the frame or by taping them to the correct location.

Pace i – Unplug your calculator and peripheral items

Turn off the computer, unplug the power string and unplug any peripheral items attached to the computer, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, headphones, and any external drives.

Clothing a grounding strap or affect an unpainted metallic part of the computer to belch any static electricity. If you walk across a carpet at any point, impact an unpainted metal function of the computer again to discharge the built upward static electricity.

Person's finger touching an unpainted metal surface within a computer to discharge static electricity

Step 2 – Remove side covers

Remove at to the lowest degree one of the side covers, usually the right side as you face the front of the figurer. You might find it easier to access all the parts if you remove both side covers; there are sometimes pollex screws on the covers to make admission easier.

Desktop computer's case has been removed to expose internal hardware components

Footstep 3 – Disconnect connectors

Disconnect all the connectors, then remove whatsoever card readers and internal DVD players. These are usually screwed into place.

Step 4 – Remove standalone fans

Remove whatever standalone fans. This is a skillful time to remove any dust, lint, and pet hair from the fans if you're planning on reusing them.

Small brush removes dust and lint from the exposed fan of a desktop computer

Step 5 – Remove the storage drive

Disconnect the cables and remove the storage drive. Mostly, storage drives are held in place by multiple screws. If you have a hard drive, be gentle when moving the drive every bit hard bumps tin damage the internal parts.

Person disconnecting cables from the storage drive of a desktop computer

Step 6 – Remove retentiveness (RAM) modules

Remove the memory (RAM) modules by pushing the clips on both ends of the module downward. This will cause the module to popular up for easy removal. Do not touch the gilt connectors on the fries if you lot're reusing the modules. If you're not reusing the RAM, find out how it can exist used in other applications.

Person removing RAM memory modules from a desktop computer

Pace seven – Remove power supply unit

Remove the power supply unit by unplugging the remaining connectors, then unscrewing the unit from the frame.

Step 8 – Remove motherboard adapter or expansion cards

Remove any adapter or expansion cards from the motherboard. Although these cards usually slide into preconfigured slots, at that place tin can be screws. Exercise not touch the gilded connectors on the cards if you're reinstalling the cards.

Step 9 – Remove the motherboard

Disconnect all the cables from the motherboard, and so unscrew it from the frame by loosening each screw a piffling bit before going around over again to loosen each screw properly. This prevents whatsoever potential warping of the motherboard past gradually releasing the tension on it.

All the components should at present exist out of the computer case. If you're reusing the case, this is a good time to become rid of all the grit and lint that might take collected.

Computer reassembly

If you are rebuilding the reckoner, insert the components in the opposite order yous removed them, starting with the motherboard. Plug in all the cables as you insert the component; near items volition plug into the motherboard and the power supply unit.

Congratulations, you've disassembled, and perhaps reassembled your computer!