How to install a motherboard steps by steps

A motherboard is a host for all the components of a computer. From the central processing unit to the USB ports, it holds everything together. Silicon Bronze Machine Screws are also useful for holding a computer together, but a motherboard keeps the electronics working in harmony. As the motherboard of a computer is so essential, the topic of “how to install a motherboard step by step” is crucial as well. Usually, you need to change all your computer’s parts when you change your motherboard because you only need to change the motherboard if there is a generational leap. But this does not mean that there can not be any other reasons behind a motherboard change. A broken motherboard can also be a cause behind it. In this article, we have discussed how to install a motherboard step by step.
Before knowing about installing a motherboard, let us know what a motherboard is and how it works. So, without further ado, let us dive right in.

What is a Motherboard?

While all the computer components are similarly important, a motherboard can be considered one of the more important ones alongside the processor. A motherboard does not take part in any kind of computing activity directly. Still, it is that component that maintains harmony among all the other pieces of equipment inside your computer and makes the computer run properly. It keeps the connection between the CPU, RAM, Hard Disk, and GPU to provide a balanced computing experience. A motherboard can come in different sizes and shapes depending on what model you are getting from which generation of motherboards. Various motherboards can have their distinct features, but there are some common characteristics of every motherboard. These shared characteristics include a heat sink for disseminating the built-up heat inside while computing, all the necessary circuits for maintaining the balance between all the other components of a computer, and a secondary power source.

You will find many ports in every motherboard as it needs to maintain direct contact with all the essential elements required for a computer to operate. A motherboard generally includes a power connection slot, some RAM slots, one or two PCIe slots, a slot for inputting the CPU, USB slots, slots for audio and video, and a few expansion slots. You can also find tech for remotely connecting Bluetooth devices. Some input slots can vary depending on the generation of the motherboard. For example, older motherboards had a floppy disk port, which is non-existent in today’s day and age. Few modern motherboards have Wifi support embedded on them.

How does a motherboard work?

To know how a motherboard works, you need to know all the separate slots of a motherboard and its purpose.
As we told you before, motherboards can come in many form factors. People call them by different names, depending on their size. These are the available motherboard sizes that you can find in the market currently.

• ATX: This size is the standard for motherboards. ATX motherboards have all the necessary slots available that you will need.
• Micro-ATX: These motherboards are smaller compared to standard ATX ones but are usually equipped with the necessary slots apart from a few exceptions.
• Mini ATX: Mini ATX is your standard motherboard for storing mobile CPUs.
• Mini ITX: Mini ITX is a smaller version of the standard ATX motherboards. They are less power-hungry and do not produce much noise.
• Nano ITX: This form factor lies in between the Mini and Pico ITX boards.
• Pico ITX: This form factor is the smallest available for motherboards and has its separate use cases.

Chipset

Chipset controls the flow of data between some critical components of your computer. You can divide it into two parts, known as the north and southbridge. Their names come from their locations. You can find the northbridge and southbridge on the north and south side of the chipset. The Northridge connects the processor, RAM, and the PCIe slot, and the Southbridge inter-connects the BIOS, external connections, storage system, and PCI slot. They work as a bridge in combining all these parts, so we call them the North and Southbridge.

CPU-socket

The CPU-socket is used for inserting the CPU into the motherboard. CPU, also known as the central processing unit, is the heart of a computer system. It processes all the data that the northbridge provides. A CPU can directly impact the overall performance of the computer. So, it is better to have a powerful CPU.

Other slots

You can find other supporting slots that are comparatively less important compared to the CPU but are essential nonetheless.
The standard motherboard slots are

• RAM slot
  This slot holds the memory stick or RAM stick
• PCI slot
  You can use this slot for inserting external cards
• PCIe slot
  PCIe is like a big brother of PCI that is versatile enough to utilise any external cards.
• USB slot
  You can use this slot for connecting all kinds of USB components.
• SATA
  Usually, the storage unit of your computer utilises a SATA port.
• NVMe
  NVMe port works like a port for NVMe drives, such as NVMe SSDs.

Data-Bus

Data-Bus works like a transportation bus. It helps in delivering data throughout all the components and maintains the inter-relation between the pieces of equipment.

The working process

The working process of a motherboard is simultaneous. It all starts by clicking on the power button. After clicking the power button, the Power Supply Unit supplies power to the motherboard. The data flow initiates and is carried to all the components by Data-Bus and the North and Southbridge’s.
The Northbridge then sends the data flow to the RAM, processor, and the PCIe. RAM sends data to the processor, and the processor works utilising those data. The PCIe sends its received data to the dedicated external or internal cards.
Southbridge connects data to the rest of the ports and awakens the whole system.
Before considering inserting a motherboard or replacing the old one, you will need to select a motherboard that you will buy. The next segment is about how you can choose a motherboard for your pc.

How do I choose a motherboard chipset?

Selecting a new motherboard can be very difficult because you need to connect all your PC components to your computer’s motherboard to operate. All the other parts of your PC should be compatible with your motherboard; otherwise, you will not be able to run the pc. This choosing part can be especially tricky if your old motherboard is broken and plan to replace it.

No matter which motherboard you want to buy, you will not be able to buy it if you do not have enough budget. So we think that the first and foremost thing before selecting a motherboard is to consider your wallet’s state. The motherboard is not directly related to your PC’s performance, so this is where budget PC builders cut their corners, and we support this decision too. One model of the motherboard can have several versions that can cost differently.

Suppose the b450 motherboard all has AM4 sockets. But their price can be different based on whether it is a gaming variant or a normal one. The size of the motherboard can also determine its worth. The next major step is selecting the processor. The whole pc setup should be based around your processor. Because the CPU-socket for ADM and INTEL CPUs are quite different. Not only that, but a CPU-socket can also be different based on what generation of CPU you are buying. A CPU-socket made for a second-generation INTEL CPU will not fit a third of fourth gen INTEL CPU even though INTEL is the manufacturer of both the CPUs.

Choosing a Motherboard for a Gaming PC

If you have a gaming pc with Ryzen 5 processor, you might need a motherboard that is suitable for it. The reason can be, most gaming processor comes with overclocking to increase performance, and a compatible motherboard should have a better cooling system to deal with overheating due to overclocking. You can get additional info about the motherboards through a web search.

There are many other things to consider, like how many RAM slots a motherboard has or how many PCIe slots are available on the board. A mother can and cannot have an NVMe slot, which can also be a significant factor in choosing a motherboard.
We advise you to select your motherboard in the following manner.

• Confirm how much money you want to spend behind your total build.
• Based on your budget, select a suitable CPU that will fulfill your work purpose.
• Select a motherboard that has a matching CPU-socket.
• Consider the form factor and the extra features that you want before confirming your motherboard selection.

After selecting the motherboard, you will have to install the motherboard to your casing.

How to install a motherboard step by step?

In this part, we will talk about the complete process of install a motherboard step by step.
The installation process can be quite different depending on replacing an old motherboard or building a new system. We have covered both of these topics in our article.

How to replace a motherboard?

Replacing a motherboard consists of removing the old motherboard, reinserting the old components to the new motherboard, and installing the new motherboard.
Usually, it is pointless to replace a motherboard unless you have a broken motherboard or are eager to acquire those extra RAM slots.
Follow these steps to replace a motherboard.

Preparation

1. Power Off and Disconnect: Turn off the PSU and unplug the power cable. Disconnect all external devices such as the mouse, keyboard, and speakers. Unscrew and unplug the monitor.
2. Set Up Workspace: Place your PC flat on a chest-high table for easier access.

Remove Old Components

1. Access the Case: Remove the side panel by unscrewing two screws behind the CPU window. If your case has a glass or plastic window, remove it instead.
2. Remove PSU: Unplug all power connectors from the motherboard. Remove the PSU by unscrewing the four connecting screws (one from each side). Take care to remove all screws to avoid damaging the PSU.
3. Detach CPU Fan: Rotate the four pins on the CPU fan towards the arrow to unlock and remove the fan. Note: The process may vary for air or water coolers.
4. Remove CPU: Gently pull out the CPU from its socket.
5. Remove RAM: Unlock the RAM sticks from both sides of the RAM slots and pull them out.
6. Remove GPU and Other Cards: If you have a GPU or PCI express card, unlock it from its slot and pull it out.
7. Disconnect Cables: Remove all cables, including audio, USB, SATA, and any connected storage units like SSDs or NVMe drives.
8. Remove Old Motherboard: Unscrew the four screws holding the old motherboard in place. Follow the same pattern used for the PSU screws.

Install New Motherboard

1. Prepare New Motherboard: Attach the CPU, CPU fan, RAM sticks, and NVMe drives to the new motherboard before installation.
2. Install New Motherboard: Place the new motherboard in the case and screw it in place using the four corner screws.
3. Reinstall GPU and PSU: Reinsert the GPU if you have one and reinstall the PSU.
4. Reconnect Cables: Connect all necessary cables to the new motherboard.
5. Reconnect Power: Attach the power connector to the motherboard and turn on the PSU.
6. Reattach Side Panel: Replace the side panel or window of the case.
7. Reconnect Monitor and Power Cable: Attach the monitor’s VGA or HDMI cable to the GPU or motherboard, and connect the power cable to the PSU.

Final Steps

1. Power On and Test: Turn on your computer and check if everything is working correctly.

By following these steps, you can replace your old motherboard.
Now, let us know about installing a completely new motherboard.

How to install a new motherboard?

Compared to replacing, installing a new motherboard is quite simple as you do not need to remove the old one first.
Follow along to know about how to install a motherboard step by step.

• Preparation

  1. Setup Workspace: Place everything on a flat, chest-high table for easier access. Gather tools: screwdriver, side cutter, pliers, and a screw tray. Use a magnetic screwdriver and screw tray to avoid losing screws.
  2. Open the Motherboard Box: Take out the motherboard and place it on the package for safekeeping.

  Install CPU

  1. Prepare CPU: Hold the CPU by its edges. Locate the triangle on the CPU and match it with the triangle near the CPU socket.
  2. Insert CPU: Lift the mounting bracket, place the CPU into the socket, and align the triangles. Avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent damage.
  3. Install CPU Cooler: Remove the mounting bracket around the CPU socket. Attach the cooler and screw it in place. Connect the cooler’s power cable to the motherboard. Note that the process may vary for air or water coolers.

  Install RAM

  1. Insert RAM: Lightly press RAM sticks into the RAM slots, ensuring alignment to avoid damage. RAM should lock into place.
  2. Slot Configuration: If using two RAM sticks, install them in either the first and third slots or the second and fourth slots.

  Test Run

  1. Pre-Installation Test: Before placing the motherboard in the casing, test the PC to identify any defective parts.

  Install Motherboard in Case

  1. Prepare Casing: Remove the side panel of your case. Store tempered glass panels safely.
  2. Mount Motherboard: Install motherboard mounting screws if needed. Remove the I/O shield, place the motherboard in the case, and screw it in.
  3. Connect PSU: Attach the power supply unit (PSU) to the case and connect power cables to the motherboard.
  4. Install GPU: Remove two PCI slot covers, align the GPU with the PCI Express slot, and secure it with screws.
  5. Cable Management: Route cables to the back of the case and use zip ties to secure them.
  6. Reattach Side Panel: Replace the side panel, ensuring it is properly secured.

   

There you go. The motherboard installation process is now complete.
We hope this article has helped you in knowing about How to install a motherboard step by step.

Conclusion

Installing a motherboard can a bit complicated at first. But if you know how to install a motherboard step by step, it is not that hard, and once you have enough experience, it will be a piece of cake.