Question about custom motherboard tray

Question about GPU placement

Hello guys,

I've been working on my mod for several days now. However, in the last 2 days I didn't have much progress because of one frustrating problem. I got a few motherboard standoffs from my 'old' case, see the picture below. I intended to mount them on an aluminium plate, which is screwed to the back of my G5 using the standard screw holes. The standoffs give some problems however. I searched everywhere (both at home and in 3 DIY stores) but I can't find nuts who fit the standoffs perfectly. The M3 are a little bit too small, they don't fit. The M4's do fit, but if I screw them onto the standoffs they flip over at the end. Can't get them stuck. (Sorry, don't know how to explain exactly)

I've searched this forum and many others are using lasered motherboard trays, though some people made their own tray but I can't figure out how they mounted the standoffs.

I hope you guys can help me out. I had much fun with this project in the beginning but such a small (and important) problem makes me quite frustrated.

Thanks you in advance,

Thijmen.

The standoffs that you show are 6-32 Unified Standard. Check this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Thread_Standard

These are common in the US.

Good modding,
neil

Thank you Neil!

I do not live in the US, but if I order 6-32 nuts, will they fit?

Thij said:

Thank you Neil!

I do not live in the US, but if I order 6-32 nuts, will they fit?

Click to expand...

Yes.

Here is a box of 6-32 x 1/2 inch flat head screws. The 6-32 nut shown fits both the screw and the standoff.



These motherboard brass standoffs are standarized for what ever reason and always have 6-32 external threads with M3 internal threads.

However you need not be locked into using these as standoffs of almost any configuration and length are available from any reputable hardware supplier. In the US I recommend McMaster Carr ( www.mcmaster.com ) for a complete selection of machine screws and nuts and hardware items.

Good modding,
neil

Hello Neil,

I really appreciate your detailed answer. You should know that.

After much struggling with the standoffs I decided that I wanted to mount the motherboard on the plate in a different way. It worked out perfect! I can adjust the height of the motherboard very easily as well.

Won't explain it here right now; I'll create a different thread (tutorial?) about it later. Might help other people who want to create their own backplate instead of ordering one from the internet.

Best regards,
Thijmen.

Thijmen,

I am pleased that you have a solution and are moving on with your project. And please document your project with photos when appropriate.

Good modding,
neil

Just wanted to post a few pictures when I saw your post. Anyway, here they are. It are quick pictures but I will be more detailed later on.

Another small question: is this room too small? My GPU card has a fan on top.

Question about GPU placement

This problem is solved. Will open a different thread about my GPU.