Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Tech News Today
Home»Hardware»PC Builds»How To Install IO Shield On Your PC Chassis? (Step-By-Step Guide

How To Install IO Shield On Your PC Chassis? (Step-By-Step Guide

abhinashBy abhinashSeptember 15, 2022
install io shield

IO shield is just a metal plate that you insert to fill the empty space behind your computer casing.

It is the first component to install on the casing before assembling even the motherboard and other hardware. The motherboard’s extension port goes into the shield and installing anything before it can force you to restart the building process from the beginning.

The IO shield attaches itself to the casing and does not come off if properly installed. However, installing it for some PC cases can be quite tricky, probably because it needs quite a bit of force to fit perfectly.

Table of Contents

  • How To Install IO Shield?
    • Remove the Factory IO Shield or the Old One
    • Find the Correct Orientation of IO Shield
    • Bend the Prongs
    • Remove Any Rear Casing Fans
    • Perform the Installation
  • Is It Necessary to Install an IO Shield?

How To Install IO Shield?

The IO shield usually comes in the motherboard package as an accessory. If you have a PC case with the good build quality, then it should not be much hassle to install the shield. However, for low-quality casings and some custom IO shields, it may take a while for the installation.

Nevertheless, the process is the same for all. Let’s move towards it straight away.

Remove the Factory IO Shield or the Old One

If your computer casing has a factory IO shield, then it may not match your motherboard’s port. Similarly, you may be shifting to a new motherboard whose extension ports do not ally with the older one.

In such cases, you will have to remove the IO shield already present in the casing. For that, simply push the IO shield with your fingers from the outer side of the casing. Sometimes, you may have to apply a little bit more force to bring it out.

Find the Correct Orientation of IO Shield

line up with motherboard 1

The IO shield can fit on the casing even if you place it upside down. But, the holes in the shield will not match the ports on the motherboard. It could be quite a hassle if you wasted your effort in fitting it inaccurately. So, you will have to find the correct orientation to place the IO shield.

Bring out the motherboard and place it on the desk. We recommend you use an anti-static mat or anti-static wristband while handling the board.

  1. Place the casing to the side of the motherboard.
  2. See in what orientation the motherboard stays in the casing and arrange it accordingly on the desk.
  3. Now, take the IO shield and line its hole to the ports on the motherboard to find the proper orientation.
    align-io-plate

Remember the orientation you just identified to install the IO shield in the same way later.

Bend the Prongs

bending the prongs

You can find some prongs and extrusions coming out of the IO shield. These should be kept in touch with the motherboard or the ports. This provides the grounding circuit for the motherboard to protect from sudden electric surges and static charges.

  1. Line up the IO shield with the motherboard’s port.
  2. Push it a little so that the ports come through the holes.
  3. Bend the smaller prongs such that they touch the ports.
    prongs-touching-the-motherboard-ports
  4. Bend the bigger prongs so that they are in contact with the upper side of the ports.

You can now take the IO shield out of the motherboard.

Remove Any Rear Casing Fans

Some computer casings provide rear system fans right above or below the IO shield. This makes it difficult to insert the shield in its place properly.

So, you should unscrew the rear casing fans, if any, and remove them from the inside of the casing.

Perform the Installation

Now, we are ready to fit the IO shield to the casing. Bring the IO shield in the orientation identified earlier, and let’s move on to perform the installation.

  1. Place the casing in a sturdy position so that it does not move or slide while applying force.
  2. Place the IO shield to the space in the casing from the inside.
  3. Push the shield from its corners. You may have to apply force slightly.
    applying-force-to-install-io-shield
  4. Do this for all four corners. You should hear click sounds. Ensure that the little bumps on the IO shield come out of the metal brace of the casing.
  5. Push the edges further to make sure it is completely attached and does not fall off.

Some cheaper and low-build quality IO shields may be difficult to insert. In such cases, you can follow the instructions given below.

  1. Place the casing such that the space for the IO shield lies on the table.
  2. Put the IO shield in its place and apply force to its corners for proper attachment.
  3. Now, insert the motherboard into the casing and align its port with the IO shield.
    installing-motherboard
  4. Push the motherboard gently until its ports go through the shield. Ensure that the motherboard screw holes align with the standoff pins on the casing.
  5. Tighten the motherboard to its position by using the screws.

You should find the IO shield fits perfectly.

You can now move on to other hardware components, starting from the rear casing fan you removed earlier.

Is It Necessary to Install an IO Shield?

There are a few advantages of using the IO shield in the computer casing. Let’s look at them.

  • It protects the inner components and their functioning from interference by external electromagnetic devices.
  • It provides a grounding circuit through prongs for the extension ports of the motherboard, saving them from static charge.
  • It prevents dust and dirt from entering the casing easily.
  • It fills the void in the back of the motherboard and provides aesthetics to the PC.

However, nowadays, the motherboard comes with an in-built IO shield. So, you do not have to worry about installing it yourself.

how-to
abhinash

I am a mechanical engineer who was awe-struck at first sight of computer. Since then, I have excelled at writing tech-contents regarding every problems and features of windows, software, hardware and anything it incorporates. In addition, I love to study, play FIFA, write poetry and enjoy the gift of life that the mother nature have provided to us.

Related Posts

How to Ground Yourself When Building a PC

How to Ground Yourself When Building a PC or Laptop?

September 10, 2022
how to install liquid cpu cooler

How to Install Liquid CPU Cooler

June 26, 2022
How To Build A PC For Beginners - Step By Step Guide

How To Build A PC For Beginners – Step By Step Guide

November 3, 2021
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Latest Posts
how long does a cmos battery last

How Long Does a CMOS Battery Last

January 25, 2023
thunderbolt vs usb c

Thunderbolt Vs USB C: What’s the Difference

January 25, 2023
how to find hidden folder in laptop

How to Find Hidden Folder in Laptop

January 24, 2023
You may also like
watch-twitch-on-roku-tv

How to Watch Twitch on Roku TV

January 25, 2023
hp mouse not working

HP Mouse Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

January 25, 2023
install-kodi-on-firestick

How to Install Kodi on Firestick (Step-By-Step Guide)

January 25, 2023
Recommended
Cookie Clicker Garden Guide

Cookie Clicker Garden Guide to Unlocking Every Seed

September 26, 2021
monitor no signal

Computer Turns On But Monitor Says No Signal (9 Ways To Fix)

November 10, 2022
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
© 2023 TechNewsToday.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.