Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I remove and replace the motherboard in the 3-bay micro-BTX case?

A: Note: A large number of components are removed and cables are disconnected during this process. Before removing components or disconnecting cables, carefully note locations and orientations for later use. Creating a diagram can be helpful.

Remove the motherboard

  1. Turn off the computer, and then disconnect the power cord and all external device cables.

  2. Remove the access panel.

  3. Remove the front bezel.

  4. Lift the center bracket up a short distance, and then disconnect the power (wide connector) cable from the hard drive.
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  5. Follow the hard drive signal cable to its connection on the motherboard. Note the location, and then disconnect the cable. Set the center bracket aside.

  6. Disconnect the power cable from the rear of the optical drive.
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  7. Follow the optical drive data cable to its connection on the motherboard. Note the location, and then disconnect the cable.

  8. Lift the optical drive cage out of the case, and then set it aside.
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  9. Disconnect the power cable from the rear of the floppy disk drive.
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  10. Follow the floppy disk drive data cable to its connection on the motherboard. Note the location, and then disconnect the cable. Move the cable away from the motherboard.

  11. Follow the power leads from the power supply. Note all remaining power supply connections, and then disconnect them.

  12. At the rear of the computer case, remove the four screws that secure the power supply in the case, and then remove the power supply from the case.
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  13. Remove the air duct.

  14. Remove all memory DIMMS.

  15. Note any remaining cable connections to the motherboard, and then disconnect the cables.

  16. Remove all add-in cards.

  17. Remove the seven motherboard screws and loosen the four processor heatsink screws.

  18. Slide the motherboard toward the front of the case until the rear ports clear the case, and then lift the motherboard out.
Replace the motherboard

  1. Align the motherboard in the case so that the rear ports face the rear of the case, and then slide the motherboard toward the rear of the case until the screw holes in the board and the case are aligned.

  2. Secure the motherboard in the case with seven motherboard screws. Tighten the four processor heatsink screws.

  3. Replace all add-in cards.

  4. Replace all memory DIMMS.

  5. Connect the cables for the front panel ports, intrusion switch, front control panel, and hard drive LED to the motherboard.

  6. Connect the floppy disk drive cable to the motherboard.

  7. Place the power supply in the case, and then secure it with four screws.

  8. Connect power leads to the motherboard.

  9. Connect the floppy disk drive power lead to the floppy disk drive.

  10. Hold the air duct close to the case, and then connect the fan power lead to the motherboard.

  11. Ensure that the fan cable is correctly routed around the air duct, and then place the duct in the case. Do not pinch the wires of the fan cable.
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  12. Hold the optical drive cage close to the case. Connect the optical drive power cable to the rear of the drive.

  13. Place the drive cage into the case. Round knob-like extrusions on the front corners of the drive cage fit into U-shaped slots in the case.

  14. Connect the optical drive data cable to the motherboard.

  15. Locate the power lead for the hard drive, and then ensure that it is not obstructed or under other cables.

  16. Hold the center bracket close to the case. Connect the hard drive signal cable to the motherboard, and then connect the power lead to the hard drive.

  17. Place the center bracket in the case so that the arrow markings on each end align with the arrow markings on the case.
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  18. Replace the front bezel.

  19. Replace the access panel.

  20. Connect the external device cables and power cord, and then turn on the computer.