Motherboard mounting problems

[Phil1ip]

Hi I recently purchased a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R motherboard and was wondering if I should use washers when mounting it. I have read over several forums and documents saying that you shouldn't use washers because the holes have metal around them already. The problem though is that I'm not sure if the holes on the motherboard have metal around them or not. The manual that came with the motherboard was useless and very vague. I'm just really concerned because this is my first build and I don't want to screw it up by having it short circuit. And if I do have to use washers should I put them on the bottom and top of the board or not. I'd really appreciate any help I could get. Below is a link showing the motherboard with the screw holes. Also, I should note that the screws I'm using aren't that big on the top so it shouldn't go outside the circle.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/misc/picture/?src=/images/mainboards/ga-p35-ds3r/vrm.jpg&1=1

[TwoRails]

Hi Phil1ip,

Welcome to PC Mechanic !! :)

The info you've read about Not using washers is correct. The "metal" around the mounting holes are typically another source of ground and should not be impeded. The link is Not showing the mounting holes to put the mobo into the case with. It is showing the heatsink mounting holes which are entirely different. In short, do Not use washers when mounting the mobo to the case using the correct holes.

HTH

TwoRails

[Phil1ip]

Thank you for the reply but the picture does show the holes you're supposed to screw the screws into its just to the right and below the heatsink ones. Thanks anyway though I think I heard that most motherboards today are built so you don't have to use washers so heres hopin it doesn't short out.

[flanzig1]

From looking at a picture of the motherboard on Newegg, looks like there are 7 mounting holes(they are the ones with the star like metal around the holes). The extra holes are from the manufacturing process and aren't used in a build.. Before mounting the board to the case, make sure the standoffs in the case match the holes on the board and remove any extra standoffs that don't match a mounting hole.

[TwoRails]

Yes, that one hole at the bottom of the pic is a mobo mounting hole. Again, do Not use washers.

For others viewing, here's an overall view showing all the mounting holes:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/misc/picture/?src=/images/mainboards/ga-p35-ds3r/board.jpg&1=1

[Phil1ip]

Thanks for the help guys. I just wasn't sure whether to use them or not, but now I'm 100% sure I don't. I guess I just needed some reassurance.:)