stupid question What to do with the pins on the back of the I/O motherboard shield?

[JustGeorge]

Yeah, I'm not really sure why everyone said the I/O shield is for grounding. Looks like some kind of common myth to me. I suppose, it could be used to ground to the case, but it doesn't particular make much sense since motherboards are designed with multiple grounds already and PSU has a grounded plug. Moreover, if the PSU wasn't grounded and then you tried to use the case as a ground, you could potentially electrocute/shock yourself if something touched and high voltage/current started moving through the case.

 

Also, this sums up what it is for: http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/9850/what-is-the-purpose-of-an-io-shield-on-a-computer-case

Based on that article, it seems that removing the metal tabs wouldn't hurt anything as the cover is mainly for preventing electromagnetic radiation (interference) from escaping the case and aesthetics. It would make installing the board a little easier though.

[snaphat (Myles Landwehr) Member]

Based on that article, it seems that removing the metal tabs wouldn't hurt anything as the cover is mainly for preventing electromagnetic radiation (interference) from escaping the case and aesthetics. It would make installing the board a little easier though.

 

Yep, too bad an incorrect answer is selected as the right one ;-)

[threetonesun]

Yeah, I'm not really sure why everyone said the I/O shield is for grounding. Looks like some kind of common myth to me. I suppose, it could be used to ground to the case, but it doesn't particular make much sense since motherboards are designed with multiple grounds already and PSU has a grounded plug. Moreover, if the PSU wasn't grounded and then you tried to use the case as a ground, you could potentially electrocute/shock yourself if something touched and high voltage/current started moving through the case.

 

Also, this sums up what it is for: http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/9850/what-is-the-purpose-of-an-io-shield-on-a-computer-case

 

I'm mostly for EMI interference and correct airflow (also dust), but yes, it also provides grounding.

 

You can take it off, but that's why it's there.

[snaphat (Myles Landwehr) Member]

I'm mostly for EMI interference and correct airflow (also dust), but yes, it also provides grounding.

 

You can take it off, but that's why it's there.

 

All of the I/O ports are already grounded, that's the reason they have shielding around them, that is tied to the ground provided by the PSU... Grounding anything to a case, in general, would not the greatest idea if it wasn't grounded to real sink to begin with. Think about it in terms of appliances. You don't ground your stove to the metal finishing do you? They actually specifically tie the 3rd prong on the US plugs to the metal finishing on appliances just in case it somehow ends up with electricity surging through it so that you don't die.

[Praetor]

i always thought that plate is just an RFI/EMI plate, that also helps the airflow (by not having a hole in the case) and prevents dust, but not grounding since that's the PSU job.

[Steven P. Administrators]

Last online 18 hours ago, wonder if he fried the motherboard? :s

[riahc3]

Hello,

Last online 18 hours ago, wonder if he fried the motherboard? :s

I don't think so....PSU was DOA so couldn't test it.

I selected the best answer as there is no stupid question because I feel the first page is full of people saying you should cut it off and you shouldn't because of grounding when that is incorrect.

So the best answer is there is no stupid question (IMO)

[Steven P. Administrators]

Hello,

 

Closing.

 

Thanks.

[Eric Veteran]

*shrug* You may believe what you choose but it is part of the ground loop if it's connected properly.