I/O shield necessary?

[scottmso]

I have a friend whom I am helping build a computer (for his first time.)

Is it very important to install the I/O shield? On the machines I've built, it was a little bit of a struggle to get the motherboard lined up with the standoffs when the I/O shield was on versus when it was off. I think it may be tough for him to do it. Is there anything bad that could happen easily (e.g. connectors breaking off)? Thanks!

 

[Silversinksam]

I have a friend whom I am helping build a computer (for his first time.)

Is it very important to install the I/O shield? On the machines I've built, it was a little bit of a struggle to get the motherboard lined up with the standoffs when the I/O shield was on versus when it was off. I think it may be tough for him to do it. Is there anything bad that could happen easily (e.g. connectors breaking off)? Thanks!

You really dont need it, but sealing the area with some black duct tape would keep the case pressure in check not to mention keeping out bugs, snakes and whatever else may find the pc to be a warm snuggly place to hang out. The only downside is the cables and plug ins won't be as securely held in as with an I/O shield, but as I mentioned its not absolutely necessary to use it.

 

[tomchong]

well, you dont really even need a case to run a computer, ive seen some people who run their computers "naked", so not using a i/o sheild isnt a big deal. however if you want i nice looking and secure finished product, dont cut corners on things such as this. also, leaving things open or exposed on your computer may prompt some computer illiterate user to investigate and damage something, i left my case open once and my cousin managed to scramble my harddrive