One of the most frequently asked questions when installing a new computer setup is, “How to install IO shield tabs?” In this article, we’re going to learn about IO shields and the proper way to install them on your motherboard. By the end of this article, you should have an overall knowledge about generally what IO shields are and how you can install them.
How to Install IO Shield Tabs
Step 1: Making sure the IO shield is in the correct way
When you’re installing the IO shield to your computer case, first make sure the IO shield fits in place with the motherboard. Also, make sure that the IO shield can be inserted in the correct way.
You can do this by simply lining up the ports on the motherboard with the gaps on the IO shield. You can take picture references from the internet on how it should look if you feel confused.
Step 2: Making sure the measurements of the IO shield is okay
Prior to installing the IO shield, make sure that the measurements go well with your computer. The best way to do it is to learn the dimensions of it and match it with your computer before you purchase.
There are some bumps on the IO shield that will keep it in place when installed. Make sure the bumps fit well.
Step 3: Removing the back end parts of the casing
Next up, you’ll need to start removing parts like exhaust fans, its shield, tabs that are in the way, etc. Otherwise, it’s going to become challenging to install the IO shield.
Step 4: The installation
To continue with this step, first, lean your computer casing horizontally and start placing the IO shield in its place. Pressure the corners of the IO shield against the casing. Each corner should feel just in place.
Right when you hear a clicking noise, it means the IO shield has been installed in the right way.
Step 5: See if things are correct
Once you’re done with all the steps above, you need to check if the plate has been installed in the right way or not. When the bumps are visible off of the other side of the casing (inside), you should know that the installation of the IO shield has been successful
What is an IO shield/plate?
I/O shields are often commonly referred to as I/O plates. It stands for the Input/Output shields/plates. Of course, most of us know some components of a computer, the ins, and the outs. But do we know all of them? Maybe not.
I/O shields are the removable plates that protect the motherboard and the back of the computer. The metal plate is used in the back of the computer casing, behind the motherboard. Ring any bell? Yes, that exact plate is called the I/O plate.
I/O plates not only provide dust protection; but also gives access to plug-in devices like USB drives as well as the power cord, HDMI cables, LAN cables, etc for various purposes. When we purchase new computer cases, usually the I/O shields come pre-installed.
In some cases, though, when you build a computer, you’ll need to replace the I/O shield that comes alongside the case with the one that your motherboard includes.
What’s the Purpose of IO Shields?
Do you ever consider taking a moment to understand what the purpose of the metal plate attached to the motherboard behind your computer casing is? If not, here’s what. The main purpose of IO shields is to make a premium connection between the computer casing and the chords and cables as well as USB drives.
Besides, IO shields provide protection from dust, keeping your computer a bit more protected.
There’s a term called Electro Static Discharge, also known as ESD. The IO shield also helps provide more ESD protection to your computer. Sometimes our skin faces an electrical charge from things like walking on carpets, rubbing against cloth, etc.
So basically, when you plug in the cables and connectors to your computer, the ESD might happen. This means an electrical discharge from your skin, resulting in a tiny shock.
Not something lethal, but IO shields will protect you from that. Even though generally your computer must be having well-rounded earthing and grounding, which will protect you anyway, IO shield protects you further.
Do you know what a Faraday cage is? Well, the IO shield on your computer, completes kind of a Faraday Cage with your casing.
What does it do? It provides protection for the cables which aren’t shielded (sometimes VGA, HDMI, LAN cables when they get torn) from the electromagnetic radiation that comes from all the components of your computer. Do you often hear buzzing noises from your audio devices? IO shield might be able to protect you.
IO shield prevents speakers and audio devices from generating EMI, which, makes the buzzing noise go away.
That’s why if you thought IO shields are only for aesthetics, you’d be wrong.
Conclusion
By the end of this article, you should already know what IO shields are, how they are useful and how to install IO shields on your computer casing. Hope this article helped you out with how to install IO shield, helped your setup, and a smooth installation process.