I remember the first time I built a PC. It felt like assembling a spaceship, but with more plastic bags of tiny metal bits. My biggest fear, aside from frying the motherboard, was that I wouldn’t have the right screws. You know, those little devils that hold everything together. So, a burning question for any budding builder is: do screws come with the computer case? The short, no-nonsense answer is usually yes, but the devil, as always, is in the details.
It’s a common anxiety, and for good reason. Fumbling around trying to find the right screw size for your motherboard or SSD can turn a fun build into a frustrating mess. So, let’s cut through the noise and get to the bottom of this, because nobody wants to be left holding a case and a prayer.
The Screw Situation: What’s Actually in the Box?
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. For the most part, when you buy a new computer case, it will come with a stash of screws. These aren’t just thrown in randomly, either. Manufacturers know you’ll need them to mount your motherboard, hard drives, SSDs, power supply, and expansion cards. They usually bundle a decent assortment, often in a little plastic baggie, sometimes even organized into smaller labeled bags within the main one. It’s generally enough to get a standard build done without needing to scrounge.
The exact number and types of screws can vary wildly depending on the case manufacturer and the price point. High-end cases might throw in a few extra, maybe even some spare thumb screws for tool-less installation. Cheaper, more basic cases might give you just the bare minimum.
I’ve seen cases come with a surprisingly generous selection, and I’ve seen others where it felt like they packed just enough to get the main components in, leaving you hoping you didn’t drop one into oblivion. My first budget case, which I bought for about $45 back in ’08, came with a surprisingly solid little baggie. I was genuinely relieved because, at the time, I wouldn’t have known where to even start looking for replacements.
These bundled screws are typically standard sizes used in PC building. You’ll find motherboard standoffs (those little brass or black posts that lift the motherboard off the case surface), screws for mounting the motherboard itself, screws for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and sometimes screws for securing the power supply and graphics cards. The key thing to remember is that while they usually provide what you need for the case itself and its direct mounting points, they might not provide every single screw you’ll ever encounter in a PC build. For instance, some aftermarket CPU coolers come with their own mounting hardware, and you’ll use those screws instead of anything provided with the case.
It’s also worth mentioning that some modern cases are moving towards tool-less designs for certain components. This means you might have clips or levers that hold drives or expansion cards in place, reducing the number of screws you need. While this can be convenient, it also means you might end up with a few extra screws in the bag that you don’t end up using. Don’t panic; it’s better to have spares than to be short.
When the Included Screws Aren’t Enough (or Aren’t Right)
Now, here’s where things can get a bit hairy. While most cases include screws, it’s not a 100% guarantee, especially with older or second-hand cases. If you’re buying a used case, the previous owner might have lost the original screw bag. In that situation, you’re on your own.
This is where having a spare screw kit comes in handy. I’ve learned this the hard way. (See Also: How To Fix Eyeglasses Arm Without Screw )
I once bought a used Lian Li case that I absolutely loved, but it was missing the specific screws for mounting the side panels. I spent a good two hours hunting down the right size at a local hardware store, and even then, I wasn’t entirely sure if they were the perfect match. They worked, but it wasn’t ideal.
Beyond just not having enough, the included screws might not always be the best ones for the job. Sometimes, the bundled screws for things like hard drives are generic and can be a pain to thread. They might strip easily or require a lot of force. This is especially true for cheaper cases. It’s why many seasoned builders have their own preferred types of screws, often higher quality ones with better threading or knurled heads for grip. I personally swear by certain brands of knurled thumb screws for my side panels and drive bays – they make swapping things out so much easier and feel more secure than those tiny Phillips head screws.
The main culprit for needing extra or different screws is often the motherboard. Motherboards require specific standoffs to prevent them from shorting out against the case. While cases usually include these, sometimes they’re pre-installed, or the type of motherboard you have (like an E-ATX board in a case designed for ATX) might not align perfectly with the pre-drilled holes.
If the standoffs aren’t right, or if you need to add more to make sure proper support, you’ll need specific motherboard screws. Similarly, some NVMe SSDs require tiny little screws that are sometimes not included in the case’s general screw bag.
They might be on a separate, smaller baggie if they are included at all. Always double-check your motherboard and SSD manuals for specific screw requirements.
Another common pitfall is the PSU (Power Supply Unit) screws. Most PSUs come with their own mounting screws, but if yours didn’t, or if you lost them, you’ll need to find replacements. These are usually a standard size, but it’s good to be aware. Finally, expansion cards like graphics cards usually use the standard case screws provided, but again, if you’re doing something non-standard or have a very old case, you might run into issues. The key takeaway here is to always inspect the included screw bag as soon as you get your case and compare it to the manuals of your components. A little foresight saves a lot of headaches.
A Diyer’s Opinion: My Screw Storage System
Okay, confession time. I used to just chuck all my leftover screws into a random drawer. Big mistake. Huge. After a few builds, I had this chaotic mess of tiny metal bits, and trying to find the exact screw I needed for a specific job was like an archaeological dig. It was infuriating.
So, about five years ago, I invested in a small compartmentalized organizer box. You know, the kind people use for fishing tackle or craft supplies. Mine has about 20 small compartments. When I finish a build, I take all the leftover screws from the case, the motherboard box, the PSU box, the cooler box – everything – and I sort them into these compartments. I’ve got one for motherboard standoffs, one for motherboard screws, one for SSD screws, one for general case screws, one for PSU screws, and so on. It took me about an hour to set up the first time, but it has saved me countless hours of frustration since. (See Also: How Measure Metric Computer Screws )
This system has also made me more aware of the types of screws I have. I can see at a glance if I’m running low on a particular size or thread. It’s also incredibly satisfying to be able to grab the exact screw I need within seconds. I even label the compartments with a little label maker. It might sound obsessive, but when you’re in the zone building a PC, not having to stop and rummage through a jumbled mess is golden. It’s a small investment that pays huge dividends in sanity. I’ve seen people buy fancy, pre-packaged PC screw kits, and honestly, they’re usually overpriced for what you get. Just use a tackle box and a bit of discipline.
I’ve often heard people say, “Just buy a PC screw kit, it’s easier.” I disagree, and here’s why: those kits often contain a lot of screws you’ll never use, and they might still lack the specific proprietary screws some components require. Building your own sorted stash from leftovers, supplemented by the occasional trip to a specialty electronics store or a well-stocked hardware shop if you’re truly missing something unique, is far more cost-effective and practical in the long run. You learn what you actually need. Think of it as building your own personal screw library. It’s a small, but highly valuable, part of the DIY toolkit.
The Common Mistakes People Make
One of the most frequent errors folks make is not bothering to check what screws come with the case in the first place. They assume it’ll be enough, or they’re too eager to start building. Then, halfway through, they realize they’re missing a important screw for their motherboard or a specific drive. This leads to frantic searching, potentially buying the wrong thing, or worse, improvising with unsuitable screws, which can damage components or lead to instability. Always, always open that baggie and do a quick inventory against your component manuals.
Another mistake is over-tightening. Just because a screw fits doesn’t mean you need to crank it down like you’re trying to seal a submarine hatch. Screws in a computer case, especially for delicate parts like motherboards, just need to be snug. Over-tightening can strip the threads in the case or the screw itself, crack plastic components, or even warp a motherboard. I’ve seen friends absolutely mangle screw holes because they thought ‘more is better.’ It’s not. Gentle, firm pressure is all that’s needed. You want it secure, not fused.
Forgetting about grounding is also a big one. While most modern cases are designed with this in mind, and the standoffs help, sometimes people install components without proper grounding. If your case doesn’t come with the usual assortment of screws, and you end up using non-standard ones, you might inadvertently bypass the intended grounding points. Static electricity is a silent killer of PC components, and proper grounding through the case and its screws is a key part of preventing that. Always make sure your motherboard is properly seated on its standoffs and that all necessary screws are used to secure it and other components to the chassis.
Finally, a mistake I see more often than I’d like is mixing up screw types. Motherboard screws are different from drive screws, which are different from PSU screws. They might look similar, but the thread pitch or length can be slightly off, leading to difficulty in installation or, again, stripped threads. It’s tempting to grab the closest-looking screw, but taking an extra 30 seconds to grab the right one from your sorted stash or the original bag will save you a lot of grief. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and consult your manuals or online resources.
A Look at What to Look for (and What to Skip)
When you’re choosing a new PC case, and you’re wondering about the screws, here’s what you should ideally be looking for. First, check the product description. Reputable manufacturers will often mention if a good assortment of mounting hardware is included. Look for terms like ‘includes all necessary mounting screws’ or ‘comes with a variety of hardware’. If it’s vague, it’s a potential red flag.
Pay attention to the types of mounting mechanisms the case uses. Does it have tool-less drive bays? Are the motherboard standoffs pre-installed, or are they separate screws you need to install? This can affect the type and number of screws you’ll need to manage. Cases that offer more flexibility and customization in mounting often come with a more complete screw selection. Brands like Fractal Design, Cooler Master (on their mid-to-high-end models), and Corsair tend to be pretty good about including a decent amount of hardware. (See Also: How To Adjust Eyeglass Screw )
Here’s a table outlining some common PC component screws and my general take on them:
| Screw Type | Typical Use | Opinion/Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Standoffs (Brass/Black) | Lifts motherboard off case | Key. Usually included. Make sure they match your board’s mounting pattern. Do NOT skip. |
| Motherboard Screws (M3) | Secures motherboard to standoffs | Important. Often Phillips head. Usually included. Make sure they don’t have pointed tips that could damage the board. |
| SSD Screws (M3.5 / M4) | Mounts 2.5″ SSDs/HDDs | Common. Usually Phillips head. Often included. Some cases have tool-less trays, making these less important. |
| HDD Screws (M3.5 / M4, sometimes larger) | Mounts 3.5″ HDDs | Standard. Can be Phillips or sometimes have a knurled head. Usually included. |
| PSU Screws (Often M3.5 coarse thread) | Secures power supply unit | Important. Usually included with the PSU itself, but check your case too. They are generally larger and coarser than drive screws. |
| Expansion Slot Screws | Secures expansion cards (GPU, etc.) | Standard. Often thumbscrews or standard Phillips head. Usually included. |
| Case Thumb Screws | Side panels, some drive bays | Convenient. Nice to have for tool-less access. Quality varies greatly. |
What to skip? Generally, you don’t need to buy a dedicated case screw kit right out of the gate unless your case is explicitly stated to come with no hardware, or you’re buying a very old, bare-bones used unit. The money is better spent elsewhere, like on a decent screwdriver set or a magnetic parts tray. The included screws are usually adequate for a first build. If you find yourself needing more specific or higher-quality screws later on, you can always pick them up then. Think of the bundled screws as your starting point, not your final destination.
The Faq: Common Questions Answered
Do Computer Cases Always Come with Screws?
No, not always, but it’s extremely common for new computer cases to include a bag of assorted screws necessary for mounting basic components like the motherboard, drives, and expansion cards. If you’re buying a used case, there’s a higher chance the original screws might be missing.
What Kind of Screws Are Usually Included with a Computer Case?
You’ll typically find motherboard standoffs, screws for mounting the motherboard, screws for 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives (SSDs and HDDs), and screws for expansion cards and the power supply. The exact assortment varies by manufacturer and case model.
How Many Screws Do I Need for a Pc Build?
For a standard build, you’ll likely use around 15-25 screws for the core components. This includes motherboard standoffs and screws, drive screws, PSU screws, and expansion card screws. It’s always good to have a few extras in case of drops or needing to re-mount something.
What If My Computer Case Doesn’t Come with Enough Screws?
If you find yourself short on screws, your best bet is to check your component manuals for exact specifications and then visit a local electronics store or a well-stocked hardware store. You can also buy universal PC screw kits online, but make sure they contain the sizes you need.
Conclusion
So, to circle back to the big question: do screws come with the computer case? For the vast majority of new cases, the answer is a resounding yes. They’re usually tucked away in a little plastic bag, ready to be sorted and used. Don’t let the fear of missing hardware stop you from starting your build; just be prepared to do a quick check when it arrives.
My advice? Treat those included screws as your starting point. Inventory them, see what you’ve got, and compare it to the manuals for your motherboard, drives, and power supply. If you’re missing anything specific, or if you just want nicer, easier-to-handle screws later on, then you can hunt them down. But for 95% of builds, the case will provide the bulk of what you need to get things assembled.
Ultimately, building a PC is about learning and adapting. Those little screws are just one part of the puzzle. If you take a moment to check and plan, you’ll find that most computer cases are pretty good about setting you up for success when it comes to the screws needed for your build.
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