I placed the CPU cable across the motherboard.
I placed the CPU cable across the motherboard.
Hello, I upgraded my prebuilt PC several times and placed the CPU cable over the motherboard without realizing it was intended to go underneath. Could you find a way to route the cable through without taking out the board entirely? Also, I made an error with the case during assembly—it’s quite basic now, and I’d prefer a higher-quality one for a bit more money. The screw holes on the case are worn from repeated removal, which isn’t ideal for me anymore. Thanks.
Don't stress about it. The cable goes through the back for aesthetic reasons. From an electrical standpoint, it doesn't matter much if the cable passes over the motherboard to that connector, as long as it isn't damaged by other components (like a video card squeezing the cable or individual wires between the video card and the motherboard). Also, be careful not to crush any of the wires.
Well, there seems to be no straightforward solution. It often depends on the specific PC case you have—whether it's standard or custom. We don't have enough details about the motherboard layout or the interior design. Since we can't see inside, it's hard to give precise advice. If your connection isn't long enough, you can try two options: purchase a cable extender or remove the motherboard to lay it out. Experienced users sometimes route cables under the board without taking it off, though that's not recommended unless you're comfortable with it. Generally, a flat cable works best and won't disrupt the look, even if it goes under the board. You can find more info here: https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=eps+extension+cable
Thanks for your reply. I know that there isnt an issue, I've actually used this pc for a year now with it going over the board. For some reason I cant stand the cable looking so ugly over the board, I think If my case didnt have a glass side panel I wouldnt care as I cant see inside, but I do so It just really bothers me.
Thank you for your response. I’d consider taking out the board completely and reattaching it with the cable if my situation improved. However, the more I handle the case, the more the screw holes and screws become worn. I’d prefer a new case, but it seems like spending money on a replacement feels unnecessary since my old one was only a year old. My CPU cable was just a bit too short to reach it the other way, as you mentioned when I tried it previously.
Purchase a cable extension from sites like Newegg or Amazon. Look for affordable options that meet basic quality standards—around $20 to $35 for a complete set covering ATX, EPS, and PCI-E connectors. Alternatively, consider custom builds with Cablemod for tailored solutions. Always check the product details to confirm included cables. Depending on your setup, you may need multiple sets; for example, if you have several 4+4 EPS and more PCI-E cables, you’ll likely need additional bundles. Ensure the configuration matches your requirements and avoid any unused wires.
What kind of inexpensive case do you have that can't handle regular use? Or are you forcing the screws so tight they feel like you're biting your lip?
It seems like a blend of my setup and the case affected the build. This was my initial attempt using a ready-made unit I had before. I aimed for a new GPU but the existing case wasn’t compatible, so I upgraded to a fresh one. I also upgraded my power supply for better performance. There was a delay of about a year before acquiring the GPU due to cost factors. Eventually, I managed to get it a few months ago. Later, my motherboard’s RAM slot pin failed (the cause unclear), so I replaced it with a more reliable model. The board has been opened multiple times—sometimes for adding parts, other times when troubleshooting boot issues. Only one screw hole is malfunctioning while the rest work properly. I’m not very skilled with screws, often stripping them or damaging them even with the right tools.