Making an I/O Back Plate for PC MotherBoard

2 January 2020

For those who swap their PC’s motherboards will find their motherboards sometimes come without a I/O Back Plate. They might have bought these motherboards from the “Market Place” or Carousel. They might find an old motherboard  from their junk storage. Trying to get a similar back plate will not only be costly but also not easy. The solution is to make one.

What you will need?

1. A top cover of a clear plastic box that measures 180x180, enough to make 2 plates

2. A sharp scissor

3. A fine point marker pen and Scotch tape

4. A ruler

5. A sharp pen knife or high speed drill such as Dremel drill

Step by Step

1. Cut out a piece plastic sheet, measuring 10 mm larger than the I/O window. For example, if the I/O windows is 150 x 50 mm, cut a plastic sheet of about 170 x 70 mm;

2. Mount the motherboard inside the PC case together with the clear plastic sheet. Making sure the hole of the motherboard is about in line with the mounting screws;   Fix the plastic sheet in position using the Scotch tape.

3. Mark out the holes of the various ports using the ruler and the marker as the tools. Double check the positions of each hole marked; use cotton stick with thinner to clean up the edges and mistakes

4. Dismount the plastic sheet and cut the hole out using the penknife or the Dremel drill

5. Mount the plastic sheet to the motherboard to check if the holes are in line. If needed be, cut another similar plastic sheet with holes correctly adjusted. One can also make use of paper to cut a temple first to match the holes of the port. This will save having to cut another plastic sheet.

6. Roughen up the inner surface with sand paper and pray paint the plastic sheet with beautiful colour to decorate the plastic sheet  if necessary.