You’ll often find installing and connecting the IO shields pretty tricky. All the motherboards from different brands come with IO shields. But is it applicable for iOS devices or other mobile devices? If it is, then how to install I/O shield tabs (on iOS)?
iPhones are not compatible with IO shields. But the iPhones sometimes need some cables to connect with the computer. Then you have to use one of the compatible wires based on the ports. To install the shield tabs, you need to insert them correctly, caring for every detail. Then, remove the exhaust fan if necessary and start the installation process. Lastly, check on the position of the ports and tabs.
It’s pretty common to have bends after installation. But you have to ensure there’s no bend, or else the port connection will be hampered.
What Is IO Shield Tabs?
The IO shield tab or the IO panel is also known as the motherboard input-output shield. These little metal tabs are complimentary with every motherboard nowadays. The shield tabs are basically designed to be set on the backplate of your PC case.
There are some perpendicular lines on the tabs called IO shield braces. They hold the motherboard ports together.
There’s always a cutout hole in the PC case to install the IO shield. The primary job of an IO shield is to protect all the components attached to the IO panel. This includes the HDMI port, power supply port, ethernet connections, USB ports, etc., and the motherboard, which basically hosts your PC’s operating system.
It also prevents dust and small particles from entering the motherboard port, power switch, and other mounting holes.
What Devices Are IO Shield Tabs Usable On?
The IO shield tabs are mainly used on PC hardware while attaching the motherboard. However, these tabs can also be used on tablets or laptops with many ports like HDMI, OTG, USB (A to C), ethernet (optical drive), power cables, etc.
Though laptops also have these components internally, you can use shield tabs to protect the ports like power cable connections, CPU fan, relatable ports, etc.
On the other hand, a gaming PC has lots of things in the case, including the graphics card, chipset, motherboard, CPU cooler, different ports to connect with externals, video card, etc.
But these tabs are not applicable for mobile devices. That’s because the mobile devices have their CPU motherboard inside, and the ports are few in number.
Are IO Shield Tabs Compatible with iPhone?
As already mentioned, the iPhones are not compatible with shield tabs. You won’t need any special protection for your portable hard drive inside a protective case already.
If you look closely, an iPhone has only a few ports that include a charging port, speaker grill, power button, and volume button. And recently, the iPhone has ditched the headphone jack. So, you won’t need any IO shield tabs, particularly for these ports.
However, some ports can be connected to the iPhone by converters. And most often, you may need more than one to connect to the signal HDMI port. There are also OTG cables, USB cables that can be connected to the iPhone.
Therefore, if you want an IO shield tab for these wired connections, you can use one. But obviously, it should be highly customized.
How To Install I/O Shield Tabs?
The installation process for an IO shield tab may seem tough to you. But follow this method and have a successful installation. You can also find the details on the provided motherboard manual.
Step 1: Insert the IO Shield
At first, you need to insert the IO shield carefully and determine whether it is perfectly set on the cutout holes or not. Check the way into the CPU socket and its casing. Then, check its position over the motherboard.
Step 2: Check on The Details
As you are working with such sensitive parts, you need to be sure every second. Check out the bumps, the vibrations, the shifting, the falling, and see whether it can keep all things together while moving the case or not.
Don’t let it touch your intel core or AMD RYZEN CPU while inserting and settling.
Step 3: Remove Exhaust Fans
Now remove the cooler or exhaust fan to look at the braces or horizontal pins carefully from every angle. Remember every screw hole for the reinstallation of the fans.
Step 4: Start Installation Process
To install the shield, move the CPU case horizontally and try to slide the metal place to the place. Use minimum force to set on the corner. You can hear some clicking sounds, to be sure.
Step 5: Last Verify
After that, secure all the screws and complete the process. Check whether you can insert all the cables to the ports to run a secure boot.
Custom IO Shield
It’s possible to have customized IO shields though the standard IO shield for every motherboard is the best.
But while customizing the little metal tabs, you need to follow the unique instructions of your motherboard. Otherwise, it won’t set on the case. Once you ensure the proper sizing, you won’t have to worry further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should the IO shield touch the motherboard?
No, the IO shields should not touch the motherboard in any case. The metal tab is for grounding the motherboard.
So, if it stays touching the motherboard, it may get in the way of connecting different ports to the motherboard. It will be fine as long as you don’t plug any wires.
Does the IO shield add style to the PC?
Well, yes, the IO shield adds some style to your PC.
When you are going to set up a PC, you need to insert the motherboard and the casing will look awfully odd because of too many ports at once. If you install the IO shield, it will add delicacy to your PC build-up.
Is it necessary to use an IO shield?
Though the motherboard of your PC can run by itself without a PC case, it’s better to have IO shields to protect it. The metal plate will protect the motherboard from external things and prevent small objects from entering through the holes. The IO plate also creates good contact between the computer case and the connector.
Can I remove the IO shields?
Yes, you can remove the IO shields.
If the case has already installed mobo, you need to remove the mobo first and then the IO shield. And if there’s no mobo installed, you easily remove the IO plate with a simple screwdriver.
Is it okay to bend on IO shields?
If the IO shield is installed and set perfectly with the motherboard port, it should not show any bends.
However, the perpendicular lines will press the motherboard against the IO ports assemblies. You should not bend those lines or else one of them may get stuck into a USB port.
You may also have interested to know:
https://www.fixwill.com/mac-storage-others/
https://www.fixwill.com/how-to-restore-from-icloud-backup-ios-10/
https://www.fixwill.com/how-to-download-ios-10-11/
Bottom Line
Though everyone tells the difficulty of IO shield installation, it’s not much complicated when you follow proper instructions.
Hopefully, you have learned how to install I/O shield tabs and whether it is compatible with iOS devices or not. Take care of your PC and you will get better service from it!
