The screw at the bottom of the MTX

[gunrock]

There is a screw in the middle of my MTX on the underside of the case. It turns (without unscrewing - it seems) and can be pulled up and then it springs back into place.

Should it be able to do that (or should it be screwed in)? And what is it for?

[Martin A]

That connects the botom of the case to the heatsink and the 5v regulator. It should be tightish, but not super tight as that will bend the motherboard.

See P23 of the service manual http://primrosebank.net/computers/mtx/m ... m#hardware

[gunrock]

Thanks Martin. I'll investigate (hoping to strip it down for a good clean this weekend).

[thewiz]

It sounds like you have a screw loose

[gunrock]

@thewiz, oh yes, in more ways than one, I'm sure.

I've bought 30-something year old home micro without prior knowledge of whether it works or not and spent probably the same amount again on parts, that are coming from the four corners of Europe, to make a power-supply, for which I am definitely not qualified to do!

My wife thinks I'm mad and also a wild spend-thrift!

[1024MAK]

Yes the screw (machine screw) should be tight. The idea is that the internal metal heatsink is held tightly against the metal case so that heat can flow from the metal heatsink to the case.

Mark

[gunrock]

Ok, good to know.

I'll be taking a look at it soon, I'm hoping to weedle some time to strip it down and clean it up (now my key puller has arrived) this weekend.

Thanks,
Steve

[gunrock]

Turns out the retaining nut was just loose.

Gave her a good clean. The keyboard sub-strata was utterly rank.

Kets must come off

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Give 'em a shake with warm, soapy water

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Rinse and repeat

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More work required to clean up the keyboard base and motherboard.