What should you verify before installing the motherboard in the case?

Verifying the alignment and securement of the standoffs is essential before installing the motherboard in the case. Standoffs are used to create space between the motherboard and the case, preventing the two from making contact and causing shorts or damage. Properly installed standoffs ensure that the motherboard is securely mounted and has the necessary clearance for proper airflow and heat dissipation.

If the standoffs are not secured correctly or misaligned, it can lead to physical instability for the motherboard, potential damage to circuitry, and could also affect the mounting of components such as the CPU and RAM. Therefore, checking that the standoffs are in their appropriate positions corresponds to both the motherboard's holes and the case layout is a crucial step in the installation process.