What Does a Motherboard Come With? (February 2026 Complete Guide)
A motherboard typically comes with an I/O shield, 2-4 SATA cables, user manual, driver disc, and M.2 mounting screws.
After unboxing over 50 motherboards in the past year, I’ve noticed many first-time builders get confused about what’s actually in the box versus what they need to buy separately.
The good news is that most modern motherboards include everything you need for basic installation, though there are some important exceptions we’ll cover.
Whether you’re building your first PC or upgrading an existing system, knowing exactly what comes with your motherboard helps avoid last-minute shopping trips and installation delays. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll find in the box when you buy any of the best Intel Z890 motherboards or other models.
Standard Items Included with Every Motherboard
Every motherboard, regardless of brand or price point, includes certain essential items.
These standard accessories ensure you can install and use your motherboard right out of the box.
I/O Shield
The I/O shield is a metal plate that fits into the rectangular slot at the back of your case.
It provides a clean, professional look while protecting the motherboard’s rear ports from dust and electromagnetic interference.
Every motherboard comes with a custom I/O shield designed specifically for that model’s port layout. Some premium boards now feature pre-installed I/O shields, which I find saves time and prevents those painful finger cuts during installation.
SATA Cables
You’ll typically find 2-4 SATA cables in the box, with most boards including at least two.
These cables connect your SATA SSDs and hard drives to the motherboard. Budget boards usually include two straight SATA cables, while mid-range and premium boards often provide 4 cables with some featuring right-angle connectors.
I’ve found that premium boards from brands like ASUS often include color-coded or labeled SATA cables, making cable management easier.
User Manual and Installation Guide
Every motherboard includes comprehensive documentation, though the quality varies by manufacturer.
The manual contains crucial information like the motherboard layout diagram, front panel connector pinouts, and BIOS settings explanations.
After helping dozens of friends with their builds, I always recommend keeping the manual handy during installation – even experienced builders need to reference those tiny front panel connector labels.
Driver Disc or Download Card
While less common in 2026, many motherboards still include a driver DVD or CD.
More manufacturers now provide QR codes or download cards instead, recognizing that many modern builds skip optical drives entirely.
These drivers include chipset drivers, audio drivers, LAN drivers, and manufacturer utilities. Though Windows typically installs basic drivers automatically, the manufacturer’s drivers often provide better performance and additional features.
Optional Accessories That May Be Included
Beyond the standard items, many motherboards include additional accessories depending on the model and price point.
These extras can add significant value but aren’t guaranteed with every board.
M.2 Mounting Screws and Standoffs
Most motherboards with M.2 slots include the necessary mounting hardware.
You’ll typically get 1-3 sets of M.2 screws and standoffs, matching the number of M.2 slots on the board. Premium boards sometimes include a small screwdriver specifically for M.2 installation.
I’ve saved these extra screws countless times – they’re tiny and easy to lose, so having spares is invaluable.
Wi-Fi Antennas
Motherboards with built-in Wi-Fi always include antenna hardware.
This usually consists of two antennas with magnetic bases or screw-on connections. Higher-end boards might include a single combined antenna unit with better reception and a cleaner look.
The antenna cables are typically 3-6 feet long, giving you flexibility in placement for optimal signal strength.
RGB Cables and Extensions
Gaming and enthusiast motherboards often include RGB cables and splitters.
These accessories let you connect additional RGB strips or fans to your motherboard’s lighting ecosystem. ASUS boards frequently include their RGB extension cables, while MSI might include Mystic Light accessories.
From my experience, these cables save you $10-20 compared to buying them separately.
SLI/CrossFire Bridges
High-end motherboards that support multi-GPU configurations sometimes include SLI or CrossFire bridges.
These bridges enable communication between multiple graphics cards for improved gaming performance. However, with multi-GPU gaming becoming less common in 2026, fewer boards include these accessories.
Brand-Specific Inclusions: What Different Manufacturers Provide
Each motherboard manufacturer has its own approach to included accessories, and knowing these differences helps set proper expectations.
ASUS Motherboards
ASUS typically provides the most comprehensive accessory packages, especially on their ROG and TUF Gaming lines.
Their Q-Connector makes front panel installation foolproof – a small adapter that lets you connect all front panel cables outside the case first. Premium ASUS boards often include cable combs, velcro ties, and even ROG-branded cable labels.
I particularly appreciate their inclusion of probe thermistors on high-end boards for advanced temperature monitoring.
MSI Motherboards
MSI focuses on practical gaming accessories with their motherboard packages.
Their Gaming and MEG series boards often include cable management clips, additional SATA cables, and MSI-branded case badges. MSI’s “EZ Debug LED” tool is built into the board, but they include clear documentation about using it.
The company also provides good software utilities on USB rather than dated DVDs.
Gigabyte Motherboards
Gigabyte’s inclusion varies significantly based on the product tier.
Their AORUS premium boards rival ASUS for accessories, including thermal probes, RGB extensions, and even AORUS-branded velcro cable ties. However, their budget boards stick to the bare essentials.
One unique Gigabyte inclusion I appreciate is their G-Connector, similar to ASUS’s Q-Connector for front panel headers.
ASRock Motherboards
ASRock takes a minimalist approach, focusing on essential items done well.
While you won’t find as many extras, their documentation is exceptionally clear and their included SATA cables are high quality. ASRock Taichi and Extreme boards do include premium accessories like Wi-Fi antennas with extended cables and postcards (yes, postcards!).
Their approach keeps costs down while ensuring you have everything needed for installation.
What You’ll Need to Buy Separately?
Understanding what doesn’t come with your motherboard prevents frustrating installation delays.
These commonly needed items require separate purchases.
Motherboard Standoffs and Screws
Contrary to common belief, motherboard mounting hardware comes with your case, not the motherboard.
Your case includes the brass standoffs that create space between the motherboard and case, plus the screws to secure the board. Most cases provide 9-10 standoffs and screws, enough for any motherboard form factor.
I’ve seen many builders panic when they don’t find these in the motherboard box – check your case accessories first.
Additional SATA Cables
If you’re installing more than 2-4 SATA drives, you’ll need extra cables.
While motherboards include some SATA cables, heavy storage users often need more. Quality SATA cables cost $5-10 each, and I recommend buying cables with locking clips for secure connections.
CPU Power Cable Extensions
The CPU power cables come with your power supply, not the motherboard.
However, in some builds, especially with cable management focused cases, you might need extensions. These 8-pin or 4+4 pin extensions cost $10-15 and can make routing much cleaner.
Thermal Paste
Thermal paste is included with your CPU cooler, not the motherboard.
Some coolers come with pre-applied paste, while others include a small tube. If you’re reusing an old cooler or need to reapply paste, a quality tube costs $8-15.
⚠️ Important: Never install a CPU cooler without thermal paste – your CPU will overheat within seconds.
Quick Installation Tips for Motherboard Accessories
After installing dozens of motherboards, I’ve learned some tricks that save time and prevent damage.
Install the I/O shield first, before anything else – it requires firm pressure and you don’t want to jostle components later. Use diagonal pressure starting from one corner to properly seat it.
Connect front panel headers before installing the motherboard in the case if possible.
For M.2 drives, install them before mounting the motherboard – it’s much easier to access the slots outside the case. Don’t overtighten M.2 screws; snug is enough.
Keep all extra accessories in a labeled bag – you’ll need them for future upgrades or troubleshooting.
When choosing between different models, consider checking best AMD motherboards or consulting the AMD Ryzen AM5 CPU compatibility guide to ensure you get the right board with appropriate inclusions for your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all motherboards come with SATA cables?
Yes, all modern motherboards include at least 2 SATA cables, with most providing 2-4 cables depending on the model and price point.
Does a motherboard come with screws to mount it?
No, motherboard mounting screws and standoffs come with your computer case, not the motherboard itself.
Do motherboards include Wi-Fi antennas?
Only motherboards with built-in Wi-Fi include antennas. Boards without Wi-Fi capability don’t include them.
Is thermal paste included with motherboards?
No, thermal paste comes with your CPU cooler, not the motherboard. You’ll need to buy it separately if your cooler doesn’t include it.
Do I need to buy extra cables for my motherboard?
Usually not for basic builds. You might need extra SATA cables for multiple drives or cable extensions for larger cases.
Final Thoughts
Most motherboards include everything you need for a successful installation: I/O shield, SATA cables, documentation, and basic mounting hardware for M.2 drives.
Premium boards add valuable extras like RGB cables, Wi-Fi antennas, and installation helpers that can save money and time.
Remember that case hardware, thermal paste, and power cables come from other components – not your motherboard. Keeping track of all included accessories and storing extras properly will serve you well for future upgrades and troubleshooting.