OK to remove IO shield?

While building my first PC, I noticed that the mobo and it's ports cannot correctly fit in the IO backplate that is placed over the large hole in the back of the case. It's essentially too low, or some of those shield's pins are pushing it too hard.

How dangerous would it be to remove the IO shield from the case? My fears are that dust could get in (is this critical?) or that some other damage could occur (something to do with air flow?)

How dangerous is to leave it on? My main concern here is that it's damaging the mobo by pushing it and that I should quickly disassemble my PC and remove it.

Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 EVO R2.0

Case: Zalman Z11 (ATX Mid Tower)

This is actually a fairly common occurrence.  I/O shields just don't always fit snugly with the ports.  Just make sure that the I/O shield is definitely fitted into its slot correctly. Check each corner and each straightaway.  If it really is in right, then that's all you can do.  Dust is going to get into your case no matter what you do, so a little bit of room around your ports won't even be tangible.  After you mention airflow though I'm starting to wonder... I can't imagine you have THAT much of a misalignment that you should think airflow might be disrupted.  Post a picture of it?  I really think it's fine though.  

I want to remove it because a) it's blocking access to a row of USB ports and b) it's applying pressure on the motherboard which I think could damage it (?)

I mentioned airflow in the situation where it is removed, although it was just a wild guess... Probably the airflow is the same in both cases.

It's blocking access to a whole row of USB ports?  What motherboard is it?

Are you using the IO sheild that came with your board, or did this one come with the case? some cases come with generic ones that don't fit some boards, so if you have one that came with your board use that instead. Also the things are supposed to push on your board, so that's normal. But if you can't fix it or whatever there's no issue with removing it and not using it at all. I had a computer that ran for ages without an IO shield, it did go rusty, but I think that was more to do with it being in front of an open window :P

 

Pretty sure it's the one that came with the board.

It's the ASUS M5A97 EVO R2.0, using the shield which came with it (I think). Case is Zalman Z11.

What case do you have?  I found this link and it sounds strikingly similar to what you're saying.  Is it?

http://www.overclock.net/t/1343261/i-o-shield-alignment-issue-asus-m5a97-r2-0-cm-storm-scout

I have the Zalman Z11 case, not CM Storm Scout. But I will check the link out. It is the same mobo though, so thanks, it might help.

Also the only two solutions there are basically "return the mobo" or "use it without its shield". Returning isn't really an option anymore.

However they say that bugs can get inside the case if you remove the shield. Is this true? I don't want any freakin' bugs in my case, wtf.

I have a 900D which essentially has perforations covering the entire back panel more than large enough for bugs to climb into.  On top of that, I'm CONSTANTLY removing bugs from my room.  Despite this, I've never found any bugs inside my case.  Sure that's anecdotal, but generally speaking bugs don't really climb into computers.

I beg to differ

i own the EVO my self, and it should fit if you hang in the motherboard under the correct angle. you need to hold the board on an angle match up the ports the the io shield, what i personaly allways do, is using the audio ports to matchup, reason is because  those color ports need to come trough the io shield.

Anyway, if it realy does not fit, without io shield it also workt fine, i know a bit of what your saying, this was also my first motherboard, that does not fit that great with its io shield. my internet stecker doesn´t fit that great.

Like Angel,i too have the board and the IO shield was a pain in the butt to fix in.I thought i had snapped it in and tried to align the board with the shield.I got the same problem as you. Then i really had to force the shield into the case and it snapped(even more) into place. So right now,the shield aligns with the board but it has a flex to it.

At any rate,your airflow will not be impeded.Just means that you'll have to clean the innards more often.

HOLY CHRIST THE HORROR