Hello again. I'm not sure if I'm putting this in the right category or not. My monitor cord is coming loose from my tower. The screws that the video cable screws into are missing. Can I buy those separate online or do I need a whole new tower or what, and what are they called?
They are just called DVI connector screws, or VGA connector screws to me. Although I believe they are called "Shoulder Screws" by some.
There are a few ways you can handle it:
cannibalize an old VGA or DVI cable and take the screws. (they are actually bolts - no pointy end like a screw)
Use off the shelf screws from a hardware store. You'd need to determine the bolt size and length which means buying 2 of various sizes to be sure you bring home at least one set of workable ones. I'm guessing they are metric bolts and I would start at about 4-40 size and 1/4 inch longer than the length of the plastic shoulder.
Best solution: buy a new VGA or DVI cable with the screws on it. They are relatively cheap!
VGA:
DVI:
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built - Jan 2013
OS
Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
CPU
i7-3820
Motherboard
Asus P9X79-PRO - Bios 4608
Memory
GSkill F3-14900CL9Q - 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce GTX660 - Driver 352.86
Sound Card
On board Realtek ALC898
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer S271HL
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
#1- Samsung 840 Pro Series
#2- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
#3- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
PSU
Corsair CMPSU-850TX-V2 - 850 watt (by Seasonic)
Case
Corsair Obsidian 550D
Cooling
Standard 3 120mm case fans, Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
I think the OP is referring to the threaded hex mounting screw that attaches to the I/O plate and looks like a mobo mounting standoff (but with different threads). I'd say a visit to your local computer repair shop is in order. Ask nicely and the guy will maybe have an old broken mobo lying around that can be cannibalized.
edit - if it's the hex bolt I'm referring to, might be an idea to check that whatever it screws into inside the case (nut etc) isn't floating around and potentially shorting something out.
Normally those bolts screw right into a connector. There is no nut on the back end. This is to keep a nut from working its way loose and shorting something in the case.
Most of them are a standard 4-40 thread.
As has been mentioned, the easiest way to get them is to talk sweetly to the staff at a computer shop. You can order them online from Digi-Key, as well, but the shipping will be more than they are worth.
Thank you tveblen. badcrc and Mellon Head. I finally got a couple off an LCD monitor that didn't work anymore. Sorry I waited so long to post but I haven't had a computer for a while.
