Before removing the system board from a tower system, what should you do first?

Before removing the system board from a tower system, it is essential to first disconnect cables. This step is critical because cables connected to the system board can include power connectors, data cables, and peripheral connections. Removing these cables helps to prevent damage to both the system board and the cables themselves, ensuring a smoother disassembly process. It also reduces the risk of electrical shock by disconnecting power sources before any physical handling occurs.

Taking this precaution helps maintain the integrity of both the board and the system. Proper cable management is a foundation of good hardware maintenance practices. While unscrewing the board, removing components, and dealing with the power supply are also important steps, they should come after disconnecting the cables to ensure safety and protect against unintentional short circuits.