The internal metal top shield

[thesofa]

Do I really need this in my STE?

[exxos]

Depends what you are passing as passing criteria or not.

Will your machine work perfectly without it, yes.

OTOH, it is better to have it prevent interference to and from the computer and it helps flexing of the motherboard. Of course if you are not bothered about it.. Only really you can decide what you want.

So better to have it yes, Is it actually required no.

[rubber_jonnie]

If I have upgrades that prevent it from fitting, I leave it off, otherwise it stays on.

The bottom shield should always be left though as it helps to correctly locate the mainboard in the lower case and provides mechanical strength.

Up to you entirely.

[thesofa]

Thanks chaps, I guess i shall leave it off then, because i don't want to have to drill it for the TOS switch i have installed just above the RF output.