Which of the following objects would you place between the motherboard and the system case during installation?

During the installation of a motherboard into a system case, standoffs are critical components that are used to create a separation between the motherboard and the case. This separation is essential for several reasons. First, it prevents the motherboard from making direct contact with the metal of the case, which could lead to short circuits if any components on the motherboard come into contact with the conductive metal surface. The standoffs raise the motherboard to a suitable height, allowing for proper airflow and better cooling.

Additionally, standoffs help to align the motherboard with the mounting holes in the case, ensuring a secure fit. This is important for both stability and for the secure connections of other components, such as graphics cards and RAM. While options like rubber pads, foam spacers, or plastic mounts may provide some form of cushioning or support, they do not fulfill the specific function of creating the necessary distance and alignment wire needed for a safe and efficient motherboard installation. Thus, standoffs are the correct and most appropriate choice for this application.