For folks that build a LOT of systems

[Rubycon]

Is there a reason why every chassis ships with a backplate? Back in the day when all motherboards had the same ports in the same place I could see this but today...

Every system you build this plate gets knocked out and replaced with one the manufacturer gives you with the board.

That said, Asus is sending nice ones lately. They are foiled for good contact and have black outside with white lettering for good contrast.

 

[imported_Scoop]

You mean the motherboard I/O plate? Sorry to wreck your statement of 'every chassis' right away but my Cooler Master CM690 didn't ship with one.

 

[krunt]

cheap cooler masters. Not even providing the throw away plate? Thats why I am an antec man. You get more worthless stuff in a box then you can throw a stick at.

 

[AmberClad]

Maybe there's a secret prize for finding a motherboard that the I/O shield actually fits?

Interestingly, the shield that came with my case is probably thicker and less flimsy than any shield that came with one of my motherboards. Too bad it'll never see the light of day paired with an actual board...

 

[Rubycon]

I've bought several Stacker 830's and they had plates. The color coded ones.

 

[spikespiegal]

This is a huge pet peeve of mine and one of the leading reasons I can't often deploy DIY rigs in places I can deploy pre-built Dell's, etc.

Provided you can actually get your I/O plate that came with your MB to fit with the case, most of them are pretty flimsy and don't offer much support anyways. I haven't deployed a new Asus lately, but good for them if they are making better I/O plates.

Build them out of polycarbonate - I don't care. Anything stiffer than the tinfoil that Taiwan usually uses is fine with me.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: spikespiegal
This is a huge pet peeve of mine and one of the leading reasons I can't often deploy DIY rigs in places I can deploy pre-built Dell's, etc.

Provided you can actually get your I/O plate that came with your MB to fit with the case, most of them are pretty flimsy and don't offer much support anyways. I haven't deployed a new Asus lately, but good for them if they are making better I/O plates.

Build them out of polycarbonate - I don't care. Anything stiffer than the tinfoil that Taiwan usually uses is fine with me.

In the old days they were galvanized steel and often heavy gauge - 18 not uncommon! They don't need to be particularly strong since the chassis standoff bosses are holding the motherboard tight to the chassis. But most do prefer to see some kind of marking next to each connection.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Actually, you need the "spring" effect from a lighter gauge material so that you can still butt the edge of the mobo against the I/O shield.

Best solution I've ever seen is in an old SuperMicro tower case that I still own. The shield is two pieces, "staked" together. Outer portion is heavier gauge while the inner part, which the mobo mates up to, is made from stainless spring (steel).