MotherBoard Layouts: Why no change?

[KillaKilla]

Just wondering: Why do so many MBs tend to have such a cramped layout? IE: They have the chipset essentially touching the CPU HS/Fan and the video card, with the memory directly next to the CPU. Why don't they, say, put the VC below the PCI slots (but above the CNR/other slots so it's not touching hte bottom of the chassis). Or the memory closer to the forward edge, to get more breathing room away from the CPU HS/Fan?
See also: ASUS P4C800 Deluxe

Do these things all have to be very close to the chipset for wiring reasons?

Confused...

 

[KDKPSJ]

Do these things all have to be very close to the chipset for wiring reasons?

You already know the answer. Of course there might be other many reasons, but that's one of the major factor. Just take a look of ABIT AI7. In order to get closer than other 865PE motherboard, they rotated CPU socket 45 degree. The rotation of CPU socket provides shorter distance from CPU to Northbridge and to DDR memory.

 

[beatle]

Yup, shorter distance = lower latency since electricity travels at a finite speed.

 

[KillaKilla]

Thanks, guys!