Using Gold istead of copper for Mobos

[whatavalue]

I remembered a long time ago in the 486s and 386s computer era, the motherboards used gold instead of copper, thus the high prices (besides computer being new). With the new processors that can reach pass 2Ghz now and days, would a computer really see that big of a difference if it used gold instead of copper on the motherboard? Also, would it increase the speed if the wiring on the board was shorting to have a faster reaction time and less resistance?

 

[zsouthboy]

I would think it wouldn't make too much difference...copper is a good conductor as it is...so i doubt there would be any reason to do it.....

They used gold when they had not refined the process of making mobos as much........

Unless somebody feels differently.........

zs

 

[IgoByte]

I doubt it. After all, we've been advancing, not the other way....

 

[highwire]

Copper has been the ONLY common conductor on ciruit boards since they came into use. Silver is a better conductor than copper, but gold is not. Gold is useful for connectors because it does not oxidize, so a metal to metal contact is assured. Gold and other metal coatings are also used here and there on boards for connections and solderability.

 

[Jerboy]

<< Copper has been the ONLY common conductor on ciruit boards since they came into use. Silver is a better conductor than copper, but gold is not. Gold is useful for connectors because it does not oxidize, so a metal to metal contact is assured. Gold and other metal coatings are also used here and there on boards for connections and solderability. >>




Thats right. Conductivity is from greatest to least is : Silver, copper and gold. Price from greatest to least: Gold, silver then gold.

Gold has a great property as a connector material. As highwire has mentioned, it does not oxidize and also when two mating surface with gold surface is pushed together, it sticks together in molecular level allowing very good electrical contact.

 

[billyak]

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[stultus]

That's what I thought. I just came here to post about conductivity of gold vs other metals, but I guess I don't have to. What made me come here was a nice Radio Shack commercial where "Howie" said something like "Since gold is a better conducter, Radio Shack makes gold connectors blah blah blah". I had originally thought it was because gold was more malleable, thus ensuring better contact. But the additional bonus of the lack of oxidation makes sense Learned something new today!