Motherboard Construction Question.

Comparing the way the rear panel is made, specifically the HDMI port. These are two Z97 boards, but the question would apply to any motherboard. On the first picture it looks like the port is just waiting to snap off. Would you be worried? Is there a reason to isolate the HDMI port- maybe interference? Would this affect your purchase decision? Thanks

That is what the rear I/O shield is for. It helps hold stuff in place.

The slot layout on the board on the left looks better to me, but it has less built in ports on the back.

The HDMI port being by itself would not affect a purchase decision by me.

Board on right simply has more USB connections, and they had to put them somewhere; so they are stacked on top of the HDMI.

If you want more rear USB, then the right one is the right one.

Everything is soldered in place, it won't fall off.

magoo said:

Board on right simply has more USB connections, and they had to put them somewhere; so they are stacked on top of the HDMI.

If you want more rear USB, then the right one is the right one.

Everything is soldered in place, it won't fall off.

Click to expand...

Pretty much this.

This isn't 1991, where you go to a computer fair first Saturday of the month and buy some nameless motherboard with tinfoil components superglued to the board, and God help you if you need to go back to the vendor...

I'm curious how many peoples would use the onboard video, (except on a bench?)