ASRock Wants the Best Mobo Ideas in the World

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I would like to see a motherboard with a new sort of socket for a 2.5" ssd. That way the user can update the ssd anytime they want and it would be much faster then the current instant boot chips currently employed. This would allow users to install windows on the ssd for quicker booting and have a seperate environment for documents and the such in case windows fails.
 
All I would like is a mother board with all the latest technoogies with no legacy hardware, that will overclock all of the hardware to it's advertised maximums all at once, remaining stable, and without undue stress to the MB components. In other words a board that will do everything it advertises all at once. No comprimising one lower setting to remain stable cause the board can't handle doing two advertised maximum overclocked items at once. like the cpu at its max stable freq and mem at it's max stable setting and the board not being able to handle it. By themselves you know each max settings on these components can run fine through testing, but try both at once, and it doesn't work, thats a motherboard problem not living up to it's claims.
 
I would like to see no more 1 x slots
I never ever used one
Would love to see 12 x sata in 2 sets of 6
With 12 - 16 usb ports since we use more and more usb toys
The most important is that they are have their own voltage control since nowadays everything i have its on external usb hubs (phone, photocamera, videocamera, webcam, keyboard, mouse, usb drives, usb rom ) the list is endless i use now at this moment 12 usb ports
For me the most important of all huge space around the cpu for the nowadays enormous fans
And as a result of that the ram further away from the cpu so all memory slots can be used
A think the pci-e x16/8 slots can stay almost the same as long as 4 x dual slot card can be achieved, because of the next 5 years faster gpu's get released so i think the need for more slots is not needed
I would like to have auto overclock for cpu AND gpu tools build into the mobo because not everybody is a overclocking freak and knows how to get a decent overclock without destroying anything.

I also would love to see some cache at the drive controllers
 
I would like to see integrated NVIDIA graphics on AMD CPU based motherboards again primarily targeting the market of users making up HTPCs from Linux distros (eg Mythbuntu) for whom NVIDIA's graphics is the only working option for video acceleration (aka VDPAU).
 
Motherboards certified to work with latest Linux distros. As one writer has stated above, Microsoft certification is a given and unnecessary.
 
I would like to see some rubberized feet for the bottom of the motherboard. So that when you are doing work on the motherboard out of the case,(cpu change, cpu cooler installation, RAM installation etc), it would be more stable and all the little metal bits on the bottom of the motherboard aren't touching your work surface so they cant be damaged. I think the motherboard should be shipped with some little feet so you would put it down, install all your necessary components, remove the feet and install into the case. Then if you ever needed to do some other changes there could be some spare feet in the kit.
 
One of the biggest lacking features on any modern enthusiast motherboard today is proper fan control. NVIDIA started building some architechture called ESA that allowed users to add ESA certified hardware such as the SilverStone Commander that allows a software/driver level control over fan speeds, clock speeds etc.

It is time for ASRock to step their game up. There should be a system management application built into the motherboard/bios to monitor and control fan speeds by temperatures with varrying degrees of control such as different percentages or even shutting the fans off entirely. Several Air-Coolers can sufficiently cool an idle or low workload processor without the need of the fans. If the management (hardware level) application was able to detect video card temperatures as well as have monitoring funtions for ambient case temperature it would be possible to control any fan plugged into the motherboard with precise control. Add to that a software based control system for advanced management (changes to settings on game launches or while watching DVD/Blue-Ray) and we could actually have what us enthusiasts desire when building custom systems.

You could even throw in a Molex or multi-molex expansion card that would allow additional fan control that could be powered directly from the power supply but additionally managed by the hardware control application (accessible prior to OS loading) with additional support from the OS with the software application/package that supports it.

Nvidia Started it but didn't finish it (I blame the whole Intel/Nvidia chipset fiasco) now it is time for a manufacturer to take it to the next level and give enthuiasts more control over their hardware by providing additional features and control. It might be time for ASRock to start seriously looking at replacing the BIOS with newer available technology as well as the potential for on-board solid-state memory for storage of user settings, backup BIOS(or other hardware level boot technologies) so that users can really customize their PCs with a level of control not yet seen by any manufacturer.

Note: With my current configuration I am on a 790i Ultra chipset from Nvidia and while I can have all fans on my case disabled/enabled based on CPU/GPU temperature, application launch, and several other settings, it is still not quite up to what I expect from technology these days at an enthusiast level.
 
I would definitely move the ATX 24-pin and 8-pin power plug closer to the top of the motherboard for neater management of cables. I would also move the chipset more out of the way of the PCI-E lanes to compensate for longer and larger graphic cards. SATA ports should be facing upwards so they are easier to see when connecting and disconnecting. These should also be split into two lots with four near the edge of the motherboard for hard drives and the other two ports near the top of the motherboard for optical and internal card readers.

Placing the BIOS battery on a 90 degree angle (vertical) would save on space and also allow easier access when replacing or resetting the CMOS. Get rid of the built-in sound and utilise a PCI-E x1 lane for a sound card instead and replace the built-in sound ports for a wireless N/B/G network interface with an external antenna.

Remove the IDE and Floppy ports to increase space for other components. These aren't really necessary any more, as many optical drives have gone with SATA interfaces and external floppy drives can be used if they are really needed. I would also remove one PCI and replace it with a PCI-E x1 or x4, as most enthusiasts will be using SLi functionality, which in most cases the video card would be sporting over the top of this vacant slot.

The integrated writing on the board should also light up to indicate that components have been properly connected/inserted and are functioning correctly. for example where it states "DIMM 1" next to the memory slot, it should light up to indicate that this slot is in use and functioning. Different colours can be used to differentiate between faults and correct operations. A software application could also be included to interigate the BIOS for this information to give you real-time reports and monitoring of whats going on with your system and the related components.

A heat pipe solution should also be used on the chipset that provides a full cooling solution to the heatsinks near the CPU. Essentially copper would be the best material, apposed to alluminum.

solid state memory should also be included, maybe just 8GB would be sufficient. This could be utilised for swap file memory instead of eating into your hard drive space. This would also increase performance, as your hard drives wouldn't be getting hammered as much and it would be faster access times than your conventional hard drive use.
 
Thick copper pcb like Gigabyte, on board reset and cmos reset buttons, crossfire AND SLI compatibility (Probably in the newest chip sets already, I am an Nforce 5 user) All solid state capacitors like Gigabyte, dual BIOS, and one thing that probably gets overlooked but is important -- test and make sure the board is compatible out of the box with as many parts manufacturers as possible I.E. RAM, CPU, GFX Card etc. Sata 3.0 ports. I say keep some legacy connections like IDE just in case - as long as there's room on the board, or at least offer a revision with these features. Make sure the north bridge heat sink is massive/impressive looking and possibly even add an active cooling fan out of the box. Allow every overclocking feature known to man and make sure it can run stable (durability of all components used). That's my 2cents.
 
My version of an ideal motherboard goes like this:
Intel i7 Socket Type LGA1366
Onboard Realtek Sound, Onboard Intel Graphics, USB 3.0 Support, 4 SATA ports, 4 DDR3 RAM Slots, ATI Crossfire support (2 Slots), Built-in TV Card (it's always been on my todo list to get a TV tuner card, but I never have enough reason to buy one, but if it came bundled with the Motherboard, or was built in, that would be useful!) [not sure of what brand...I don't know of any motherboards with a built in TV tuner, so I don't think there is a relevant model], built-in gigabit LAN would be wonderful. Connection for a smaller power supply would be nice for space, but it's probably more efficient with a larger supply (this is where the engineer's make a decision 😛). Onboard wireless would be good, too.
Most of all, the legacy ports (old style serial/comm/printer/mouse/keyboard port) should just be removed. Outside of very specific circumstances, these are taking up precious space that could be used for cooling or more PCI slots, and often have USB-styled counter-parts.

One thing that should certainly be thought of is linux compatibility. Linux supports a lot of modern hardware, but I have had three machines that simply reject linux because of the hardware. Maybe this is bad on my part (either not knowing how to configure linux to my hardware, or just a bad purchase decision), but I think someone who doesn't know anything about linux's hardware compatibility should be able to buy something that linux simply works out of the box. If linux will work, other *nix-based systems will work, too, such as intel-mac, and bsd variants.
 
The PCIe bus is a serial bus and that means it can be cabled. I'd like to see the PCIe slots cabled off the main board to another board or optionally another case where the number of PCIe lanes, the type and number of slots and the spacing of the slots can all be customized. So if I wanted to run three 1x card, I can do that. If I want to run six three slot graphics cards each at x5 PCIe, I could do that. If I wanted to swap cards, I could just change the cables. If I wanted to share a graphics card with my laptop, I could just plug it in.

So my suggestion to dramatically improve main boards is to cable the PCIe card off the main board in a way that we can customize the number and type of slots, the spacing and the number of PCIe lanes to each slot.

Thanks all. Be real, be sober.
 
A number of small temperature sensors at critical spots (cpu, vid card, memory, hd) hooked up to color-changing LEDs would give instant visual feedback on the system's stress: the hotter the redder. (Would obviously be for cases that have a window.)
 
Modular card slots on a common high speed backplane built into the motherboard (no riser card). This would allow me to add whatever kind of expansion slots I need (PCI x16, x1, etc.), rather than be hamstrung by the limitations of the slots predetermined by a committee. Also, eSATA3/USB3 combo ports to replace all the standard USB and eSATA ports; it's the only way to power eSATA devices without needing a separate power supply. Use of turn locks on the motherboards instead of screws for the standoffs. Power taps that can be extended to a case fitting (so case doesn't have to open to measure voltages at the component).
 
Onboard wireless,
Integrated coolers/fans,
Expansion slots ordered this way:

PCI-Express x1
PCI-Express x16
PCI-Express x1
PCI-Express x16
PCI
PCI-Express x16
PCI
 
I would really love to see a motherboard which can dynamically switch between integrated graphics and discrete GPU depending on the system load.It would be great if the discrete gpu is completely turned off when I'm not running any graphically demanding application.This would save a lot of power/money specially for those who keep their computers running for long hours.
 
OK, SSDs are a must. But in what form?
I believe the integrated SSD must be a minimum of 32 GB made of two SSDs on RAID-0 . Now that's a performance boost.
 
Im an AMD fan, and currently own an ASRock 890FX Deluxe3 board, so I've got some legitimate preferences on what I'd like to see in an 890FX/GX:

- Do away with PCI-E x1 or x4 (size) - full-sized PCI-Express slots are backwards compatible with shorter cards, so even if they only use 1/4/8 lanes, make them full length, for "just-in-case" flexibility, like a full size RAID/Sound card or something. And careful layout of all the slots, and include all 7 slots, not SIX (ASRock usually already does this). My ideal slots, from top to bottom, would be:
PCI-E x1/x4/x8 (full length)
PCI-E x16 (main)
PCI-E x1/x4/x8 (full length)
PCI-E x1/x4/x8 (full length)
PCI-E x16 (secondary)
PCI
PCI

^^^ This guarantees, that even if 2 dual-slot graphics cards are installed, a wireless, RAID, and sound card can be fit, which are typically PCI, PCI-E, and PCI-E/PCI these days; and all without using up too many lanes. Plus it'd look pretty sweet with 5 PCI-E in a row!

- Continue using the onboard Power/Bios-reset switches - I LOVE THOSE! And bios codes via onboard LED are also helpful.

- Network: Onboard wireless-N (dual-band) would make my life so much easier - there are no decent full-speed 300mbps add-on cards with dual-band support yet, and if ASRock jumped the gun on this one, I'd probably swap out my MB tomorrow for one. Dual-band is a must for me in my apartment, where microwaves, cordless phones, and dozens of other Wi=fi networks plague my reception on the 2.4GHz channel. Also, Dual Gigabit would be much appreciated. An external antenna as an option, or even standard, would be great too.
- Bluetooth 3.0 shouldn't be tough to implement, and would save me $30 or so of having to buy a USB dongle to hook up my already-pre-ordered Nokia N8 with bluetooth 3.0 support.

- All SATA (minimum of 6, prefer 8, I use all 8, and a dozen or more would be nice, ha) ports facing forward, not to the side, and NOT in any of the four potential slots for dual graphics cards! Nothing is worse than getting a second card to Crossfire, only to realize you have a clearance issue with four SATA ports. Put them on the bottom with the PCI Slots, PLEASE! Also, please keep them all in the same general area; my current ASRock board has two by themselves near the back side of the board, it just pisses me off.

- Make a modular front-port connector that's easy to throw all the connections on, and then you plug the entire thing into the motherboard at once, but also be capable of doing it manually. Some ASUS boards have/had this innovative option, and I loved it.

- If it's got onboard graphics (890GX), please stick with DVI/HDMI first, VGA can easily be adapted to, but DVI/HDMI to VGA is not very common, and is a pain, if your monitor doesn't have HDMI, but you don't want any analog shyte. Of course, if you can squeeze in VGA, go for it, but not too many will cry without it these days; that's what DVI-to-VGA adapters are for. If they need ONLY VGA, the shouldn't be buying a high-end 890GX board anyway, enough said.

- a single heatpipe running all over the NB/SB/PCBs, etc has helped keep system temps steady on a few past boards, I'd like to see that again; my system temp is usually 5-10 degrees (C) higher than my CPU temp, so that should be addressed...

- optical AND Coaxial audio options, both onboard, would be amazing, as a standard, in addition to analog 6-channel.

- Keep the power connection for the motherboard as far up in the corner as possible; people with bottom mounted PSU's should have sufficient cabling anyway, and that gets the power cable away from all the sATA/PCI-E (and even ATA, if you're kicking it old-school still) clutter, and helps a tad with ventilation in some cases.

- AT LEAST 10, maybe even 12 onboard USB options. You can never have enough, and it's not too much to ask for. As many as possible should be 3.0 these days too. Please put at least 6 USBs on the I/O ports on the back, too. I'm sick of buying add-on cards and wasting an expansion slot, or using a hub, just for 1-2 more USBs that my board should have. Four rear doesn't cut it for long with a decent consumer these days.

- Linux support if possible doesn't hurt; I use Ubuntu on occasions, and it's really nice when everything is supported out-of-the-box, but just a small perk.

- Lastly, please do not neglect to include the aging PS/2 plugs for the mouse and keyboard. Sometimes it's just what we need, when we're in a hurry or working remotely, and there's nothing worse than taking a standard keyboard to the back of a board and realizing, "GASP", no PS/2 connection.

If there were a board that met half of these requirements, I'd buy it tomorrow. And I really appreciate the fact that a manufacturer out there is even considering reading reviews/comments/preferences of their consumers. I've waited years for this, and ASRock has just earned a heap of brownie points with me.

I'll be watching to see what comes out of ASRock's oven next, this is exciting!
 
I would like an upgradable cpu interface. I can't buy socket 939 processors anymore. If I want to upgrade my processor, I have to buy a whole new motherboard, ram, etc. It would be great if I could just pop out the cpu slot and install a new slot and cpu. Wishful thinking I guess.
 
Hi, my near perfect motherboard is:
Small form factor; no onboard audio; no onboard graphics; no ps2 nor keyboard ports ; no firewire; no paralell ;no Ide nor floppy stuff...Raid could also go____only 6-8 usb ports___front ones need to be well powered____also gagabit lan port....only one pci express X16 slot____2*pci____1*express. This board must also be well endowed with proper capacitors and powerlines.
Thus this board is for someone who wants a reliable green motherboard not concerned about crossfire nor sli...and you use your own soundcard..not something you don't want but end up paying for...same about the ports...give me the bare essentials without compromising power....please contact me for more details...
 
3 to 4 banks of memory so not only can we have up to 64GB's but also cheaply have about 16GB's. An AMD based motherboard able to hold 4 packs of 4GB RAM kits would make a mobo worth a bit more to most enthusiasts. An Intel motherboard able to hold 6 packs of 3GB RAM kits again would be worth a lot to most enthusiasts. At least 50% more memory banks would be a very good start.

USB system start. My current system doesn't allow for my wireless KB\MS to start my system. USB memory stick for startup and system locking would be nice.
 
I think the best thing to do is to eliminate all the old or unessasary stuff: IDE, on-board audio/video (keep NIC). With the extra space move ram, northbridge out from the CPU to allow better cooling and more room for heatsinks. Put the MB power conector at the rear somewhere to allow for either top or bottom PSU's and move SATA to the front.

Oh and add more PCI-E X16 for double/triple/quad Crossfire/SLI. Also space those out to allow for better airflow and cooling.
 
I want a mobo that is made in the US and is green! Also, I think that the mobo should have lights built in like a X-mas tree(nah jk, but it'd be cool if they developed an option like that...). I think something like a cover over the parts you don't use... a plain dust cover, and something anti-static so you don't accidently kill the mobo.
More ways to tell your status of the motherboard... LCD paneL? lol! raises the price a 100$, basically....
Make DVI-D the "default" integrated GPU input, and include a DVI - VGA addapter...
Put as many RAM slots as you can fit! maybe a few reserved for the integrated GPU? make it a REAL card, not a 128 MB 4570 or so... do a higher one! 5770, atleast. Also making a dust cover over the RAM and PCI areas, a plastic flap with a small fan in them for airflow?
Also maybe something that can read your brainwaves!!?!?!? lol =D
I tihnk you should be able to add a small semi-flexible attachment to the mobo power input so you can move it for easier plugging inness...
+1 for one of the other commenters saying to add RAM on a riser, I was thinking of putting it at the back of the mobo (the cside farthest from the outputs) and putting a few SATA connects behind it, but also in another place, so you have versatility.
 
I'm having some beers now. I already posted a comment before, but I would like to add some silly stuff...forgive me my grammer... Okay Asrock..
No.1 Change your name. It's like Foxconn...people think it's inferiour...but apperantly Foxconn makes the Apple stuff.
No. 2. Get rid of too many features...give the pro's the all in one board...but the rest of us...give us the bare essentials...no realaudio...no floppy nor ide nor firewire...we don't use that stuff..
No. 3 Give us only one pci 16...we don't crossfire nor sli...I don't mind paying $200 for a premuim board..but I'm not going to buy a second graphics card to dual later on... I've made my decsicion...I'm stuck with one 5870 card and either park with a asus Zonar or a Creative solution for sound. No this or that compromises...
No.4 the Chances of having raid for the average user is so low, give us a option to buy a board with absolutly no frills...just the bare essentials...with proper high end essentials...like the power grid.
No. 5. The front usb should have enough power to make all devices plugged into it perform.
No.6. Overclocking should be automatic...when not needed...everything must chill...like when not playing a movie or playing a game...total system power draw should not be more than 100 watts...
No. 7. All mb makers...get rid of silly pictures to promote your stuff...Aplle is all about the basics... less is power! I'm a Pc Person and the last thing I want is people saying the Pc is dead.

Asrock...Thank you for at least asking us for some suggestions. Running a company like this must be tiresome...at least you are invoking some real people with wishlists...I HOPE THIS NOT TO BE OUR WINTER OF DISCONTENT...beer is finished....yawn...🙁
 
since someone decided to go through and vote everyone down after their post I went through and voted everyone's stuff after my last post up one. Sorry to those people who got dumped on by some tool who thinks their ideas are great and everyone else sucks.
 
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