ASRock Wants the Best Mobo Ideas in the World

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I'd really like to see the RAM and CPU swapped round, getting heatsinks on and off the CPU is the most terrifying and tricky task for someone who doesn't do it on a daily basis.
It's a simple change but one that would have real world ease-of-use improvements.
It would also free up some space on the top edge of the board (assuming it's in a tower case) for sata ports.
On the subject of sata ports, could the mobo have extra power connectors from the PSU so that sata drives could be powered from the mobo instead of from the chaotic mess that is the PSU?
Ideally ALL power would come from the mobo, that way cable standards could be reached that have power and data, it would allow for far more compact and efficient designs.
 
A master connection dongle that would act as an interconnect for internal motherboard connectors. Instead of squeezing your fingers into all the tiny holes to connect everything, you have a single digital connector for all internal peripherals (sata, front USB, front Audio, etc) that leads into a dongle with all of the regular interconnects. This would lead to better cable management and easier access / less cluter on the board.

I would also like to see an enthusiast motherboard with a master fan control switch (hw or sw) for controlling the speed of all onboard fans.
 
a cpu-less bios boot please. maybe cpu-less and ram-less even.
i want to be able to get into that bios with a video connection and power alone.
you know... just in case.
 
i would like to have on my next motherboard would be
- to have built-in speakers (which can be controlled by software aka Windows or from BIOS to be disabled if an external speaker is present) instead of those tiny beeping ones similar to how Macintosh computers work with integrating speakers on their casing. tiny as it may be but should have at least good quality sound for a built-in speaker. this speaker can be plugged directly via USB header similar to how those tiny pc-speakers are mounted off the pc-speaker pin header.
 
I would like to see a plug in that would allow connection of one or more additional video or graphics cards to an external system source. This would allow for less crowding of the MotherBoard and allow present setup of four or more graphics cards to a system. You could also develop the external source set up extension to house the additional cards with expanded integrated cooling,
I am sure the public would not mind an outside attachment if done properly, to enhance their set up and this would allow more freedom in existing cases to extend the life of other compenents by keeping them cooler.
Think outside the box, as they say.
Thank you for asking the public what they think on such matters, I hope you gain something of note by doing what your doing. It will benefit the Industry.
Sincerely
George Mc Grath
 
A modular format that allows people to switch out sections of the motherboard based on needs or technology changes. (E.g., an expansion slot module that can be changed out to sacrifice PCI slots for PCI-E ones when the user needs Crossfire/SLI, or a module that exchanges USB2 connectors for USB3 or 90-degree-rotated connectors.) Yes, you're cannibalizing new motherboard sales to a degree, but the modules don't have to be cheap -- people would pay for the convenience of not having to remove/replace a whole motherboard. People will still upgrade when new sockets arrive.
 
For extreme Motherboads
-a fiber optic like iluminated diagram of wiring across the whole motherboard with a flowing direction depending on TEMP or speed

-northbridge/southbridge heatsinks with the optional pipe conection for water cooling

-a CPU heatsink with Fan like orb that has a Changing color light for Temperatures

Remember brands like gigabyte go with the Superstable MOBO with all this solid state caacitors, double copper density etc etc etc... just making STRONG looking and SUPER stable MOBOS and their is no losing
 
I would like some sort of metal or hard plastic support behind the CPU heatsink mounting holes, so that I can press down on them without flexing the board. This would save the trouble of taking the board out of the case to mess with the heatsink.

Also, a way of turning the machine on without ever spinning up the mechanical disks, so that I could boot it from an SD card or SSD sometimes if desired, without having to wait for the mechanical hard drives to spin up if I am not going to use them. This would also save wear and tear on the drives.

For making multibooting easier without having to worry about modifying your boot drive to add another OS, add a hotkey at bootup to choose which drive or device to boot from. Not a menu, but just a single key, configured in the bios, to choose a particular boot device.
 
I'd like to see the some of the drive connectors(IDE and SATA) move to the top of the motherboard(Bottom right hand corner of image) since most drives cages are at the top of the case reducing the cabling needed to connect the devices. Then I would like the ram and the mosfet (not sure what it's called the thing with heat sink between the CPU and the back connectors) to switch places. This allows the mosfet to have a larger heatsink to increase the cooling on the mosfet but this also creates a wind tunnel for the ram for those using tower heatsinks and a fan on top of the back connectors (more toward the higher end) i also would like the power connector to move to the top of the motherboard. A miniature OS like express gate for testing components and for light benchmarking oh and a block which we plug our front panel connectors to then plug the whole in the motherboard Thanks for reading
 
I want premium quality components on motherboard. Currently the capacitors are pretty crappy, CPU power regulators fail miserably (at OC - even when they are "8 phase"). Get rid of the legacy connectors and components especialy BIOS - switch to EFI (the new OS`s will benefit from it). Also no one these days use the floppy disks and there are less P-ATA HDD/DVD-ROM than S-ATA... if they really need to use the old one can always take external device or adapters with usb ports.
I think onboard devices are always to debate: some need all the things, some don`t - and that can be solved by variating the boards configuration: striped (spartan components for use HomeServer/HTPC systems), minimal (that contain all it needs to start - like the ION2 platform), normal, deluxe (all things on). Also a modular back-panel will be nice (if i don`t use e-sata or fire-wire or optical SPdif there is no need for them to gather dust in the back of my computer).
Multiple USB3 ports, Bluetooth 2.1 and wi-fi "b/g/n" are something that anyone use these days!
The board layout can be improved: move the memory and CPU at the bottom (hot air always go up and the current CPU zone gets very hot especially when you use a big "power-hungry" graphic card under it)! I also like more hot-swapable components. Use "plain english" on diagnostic boards or implement the voice diagnostic like Asus did (or you can make a touch screen display - with xml config like Cisco Phones - that connect via bluetooth and send real-time statistics when computer is in use).
 
Wow, there are a lot of comments on this.
Here goes though. I am an enthusiast as well as a businessman :) so when doing custom builds and my own personal builds, appearance, functionality/performance and durability are my top concerns. to that end my ultimate motherboard would look something like this

Aesthetically: Well spaced/proportioned: Clutter looks terrible to a customer and it adds to heat problems which detract from durability. Space out the PCI/E expansion ports as much as possible. Most builds do not use more than 3 expansion cards, and if the parts are all high quality, it reduces the need for said expansion.

variable/persistent color scheme: i have several customers that have requested a "red" or "blue" computer. and some even request them with "the internet inside" but more to the point, the average computer user/gamer is used to "I buy an Mp3 player and i chose the color, why cant i choose my computer color?"
Produce the same motherboard with more than a single PCB pigment. that way a guy requesting a "blue computer" can receive just that. 😉

Performance/functionality: first and foremost, dont skimp. Yes, this makes motherboards expensive, but the benefits of having all high quality solid caps and all solid caps is actually significant. the former will eventually burn out. the latter will probably end up like the Pentium II motherboards in my basement that both of my younger brothers learned to be an enthusiast on...after i did and my father as well.

useful features > flashy features. dual gigabit ethernet is useless to everyone in the world using an internet connection measured in Mb/s not using networked storage...and most of the people who ARE using networked storage.
i would have single gigabit ethernet, HD audio with sp/dif out, 4xrear USB2.0, 2x rear USB3.0, 1xrear E-sata, 1xrear fw, 2x front usb3.0/audio legacy ps/2. no other legacy. who really buys a brand new $200 motherboard and a db9 printer?

Enthusiast in mind. Dovair had a good point earlier. why do we see 90 degree mounted SATA for video card clearance but not 90 degree mounted power pins for cable management? and why stop there? have adjustable (able to be loosened and tightened) plastic d-rings to hold the power cables and Sata cables in place when i ship them to out of state customers. every inch counts with cable management and i cannot tell you how many times i've had to consult a customer on plugging a slipped Sata cord back in.

Finally: Durability. this is probably my most important feature when selecting a motherboard. beyond ACC or 16 vs 20 PCIE lanes,
i want a system that is hindered only by the hard drive and gfx cards in it. after all, that should be what a real enthusiast strives for right? 😉
with the newest SSD's Sata6 is important, but i dont know any boards that have USB3 and no sata6. Durability is more than just "it wont break" its also "rock" solid overclocking, a redundant BIOS and easy BIOS flashing/repair, and what i've been waiting for since i took my first computer in to repair it...a bios level diagnostic that will conclusively tell where a system boot error is generated. not some archaic and arbitrary system of beeps that may or may not sound due to lack of case speakers. an LCD readout, no bigger than a watch face that says "No HDD response," "Memory Dimm 0 not functional" or "PCI/E lane1 has been damaged by Mountain Dew." watch face lcds cost what a dollar? slap it on there! i'll love you for it!

Peace and love,
Getritch


 
more accessible release on PCIe slots. When multiple cards are installed and linked with water blocks, it's a pain trying to jam something between them to release the card.

TRIM supported RAID controller

Location for 8-pin ATX/EPS 12v connector moved. Possibly next to the 24pin.

A system to save and load bios settings from one system to another.

Built in back plate behind processor to support aftermarket coolers

more sata cables with retail motherboards

A major manufacturer to make some Pico ITX boards
 
Move the cpu. If the cpu was located at the back of the motherboard its heat sink could be designed so that its outlet is directed straight out of the back of the case. This could be done with an angled face on the opposite side of the heatsink for the fan. Instead of the fan simply blowing the air down and all around in the case the angled fan and heatsink design would be able to blow the heated air directly out of the back of the case.
 
[citation][nom]dustime5[/nom]I would like to see a plug in that would allow connection of one or more additional video or graphics cards to an external system source. This would allow for less crowding of the MotherBoard and allow present setup of four or more graphics cards to a system. You could also develop the external source set up extension to house the additional cards with expanded integrated cooling,I am sure the public would not mind an outside attachment if done properly, to enhance their set up and this would allow more freedom in existing cases to extend the life of other compenents by keeping them cooler.Think outside the box, as they say.Thank you for asking the public what they think on such matters, I hope you gain something of note by doing what your doing. It will benefit the Industry.SincerelyGeorge Mc Grath[/citation]
 
No more ram slots. Instead of ram sticks could the bios be set to recognise a partition on an SSD as the available ram? Allows for a lot more ram if needed.
If the SSD could be used in this way then there is something else we could try. When I click shut down this partition could change from a ram state to something like a rom state retaining my OS settings, applications and everything I was doing, like a snapshot not clearing itself . Then when I return and press 'on' that snapshot becomes 'active' as if it was never turned off. Everything is at it was like I never left. Instant on and instant off!
 
-Dump all legacy connectors (no PS/2, serial, parallel, floppy, VGA, firewire, floppy, IDE)

-Dump low grade extra SATA controllers so you can advertise X SATA connectors

-No more systems without integrated USB3 - no exceptions :)

-As many USB connectors on the connector panel as possible, while leaving 4 for internal and front Panel usage

-USB connector on the motherboard to allow us to build a system to boot off a USBkey, usb dongle, or USB NIC. Many server type boards offer this.

-use the integrated network controller if the chipset offers it, instead of a cheap realtek addon

-use an intel NIC if you must add it. I would pay 5$ more without hesitation.

-BIOS based ram and load tests

-stick with SATA connectors that are parallel with the systemboard, they are great, help with long graphics cards

-I like diagnostic and reminder LEDs. All boards should have a light on to remind us that it is powered up, even when it is snoozing.

-Add an LED for Each DIMM Socket, green if socketed and recognized, red if problem, not lit if no DIMM is seen

-Stick with the on-board power and reset buttons

-add a SATA connector to the top of the board for DVD

-have a PWM fan connector in these locations 1+ top back, 1 above CPU for CPU, 1 back middle of board, 1+ front middle of board.

-if you have to steal/license asus quickplug idea where you connect your power LED/Power switch/HDD light/ reset cables to a pass through connector that allows you to connect them outside the case, then just slide in onto the header inside the case. I LOVE this feature. -better yet sponser the creation of a standard so when we by cases and systemboards, they will use a standard header for this!

- power connectors should be parallel to the systemboard. If we have room for SATA connectors like this, we can also do the power connectors

- never, ever put a power connector in the middle of the board. It's messy

- include SATA cables with clips, not the lowend cheapies.

- and lastly please always put as many DIMM sockets as the platform allows. Even if we buy it thinking we can live with two, eventually we always find ourselves wishing to add more ram and not wanting to replace what we have already installed.

 
I'd like to see the ability to allocate available ram to a dedicated on board boot drive (not just a ram drive but with ssd capabilities). Maybe use the third channel on the board for this. On the same note it'd be nice to take that third channel and use it for surplus video memory. Ram is so cheap i think it's an untapped market and would be great to be used for other things than it's original intended purpose.
 
Two things on my wishlist:
1)
MB with no lecay crap.
USB3
5 or more SATA3
Small form fator for HTPC.
1PCI-e
1PCI
Decent GPU.
Fanless
Just the basics for a good HTPC experience.

2)
For my home pc
MB with no legacy crap
just top-tear Chips.
Maybe I dont need 4xPCI-e, 2 is enought.
1xPCI
SD slot to have an image of my OS.
Small LCD showing post msg. I've thrown many board due to malfunction and had no clue what was happening. (tested ram, cpu... etc. No capacitors dead.) Maybe reflowing them, but need good proves b4.
 
I appear to be repeating a lot of stuff already posted. I just hope some of this gets done. ASRock is a great brand, probably be my next upgrade anyway. Power to the consumers (for once!).

- Regardless of the platform, WiFi & Bluetooth are prevalent in almost every modern network model (home and business). Thus, built-in WiFi & Bluetooth will seldom be wasted, even on mainstream consumers if the platform is easy to access.

- Stop putting legacy floppy connectors on mainstream motherboards!
- Stop putting legacy IDE connectors on mainstream motherboards!
- Leave out serial and PS/2 connectors on the backside of my motherboards!
- Nobody cares about FireWire, drop it from mainstream boards!
- Put the 24-pin power connector in the center of the right side of the motherboard to accommodate top or bottom-oriented power supplies.

- Section off the case connectors on the board, we've moved so far forward on so many other parts, why not make that 35 cent investment into some thin plastic shrouds to make my life with giant hands a little easier, most of us will pay the mark-up.

- Stop giving motherboards 16x-sized PCI-E slots that only run at 4x. It's a waste of time, no self-respecting fellow is going to run a modern graphics card on 4x, especially on upper-mainstream & enthusiast class boards (X58 & 890FX).

- Put at least one x1 or x4 sized PCI-E slot ABOVE the first 16x length slot. This shouldn't need explaining.

- On Micro-ATX motherboards with built-in video, put the stuff an average joe will need to configure an HTPC without add-in cards. The price increase from including it on the motherboard will make it initially less attractive, but the overall savings and simplicity will win out in the end.

- I think ASUS's idea of putting a mid-range graphics processor and all related components into a motherboard is genius. I can't quite comprehend why OEM's haven't been doing this for years.

- I'll stop my unorganized rant here; Stop using legacy BIOS, switch to UEFI!
 
I'd like some setting in the BIOS that lets you manually assign PCIe lanes to add-in cards and other features that use PCIe, rather than being limited to whatever the board automatically assigns. It would be useful for making the most of chipsets, like P55, that have limited PCIe capacity.
 
I want more, probably six 3-pin fan headers, so I can power all 4-6 case fans and have them speed controlled. Include software in the BIOS to control those fans and I will be a happy man. Two four-pin fan headers would be excellent so I can run a push/pull CPU cooler.

Like many people have said, we want less legacy technology. PCI, VGA, FireWire, floppy, IDE, the works.

For physical board design, right angle connectors for more things, like SATA and even main 24-pin power would be great. The 8-pin power connector shouldideally be on the right side of the motherboard, since I could then tuck my 8-pin power cable through my cable routing holes instead of (scarily) passing it between my graphics card and the motherboard. A black I/O shield would also be a nice touch for those of use with black cases. If there's any space left over on this dream motherboard, please add names to/beside various connectors to help with building/rebuilding. It's very simple but it helps avoid connecting USB headers to audio and such. Most important of all physical considerations: shift the DIMM slots as far right as possible and make the motherboard chipset/VRM heatsinks as low as possible so that they do not interfere with CPU coolers.

Lastly, and most importantly, more USB 3. It's the future and incredibly useful. As such, I suggest at least one USB 3 motherboard header to service front panel connections and two rear connections for more permanent devices.
 
First, I think a lot of manufacturers forget that the end users for these boards like to add in their own HSF combos, we need memory slots spaced further from the socket to prevent conflict with high standing RAM heat spreaders.

Second, A decent onboard audio solution, and a front breakout panel. I constantly do a lot of tweaking with my home stereo and such and I like plugging things in quickly to the breakout panel on my X-Fi to test, or even having the inputs on the front for other devices I want to connect quickly to my stereo without having to pull stuff out to attach a wire.

3. SATA near the top of board is also a must since most cables arent long enough to reach from a top CD drive to the connectors at the bottom.

4. Any extra power connections should be on the outside of the board, not located in the freaking middle. I have an ASUS rampage III Extreme and they have a 4 pin molex connector in the middle of the board that makes the wiring look like crap.

5. 90* power connectors. Anyone with the room to hide wires behind the MOBO tray does so. I do in the obsidian, but the 24 pin connector has a lot of stress on it because of the angle it makes before connecting to the board.

6. And lastly, if you are going to provide a passive cooling design for the motherboard, DO NOT just dump the heat into the case. I have the rampage III a core i7 and a 480GTX, I DO NOT need any more heat than is already there... One possible solution is to provide a center point for the cooler and some duct work and a fan that can help direct heat directly out of the case. It can be optional to allow for those who would rather have looks over performance.

Those are my 6 simple ideas that would help make building easier, increase performance and increase productivity.
 
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