A trend I hope will last: connectors on the back of motherboards

Kevin Hofer

15/3/2023

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Now that MSI has entered the fold, a third major manufacturer has started working on motherboards with connections on the back. This doesn’t eliminate cable problems entirely, but I still think it’s a great innovation.

If you’ve ever assembled a PC with a viewing window, you know the problem: cables everywhere. Sleeved wires look better, but these lifelines still run right through your computer.

Last year, Gigabyte presented the Z690 Aorus Elite Stealth. All ports on that motherboard had moved from the front to the back. Here’s what it looks like:

Last week, Asus also launched a similar product. MSI and the B650 DIY-APE now makes three.

Thanks to this design, any computer immediately looks much tidier. Connecting cables via the back should prove much easier. Let’s just hope this isn’t a fad. I really hope the trend sticks around. Because if there’s one thing I hate, it’s cables.

Naturally, this design also requires case manufacturers to rethink. They’ll need to provide corresponding openings in the housing wall. Hopefully, this will lead to the positions of ports being standardised. Something that still isn’t the case today.

I’d also love if either power supply or motherboard manufacturers started using angled cables or connectors in the future. Removing countless protruding wires. This saves space and makes cable management even easier.

What do you think of connectors on the back of a motherboard? Great innovation or do you prefer the status quo?

Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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