Pro/Forums - View Single Post - Mobo reinforcement

Since87 · 12-13-2003, 09:56 AM

I was reading a thread about motherboards flexing when the block was mounted, and got to thinking that there are likely enough people wanting to really put the screws to their CPU to justify a new product.

I'd happily pay $10 or even $15 for a well designed P4 mobo reinforcement plate.

So what are people's thoughts on the design of such a device?
I'm no mechanical engineer, but here are some design points off the top of my head.

It needs to be thin but stiff. (Steel?) Ideal if it could actually fit between the motherboard and mounting plate, so that a big hole in the mounting plate is not required for use.

The side that is against the mobo needs to be electrically insulative and durable. (Glass filled Acetal?)

The only point of contact between the device and the motherboard (other than at the screws) should be at the CPU pins because:

1. That is where the force that needs to be counteracted is applied.

2. There might be components on the back of the motherboard in other areas.

The screw holes should probably be tapped with a #6-32 thread (for US customers) so that additional hardware is not needed.

Edit: For clarity and to add an issue.

12-13-2003, 09:56 AM	#1
Since87 Pro/Guru - Uber Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 834	Mobo reinforcement - vendors take note (Bruce?) I was reading a thread about motherboards flexing when the block was mounted, and got to thinking that there are likely enough people wanting to really put the screws to their CPU to justify a new product. I'd happily pay $10 or even $15 for a well designed P4 mobo reinforcement plate. So what are people's thoughts on the design of such a device? I'm no mechanical engineer, but here are some design points off the top of my head. It needs to be thin but stiff. (Steel?) Ideal if it could actually fit between the motherboard and mounting plate, so that a big hole in the mounting plate is not required for use. The side that is against the mobo needs to be electrically insulative and durable. (Glass filled Acetal?) The only point of contact between the device and the motherboard (other than at the screws) should be at the CPU pins because: 1. That is where the force that needs to be counteracted is applied. 2. There might be components on the back of the motherboard in other areas. The screw holes should probably be tapped with a #6-32 thread (for US customers) so that additional hardware is not needed. Edit: For clarity and to add an issue.