MB Back Panel I/O Connectors and Cases

[Preston]

Starting to do some shopping/research for my first build...have a question.

I noticed that on most of the cases I've seen the back panel I/O plate is pretty standard. The MB's, however, have some subtle differences on their respective back panel I/O ports. Some MB's that I have looked at have 4 USB ports, some have two, some have 2 serial ports, ect.

My question is, when I buy a case and MB, does the MB come with it's own back panel plate (so all the holes line up)? Or do I have to try and match the motherboard with the case.

Also will any ATX MB work with either an ATX mid tower case or an ATX Full tower case?

Thanks!
Preston

[oddjob]

I/O plates have snap-off covers to accomodate the different things on different mobos. e.g. 4 usb ports instead of 2. Just snap off the ones that you need to access the mobo.

Any ATX board (including mATX) will work with any mid or full ATX case. You just can't put any ATX board into a mATX case.

[HAL9000]

The motherboard should come with the appropriate plate if it is anything other than the standard.

[Preston]

Thanks for the quick reply oddjob and HAL. It seems though that it is not just a matter of popping off the plates. Some MB's have the USB's next to the P/S 2 ports, and some are on the other side near the audio connectors. Also it loolks like some audio connectors rise vertically off the MB while the case I/O panel has them arranged horizontally....here are a couple of pic...

[oddjob]

ahhh...I see. Well, like HAL9000 said, the mobo should come with...

If not, I'm sure you should be able to find one from a local store w/o any probs.

[Preston]

Thanks again....yup, I did a little more surfing and I see that alot of the mobos do come with the back plates.

It's all about the details!

Preston