Form, Fit, and Function

[State Machine]

In the midst of putting together the hardware for a new PC/Windows based music workstation for live and studio work, I came across a little problem that if I figured if I tell others about, may be able avoid the same pitfall.

Now this is no BIG deal but it makes me wonder what designers are thinking when doing PC motherboard component and connector layout.

If you reference the attached photos, it shows that the SATA II PORT0 board connector is mounted right under the heat sink assembly of the graphics adapter that is installed in my PCI express x16 slot. This situation does not allow me to use this port since a SATA cable will not fit in that space and a right angle connector would have blocked the other ports. It would not be so bad but I have two SATA II 750GB hard drives and two Plextor SATA optical drives so I need all four ports. There are no low profile SATA connectors that I could find to use the unused port. The best solution is to just add in a SATA II adapter card that has a port on the board, and while I am at it, I may as well add an eSATA on the bracket side.

Now most higher end graphics adapters will be this thick with heat sinks so you would think that MOBO manufacturers would be wary of such an installation.

The lesson here is to really look at the combination of adapter cards and motherboard connectors to make absolutely sure that no mechanical conflicts could occur. It seems that board manufacturers, because of the huge glut of different hardware out there, do not think of everything so you have to do the critical thinking yourself as an integrator. The MICRO-ATX form factor migtht be a little too free form that allows the designer to place connectors wherever he wants but putting SATA connectors directly behind expansion connectors? Thats not thinking at all IMO.

My solution was easy but I really did not want to spend another $35.00 to $50.00 to arrive at one. I really want the "Nvidea 8800GT" video card and needed all the drives so it was not an option to not use any of that hardware.

Bill

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[Danno Gee Ray]

That's why, as a technician, I've always been on the verge of cussing engineers by nature. Too many people design without consideration for the guy downstream. Somebody has to use and or fix the stuff they design, and too few care enough to design with that in mind. I'm a firm believer that all design engineers should be required to spend an alloted time in the field turning wrenches and screwdrivers before being allowed to create anything. Oh well, if only the world were so perfect. LOL.

[State Machine]