I/O shield panels - who uses them?

[shleepy]

I/O shield panels for motherboards... they're the things that you can uncomfortably cram in the back of your cases, leaving holes only for the motherboard ports that are available on your particular motherboard. I guess their main function is to keep dust and whatnot from crawling in at that particular spot.

That said, they also don't allow air to enter and exit, and my guess is that many SPCR members would not want to block it off. But let's test that hypothesis.

So, do you use I/O shields? If so, why? If not, why?

[flemeister]

So, do you use I/O shields? If so, why? If not, why?

I use I/O shields because it keeps the rear of the case looking neat and tidy. Nothing more.

[porkchop]

i feel they add some rigidity to the rear ports, most notably the video ports that are further away from the mb. and most new ones aren't plain metal and tend to look pretty nice at the back of the case.

[b_rubenstein]

That said, they also don't allow air to enter and exit...

Got that right, and the panel is adjacent to the rear case fan. That results in a short circuit path for the air flow causing other areas in the case to get reduced air flow.

[atmartens]

It goes well with my I/O sword.

[shleepy]

Looks like a resounding win for "yes" on I/O shields!

[Metaluna]

That said, they also don't allow air to enter and exit...

Got that right, and the panel is adjacent to the rear case fan. That results in a short circuit path for the air flow causing other areas in the case to get reduced air flow.

On the other hand, the CPU voltage regulators are usually in that area so it might not be a bad thing to have cold air drawn in from that direction on some motherboards.

[b_rubenstein]

On the other hand, the CPU voltage regulators are usually in that area so it might not be a bad thing to have cold air drawn in from that direction on some motherboards.

If the VRM's are really too hot, then maybe. Remember that the low pressure area will be right behind the rear case fan. Any air that comes in from the panel area will flow right to the low pressure area and not go anywhere near the VRM's.

[Luke M]

The I/O shield is important for blocking undesirable airflow (assuming the usual rear case fan) and providing mechanical support.

It's also a nuisance because it's something that the big computer makers (Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) customize. They are incompatible with each other and with retail I/O shields. So if you want to re-use an old non-retail case, you have to improvise your own.

[Vicotnik]

I use them. Responsibly, with a glove as I'm sure you all do.



Wise words from EPoX.

[Das_Saunamies]

Yes. Keeps dust and other undesirables out and airflow on the right path. 'nuff said.