Standards
Modern motherboards can be any size or shape that suits the design of the computer. Only the need for standard-size expansion slot connectors limits the freedom of design. Many computers, however, are built around motherboards of a few standard sizes. This standardization is a matter of convenience. It allows a computer manufacturer flexibility in the choice of suppliers—standardized dimensions make motherboards interchangeable.
For you as the purchaser of a new computer, motherboard standardization has its downside. You face the problem of the computer manufacturer selling systems equipped with a motherboard du jour, whatever OEM motherboard was available cheapest on the day the computer was put together. On the other hand, a computer ...
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