It is 2023, use of proprietary motherboards must cease
Up to date: Aug 4, 2023 9:26 am
Dell has simply launched a brand new Prebuilt PC, the Alienware Aurora R16. Reviewers state that this represents an unlimited enchancment over the previous requirements of Alienware prebuilt – and it is available in a much smaller type issue. Extra efficiency, much less plastic. Nonetheless, The Alienware Aura R16 is perhaps good, however sadly you continue to can’t improve the motherboard.
Dell has created an incredible system right here, however the shrink back from utilizing off-the-shelf components hurts it.
Dell isn’t the one prebuilt producer to do that, there are nonetheless a plethora of producers on the market that construct techniques with proprietary components like this. However what can we imply by proprietary?
Proprietary means “regarding an proprietor, or possession” however on this context, it’s used to level in direction of a component that the producer has custom-made particularly, so solely an equivalent substitute half might be suitable with it.
Within the case of the Alienware Aurora R16, it appears the motherboard, and really particularly, the case mounting answer are proprietary.
At first look, it does appear to be the motherboard standoff areas are much like a regular Micro-ATX motherboard. We reached out to Dell for remark relating to this:
Why do Prebuilt Producers use proprietary components?
There are a variety of the reason why a Prebuilt producer similar to Dell may wish to use proprietary components in its techniques. Please be aware that that is simply our opinion of why some producers select to make use of proprietary components.
Usually it’s the motherboard or chassis that find yourself utilizing a {custom} design, and usually talking, the first motivation is to construct one thing that particularly conforms to an over-arching design precept. Say, a very distinctive case design or structure, that requires a {custom} PCB design for the motherboard to suit. One other, may doubtlessly be, to maintain the consumer guarantee unaffected. In any case, should you can’t improve the motherboard with one off-the-shelf, you’re much less prone to tinker with the internals over an extended interval. Which may doubtlessly trigger harm to the system, or its parts. The cynical amongst us may in all probability assume of some different causes too, however we’ll depart that with you.
One more reason may merely be compatibility, affordability, and effectivity, as we will see on this photograph of the motherboard from WccfTech, the motherboard is a really odd form and appears to be fairly naked bones in distinction to a few of the extra flagship and mid-range mobos on the market.
One may argue that it is a intelligent use of house, because the motherboard itself seems to have the peak of a micro-ATX, however the size of an EATX – With somewhat piece of PCB board jutting out on the fitting aspect.
If we check out the motherboard put in within the case of the Aurora R16, we will see that the motherboard fills the house properly. In any case, you possibly can pack extra options on a bigger board.
What does a proprietary motherboard imply to shoppers?
In essence, it signifies that your PC might be locked into that present technology of processor and motherboard till it meets its inevitable finish. You additionally received’t sadly be capable of exchange the motherboard if it fails, except you fancy sending it off to Dell for a payment (exterior of guarantee).
However what’s the large deal? “I can simply whack a brand new GPU and PSU in proper?” Nicely, the reply is… “probably”, as the facility provide additionally appears to be considerably proprietary as nicely, seemingly partially to slot in the smaller chassis. At first look, the R16 is good for individuals who simply need a full pre-built system that you simply don’t have to consider. However should you’re a eager builder, or don’t thoughts doing the odd improve, it could be a better transfer to look elsewhere, for a system that has a bit extra flexibility in the case of improve paths. In our opinion, there’s little to no purpose to do all of this, apart from space-saving.
This proprietary enterprise must cease.
