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MSI Announce Revolutionary Modular Motherboard design

MSI Announce Revolutionary new Modular Motherboard design

Published: 31st March 2016 | Source: MSI | Author: Mark Campbell

MSI Announce Revolutionary Modular Motherboard design

Several months ago an MSI representative had informed me of a project that had the potential to change the way we looked at PC hardware, saying nothing more than that they were applying the Modular "Phoneblocks concept" that was used in Google's Project Ara to the PC gaming market.    

My first thoughts were that home built PCs were already modular, with most components already being user replaceable, but what MSI was planning was something that that would take the modularity of PC gaming to a whole new level.

Today MSI has announced "The One", a new modular motherboard design that allows the user to change most of its parts individually, allowing the motherboard to easily be switched from and AMD to an Intel Socket, or replace the rear IO with a version that contains more USB 3.1 ports or display outputs.   

Imagine when upgrading your PC that you didn't need to spend £200+ on the newest flagship motherboard, that all you needed was the new socket design from AMD or Intel and a compatible chipset module or memory module. With motherboards bases on the MSI One design users will never need to spend extra money on Audio component, their rear IO or their PCIe lanes unless they want to, giving buyers more money to spend elsewhere in their systems.   

These new parts will not be hot swappable, but they give PC gamers the ability to define exactly what they want from their motherboard, be it professional grade audio and an Overclocking CPU Chipset and VRM design, or a more basic budget-friendly option that can be upgraded later.  

The MSI "The One" may just be the last motherboard that a PC builder may ever need to buy, with MSI claiming that their current model is already ready with all current AMD and Intel socket options. MSI also stated that modules will be released for AMD's upcoming AM4 socket later this year, with further announcements regarding this motherboard coming early next month. 

Below is an in-depth video where MSI's Engineers explain exactly how this new motherboard functions, which is certainly worth watching if you are a hardware nut.  

April Fools 

You can join the discussion on MSI's new Modular motherboard on the OC3D Forums. 

Most Recent Comments

31-03-2016, 13:08:07

SuB

um, think you might have gone a day early with this one dude...Quote

31-03-2016, 13:09:53

SPS

It's started already
I don't feel safe this time of the year.Quote

31-03-2016, 13:13:04

AdmiralDonut

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuB um, think you might have gone a day early with this one dude...

Time to get off the internet for a few days it seems.Quote

31-03-2016, 13:19:41

Wraith

As sad as this is being one day early, it's really not that bad of an idea to be fair. Changing socket or Intel to AMD - no problem, more ram slots or PCI slots - no problem, more USBs or better Audio chipsets - no problem.

Only downside is you'd be locked to an ATX form factor with the base board, still, nice concept even if it's a joke.Quote

31-03-2016, 13:23:31

SuB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wraith As sad as this is being one day early, it's really not that bad of an idea to be fair. Changing socket or Intel to AMD - no problem, more ram slots or PCI slots - no problem, more USBs or better Audio chipsets - no problem. Only downside is you'd be locked to an ATX form factor with the base board, still, nice concept even if it's a joke.

I often wonder if stunts like this are to gauge the audience reaction to see if it's a viable left wing idea...Quote

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