Can someone explain to me...

[Kevin_Walter]

Why just about everything in a PC is standardized EXCEPT for the front-panel I/O connections on the case?

 

Specifically I'm talking about these...

 

 

Why haven't these been standardized like just about every other header on a motherboard? You'd think it would be compressed into a single plug by now. If all of the motherboards used the same layout for where the power switch, HDD led, etc were used, could case manufacturers not just include one connector with all of the connections in their proper places? Key it so it can only be connected in the proper fashion and be done with it?

 

Sure, we have those little plugs that allow you to connected all of the separate connectors to it and then plug them all into the motherboard at once. But doesn't that seem a little redundant when you could just standardize it and the case manufacturers could include whatever connections are required into a single universal plug?

[Bluejay0]

Because someitmes a speaker isn't included and other times some motherboards form different vendors have the plug placement different.

[EChondo]

I'm actually glad that they aren't all one connector. My GIgabyte board has a problem when I plug in the reset button into it, it gets stuck into a continues boot loop. This has been fixed for future motherboards, but I can't use the reset button on mine.

[MzCatieB]

i wont mind motherboards coming with a little adapter so you dont have to fiddle to get the little bastards in

[carolkarine]

I really love being able to leave the LEDs off. I just don't plug those in.

[carolkarine]

double post derp.