Just got an ASUS M3N78-EM that came without the backplate. I'm trying to find one to buy separately because I would prefer to have the plate there but I was wondering, what real purpose does it serve? I know it'll help keep the dust out, some of the internal noise (fans) in and also cosmetic appearance, but is there any real importance of it or just the minor stuff that I mentioned?
@Mike
The connectors on the motherboard are on the inside of where the shield would be, so it wouldn't provide back support the way you are thinking.
Also I got it as an open box item - the main item is the only thing guaranteed to be in the package (other items, even if important, are not guaranteed).
The plate may help the air to flow properly across heatsinks and components to keep them cool., and helps keep the connectors from snapping off the boad I think. I would gripe to the person you got it from for a new one or to get the backplate.
The metal in I/O backplates can be required to ground some components, like the metal around your NIC.
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