If you've ever built a custom PC, you understand the challenges in getting all the components to work. At Computex 2016, ASUS is looking to alleviate some of that burden with its ROG Avalon, a modular PC that lets you add or remove components with ease.
ASUS showed off a prototype of the Avalon, in which the vendor designed the ATX motherboard and the chassis as a single entity, optimizing the layout of the expansion slots and storage ports so that they're all located at the front of the chassis. Doing so allows you to slot PSUs, hard drives, and the best graphics cards without having to worry about cabling.
The rear of the chassis features standard I/O connectors that you'd find in a standard Z170-series motherboard, including display and USB connectors. Avalon is made in collaboration with In Win, which has a history of designing quirky PC enclosures.
"The I/O modules plug into the motherboard via edge connectors capable of passing high-speed PCI Express lanes. This allows them to host the controllers associated with the ports and add even extra flourishes like an M.2 slot for mini SSDs. There's also considerable potential for audio. Limited board real estate is one of the biggest constraints facing motherboard audio, but relocating the circuitry to an I/O module provides more room for components that improve sound quality."
You'll be able to switch them out for modules catering for a home theatre or even VR. Even the power supply unit simply slides in to connect to the main board and components. There's a lot of attention to detail here, from heatsinks on the VRMs to easy access to the graphics card slot to swap out for an upgrade without disturbing the peace of everything else inside.
What do you guys think of the Avalon prototype?
