Thermal Armor Motherboards?

[corfe83]

I'm considering buying a new Asus "TUF" Thermal Armor motherboard for my new Ivy Bridge system (Asus "Sabertooth" Z77 chipset):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821

I'm actually not specifically in love with the Thermal Armor, but I like the Asus brand, I happen to like most of the exact features the particular board has (Z77 chipset, eSATA ports, and a 5 year warranty!). Reviews indicate the thermal armor only slightly benefits cooling, but I guess the thermal armor looks cool, and is kind of nice in that it protects the motherboard from my clumsy hands when I'm playing around with things inside my case.

Who has one of these "thermal armor" motherboards? Are there any downsides that would make you NOT want to get one again in the future?

 

[vailr]

Can the "thermal armor" can be removed, and safely used without it, if so desired?

 

[corfe83]

Yeah, one of the reviews said it can. That's a good point, I suppose, I can always just remove it if it's problematic.

 

[denis280]

Yes it comes off.it is a very good board. but for the thermal armor i think it's more like a look. dust will always find a way in.