Why didn't they ever make ZIF expansion slots?

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Trying to get some old computers working and changing parts between my current and the old. A couple of the ISA and PCI slots are a bitch in these things. Tight as hell and having to do that see-saw thing to get them seated. Why didnt they ever come up with a solution like the ZIF sockets? would be nice to have a little lever to lift, poke the card in, lower the lever. Hell maybe even keep from having to screw in (like i do anyway ).

 

[gogeeta13]

What are you smoking?

Pass it this way

 

[Windogg]

Get a high end Sun or HP server. The hot swap PCI card and processors make maintaince so easy. It'll cost you an arm, a leg, and a testicle though.

Windogg

 

[VBboy]

LOL.

Yeah, I know - what is he talking about?!
All PCI cards are compatible with the PCI bus, and all ISA cards are compatible with the ISA bus.

And they do have ZIP for CPUs, otherwise you'd be pushing the CPU in until the pins bent.

 

[downhiller80]

<<
All PCI cards are compatible with the PCI bus, and all ISA cards are compatible with the ISA bus.
>>


The original poster made perfect sense, but what the hell are you on abaout now?

- seb

 

[noninterleaved]

I remember on one old motherboard... when I would use a new ISA slot, I would have to "loosen it up" by wedging the end of a screwdriver in there and twisting it back and forth.

Most PCI slots I don;t have too much of a problem with though.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

yeah, they have gotten easier. but nothing like the switch from the old 486 sockets where you had to cram them in to the nice lever/drop in mechanism.

and for the folks who are missing it , i mean ZIF=zero insertion force sockets. no more craming processors into boards. i mean there isnt any guess work now, but it's dark down thar and putting cards in and out can be a hassle. just seems like there could have been an easier solution. maybe just slide the card in from the back of the case rather than taking off a slide panel. like those hotswap bays. just a thought

 

[MadRat]

I was thinking about that lately, too. The old cartridge system is still applicable in todays systems. They could use a standardized size (like a 2" Tall x 1/2" Wide x 6" Deep packaging) for devices with a simple "slide in and lock, with push button release" system as used in most PCMCIA slots. It would be easy to put in and remove the cards. An internal case screw mounting could be used in order to lock cards into place to prevent easy targets for mischevious kids.

People might be worried about the durability of the packaging. The cartridges could be built fairly durable, using a plastic casing to protect it from drops. PCMCIA cartridges also have the "holes" (female end) rather than the pins (male end), making it tough to bend pins. The current screw down cards (PCI, AGP) are nice and stable mountings, but are much to be desired when it comes to replacement.

The downside is that having to open the case just to switch out modems, NICs, and soundcards is pretty well obsolete with these devices coming integrated into motherboards. I haven't had to buy any one for most of the low end systems going out of late.

 

[Gunbuster]

It would cost too much, and customers would screw it up (ohhh whats this pretty handle do..... sparks, smoke.....)

 

[teddymines]

Actually, I had similar thoughts about expansion cards. Why not have a series of slots in the front of the case, each about the size of a deck of cards. Card makers would adapt their boards so they fit this form factor. The user would simply open the front, move a retention bar aside (which powers down the system), and inserts or removes the card.

All plugs/connectors from these boards could be accessible from a general interface panel in the rear or front. PC's would come with connectors for video in/out, sound, USB, etc, but most would not be active until the proper card was inserted in the front. As technology changes, custom connectors could be added by opening the case.

Of course, this would work only on simple models. Factors such as heat may come into play.