Get motherboard back-plates and part direct from Asus

I just installed an Asus motherboard into one of my workstations so I will have the same motherboard in both my machines. I had been putting this off for months, dreading the inevitable misery whenever software, especially Microsoft software is involved. Well it went off without a hitch. Not only that but I learned a cool bonus. You can buy motherboard parts direct from Asus for very cheap. I got both motherboards from eBay and the second one I got came with a little expander slot that added two USB ports and a game port. The previous owner must have never installed it since it was still in the bag. The bag had a part number on it. So wanting to get another slot for my first machine I typed the number into Google. Saints be praised, it led me to the Asus store. I ordered up the expander, filled in my credit card number and got the part in a week. So this weekend, flush with the success of installing a motherboard without changing the OS, I looked at the Asus website some more. I was delighted to see that in addition to the USB/game port expander they had a 4-up USB expander as well. In addition they have the firewire expander and the back plate I need for the first machine. If you have an Asus motherboard you might consider using their store. I trust Asus with my credit card, although I wish they would take paypal so I did not have to enter my information.

The Asus expander with the part number on the bag that lead me to the Asus store site.

This is Jack, the workstation I have been using with the Asus motherboard that I have been so happy with.

This is my redundant workstation Gouda where I just swapped in the identical Asus motherboard as well as adding the USB/Game and Firewire add-in cards. Redundancy means I will never be late on a deadline because of computer failure.