Mobo manufacturers typically use durable materials such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic for printed IO shields.
Mobo manufacturers typically use durable materials such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic for printed IO shields.
You mean the printed details on integrated plastic I/O shields or the metal shields with labels? Either way, if you prefer a different appearance, you can apply a skin or wrap to conceal the entire front and then make precise openings for the ports.
I understand your perspective, but remember that for some of us visibility isn't always necessary; knowing something is present can still cause discomfort. Others have already shared suggestions, so I’ll focus on what model you’re considering. Two reasons: 1. There might be a more suitable board with a noticeably better shield design, and 2. On certain boards, replacement shields with black backgrounds are available. Be mindful not to overspend—around $20–30 for DIY projects can lead to wasted time if you end up with poor results, making it worth considering a higher-end option with an integrated, attractive shield.
The material on the IO shield, is something different than metal, and obviously has the labels printed on there. IO shields like what I pictured have two "layers", the bare metal, and some sort of plastic / vinyl material glued on top with the labeling printed on. I'm just looking out to see what the second, non-metal material is, so I could hopefully make my own printed labels for the shield, instead of having ugly shiny sheet metal I'm not talking about the metal part, I'm talking about the second layer on top of the metal part, with the printed labels and colors, aaaaaaand This ^ It'd be easier to print out a sticker of whatever material IO shields use / something similar, instead of hand-painting. Normal stickers is my plan-B if I can't find out what materials these types of IO shields use for the labeling. Looking at the Asrock B450M/AC, I specifically need Micro ATX and built-in WiFi / Bluetooth since PCIe / USB WiFi / Bluetooth card antenna's block other ports. 1. There isn't, without buying a nuts expensive ITX board, but the IO shields with those are extremely gamer-y, which I hate. I want my IO shield to look like what I pictured above, just black & white. 2. Have looked, all are just stamped sheet metal. I'm fine with spending up to $20 for this, since it'll look so much better, and be quality-of-life since the ports (especially audio) would be clearly labeled, and I'd know which direction to shove the cable too, without having to do the classic flip-plug-until-fits
Clear! Great job completing your research and addressing both questions. Considering the details, it seems like a sticker or a slightly heavier material (possibly plastic sheet) was attached to the sheetmetal for shielding purposes—likely laser-cut with precision. It might help to check if there are any forum discussions about case modifications under the modding section, using a more specific topic like "custom IO shield experiences." Looking at the magic art, I think there could be people with valuable insights or even willing to share their tools and expertise. Good luck, and feel free to share the final result in the mods section if it works out!