Intel pitches modular PC designs to make repairs less painful
- Reference: 1737663366
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2025/01/23/intel_modular_pc_designs/
- Source link:
In a [1]blog posting authored by a trio of Intel execs, the x86 behemoth makes the case that the current monolithic approach to building devices leads to premature disposal, typically because a component becomes obsolete or fails. It suggests that a modular PC architecture could address this issue by making it easier to replace parts, rather than discarding entire systems.
This idea aligns with the goals of the growing right-to-repair movement, which advocates for designs that prioritize repairability and upgradeability. By enabling users to swap out components with ease, modular architectures are seen as a way to reduce e-waste and extend the usable life of devices, Intel says.
[2]
The chipmaker has called the modular PC architecture "an innovative approach." But hold on a moment – this writer (along with plenty of Reg readers, no doubt) recalls putting together their first ever PC from components sourced from numerous places in the days when disk controllers, I/O, and even the display circuitry all came on separate plug-in cards.
[3]
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Why is this relevant today? Well, the authors point to figures indicating that over 60 million tons of e-waste is generated each year, with less than 25 percent of it collected and less than 12 percent recycled, with computers claimed to make up almost 70 percent of said e-waste.
This has been covered before by The Register . A [5]United Nations report last year found that the world is creating e-waste almost five times faster than it is being recycled using documented methods, with the estimated annual economic monetary cost of e-waste reaching $37 billion.
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Also last year, a group of electronics companies was advocating for the UK to [7]remove VAT on electronic spare parts, repairs, and labor, in the hope this would encourage users to get hardware repaired instead of replacing it.
It should also be noted that at least one company, [8]Framework Computer , already offers modular laptop models that allow users to customize and replace parts.
Intel's approach to the problem is to draft three proposals targeting different market segments, saying that a one-size-fits-all approach would not be able to address the nuanced demands of these varied segments.
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Those three segments comprise "Premium Modular PC" (actually a laptop design); "Entry/Mainstream Modular PC" (another laptop); and "Desktop Modular PC."
The first envisages a three-board system, comprising a core motherboard plus universal left and right I/O boards, the latter engineered to be common across fan-less Thin & Light designs with a 10W power envelope, and premium fanned designs for up to 20W or 30W.
The Entry/Mainstream Modular PC is similar, with a core motherboard and left and right I/O boards, although in this segment, Intel says these can be redesigned to allow multiple SKUs of the design. The circuit boards are also cost-optimized here to cater to the mainstream segment, it says.
The Desktop Modular PC design appears from Intel's diagram to use a midplane that has the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) silicon, with other modules connecting to this. These include CPU, memory, and GPU modules, removable using slide rails, along with hot-swappable storage, all designed to fit inside a 5 liter desktop chassis.
[10]Cost of Gelsinger's ambition proves too much for Intel
[11]Intel debuts laptop silicon that doesn't qualify for Microsoft's 'Copilot+ PC' badge
[12]Dude, you got a Dell, period! RIP XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision
[13]Microsoft foresees a new type of AI PC: A Surface designed with help from machines
Intel also said it is introducing subsystem-level replaceable modules. In practice, this means something like a Type-C connector on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or an M.2 circuit board. The idea is that the module can easily be swapped out if the port or connector is damaged.
The blog authors argue these designs, which enable easy upgrades and component replacements, could extend device lifespans and reduce e-waste.
According to Intel, it is working closely with customers and partners on this - though there is no certainty anything like these designs will ever be adopted by vendors, especially if it turns out they add to the system cost. ®
Get our [14]Tech Resources
[1] https://community.intel.com/t5/Blogs/Tech-Innovation/Client/Modular-PC-Design-A-Sustainable-Approach-for-Enhanced/post/1657681
[2] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2Z5LKB3KFsntpXb-3spyM4wAAANA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[3] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44Z5LKB3KFsntpXb-3spyM4wAAANA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[4] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33Z5LKB3KFsntpXb-3spyM4wAAANA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[5] https://www.theregister.com/2024/03/21/ewaste_grows/
[6] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44Z5LKB3KFsntpXb-3spyM4wAAANA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[7] https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/17/clear_vat_electronics_repairs/
[8] https://www.theregister.com/2024/05/30/framework_gins_up_modular_laptop/
[9] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33Z5LKB3KFsntpXb-3spyM4wAAANA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[10] https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/02/intel_gelsinger_leave/
[11] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/07/intel_arrow_lake_laptop_chips/
[12] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/07/dell_renaming_pc_brands/
[13] https://www.theregister.com/2024/04/22/microsoft_surface_ai_design/
[14] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Intel might be bust before you need to repair or upgrade
My first Elonex 386DX25 was modular upgradable, the cpu being on an add-in card. When the time came to upgrade to a 486, it was cheaper to build a complete new pc than it was to buy the 486 processor card.
Re: Intel might be bust before you need to repair or upgrade
My first PC was an Elonex 386SX 16, the motherboard plugged into another board which had the IO and expansion cards -sounds good, except when I come to upgrade it there was no upgrades and as VESA for the video cards was starting to become available probably not so good. I replaced it with an Elonex 486DX 33 with the cpu on a daughter card, later replacing the CPU with a 486DX 66. The 66 came with a fan and my recollection was it was a bit tight where the card went for fan. (I think the cooler on my PI5 is bigger).
I think it shows the issue in considering "up-gradability", things change in ways you don't expect making the upgrades not worth it.
WTF
My desktop PC is already modular, with PSU, MB, CPU, graphics, storage, RAM all easily replaced (and so was the one before, and the one before, et al). Even if a subsystem or socket went bad on the MB there's PCI add in options that would rectify many possible failings.
So what exactly is it that the brains of Intel think they've invented?
Sounds like Intel Marketing Bull
Typical office computers, whether desktop or laptop, only need the modularity they already have: Increase RAM and storage.
Typical workstation computers add GFX card, more storage (options), maybe a second LAN and one other more special card. A rare possibility is to add a second CPU, but I've never seen one doing that upgrade after buying. Apart from that: Upgrade RAM, storage and GPU already possible.
Typical home computer are the same as office computers mentioned in the first line.
Typical enthusiast computer are those which actually make full use of the modularity they already have, the intel module concept would be a step backward.
Typical server are those which actually make full use of the modularity they already have. Adding a second CPU happens more often there, but is still rare.
Intel is making something different for the sake of making it different - you cannot upgrade a "module" and still expect the full increased performance of that new module if the backplane cannot keep up with it.
Instead of the module concept Intel should go the AMD way: Making a socket last several CPU generations.
I remember seeing a stat years ago
That less than 10% of PCs are EVER opened up. I can only imagine that percentage is lower today.
The average person is not going to open their PC's case and repair it. Theoretically it could be repaired by someone else, but if you have to pay for it it is almost never going to be worth it versus just buying a new one.
Intel seems to be solving a problem that doesn't exist, or certainly one that the average consumer doesn't care about. That's like if Ford said they're going to make replacing the transmission easier.
I genuinely think have lost the will to live...
...so intel are suggesting we makes PC's like they were made for decades previously?
I worked at a repair shop from 2007-2014 and watched laptops go from;
> socketed CPUs and RAM
> removeable batteries
> add in GPUs
> removable storage
> removable wireless cards
to none of the above.
Motherboard replacements thus went up drastically in cost once all these were suddenly included in the price and customers would instead opt for a replacement device.
But that mostly helps repair rates, sure you could eek out some extra life with a bit more RAM and a HDD to SSD swap but that would only take you so far. I can't see how even a modular system would help pass a DDR or PCIE generation leap without even considering the ever growing need for BIOS/CPU updates to plug vulns or meet OS requirements etc.
I must have missed the part where desktop PC's stopped being modular though, at least the ones that are bigger than a cd case anyway.
It would be nice to see laptops go back to how they were, although adding an extra 2-3mm on my phone to accommodate a removable battery would be more welcome.
Socketing CPU does not make much sense for a laptop, especially when you have to meet cooling with the CPU type for efficiency. My argument is not very strong here since quite some laptops use the same board and cooling for a range of CPUs, but it is not invalid either since soldered CPUs use the board they are soldered to for cooling as well.
Making the Add-In GPU, if not included in the CPU itself, replaceable is expensive. The power then must be able to support that GPU. The cooling comes into question too. In the end: Not worth it, neither from manufacturing nor consumer point of view, therefore it vanished, or got transferred to external boxes.
For the rest it is a matter of which device you choose: Mine have socketed RAM, replaceable batteries (some even without opening the device, else only Philips screwdriver needed), replaceable storage, replaceable wireless card (which I even did for one, upgrading to the next wifi standard). Luckily there is a pushback to make a wider room for choices again if you have that on your priority list, both in EU and US.
Removable batteries and storage is still the norm.
The problem with socketed CPU and GPU is that they bring extra height to laptops. Which wasn't an issue until Apple came up with the sleek Macbook Air.
suddenly the PC companies had to come up with something similar to keep up.
I suppose the PC companies found out that extremely few people actually replaced the CPU so a socket wasn't needed anyway and soldering the processor into motherboard is both cheaper and has less defects.
Back to the days of S100. The motherboard was just a row of sockets with traces between them and a place at the end to attach the PSU which had a whacking great electrolytic balanced on its screw-on terminals which I'm sure wasn't designed to be fixed like that.
Everything was plugged in.
That was even before Elonex.
Recycable
Wouldn't it have much more impact if they could design PCB's and other electronics to be easier to recycle? These days it's all manual labor, mostly done in Third-World nations under dreadful conditions.
I don't have any suggestions on how to do this. This is a really difficult problem.
> putting together their first ever PC from components ....disk controllers, I/O, and even the display circuitry all came on separate plug-in cards.
Even before that. I know the 5150 PC team sat apart from the Mainframe gang, but IBM was *always* aware of service costs, repair and upgrade. Plug it! The 5-slot PC had several video, parallel and serial card choices, with some really significant price steps so you didn't just get all options. The 8-slot XT had more disk and later video choices. And yes many of us hacked PCs into XTs and XTs into pseudo ATs.
If they were
so concerned about e.waste, perhaps they'd like to whisper in m$'s ear about the requirements for windows 11 which will lead to the dumping of lots of PCs..........