What are these ports for?

Minerva · Post by **Minerva** » Mon Aug 26, 2002 4:35 am

Some of the motherbords have ports like CNR, AMR or ACR. What are they? I've never seen them explained in articles (like "How to build your own computer", you know).

Are they any use at all?

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Mon Aug 26, 2002 4:53 am

They are ports that you're not likely to ever use, but here goes:

ANR: Audio network riser
CNR: Communications network riser
ACR: Audio communications riser

Basically, they are slots on the motherboard that allow you to install a basic audio, network or modem card. The cards are usually customised to each particular motherboard as the mobo itself has the majority of the circuitry for each device built-in.

The general idea is to reduce the cost for low-end systems and the sub-US$1000 market while still providing functionality.

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Mon Aug 26, 2002 6:43 am

Aren't those all proprietary architectures for Intel-based chipsets as opposed to industry-standard form factors? You don't for instance, see AMR modems available in most retail outlets; almost all expansion cards are now PCI bus.

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Mon Aug 26, 2002 2:02 pm

Originally posted by HighLordDave
Aren't those all proprietary architectures for Intel-based chipsets as opposed to industry-standard form factors?

Yes, I believe that's true. I myself have never actually seen one of the riser cards; the design never really took off, especially with low cost PCI devices becoming available at about the same time.

Minerva · Post by **Minerva** » Mon Aug 26, 2002 5:42 pm

Thanks, Mr Flibble.

It's strange they are on the motherboards, even though it's highly unlikely ever to be used.