It makes it easier to access the screws. Actually a good idea.

Looks like late 90's Compaq engineering.

I've seen a few cases like that here. Often, there'e some sort of a metal bracket that screws to the outside of the case, concealing the screws the cards are mounted in place with.

I used to have a case with a similar rear panel for my Socket 7 rig.

(Sorry about the picture quality, I know it's horrendous 😵 ).

After many years of use I got tired of it and finally replaced it with an Antec KS-288. It was also very rusty, dirty and cramped so I sent it to the local recycling center.

The point is that it's cheaper to manufacture.

This way, the entire back panel of the case can be stamped out of a single sheet of metal.

SquallStrife wrote:

The point is that it's cheaper to manufacture.

This way, the entire back panel of the case can be stamped out of a single sheet of metal.

Exactly. Newer cases have kick-out backplates for the same reason: instead of actually making backplates, they use what would otherwise be wasted. Furthermore, the technology itself becomes a few steps simpler (and cheaper).

Small wonder such cases are usually crappy. Just look at the metal. (No offence, JayCeeBee64)

The other problem is cutting your fingers on these cheapo cases and the metal is so thin that the whole thing is so noisy.
Here's a collection of backplates from dead mobos. I'm trying to sell them as I know what it's like having a mobo without one.

One thing I don't like are 'tool free' cases that use latches instead of screws. Some server cases implement this well, but done badly it's a mess, resulting in wobbly cards and loose panels/drives. Fortunately most of these designs also have holes for screws.

RacoonRider wrote:

SquallStrife wrote:

The point is that it's cheaper to manufacture.

This way, the entire back panel of the case can be stamped out of a single sheet of metal.

Exactly. Newer cases have kick-out backplates for the same reason: instead of actually making backplates, they use what would otherwise be wasted. Furthermore, the technology itself becomes a few steps simpler (and cheaper).

Small wonder such cases are usually crappy. Just look at the metal. (No offence, JayCeeBee64)

None taken RacoonRider, I know what you and SquallStrife are saying - I only paid $25.00 for that case in 2002, and the so-called "quality construction" certainly shows why 😅 . I ended up keeping only the screws, spacers and slot covers, everything else was trash 😵