Notes / Customization
OEM/ODM Motherboard Checklist: From Sample to Production
Lock the documentation before the tooling: the changes worth making, the ones that need review, and the sample gate that stops a bad revision.
A sample is a gate. A change after tooling is a revision, with a new test record and a new number.
01 / The gate
The sample is a gate, not a formality.
A sample that runs is not a sample that is ready for production. Between the two sits a short list: a locked specification, a revision number, a test record and a packaging drawing.
Treat the sample as the last cheap place to change a connector, a BIOS string or a heatsink. After tooling, the same change costs a revision and a new test record.
- 01
Documentation
Freeze the card, the BOM, the BIOS version and the label artwork.
- 02
Sample validation
Test the changed function, the thermal path and the packaging fit.
- 03
Pilot
Build a small run on the production line, not on the bench.
- 04
Production
Hold the revision and the test record for every lot.
02 / Change scope
Four change families.
Sort every request into one family before quoting. The family decides the review and the tooling.
Software
BIOS defaults, boot logo, wake behaviour and watchdog timing. These usually stay inside the same board revision.
Electrical
I/O count, protection, connector type and LED polarity. These need a schematic review before a sample.
Mechanical
Heatsink, mounting holes, enclosure cut-outs and label position. These can move the tooling.
Packaging
Carton print, silkscreen, accessory set and barcode. These are documents before they are parts.
03 / The matrix
Worth making, needs review, needs tooling.
The three columns are a quote filter. A request that lands in the third column needs a sample, a test record and a revision number before production.
Worth making
- BIOS defaults
- Boot logo
- Label print
- Accessory set
- Packaging print
Needs review
- Extra COM header
- LAN count
- Heatsink change
- Connector swap
- LED polarity
Needs tooling
- New PCB revision
- Enclosure cut-outs
- Mounting pattern
- Power stage change
- New test record
Documents to lock
Revision block, BOM, BIOS version, test record and packaging drawing. If a request is only a BIOS string, it can ship in the first sample. If it moves a connector, it needs a new board revision.
Illustrative / inspection 
Illustrative / packing 
Illustrative / burn-in 
Illustrative / test bench 
Illustrative / line 
Illustrative / reflow 
TOP800B / board face 
UT1003AW / header side 
RP7003AW / board face
04 / Base
A real customization base: TOP800B.
TOP800B is a Mini-ITX board with BIOS and I/O options. A customization can start from the card and stay inside the sample gate: change the BIOS string, select the I/O set, confirm the heatsink, then build the sample.
The production base behind the programme is 8,000 m² with about 30,000 units per month and 40+ R&D staff. MOQ and lead time stay open until the quote.
- Production base
- 8,000 m²
- Capacity
- ~30,000 units / month
- R&D staff
- 40+
05 / Scope
Three questions about the checklist.
Is this generic advice?
No. The families map to named changes on current cards, and the sample gate uses a revision number and a test record.
Which models does it apply to?
TOP800B, UT1003AW and RP7003AW are the examples used here. The same four families apply to the other cards.
What is still open?
MOQ, lead time, warranty and payment terms are confirmed with your quote. A new PCB revision needs its own test record.
06 / Next step
Bring the change list, not a wish list.
Send the model, the change family and the target date. We reply with the review path and the closest specification card within 24–48 h.
