Built down to a price

[lmester]

I needed to add a second network card to a PC so I can use it as a router. The only NIC's that I had on hand have a full height mounting bracket. This PC uses small form factor cards.

I removed the full height bracket and cut it down to fit. There were no screws attaching it to the PCB. Just tabs on the bracket bent into the PCB holes! How much do two machine screws cost? This really showed me how much work is done to reduce materials cost! Possibly assembly costs. Is it cheaper or faster to bend over two tabs than to screw in two machine screws.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who deals with design decisions like this.