Higher performance peripherals than possible over ISA bus, at comparable cost. Can still use industry standard expansion for flexibility. Design process Define specification Specifications should be set with an eye on available components. Component evaluation Select component suppliers based on specifications, performance, pricing and availability. Assemble target system from evaluation boards or commercial boards using same components, and verify system performance and stability .
Most chipset suppliers provide free reference schematics in electronic form.
Sometimes, however, you get what you pay for. This is the most critical part of the design. Layout will determine stability, EMI and manufacturability. Prototyping PCB fabrication and assembly. Good quality will simplify debug.