Computer form factor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For computer form factors both larger and smaller than desktop personal computers, see list of computer size
categories.

Computer form factors

Listed by PCB size (mm)

 WTX (356×425)

 AT (350×305)

 Baby-AT (330×216)

 BTX (325×267)

 ATX (305×244)

 SSI CEB (305x267)

 EATX (Extended) (305×330)

 LPX (330×229)

 microBTX (264×267)

 NLX (254×228)

 Ultra ATX (367×244)

 microATX (244×244)

 DTX (203×244)

 FlexATX (229×191)

 Mini-DTX (203×170)

 EBX (203×146)

 Mini-ITX (170×170)

 EPIC (Express) (165×115)

 Mini ATX (150×150)

 ESM (149×71)

 Mini-STX (140×147)

 Nano-ITX (120×120)

 COM Express (125×95)

 ESMexpress (125×95)

 ETX (114×95)

 XTX (114×95)

 Pico-ITX (100×72)

 PC/104 (-Plus) (96×90)

 ESMini (95×55)

 SMARC (82×80)
  Qseven (70×70)

 mobile-ITX (60×60)

 CoreExpress (58×65)

 v

 t

 e

In computing, the form factor is the specification of a motherboard – the dimensions, power supply type,
location of mounting holes, number of ports on the back panel, etc. Specifically, in the IBM PC
compatible industry, standard form factors ensure that parts are interchangeable across competing vendors and
generations of technology, while in enterprise computing, form factors ensure that server modules fit into
existing rackmount systems. Traditionally, the most significant specification is for that of the motherboard,
which generally dictates the overall size of the case. Small form factors have been developed and
implemented.
Contents
  [hide] 

 1Overview of form factors

 2Comparisons
o 2.1Tabular information

o 2.2Graphical comparison of physical sizes

o 2.3Maximum number of expansion card slots

 3Visual examples of different form factors

 4PC/104 and EBX

 5Mini PC
o 5.1Examples

 6See also

 7References

 8External links

Overview of form factors[edit]

Comparison of some common motherboard form factors

A PC motherboard is the main circuit board within a typical desktop computer, laptop or server. Its main

functions are as follows:
  To serve as a central backbone to which all other modular parts such
as CPU, RAM, and hard drivescan be attached as required to create a
computer
 To be interchangeable (in most cases) with different components (in
particular CPU and expansion cards) for the purposes of customization and
upgrading
 To distribute power to other circuit boards
 To electronically co-ordinate and interface the operation of the
components
As new generations of components have been developed, the standards of motherboards have changed too. For
example, the introduction of AGP and, more recently, PCI Express have influenced motherboard design.
However, the standardized size and layout of motherboards have changed much more slowly and are
controlled by their own standards. The list of components required on a motherboard changes far more slowly
than the components themselves. For example, north bridge microchips have changed many times since their
introduction with many manufacturers bringing out their own versions, but in terms of form factor standards,
provisions for north bridges have remained fairly static for many years.
Although it is a slower process, form factors do evolve regularly in response to changing demands. IBM's
long-standing standard, AT (Advanced Technology), was superseded in 1995 by the current industry
standard ATX (Advanced Technology Extended), which still governs the size and design of the motherboard
in most modern PCs. The latest update to the ATX standard was released in 2007. A divergent standard
by chipset manufacturer VIA called EPIA (also known as ITX, and not to be confused with EPIC) is based
upon smaller form factors and its own standards.
Differences between form factors are most apparent in terms of their intended market sector, and involve
variations in size, design compromises and typical features. Most modern computers have very similar
requirements, so form factor differences tend to be based upon subsets and supersets of these. For example, a
desktop computer may require more sockets for maximum flexibility and many optional connectors and other
features on board, whereas a computer to be used in a multimedia system may need to be optimized for heat
and size, with additional plug-in cards being less common. The smallest motherboards may sacrifice CPU
flexibility in favor of a fixed manufacturer's choice.

Comparisons[edit]
Tabular information[edit]
Notes
Form factor Originated Max. size
(typical usage, Market adoption, etc.)

Obsolete, see Industry Standard Architecture. The IBM Personal Computer XT was the successor to the
8.5 × 11 in
XT IBM 1983 original IBM PC, its first home computer. As the specifications were open, many clone motherboards
216 × 279 mm
were produced and it became a de facto standard.

Obsolete, see Industry Standard Architecture. Created by IBM for theIBM Personal Computer/AT,
AT(Advanced 12 × 11–13 in
IBM 1984 an Intel 80286 machine. Also known as Full AT, it was popular during the era of the Intel
Technology) 305 × 279–330 mm
80386microprocessor. Superseded by ATX.

8.5 × 10–13 in IBM's 1985 successor to the AT motherboard. Functionally equivalent to the AT, it became popular due
Baby-AT IBM 1985
216 × 254–330 mm to its significantly smaller size.

ATX Intel 1996 12 × 9.6 in Created by Intel in 1995. As of 2007, it is the most popular form factor for commodity motherboards.
305 × 244 mm Typical size is 9.6 × 12 in although some companies extend that to 10 × 12 in.
 Notes
Form factor Originated Max. size
(typical usage, Market adoption, etc.)

Created by the Server System Infrastructure (SSI) forum. Derived from the EEB and ATX
12 × 10.5 in
SSI CEB SSI specifications. This means that SSI CEB motherboards have the same mounting holes and the same IO
305 × 267 mm
connector area as ATX motherboards.

Created by the Server System Infrastructure (SSI) forum. Derived from the EEB and ATX
12 × 13 in
SSI EEB SSI specifications. This means that SSI CEB motherboards have the same mounting holes and the same IO
305 × 330 mm
connector area as ATX motherboards, but SSI EEB motherboards do not.

Created by the Server System Infrastructure (SSI) forum. Derived from the EEB and ATX
16.2 × 13 in
SSI MEB SSI specifications. This means that SSI CEB motherboards have the same mounting holes and the same IO
411 × 330 mm
connector area as ATX motherboards.

A smaller variant of the ATX form factor (about 25% shorter). Compatible with most ATX cases, but
9.6 × 9.6 in
microATX 1996 has fewer slots than ATX, for a smaller power supply unit. Very popular for desktop and small form
244 × 244 mm
factor computers as of 2007.

Mini-ATX is considerably smaller than Micro-ATX. Mini-ATX motherboards were designed with
5.9 × 5.9 in
Mini-ATX AOpen 2005 MoDT (Mobile on Desktop Technology) which adapt mobile CPUs for lower power requirement, less
150 × 150 mm
heat generation and better application capability.

9.0 × 7.5 in
A subset of microATX developed by Intel in 1999. Allows more flexible motherboard design,
FlexATX Intel 1999 228.6 × 190.5 mm
component positioning and shape. Can be smaller than regular microATX.
max.

6.7 × 6.7 in
Mini-ITX VIA 2001 170 × 170 mm A small, highly integrated form factor, designed for small devices such as thin clients and set-top boxes.
max.

4.7 × 4.7 in Targeted at smart digital entertainment devices such as PVRs, set-top boxes, media centers and Car
Nano-ITX VIA 2003
120 × 120 mm PCs, and thin devices.

3.9 × 2.8 in
Pico-ITX VIA 2007
100 × 72 mm max.

2.953 × 1.772 in
Mobile-ITX VIA 2007
75 × 45 mm

Neo-ITX VIA 2012 170 × 85 × 35 mm Used in the VIA Android PC

BTX(Balanced Intel 2004 12.8 × 10.5 in A standard proposed by Intel as a successor to ATX in the early 2000s, according to Intel the layout has
 Notes
Form factor Originated Max. size
(typical usage, Market adoption, etc.)

better cooling. BTX Boards are flipped in comparison to ATX Boards, so a BTX or MicroBTX Board
325 × 267 mm needs a BTX case, while an ATX style board fits in an ATX case. The RAM slots and the PCI slots are
Technology Extended) parallel to each other.
max.

Processor is placed closest to the fan. May contain a CNR board.

10.4 × 10.5 in
MicroBTX (oruBTX) Intel 2004 264 × 267 mm
max.
8.0 × 10.5 in
PicoBTX Intel 2004 203 × 267 mm
max.
200 × 244 mm
DTX AMD 2007
max.
200 × 170 mm
Mini-DTX AMD 2007
max.
smartModule Digital-Logic 66 × 85 mm Used in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a baseboard.
ETX Kontron 95 × 114 mm Used in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a baseboard.
Used in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a carrier board. Formerly referred to
COM ExpressBasic PICMG 95 × 125 mm
as ETXexpress by Kontron.
Used in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a carrier board. Formerly referred to
COM ExpressCompact PICMG 95 × 95 mm
as microETXexpress by Kontron.
Used in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a carrier board. Formerly referred to
COM Express Mini PICMG 55 × 84 mm as nanoETXexpress by Kontron. Also known as COM Express Ultra and adheres to pin-outs Type 1 or
Type 10[1]
CoreExpress SFF-SIG 58 × 65 mm Used in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a carrier board.
Used in rackmount server systems. Typically used for server-class type motherboards with dual
12 × 13 in
Extended ATX (EATX) Unknown 305 × 330 mm
processors and too much circuitry for a standard ATX motherboard. The mounting hole pattern for the
upper portion of the board matches ATX.
Enhanced Extended 13.68 × 13 in Used in rackmount server systems. Typically used for server-class type motherboards with dual
Supermicro
ATX (EEATX) 347 × 330 mm processors and too much circuitry for a standard E.ATX motherboard.
Based on a design by Western Digital, it allowed smaller cases than the AT standard, by putting the
9 × 11–13 in
LPX Unknown 229 × 279–330 mm
expansion card slots on a Riser card. Used in slimline retail PCs. LPX was never standardized and
generally only used by large OEMs.
8–9 × 10–11 in
Mini-LPX Unknown 203–229 × 254– Used in slimline retail PCs.
279 mm
PC/104
PC/104 3.8 × 3.6 in Used in embedded systems. AT Bus (ISA) architecture adapted to vibration-tolerant header connectors.
Consortium1992
PC/104
PC/104-Plus 3.8 × 3.6 in Used in embedded systems. PCI Bus architecture adapted to vibration-tolerant header connectors.
Consortium1997
PC/104 Used in embedded systems.
PCI/104-Express 3.8 × 3.6 in
Consortium2008 PCI Express architecture adapted to vibration-tolerant header connectors.
PC/104 Used in embedded systems.
PCIe/104 3.8 × 3.6 in
Consortium2008 PCI/104-Express without the legacy PCI bus.
8–9 × 10–13.6 in
A low-profile design released in 1997. It also incorporated a riser for expansion cards,[2] and never
NLX Intel 1999 203–229 × 254–
became popular.
345 mm
TQ-Components
UTX 88 × 108 mm Used in embedded systems and IPCs. Requires a baseboard.
2001
14 × 16.75 in
WTX Intel 1998 A large design for servers and high-end workstations featuring multipleCPUs and hard drives.
355.6 × 425.4 mm
16.48 × 13 in
SWTX Unknown A proprietary design for servers and high-end workstations featuring multiple CPUs.
418 × 330 mm
13.6 × 15 in A large design by EVGA currently featured on two motherboards; the eVGA SR2 and SRX. Intended
HPTX EVGA 2008
345.44 × 381 mm for use with multiple CPUs. Cases require 9 expansion slots to contain this form-factor.
XTX 2005 95 × 114 mm Used in embedded systems. Requires a baseboard.

Graphical comparison of physical sizes[edit]

Maximum number of expansion card slots[edit]
ATX case compatible:

Specification Number

HPTX 9

ATX/EATX/SSI EEB/SSI CEB 7

MicroATX 4

FlexATX 3

DTX/Mini-DTX 2

Mini-ITX 1

Visual examples of different form factors[edit]

 Different form factors
 

ATX
(Abit KT7)

mini-ITX
(VIA EPIA 5000AG)

Pico-ITX
(VIA EPIA PX10000G)

PC/104 and EBX[edit]

PC/104 is an embedded computer standard which defines both a form factor and computer bus. PC/104 is
intended for embedded computing environments. Single board computers built to this form factor are often
sold by COTS vendors, which benefits users who want a customized rugged system, without months of design
and paper work.
The PC/104 form factor was standardized by the PC/104 Consortium in 1992.  An IEEE standard
[3]

corresponding to PC/104 was drafted as IEEE P996.1, but never ratified. [4]

The 5.75 × 8.0 in Embedded Board eXpandable (EBX) specification, which was derived from Ampro's
proprietary Little Board form-factor, resulted from a collaboration between Ampro and Motorola Computer
Group.
As compared with PC/104 modules, these larger (but still reasonably embeddable) SBCs tend to have
everything of a full PC on them, including application oriented interfaces like audio, analog, or digital I/O in
many cases. Also it's much easier to fit Pentium CPUs, whereas it's a tight squeeze (or expensive) to do so on a
PC/104 SBC. Typically, EBX SBCs contain: the CPU; upgradeable RAM subassemblies (e.g., DIMM); Flash
memory for solid state disk; multiple USB, serial, and parallel ports; onboard expansion via a PC/104 module
stack; off-board expansion via ISA and/or PCI buses (from the PC/104 connectors); networking interface
(typically Ethernet); and video (typically CRT, LCD, and TV).

Mini PC[edit]
Mini PC is a PC small form factor very close in size to an external CD or DVD drive. Mini PCs have proven
popular for use asHTPCs.
Examples[edit]

 AOpen XC mini
 Apple Mac mini
 Intel NUC
 Gigabyte Brix
 Zotac ZBOX
 Asus Vivopc

See also[edit]
 Hard-disk-drive form factors
 Small form factor

References[edit]
1. Jump up^ "Atom module shrinks to nano size".
2. Jump up^ "Form Factors Rev 1.3 :: NLX" Motherboards.org
3. Jump up^ "PC/104 Embedded Consortium's History". Retrieved 2008-01-29.
4. Jump up^ Angel, Jonathan (2010-02-01). "Open standard defines tiny expansion modules". LinuxDevices.com.
Retrieved 2014-03-18.

External links[edit]
 The official Intel Form factors website containing form factor descriptions
Categories: 
 Motherboard form factors
 Computing comparisons
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