Mini-ITX, Ultra Compact Motherboard Form Factor with a New Level of Integration for the New Generation of Quiet, Small Footprint Connected Information and Entertainment Systems

1.Introduction
  Mini-ITX, the IT smallest industry form factor motherboard enables the creation of an exciting new generation of small, ergonomic, innovative and affordable embedded systems through its high level of integration and vastly reduced size of less than 33% the size of the Flex-ATX motherboard form factor. The new Mini-ITX motherboard supports high-performance Socket 370 Intel processors and VIA C3™ processors, boasting high levels of integration, ultra low power consumption and cool, quiet operation providing a noiseless and more ergonomic system.
  A platform for innovation due to its small size, the Mini-ITX is fully compatible with Microsoft^®, Windows^® Xp and a full range of Embedded Windows^®, Windows^® CE, and the latest Linux operating systems and applications. Compatibility is further enhanced with its support for all the most popular Internet programs and plug-ins.
  The new ITX Platform is spurring the further development of the emerging new generation of quiet running, low profile small factor designs that are being adopted for a myriad of connected information and entertainment systems ¨C ranging from home entertainment devices such as Set Top Boxes, Game Consoles, Personal Video Recorders and Broadband Gateways to commercial applications such as Thin Clients, LCD Web Based Terminals, POS Terminals, and Network Attached Servers.
  These new designs not only leverage the fundamental strengths of the x86 platform ¨Cnamely, its software resources, its Internet compatibility, its rapid product innovation cycles, its massive economies of scale and its open architecture. They also extend the capabilities of the PC and the Internet by allowing people to connect to information and entertainment in an easier, more convenient, and more affordable way.
  Compact, stylish, reliable, and energy efficient, these new devices are already beginning appearing in homes, workplaces, and public places such as airports and coffee shops.

2.Mini-ITX Motherboard Overview
Mini-ITX Motherboard Features and Benefits
  The new Mini-ITX motherboard provides motherboard makers, system integrators, and OEMs with the first standardized ultra compact yet highly integrated and scaleable platform that can be utilized best in small, modern, attractive and practical devices.
  With a footprint that measures just 17cm X 17cm, the new Mini-ITX motherboard form factor not only enables PC appliance designers to lower costs by reducing the size of the motherboard and the chassis, it also allows them to explore a huge variety of product development options - from compact space-saving sealed designs to fully functional Information Station and Value PC systems.
  The versatility and cost-effectiveness of the Mini-ITX form factor is further enhanced by its highly integrated feature set that makes it, essentially, a system on a motherboard. The motherboard is highly integrated, including AGP graphics and AC¡¯97 audio support, advanced Ethernet networking. The Platform boasts an ultra low power consumption allowing the use of passive cooling systems. This further enhances the benefits of modern form factor designs by making them smaller, quieter and more environmentally friendly.
  Table 1 provides a summary of the main features and benefits of the Mini-ITX motherboard form factor: