In 2001, VIA Technologies developed a motherboard based off of FlexATX, an offshoot of the standard advanced technology extended form. The motherboard, named ITX, was 6 percent smaller than the FlexATX, but VIA discontinued production before releasing it. In 2002, VIA created a form factor called Mini-ITX, similar to the ITX and identical to FlexATX -- except that the Mini-ITX is even smaller than both specifications.
Uses
Mini-ITX motherboards are found in small computers, such as nettops and home theater systems. The specification is ideal for home theater PCs, as the form does not consume much power, thus reducing the need for loud, distracting, high-speed fans to keep the computer cool. Mini-ITX also has industrial uses and commercial uses; for example, it's sometimes found in kiosks, like ATMs.
CPUs
VIA developed the Mini-ITX for use their ultra low-power Eden and C3 microprocessors; however, other computer parts manufacturers adapted the specification to allow netbook processors like the AMD C- and E-Series and the Intel Atom. The Mini-ITX can also support central processing units like the AMD Phenom, Athlon 64 and Phenom II, as well as the Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7.
Performance
Since the Mini-ITX is designed for use with small form factor systems, it's limited in its overall performance; don't expect top-of-the-line processing power from the PC. The Mini-ITX can use a processor like the Eden, which runs as slow as 400 megahertz and supports a 66 Mhz, 100 Mhz or 133 Mhz front-side bus. Even though the Eden is limited in its performance, it's so low power that it doesn't need a fan -- which is ideal for home theater PCs.
Other Hardware
Along with reduced processing power, the Mini-ITX is also limited in some of the other hardware it can run. Some Mini-ITX motherboards can accommodate double data rate III synchronous dynamic RAM, but most require DDR2. Because graphics cards can require a lot of processing power, the Mini-ITX can't use most dedicated cards. Most Mini-ITX use onboard graphics or accelerated graphics port, rather than the more modern peripheral component interconnect express interface.
Tags: home theater, Mini-ITX also, processing power, Core Core, form factor