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Small form factor (SFF) computers are housed in smaller cases than typical desktop computers. While the term has no exact definition, it generally includes cases designed for motherboards smaller than the standard ATX form factor. It generally excludes rack-mount cases, blade servers, and industrial computers, which are designed for data center and factory use, rather than home and office environments. Image File history File links Shuttle XPC SN25P, image released into the by the manufacturer. ...
Image File history File links Shuttle XPC SN25P, image released into the by the manufacturer. ...
Shuttle (TAIEX:2405) is a Taiwan-based manufacturer of motherboards, barebone computers, complete PC systems, and monitors. ...
A tower case featuring a modern design. ...
Desktop computer with several common peripherals (Monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphone and a printer) A desktop computer is a computer made for use on a desk in an office or home and is distinguished from portable computers such as laptops or PDAs. ...
A motherboard is the central or primary circuit board making up a complex electronic system, such as a modern computer. ...
ATX form motherboards became increasingly popular because of their advantages over older AT motherboards. ...
A motherboard is the central or primary circuit board making up a complex electronic system, such as a modern computer. ...
Equipment mounted in several 19-inch racks A 19-inch rack is a standardized (EIA 310-D, IEC 60297 DIN 41494 SC48D) system for mounting various electronic modules in a stack, or rack. ...
IBM HS20 blade server. ...
A data center is a facility used for housing a large amount of electronic equipment, typically computers and communications equipment. ...
This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...
The size of SFF PCs vary widely, from 1 L to 30 L or more, but as of 2007 the volume of a shoe box is typical. Their shapes vary from cubes to mini-towers to shallow flat cases resembling home theater components (such as VCRs or AV receivers). A personal computer (PC) is a computer whose price, size, and capabilities make it useful for individuals. ...
The litre or liter (see spelling differences) is a unit of volume. ...
2007 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
This article is about the receptacle or vessel called a box. ...
A computer case (also known as the computer chassis, cabinet, tower, box, enclosure or housing) is the enclosure that contains the main components of a computer. ...
Home cinema, also called Home theater, seeks to reproduce cinema quality video and audio in the home. ...
The video cassette recorder (or VCR, less popularly video tape recorder) is a type of video tape recorder that uses removable cassettes containing magnetic tape to record audio and video from a television broadcast so it can be played back later. ...
AV receivers or audio-video receivers are one of the many consumer electronics components typically found within a home theatre system. ...
Uses
Because they are built around small motherboards, SFF computers can be far smaller than typical desktop computers. They are often used in space-limited areas where normal computers cannot be placed. SFF computers have also found a niche as home theater PCs, as well as for mobile applications such as LAN parties. Many users simply enjoy the esthetic and ergonomic benefits of a small system which, unlike a full-size tower case, can easily fit on top of a small desk. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Media PC. (Discuss) A home theater PC, or HTPC for short, is a personal computer connected to a television. ...
A medium-sized (approximately 300 people) LAN party in a sports hall in northern Germany A LAN party is a temporary, sometimes spontaneous gathering of people together with their computers, which they connect together in a local area network (LAN) primarily for the purpose of playing multiplayer computer games. ...
Aesthetics (or esthetics) (from the Greek word αισθητική) is a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty. ...
Ergonomics (from Greek ergon work and nomoi natural laws) is the study of designing objects to be better adapted to the shape of the human body and/or to correct the users posture. ...
Features Small form factor computers are generally designed to support the same features as modern desktop computers, but in a smaller space. Most accept standard x86 microprocessors, standard DIMM memory modules, standard 3.5 inch hard disks, and standard 5.25 inch optical drives. Desktop computer with several common peripherals (Monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphone and a printer) A desktop computer is a computer made for use on a desk in an office or home and is distinguished from portable computers such as laptops or PDAs. ...
x86 or 80x86 is the generic name of a microprocessor architecture first developed and manufactured by Intel. ...
Microprocessors, including an Intel 80486DX2 and an Intel 80386 A microprocessor (abbreviated as µP or uP) is an electronic computer central processing unit (CPU) made from miniaturized transistors and other circuit elements on a single semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) (aka microchip or just chip). ...
Two types of DIMMs: a 168-pin SDRAM module (top) and a 184-pin DDR SDRAM module (bottom). ...
Typical hard drives of the mid-1990s. ...
Optical Storage is made possible by data storage devices such as optical discs and holographic storage systems. ...
However, the small size of SFF cases may limit expansion options; many commercial offerings provide only one 3.5" drive bay and one or two 5.25" external bays. Standard CPU heatsinks don't always fit inside a SFF computer, so some manufacturers provide custom cooling systems. Many SFF cases only have room for one to four expansion cards, although very few have the space for larger cards— such as the GeForce 8800GTX—. Many SFF computers use highly integrated motherboards containing many on-board peripherals so that expansion cards are not needed; many of these motherboards use custom form factors, while others use the microATX standard. Full-height, 2 half-height, and 3. ...
CPU can stand for: in computing: Central processing unit in journalism: Commonwealth Press Union in law enforcement: Crime prevention unit in software: Critical patch update, a type of software patch distributed by Oracle Corporation in Macleans College is often known as Ash Lim. ...
A large copper heatsink. ...
Computer cooling is the process of removing heat from computer components. ...
An expansion card (also expansion board, adapter card or accessory card) in computing is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer motherboard to add additional functionality to a computer system. ...
The Geforce 8 Series is the eighth generation of NVIDIAs GeForce graphics cards. ...
A motherboard is the central or primary circuit board making up a complex electronic system, such as a modern computer. ...
A motherboard is the central or primary circuit board making up a complex electronic system, such as a modern computer. ...
A8N VM CSM, an ASUS microATX motherboard microATX, also known as µATX (sometimes transliterated as mATX on online forums[1]) is a small form factor standard for computer motherboards, with a maximum size of 244 mm × 244 mm (9. ...
Some "box type" SFF cases (recently very popular) can fit standard ATX power supplies, while others require custom power supplies or external power bricks. ATX form motherboards became increasingly popular because of their advantages over older AT motherboards. ...
The top cover has been removed to show the internals of a computer Power supply Unit. ...
SFF Types There are many different types of SFF computers available as of 2007. They may be categorized loosely by their overall shape and size. 2007 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
Cubical
The APEVIA X-QPack(24L), a box type case large enough to fit a standard microATX motherboard. Many SFF computers have a cubical or nearly cubical shape. Smaller models are typical sold as barebones units, including a case, motherboard, and power supply designed to fit together. The motherboard lays flat against the base of the case. Upgrade options may be limited by the non-standard motherboards, cramped interior space, and power and airflow concerns. The Shuttle XPC is a good example of this design. MSI and ASUS produce similar designs. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2816 × 2112 pixel, file size: 2. ...
Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2816 × 2112 pixel, file size: 2. ...
A8N VM CSM, an ASUS microATX motherboard microATX, also known as µATX (sometimes transliterated as mATX on online forums[1]) is a small form factor standard for computer motherboards, with a maximum size of 244 mm × 244 mm (9. ...
Shuttle SN41G2 A barebone computer is a half-assembled platform that consists of a case with a power supply, a motherboard preinstalled into the system case, and a cooling system. ...
Micro-Star International (MSI) is a Taiwanese computer and components manufacturer. ...
For other uses, see ASUS (disambiguation). ...
Larger cases, called box type, tend to have a shoe box structure to them. They take microATX motherboards which, again, lay flat on the base of the case. They are normally sold as bare cases which can be easily upgraded thanks to the standard motherboard form factor and greater internal space. The Antec NSK1300, APEVIA X-QPack, PC Design Lab's Qmicra, Silverstone SG01 [1] and Ultra Micro Fly are common examples of box type SFF computers.
Flat or Pizza Box These are low, flat cases resembling the pizza box form factor which was formerly very popular for computer workstations. They usually fit microATX motherboards which lay flat on the base or side of the case (depending on how it is oriented in use). The Apex DM-318 is a good example of this type of case. In computing, a pizza box is a style of case for computers. ...
Sun SPARCstation 1+, 25 MHz RISC processor from early 1990s A workstation, such as a Unix workstation, RISC workstation or engineering workstation, is a high-end desktop or deskside microcomputer designed for technical applications. ...
Many cases designed for home theater purposes are based on this design (though others are too large to be considered SFF). They feature front-panel controls, ports, and styling designed to reproduce the look and convenience of traditional home theater components. The NMEDIAPC HTPC 180 is an example of this design. Home cinema, also called Home theater, seeks to reproduce cinema quality video and audio in the home. ...
Bookshelf computers Until recently, SFF cases were usually sold alone, or as barebones units (case, power supply, and motherboard). They were marketed primarily to enthusiasts who wanted to build their own custom computers. In 2005, Apple Inc. introduced its popular and extremely small Mac Mini (volume of 1.4 L, excluding external power brick). As of 2006, major OEM PC brands such as HP and Dell have begun to sell fully-assembled SFF systems. These are often described as bookshelf units since they resemble a miniature tower case small enough to fit on a bookshelf. Apple Inc. ...
The Mac mini is the smallest desktop computer marketed by Apple Inc. ...
The litre or liter (see spelling differences) is a unit of volume. ...
A wall wart style variable DC power supply with its cover removed. ...
2006 is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
OEM is an acronym for any of the following: Object Exchange Model Office of Emergency Management, a general term for emergency management functions Office for Emergency Management, a World War II function within the Executive Office of the United States Government Oracle Enterprise Manager Original Equipment Manufacturer The DOS code...
HP may refer to: Handley Page Aircraft Company Harry Potter, a series of fantasy novels by British writer J. K. Rowling Hello! Project (H!P), a Japanese pop recording project Hewlett-Packard, a computer and computer peripheral company High Point, North Carolina High potency, a term used in biology, pharmacology...
This article is about the corporation Dell, Inc. ...
The HP Slimline series and Dell C521 (volume 16.5 L) are good examples of this trend. As of 2007, several other companies have released similar computers that focus on small size, low price, and extremely high power efficiency (typically 10 W or below in use). Zonbu, fit-PC, Linutop, and a9home are examples of these. 2007 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
For other uses, see Watt (disambiguation). ...
Zonbu is a technology company responsible for the development of a computing platform that combines a web-centric service, a small form factor PC, and an open source based software architecture to create an affordable, hassle-free, and environmentally responsible computing environment. ...
The Linutop is a 9. ...
The A9Home is a small form factor computer running RISC OS. It was officially unveiled at the 2005 Wakefield Show, and is only the second native RISC OS computer to run a 32bit version of RISC OS. It is significantly smaller than even the Mac Mini and housed in cobalt...
The HP Slimline uses a non-standard motherboard that is very similar in size to Mini-ITX.[1]
Mini-ITX In addition to its industrial use, the extremely small Mini-ITX motherboard form factor has also been incorporated into SFF computers. These are often extremely compact and incorporate low-power components such as the VIA C3 processors. The Travla C134 is an example of this design; it is comparable to the size of the Mac Mini, and barely bigger than a standard 5.25" optical drive. Mini-ITX is a low-power motherboard form factor developed by VIA Technologies. ...
The VIA C3 is an x86 central processing unit for personal computers produced by VIA Technologies. ...
Optical Storage is made possible by data storage devices such as optical discs and holographic storage systems. ...
microATX tower microATX towers resemble normal tower cases but are shorter in height, and sometimes depth. They are designed to fit microATX motherboards, but not larger ATX motherboards. They may use standard ATX power supplies, or may come with proprietary PSUs. The Antec NSK3300 (volume of nearly 25 L) and Silverstone SG03 (volume around 22 L) are examples of microATX tower cases. Antec is an American manufacturer of computer components, founded in 1986 in Fremont, California. ...
The litre or liter (see spelling differences) is a unit of volume. ...
SilverStone Technology are a company based in Taiwan that makes computer cases, power supplies, and other peripheral for personal computers. ...
Because they are very similar to full-size tower cases, microATX tower cases are not always recognized as small form factor cases.
DTX Standard -
On January 10, 2007, AMD announced a new standard form factor for SFF motherboards, called DTX. The dimensions of DTX motherboards will be 203mm×244mm, while microATX are 244mm×244mm. A shortened version, Mini-DTX, will measure 170mm×203mm The DTX form factor was announced to be in development by AMD on January 10, 2007. ...
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. ...
The DTX form factor was announced to be in development by AMD on January 10, 2007. ...
The DTX form factor was announced to be in development by AMD on January 10, 2007. ...
In designing DTX, AMD sought to address the following issues:
- Manufacturing cost:
- DTX will allow up to four motherboards to be produced from a standard printed circuit board panel (Mini-DTX will allow up to six motherboards per standard panel)
- DTX motherboards can be manufactured with as few as four layers of PCB wiring.
- Backwards-compatibility. DTX motherboards are smaller than microATX boards, but backwards-compatible with them. In other words, DTX motherboards will fit inside cases designed for microATX boards. This will reduce the hurdle of transitioning from microATX to DTX for SFF computer builders.
- Standardization. If DTX becomes an established standard, SFF builders (both commercial builders and hobbyists) will have a wider range of interchangeable cases, motherboards, and power supplies to choose from.
Part of a 1983 Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer board. ...
The DTX form factor was announced to be in development by AMD on January 10, 2007. ...
The term backwards compatible refers to the ability of a recent software or hardware components to be able to work with earlier versions of the same product. ...
See also A HP T5700 thin client, with flash memory A Neoware m100 thin client. ...
Modded PC case with light & switch, perspex window and fan hole Case modification (commonly referred to as Case modding) is the modification of a computer chassis (often just referred to as the case), or a video game console chassis. ...
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