1.0 Introduction
Form factor is an aspect of hardware design
which defines and prescribes the size, shape, and other physical specifications of
components, particularly in consumer electronics and electronic packaging.( Webopedia and WhatIs.com
2016). A form factor may represent a
broad class of similarly sized components, or it may prescribe a specific
standard.
In computers, the form factor is
the size, configuration, or physical arrangement of a computing device. The
term is commonly used in describing the size and/or arrangement of
a device, a computer case or chassis or one of its internal components
such as a motherboard
or a daughterboard.
If you see the term applied to software or programming, it will usually mean
the size of the program or the amount of memory required to run the program
effectively. When used to refer to the size of a free-standing computer or
other device, it's close in meaning to footprint.
(Margaret
Rouse, 2018)
1.1 Aim
v The
aim of this work is to investigate the Hardware form factor as an aspect of
hardware who prescribes the size, shape and other physical specifications of
components, particularly in consumer electronic and electronic packages.
1.2 Objective
v The
objective of this research is to outline the Hardware form factors as a
configuration or physical arrangement of a computing device.
2.0 Review
of Related Literature
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 rack mount
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. (Wikipedia, 2018)
Overview of form
factors
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 drives can 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. (Wikipedia, 2018)
Notebook
computers, for example, are a form factor unto themselves because
they all take the same "clamshell" form, are
typically rectangular and open to a keyboard on the flat surface and a
screen on the top. Notebooks are also available in a variety of form
factors that identify a type of product and market area.
Here are a few different notebook
form factors:
An ultrabook
is a category of thin and light laptop computers designed to bridge the market
gap between tablets and
premium notebook PCs.
A netbook is a
small, light, low-power notebook computer that has less processing power than a
full-sized laptop but is still suitable for word processing, running a Web
browser and connecting wirelessly to the Internet.
A convertible
tablet is a computer that can function as either a standalone touch screen
device or as a notebook with a physical keyboard.
In electric motor terminology, a
form factor is the amount of rectified current emitted from a direct current (DC)
power source and is expressed as a ratio of the root-mean square (rms) value of
the current to the average (av) current or Irms/lav. If the form factor differs
much from pure non-pulsating DC (a value of 1.0), it indicates the possibility
that motor and brush life will be shorter, (Margaret Rouse, 2018)
2.1 Comparisons
Tabular
information
Form factor
|
Originated
|
Max. size[info 1]
width × depth |
Notes
(typical usage, Market adoption, etc.) |
IBM 1983
|
8.5 × 11 in
216 × 279 mm |
Obsolete,
see Industry Standard Architecture.
The IBM Personal Computer XT was the successor
to the original IBM PC,
its first home computer. As the specifications were open, many clone motherboards were produced and it
became a de facto
standard.
|
|
AT
(Advanced Technology)
|
IBM 1984
|
12 × 11–13 in
305 × 279–330 mm |
Obsolete,
see Industry Standard Architecture.
Created by IBM for the IBM Personal Computer/AT, an Intel 80286
machine. Also known as Full AT, it was popular during the era of the Intel 80386
microprocessor. Superseded by ATX.
|
IBM 1985
|
8.5 × 10–13 in
216 × 254–330 mm |
IBM's
1985 successor to the AT motherboard. Functionally equivalent to the AT, it
became popular due to its significantly smaller size.
|
|
Intel
1995
|
12 × 9.6 in
305 × 244 mm |
Created
by Intel in 1995. As of 2017, it is the most popular form factor for
commodity motherboards. Typical size is 9.6 × 12 in although
some companies extend that to 10 × 12 in.
|
|
12 × 10.5 in
305 × 267 mm |
Created
by the Server
System Infrastructure (SSI) forum. Derived from the EEB and ATX
specifications. This means that SSI CEB motherboards have the same mounting
holes and the same IO connector area as ATX motherboards.
|
||
12 × 13 in
305 × 330 mm |
Created
by the Server
System Infrastructure (SSI) forum. Derived from the EEB and ATX
specifications. This means that SSI CEB motherboards have the same mounting
holes and the same IO connector area as ATX motherboards, but SSI EEB
motherboards do not.
|
||
16.2 × 13 in
411 × 330 mm |
Created
by the Server
System Infrastructure (SSI) forum. Derived from the EEB and ATX
specifications.
|
||
1996
|
9.6 × 9.6 in
244 × 244 mm |
A
smaller variant of the ATX form factor (about 25% shorter). Compatible with
most ATX cases, but has fewer slots than ATX, for a smaller power
supply unit. Very popular for desktop and small form factor computers as of 2017.
|
|
AOpen
2005
|
5.9 × 5.9 in
150 × 150 mm |
Mini-ATX
is considerably smaller than Micro-ATX. Mini-ATX motherboards were designed
with MoDT (Mobile on Desktop Technology) which adapt mobile CPUs for lower
power requirement, less heat generation and better application capability.
|
|
Intel
1999
|
9.0 × 7.5 in
228.6 × 190.5 mm max. |
A
subset of microATX developed by Intel in 1999. Allows more flexible
motherboard design, component positioning and shape. Can be smaller than
regular microATX.
|
|
VIA
2001
|
6.7 × 6.7 in
170 × 170 mm max. |
A
small, highly integrated form factor, designed for small devices such as thin
clients and set-top boxes.
|
|
VIA
2003
|
4.7 × 4.7 in
120 × 120 mm |
Targeted
at smart digital entertainment devices such as PVRs, set-top
boxes, media centers and Car PCs, and thin devices.
|
|
VIA
2007
|
3.9 × 2.8 in
100 × 72 mm max. |
||
VIA
2007
|
2.953 × 1.772 in
75 × 45 mm |
||
Neo-ITX
|
VIA
2012
|
170 × 85 × 35 mm
|
Used
in the VIA Android
PC
|
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended)
|
Intel
2004
|
12.8 × 10.5 in
325 × 267 mm max. |
A
standard proposed by Intel as a successor to ATX in the early 2000s,
according to Intel the layout has better cooling. BTX Boards are flipped in
comparison to ATX Boards, so a BTX or MicroBTX Board needs a BTX case, while
an ATX style board fits in an ATX case. The RAM slots and the PCI slots are
parallel to each other.
Processor is placed closest to the fan. May contain a CNR
board.
|
Intel
2004
|
10.4 × 10.5 in
264 × 267 mm max. |
||
Intel
2004
|
8.0 × 10.5 in
203 × 267 mm max. |
||
AMD 2007
|
8.0 × 9.6 in
200 × 244 mm max. |
||
AMD 2007
|
8.0 × 6.7 in
200 × 170 mm max. |
||
66 × 85 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a
baseboard.
|
||
95 × 114 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a
baseboard.
|
||
COM Express
Basic
|
95 × 125 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a
carrier board. Formerly referred to as ETXexpress by Kontron.
|
|
COM Express
Compact
|
95 × 95 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a
carrier board. Formerly referred to as microETXexpress by Kontron.
|
|
85.6 × 54 mm
|
A
general-purpose "eco-conscious" mass-volume standard based around
re-use of legacy PCMCIA.
Has two variants: Type I (3.3mm high) and Type II (5.0mm high). Does not
require a carrier board if the user-facing end provides power.
|
||
COM Express
Mini
|
55 × 84 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a
carrier board. Formerly referred to as nanoETXexpress by Kontron.
Also known as COM Express Ultra and adheres to pin-outs Type 1 or Type 10[1]
|
|
58 × 65 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems and single board computers. Requires a
carrier board.
|
||
Extended
ATX (EATX)
|
Unknown
|
12 × 13 in
305 × 330 mm |
Used
in rackmount
server systems. Typically used for server-class type motherboards with dual
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 ATX
(EEATX)
|
13.68 × 13 in
347 × 330 mm |
Used
in rackmount
server systems. Typically used for server-class type motherboards with dual
processors and too much circuitry for a standard E.ATX motherboard.
|
|
9 × 11–13 in
229 × 279–330 mm |
Based
on a design by Western Digital, it allowed smaller cases
than the AT standard, by putting the 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
203–229 × 254–279 mm |
Used
in slimline retail PCs.
|
||
PC/104 Consortium 1992
|
3.8 × 3.6 in
|
Used
in embedded systems. AT Bus (ISA) architecture adapted to vibration-tolerant header
connectors.
|
|
PC/104 Consortium 1997
|
3.8 × 3.6 in
|
Used
in embedded systems. PCI Bus architecture adapted to vibration-tolerant
header connectors.
|
|
PC/104 Consortium 2008
|
3.8 × 3.6 in
|
Used
in embedded systems.
PCI Express architecture adapted to vibration-tolerant header connectors. |
|
PC/104 Consortium 2008
|
3.8 × 3.6 in
|
Used
in embedded systems.
PCI/104-Express without the legacy PCI bus. |
|
Intel
1999
|
8–9 × 10–13.6 in
203–229 × 254–345 mm |
||
UTX
|
TQ-Components
2001
|
88 × 108 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems and IPCs. Requires a
baseboard.
|
Intel
1998
|
14 × 16.75 in
355.6 × 425.4 mm |
A
large design for servers and high-end workstations featuring multiple CPUs and hard drives.
|
|
Unknown
|
16.48 × 13 in
418 × 330 mm |
A
proprietary design for servers and high-end workstations featuring multiple CPUs.
|
|
EVGA
2008
|
13.6 × 15 in
345.44 × 381 mm |
||
2005
|
95 × 114 mm
|
Used
in embedded systems. Requires a baseboard.
|
1.
For
boards which take expansion slots, the length of the expansion card aligns with
the depth of the system board. The case may support cards longer than the depth
of the main board.
2.2
Maximum number of expansion card slots
ATX case compatible:
Specification
|
Number
|
9
|
|
7
|
|
4
|
|
3
|
|
2
|
|
1
|
2.3 Visual
examples of different form factors
 |
||
2.4
PC/104 and EBX
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.
(Wikipedia, 2018) An
IEEE standard corresponding to PC/104 was drafted as IEEE P996.1, but never
ratified. (Wikipedia, 2018)
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 drive; 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).
2.5 Mini PC
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 as HTPCs.
Examples
.0 Methodology
The method involved internet
review based on Search Engines and investigate on Hardware Form Factors
3.1 Evolution and standardization
As
electronic hardware has become smaller following Moore's law
and related patterns, ever-smaller form factors have become feasible. Specific
technological advances, such as PCI Express,
have had a significant design impact, though form factors have historically
been slower to evolve than individual components. Standardization
of form factors is vital for compatibility of hardware from different
manufacturers.
Trade-offs
Smaller
form factors may offer more efficient use of limited space, greater flexibility
in the placement of components within a larger assembly, reduced use of
material, and greater ease of transportation and use. However, smaller form
factors typically incur greater costs in the design,
manufacturing,
and maintenance phases of the engineering
lifecycle, and do not allow the same expansion options as larger
form factors. In particular, the design of smaller form factor computers and
network equipment must entail careful consideration of cooling
(Wikipedia, 2018). End-user maintenance and repair of small form factor
electronic devices such as mobile phones is often not possible, and may be
discouraged by warranty
voiding
clauses; such devices require professional servicing—or simply replacement—when
they fail (Wikipedia, 2018).
Examples
Size
comparison of various mobile form factors (from smallest to largest: Nintendo DS
Lite handheld, Asus Eee PC
netbook,
and MacBook
laptop)
Computer form factors comprise a number of specific
industry standards for motherboards, specifying dimensions, power
supplies, placement of mounting holes and ports, and other parameters. Other types
of form factors for computers include:
- Small form factor (SFF), a more loosely defined set of standards which may refer to both motherboards and computer cases. SFF devices include mini-towers and home theater PCs.
- Pizza box form factor, a wide, flat case form-factor used for computers and network switches; often sized for installation in a 19-inch rack.
Components
- Hard disk drive form factors, the physical dimensions of a computer hard drive
- Hard disk enclosure form factor, the physical dimensions of a computer hard drive enclosure
Mobile form factors
- Laptop or notebook, a form of portable computer with a "clamshell" form factor.
- Subnotebook, ultra-mobile PC, netbook, and tablet computer, various form factors for devices which are smaller and often cheaper than a typical notebook.
- Mobile phone form factor, comprising the size, shape, layout, and style of mobile phones. Broad categories of form factors include bars, flip phones, and sliders, with many subtypes and variations of each.
References
Angel, Jonathan (2010). "Open standard defines tiny
expansion modules". LinuxDevices.com. Retrieved 2014-03-18.
http://archive.linuxgizmos.com/open-standard-defines-tiny-expansion-modules/
Margaret
Rouse, (2018) “Form Factors”
https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/form-factor
Morrison,
John (April 4, 2016). "Passive
Cooling – An Experiment". SFF Network. Minutiae. Retrieved 13
June 2016.
Motherboards.org
(2018) Form Factors Rev 1.3 : NLX" Motherboards.org
http://www.motherboards.org/articles/tech-planations/4_10.html
Prowse, David L. (September 27, 2012). "CompTIA
A+ Exam Cram: Mobile Device Hardware and Operating Systems".
Pearson IT Certification. Pearson Education. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
Web.archive.org
(2008) "PC/104 Embedded Consortium's History". Archived from the original on
2008-02-11. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
https://web.archive.org/web/20080211094103/http:/www.pc104.org/history.html
Webopedia
(2018) Form
factor. Webopedia. Quinstreet Enterprise. Retrieved 13 June 2016. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/F/form_factor.html
WhatIs.com
(2018) Form factor.
WhatIs.com. TechTarget. Retrieved 13 June 2016. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/form-facto
Wikipedia (2018) Form Factor Design
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_factor_%28design%29#cite_note-sff_network-3
Wikipedia (2018) Form Factor Design
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_factor_%28design%29#cite_note-prowse-4
Wikipedia, (2018) Computer Form Factor Cite Note 4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_form_factor#cite_note-4
Wikipedia,
(2018) Computer Form Factors https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_form_factor#Overview_of_form_factors
Wikipedia, Computer Form Factor Cite Note 5 (2018) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_form_factor#cite_note-5
Windows for Devices (2018) Atom Module shranks to Nano Size
http://www.windowsfordevices.com/c/a/News/Atom-module-shrinks-to-nano-size
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