Form factor in computer technology: efficiency and compatibility

What is a form factor?

It defines the physical size, layout and mechanical fastening of hardware components such as mainboards, housings and power supply units. It ensures that these components are compatible with each other, regardless of the manufacturer. In addition to the dimensions, the form factor also affects technical aspects such as the position of connections and the arrangement of mounting points.

Common form factors and their features

In computer technology, there are a large number of factors that are optimized for specific areas of application.
The best known include

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended):

• Size: 30,5x 24,4 cm
• Very good expansion options thanks to several PCIe and RAM slots.
• Frequently used in desktop PCs and high-performance industrial applications.
• Supports powerful power supply units and larger cooling systems.
• Areas of application:
  • Workstations, performance-intensive applications such as image processing or simulations.

Mini-ITX:

• Size: 17 x 17 cm
• Compact design, energy-efficient and ideal for space-saving designs.
• Often only one PCIe slot, but sufficient for many industrial applications.
• Areas of application:
  • Control systems, digital signage , IoT devices, automation technology.

Nano-ITX:

• Size: 12 x 12 cm
• Even smaller than Mini-ITX, for minimalist and space-saving systems.
• Often with an integrated processor and fewer expansion options.
• Areas of application:
  • Embedded systems in vehicles, medical technology, edge computing.

Proprietary form factors:

• Size: Varies depending on manufacturer and application.
• Customized solutions for specific requirements.
• Optimized for extreme environments or specialized functions.
• Areas of application:
  • Military technology, industrial automation, special IoT solutions.

What is the relevance of the form factors?

• Compatibility:
  • Standardization makes it easy to replace components.
• Efficiency:
  • Smaller versions, such as Mini-ITX, offer space-saving solutions for compact designs.
• Flexibility:
  • Systems with common form factors are often easier to expand or repair.
• Long-term availability:
  • Industrial devices often have to remain operational for years. A standardized form factor ensures that spare parts are available for longer.

These factors are of crucial importance for industrial applications. Systems must not only be powerful, but also robust, easy to maintain and reliable in the long term.

Applications in the industrial and embedded world

Mini PCs, which are used in control systems, monitoring solutions or production systems, benefit from optimized form factors. With the increasing spread of IoT and edge computing, the trend is moving towards even more compact integrated systems. Form factors such as Pico-ITX (10 x 7.2 cm) or fully integrated system-on-chip solutions (SoCs) are becoming increasingly important.

The focus here is on saving space, robustness and energy efficiency! As the space available for embedded systems is very limited, it is highly relevant that the PCs are as compact as possible. In addition, Mini PCs are often used in harsh environments where they are exposed to dust or moisture, among other things, which is why they rely on specially adapted form factors. The energy efficiency of Mini PCs is also particularly important for battery-operated or autonomous devices.

Overall conclusion

Form factors are one of the most relevant aspects of modern computer technology. They enable compact, efficient and powerful systems for industrial and embedded applications. The choice of the right factor depends on the specific requirements: Whether mini-ITX for space-saving designs or ATX for high-performance applications - the range offers the right solution for every challenge.

For companies operating in industry or in the IoT sector, it remains essential to keep a close eye on developments in this area and benefit from the progress made.

Our mini PCs are also available in a wide variety of form factors, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!