In the previous installment of this article, we looked at the AT and ATX form factors. This article will describe the differences between the MicroATX, FlexATX, LPX, and BTX form factors.

MicroATX
The MicroATX, introduced by Intel in 1997, is a compatible variation to the ATX board outlined above. As the name would imply, the MicroATX is smaller than the standard ATX board because of the reduced number of I/O slots on the board. Due to the fact that it is smaller than the standard ATX board, the MicroATX form factor reduces the cost of computers and is often used in lower-cost systems.

FlexATX
The FlexATX form factor was released by Intel as an addition to the MicroATX. This form factor, which is smaller than the MicroATX, is designed for lower-end, smaller, consumer orientated systems. Some FlexATX boards do not even include expansion slots which mean expansion is only possible through USB or firewire ports.

LPX
The LPX form factor is not a standard one but a non-standard proprietary one sometimes found in desktop computer models (as opposed to towers or mini towers). This form factor is characterized by an expansion board that runs parallel to the motherboard. A riser card arrangement is used for expansion cards thereby allowing for smaller cases. The disadvantage is that this limits the number of expansion cards available.

LPX motherboards are typically integrated and most have the video and sound components built-in. However, due in part to the fact that the form factor is non-standardized, the ATX form factor is more popular.

BTX
Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) form factor was released in 2003 by Intel. Unlike other form factors, this one did not evolve from an older form factor. Instead, it was a completely new form factor.

As shown in the picture below, the BTX form factor allows for more integrated onboard components because it is larger than ATX. The airflow path is optimized by moving the memory slots and expansion slots. This allows the main system board components to use the same airflow thereby requiring fewer fans and reducing noise.

Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) form factor was released in 2003 by Intel.

There are three motherboards included in the BTX form factor are outlined below.

• PicoBTX: This is the smallest BTX motherboard form factor. It uses four mounting holes and one expansion slot.

• microBTX: This form factor is slightly smaller than the regular BTX but larger than the PicoBTX. It uses seven mounting holes and four expansion slots.
• BTX: Also referred to as regularBTX, is the largest BTX form factor. It uses up to ten mounting holes and supports a maximum of seven expansion slots.

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