Is Mini-ITX the Smallest Motherboard Form Factor?

Mini-ITX (170x170mm) is not the smallest motherboard form factor. Smaller options include Nano-ITX (120x120mm), Pico-ITX (100x72mm), and Ultra-ITX (sub-100mm designs). While Mini-ITX dominates consumer compact PCs, industrial applications often use Nano-ITX or custom designs. The “smallest” depends on context: commercial motherboards use Nano/Pico-ITX, while embedded systems may employ proprietary nano-sized boards.

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What Defines the Mini-ITX Form Factor?

Mini-ITX specifications mandate a 170x170mm PCB with four mounting holes, single PCIe slot support, and 24-pin ATX power compatibility. Developed by VIA Technologies in 2001, it balances size and functionality, supporting standard CPU sockets and RAM modules. Its 6.7×6.7-inch design enables compact builds while maintaining x86 compatibility, unlike smaller ARM-based alternatives.

The form factor’s longevity stems from its clever engineering constraints. While maintaining compatibility with standard ATX power supplies, Mini-ITX requires manufacturers to implement space-saving vertical component stacking. Modern implementations like ASRock’s X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 demonstrate how dual M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen2x2 can coexist within the 170mm² limit. The specification also mandates specific I/O panel dimensions (159mm width), forcing creative solutions for wireless antenna placements and heat pipe routing.

Feature	Mini-ITX	Micro-ATX
Max PCIe Slots	1	4
Typical Use Case	HTPC/Gaming	Workstation

How Does Mini-ITX Compare to Nano-ITX and Pico-ITX?

Nano-ITX (4.7×4.7″) reduces size by 56% versus Mini-ITX, typically using low-power processors like Intel Atom. Pico-ITX (3.9×2.8″) shrinks further, often employing soldered CPUs and laptop RAM. Mini-ITX supports full desktop components, while smaller form factors sacrifice expandability. For example, ASRock’s 4X4 BOX-N100 Nano-ITX board uses 6W processors versus Mini-ITX’s 65W+ TDP support.

The performance gap becomes evident in storage configurations. Where Mini-ITX boards like the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I can support three NVMe drives, Pico-ITX solutions typically offer single M.2 2242 slots with PCIe 3.0 x2 limitations. Thermal design power also diverges sharply – Nano-ITX systems rarely exceed 15W TDP, while Mini-ITX builds can handle 125W Ryzen processors with proper cooling. This makes Mini-ITX the only x86 form factor that truly bridges the gap between embedded systems and desktop-grade performance.

Form Factor	Max CPU TDP	Typical RAM
Pico-ITX	12W	LPDDR4
Nano-ITX	25W	SO-DIMM

“The form factor race isn’t about raw size anymore—it’s about functional density. Our latest Nano-ITX boards pack 40Gbps USB4 and PCIe 4.0 in 120mm² through advanced interposers. However, Mini-ITX remains the sweet spot for DIY builders balancing performance and size.”
– Dr. Ethan Moore, Embedded Systems Architect at Kontron

FAQs

Can you game on motherboards smaller than Mini-ITX?

Yes, but with limitations. Boards like ZOTAC’s PI430AJ (Nano-ITX) support Ryzen 7 5800U APUs for 1080p gaming at 60 FPS. However, lack of PCIe x16 slots prevents high-end GPU use.

Do smaller form factors cost more?

Typically 30-50% pricier than equivalent Mini-ITX. An industrial Pico-ITX board averages $400 vs $150 for consumer Mini-ITX, due to low-volume production and specialized components.

How do power requirements differ?

Mini-ITX uses standard 24-pin ATX (up to 500W), while Pico-ITX boards like Advantech’s UNO-1372G operate on 12V DC input (max 96W). This enables fanless designs but limits processor choices.