Module 8:

Computer
Form Factor
EXPECTATIONS
After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify the different computer form factors;
2. understand typical usage of each form factor;
3. Appreciate the importance of learning computer form factors.

PRETEST
DIRECTION: Read the following statement carefully. Choose the best answer
by encircling your answer.

1. This motherboard form factor measures 7.2 cm x 10 cm (2.8" x 3.9") and

is 75% smaller than the Mini-ITX form factor.
a. Pico-ITX c. Standard-ATX
b. Mini-ITX d. Nano-ITX
2. This motherboard form factor measures 17 cm x 17 cm (6.75" x 6.75") in
size.
a. Pico-ITX c. Standard-ATX
b. Mini-ITX d. Nano-ITX
3. The typical size of this form factor is 9.6 × 12 in although some
companies extend that to 10 × 12 in.
a. Pico-ITX c. Standard-ATX
b. Mini-ITX d. Nano-ITX
4. This boards measure 12 × 12 cm (4.7 × 4.7 in), and are fully integrated,
very low power consumption motherboards with many uses.
a. Pico-ITX c. Standard-ATX
b. Mini-ITX d. Nano-ITX
5. The maximum size this motherboard is 9.6 × 9.6 in (244 × 244 mm).
a. Micro-ATX c. Standard-ATX
b. Mini-ITX d. Nano-ITX

RECAP
Direction: Identify what is being asked in the following statements. Write
your answer on the space provided.

_________________1. It is technical descriptions of the computer's

components and capabilities.
_________________2. What is the unit of measurement to measure CPU
speed? _________________3. In what unit of measurement can RAM be
measured? _________________4. Hard disk drive can be measured in what
unit of measurement?
_________________5. This pertaining to the speed of the disk spins when
reading and writing of data in the drive.

LESSON
COMPUTER FORM FACTOR

In computing, the form factor refers to the size, shape, and physical
specifications of hardware or hardware components. Computer form factor
is used to describe any physical aspect of a computer system.

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
Pico-ITX
Pico-ITX is a PC motherboard form factor announced by VIA
Technologies in January 2007.
The Pico-ITX motherboard form factor measures 7.2 cm x 10 cm (2.8"
x 3.9") and is 75% smaller than the Mini-ITX form factor. The motherboard
supports any processor that uses VIA's NanoBGA2 technology with speeds
up to 1.5 GHz
with 128 KB L1
and L2 cache.
Pico-ITX uses
DDR2 400/533
SODIMM memory
with support
for up to 1 GB
and AGP video
with built-in
MPEG-2, 4, and
WMV9 decoding
acceleration.
Pico ITX Computers are often used in low-cost small setups found in
cars, network devices, set-top boxes, and other small computers.

Image 1.1
Pico ITX Computers

Nano-ITX
Nano-ITX is a
computer motherboard form factor
first proposed by VIA Technologies at
CeBIT in March 2003, and
implemented in late 2005. Nano-ITX
boards measure 12 × 12 cm (4.7 × 4.7
in), and are fully integrated, very low
power consumption
motherboards with many uses. Image 1.2
 Nano ITX Computers

Nano ITX Computers are commonly used for smart digital

entertainment devices such as DVRs, set-top boxes, media centers, car PCs,
and thin devices.

Mini-ITX
The Mini-ITX motherboard form factor
measures 17 cm x 17 cm (6.75" x 6.75") in size.
Mini-ITX often has two memory slots, 1 PCI
Express or mini-PCI slot, several USB ports, and
one network port. Some Mini-ITX motherboards
include an onboard VGA port and an HDMI port.
Image 1.3
Mini-ITX Computers

An important feature of a Mini-ITX motherboard is its low power

consumption, using less than 25 watts of power, with some as few as five
watts.
Mini ITX computers are commonly used for automobiles, set-top
boxes, network devices and home theater PC system.

Micro-ATX
Micro ATX is a standard for motherboards that was introduced in
December 1997. The maximum size of a microATX motherboard is 9.6 × 9.6
in (244 × 244 mm). The standard ATX size is 25% longer, at 12 × 9.6 in
(305 × 244 mm).
Micro ATX computers are very popular for desktop and small form
factor computers as of 2017.
 Image 1.4

Micro-ATX Computers

Standard-ATX
ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) is a motherboard
and power supply configuration specification developed
by Intel in 1995 to improve on previous de facto
standards like the AT design. It was the first major
change in desktop computer enclosure, motherboard
and power supply design in many years, improving
standardization and interchangeability of parts.
Typical size is 9.6 × 12 in although some
companies extend that to 10 × 12 in. ATX computers
are commonly used for desktop PC’s both used for home
and
Commercial used. Image 1.5Standard-ATX Computers
ACTIVITIES
Activity # 1: COMPLETE THE TABLE
Direction: Complete the table below by listing the dimension & functions of
the following form factors.

Pico ITX Nano ITX

Mini ITX Micro ATX

Standard ATX

WRAP–UP
DIRECTION: Complete the following sentences base on what you’ve learn.

1. Form factor is__________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
 2. This lesson discussed form factors
including_____________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

VALUING
DIRECTION: Read the following questions carefully. State your answer in
two to three sentences each number on the space provided.

1. What do you think are the importance of learning the different computer
form factor?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________.

2. Cite a situation in which you can use the knowledge you acquired about
thislesson______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________.

P POST TEST
DIRECTION: Read the following statement carefully and the identify what
form factor is being described. Choose your answer from the box below.

Standard-ATX Micro-ATX Mini-ITX Nano-ITX Pico-ITX

_____________________1. This motherboard form factor measures 7.2 cm x 10
cm (2.8" x 3.9") and is 75% smaller than the Mini-ITX form factor.
_____________________2. This motherboard form factor measures 17 cm x 17 cm
(6.75" x 6.75") in size.
_____________________3. The typical size of this form factor is 9.6 × 12 in
although some companies extend that to 10 × 12 in.
_____________________4. This boards measure 12 × 12 cm (4.7 × 4.7 in), and are
fully integrated, very low power consumption motherboards with many uses.
_________________________5. The maximum size this motherboard is 9.6 × 9.6 in (244 × 244
mm).