Intel Announces New FlexATX Motherboard Form Factor for Low-Cost, Easy-To-Use PCs

ATX-Based Specification Extends PC Design Flexibility, Now Available on Web

INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Feb. 23, 1999 -- Intel Corporation today announced a new motherboard form factor that will enable manufacturers to design smaller PCs for reduced cost, better ease of use, and space-constrained applications.

The FlexATX V1.0 specification is an addendum to the microATX motherboard form factor specification that facilitates design of smaller motherboards with fewer legacy features for lower-cost systems, while preserving compatibility with microATX and ATX chassis designs.

Along with the FlexATX specification, Intel revealed a Form Factor Roadmap for Desktop Systems for 1999 and beyond, showing new directions in design flexibility for PC configuration, form, and pricing.

Enables 25 Percent Smaller Size
The FlexATX specification enables reducing motherboard size as much as 25 percent from microATX designs and lowering system cost through higher integration and the potential elimination of legacy features. It covers features such as motherboard size and hole mounting locations, power supply requirements, maximum component heights, and rear I/O shield opening features and dimensions.

"This new specification is a must for any designer planning to develop PCs with ease of use in mind," said B.C. Ooi, vice president, Intel Desktop Products Group and general manager, Intel OEM Platform Solutions Division. "FlexATX will give increased design flexibility to PC manufacturers by enhancing usable motherboard and system space and improving the size and location of component placement zones on the motherboard. It will help them stay competitive on price, features, and time-to-market opportunities."

FlexATX is not intended to replace microATX or ATX, but to be the preferred specification for very low cost and small-size designs, while microATX and ATX continue to exist for designs needing more I/O slots or peripheral bays.

Now Available on the Web
The FlexATX specification was developed in concert with many of the world's top PC suppliers and is available to the entire industry through the World Wide Web at www.teleport.com/~ffsupprt.

"FlexATX has the support of a broad range of PC and motherboard manufacturers," Ooi said. "We expect FlexATX-designed motherboards to be used as building blocks for systems soon to be announced."

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