Mini-ITX News

Mini-ITX music server

This article describes how to build your own silent, fast, eco-friendly Linux-based PC for use in a digital music listening system. The PC is based on a high-end Via mini-ITX board, passively cooled case with heatpipe technology, Debian Linux, and a little creative embedded elbow grease.

through Linuxdevices.com

Labels: howto, linux, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 11:16 AM 0 Comments

VIA EPIA NR-Series Nano-ITX Mainboard

With unrivalled storage flexibility and native LVDS support the new VIA EPIA NR is a low profile Nano-ITX mainboard ideal for healthcare, industrial automation and digital signage systems.

The VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX mainboard is powered by the 1GHz VIA C7 processor, enabling convection cooled systems in locations where noiseless or dust-free systems are essential yet providing desktop performance with a maximum CPU TDP of just 9 watts and average operating power of well below 1 watt.

Additionally, the VIA EPIA NR leverages the display, storage and I/O flexibility of the VIA CX700 system media processor, the all-in-one, highly integrated embedded chipset featuring the VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP graphics core. The VIA EPIA NR is the first Nano-ITX mainboard to natively support LVDS in two single or one dual-channel monitor configuration without the need for a daughterboard.

This new Nano-ITX board also provides considerable storage options, with Serial ATA and IDE hard drive connectors for mainstream systems and Compact Flash for local OS storage in industrial automation. Moreover, an extensive I/O set includes broadband Ethernet as well as a mini-PCI port, USB2.0, COM, LPC and Super I/O headers; while WLAN connectivity can be supported through an add-in card for greater flexibility in system design.

Specification

VIA VIA EPIA NR-Series Nano-ITX Mainboard Specifications
Model Name	• VIA EPIA NR10000EG
Processor	• VIA C7 1.0GHz NanoBGA2 processor
Chipset	• VIA CX700 Unified Digital Media IGP Chipset
System Memory	• 1 DDR2 533 SODIMM socket • Up to 1GB memory size
VGA	• Integrated VIA UniChrome Pro II 3D/2D AGP graphics with MPEG-2 video decoding Accelerator
Expansion Slots	• 1 Mini-PCI Slot
Onboard IDE	• 1 UltraDMA 133/100 2.54mm 40-pin header
Onboard Serial ATA	• 2 SATA Connectors
Onboard LAN	• 1 VIA VT6107 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Controller or 1 VIA VT6122 Gigabit Ethernet Controller (manufacturing option)
Onboard Audio	• VIA VT1708A High Definition Audio Codec
Onboard I/O Connectors	• 1 USB connector for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports • 1 LPC pin connector • 1 SMBus connector • 2 Serial port connectors (COM1 5V/12V selectable) • 1 LVDS panel pin connector for 2 single-channel LVDS panels or 1 dual channel panel (optional) • 1 type I CompactFlash connector (shared with IDE, default slave) • 1 PS2 mouse/keyboard connector • 1 Audio connector for line-out, line-in, mic-in, and S/PDIF out • 2 Fan connectors for CPU and system fans • 1 Nano-ITX power connector
Back Panel I/O	• 1 VGA port • 1 RJ-45 LAN port
BIOS	• Award BIOS • 4/8Mbit flash memory
System Monitoring & Management	• CPU voltage monitoring • Watch Dog Timer • Wake-on-LAN/KB/MS, Timer-Power-on • System power management • AC power failure recovery
Operating Temperature	• 0°C ~ 50°C
Operating Humidity	• 0% ~ 95% (relative humidity; non-condensing)
Form Factor	• Nano-ITX (8 layers) • 12 cm x 12 cm

* The specification is subject to change without prior notice.

Labels: embedded, mainboard, nano-itx, VIA EPIA NR

posted by mini-itx @ 4:18 AM 0 Comments

New VIA Nano-ITX Mainboard for Healthcare, Retail and Industrial Applications

VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX mainboard offers unrivalled storage and I/O flexibility and native dual LVDS support in a low profile, fanless package for highly tailored embedded systems

Taipei, Taiwan, 24 July 2007 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX mainboard, powered by a fanless 1.0GHz VIA C7 processor and VIA CX700 system media processor for ultra compact, quiet and durable embedded systems.

Measuring just 12cm x 12cm, the VIA EPIA NR is the first Nano-ITX mainboard to natively support LVDS in two single or one dual-channel monitor configuration without the need for a daughterboard; this makes it ideal for a wide range of ultra compact embedded devices requiring two displays, such as healthcare, industrial control, retail and signage systems.

The VIA EPIA NR also provides considerable storage options, with Serial ATA and IDE hard drive connectors for mainstream systems and Compact Flash for local OS storage in industrial automation. Moreover, an extensive I/O set includes broadband Ethernet as well as a mini-PCI port, USB2.0, COM, LPC and Super I/O headers; while WLAN connectivity can be supported through an add-in card for greater flexibility in system design.

"The rich feature set of the VIA EPIA NR is targeted at both traditional and fast-emerging embedded markets, and allows developers to highly customize their system designs" said Daniel Wu, Assistant Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "By leveraging the board's size, low profile, power efficiency and fanless operation, developers can cost effectively build small x86 systems for a wide spectrum of networked applications and environments."

About the VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX Mainboard

The VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX mainboard is powered by the 1GHz VIA C7 processor, enabling convection cooled systems in locations where noiseless or dust-free systems are essential, yet providing desktop performance with a maximum CPU TDP of just 9 watts and average operating power of well below 1 watt. Coupled with up to 1GB of power efficient DDR2 533 system memory the VIA EPIA NR mainboard operates at an average of below 15.5 watts for regular applications.

Additionally, the VIA EPIA NR leverages the display, storage and I/O flexibility of the VIA CX700 system media processor, the all-in-one, highly integrated embedded chipset featuring the VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP graphics core, to provide embedded developers with an extensive range of options enabling highly customized systems. There is also an optional upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet support for systems that require high bandwidth networking.

Storage includes 1 UDMA 40-pin header and 2 Serial ATA connectors, as well as a Compact Flash slot for solid state memory. Native LVDS support is extended to offer two single or one dual channel LVDS panels, eliminating the need for a daughterboard and enabling greater display flexibility for industrial control, healthcare, retail and other applications.

Expansion is easy through an array of compatible VIA accessory cards, including a further 4 COM ports (through the LPC interface), and both USB and mini-PCI based wireless modules. Security is provided through the VIA Padlock Security Engine, which when enabled ensures native military grade encryption and superior data security.

The VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX mainboard is compatible with all leading embedded and desktop operating systems, including Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, XPe, CE, and Linux.

VIA EPIA Nano-ITX NR Mainboard Availability

Pre-release samples of the VIA EPIA NR mainboard are available to project based customers immediately, and limited quantities will be available for channel customers in early August. For pricing and further details on availability, please contact your local VIA sales representative or send an email to: embedded@via.com.tw.

Further information about the VIA EPIA NR mainboard may be found on the VIA website at:
http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/mainboards/motherboards.jsp?motherboard_id=530

About VIA Technologies, Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc. (TSE 2388) is the foremost fabless supplier of market-leading core logic chipsets, low power x86 processors, advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon, and complete platform solutions that are driving system innovation in the PC and embedded markets. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA's global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world's top OEMs, motherboard vendors and system integrators. www.via.com.tw

Labels: embedded, mainboard, nano-itx, VIA EPIA NR

posted by mini-itx @ 4:10 AM 0 Comments

Kontron releases industrial Mini-ITX motherboard for AMD TurionTM 64 X2 and Mobile SempronTM

Kontron announces its latest Mini-ITX motherboard, the KEMX-4010, featuring advanced graphic performance and low power consumption. This industrial grad embedded motherboard supports the AMD TurionTM 64 X2 and Mobile SempronTM processors, utilizing the ATI RS690T/SB600 chipset. This CPU and core logic combination enables KEMX-4010 to deliver powerful graphics performance in the latest high definition standards. With its compact Mini-ITX form factor and power-efficient design, this industrial motherboard is specially suited to solutions such as gaming, digital signage, thin clients and other graphics-centric embedded applications.
Designed mainly for high-performance multimedia applications, the KEMX-4010’s highly integrated platform features the ATI RS690T’s Radeon X700-based graphic engine to support dual display and various video outputs including HDMI, 24-bit dual channel LVDS, and TV out. Two onboard DDR2 SODIMM sockets have a maximum memory capacity of 4GB. To meet future extended interface requirements, the KEMX-4010 supports SATA 3Gb/s & ATA-133, and has 4 serial ports, 8 USB 2.0 ports and keyboard/mouse connectors. The KEMX-4010 provides network connectivity via dual PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet controllers and TPM support for data security. Additionally, one PCI slot and one Mini PCI slot are available for system expansion. As with all of Kontron’s embedded motherboards, the KEMX-4010 offers long longevity support.


The KEMX-4010 offers the best performance/price ratio in a small footprint industrial motherboard. The KEMX-4010 will go into production by the end of Q4.

About Kontron
Kontron designs and manufactures standard-based and custom embedded and mobile rugged solutions for OEMs, systems integrators, and application providers in a variety of markets. Kontron engineering and manufacturing facilities, located throughout Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, work together with streamlined global sales and support services to help customers reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage. Kontron’s diverse product portfolio includes: Computer-on-Modules, SBCs/blades, open-modular platforms and systems, HMIs, mobile rugged workstations, and custom capabilities. Kontron is a Premier member of the Intel® Communications Alliance and was awarded 2006 Intel Member of the Year. The company is a recent three-time VDC Platinum vendor for Embedded Computer Boards. Kontron is listed on the German TecDAX stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". For more information, please visit: www.kontron.com.

News Release Contact
Claire Liu
Phone: + 886 2 2799 2789 Ext: 204
E-mail: claire.liu@kontron.com.tw

Labels: AM2, AMD, embedded, Kontron, mini-itx, sempron, Turion

posted by mini-itx @ 3:49 AM 1 Comments

Toaster and Bento Box Mini-ITX PC

"Those wizards from the T-Zone PC DIY Shop in Japan have been showing off two of their latest PC mods. One has been built in a toaster, the other in a lunch box. The original idea was to have the liquid crystal display popping up from the toaster, but they were unable to manage it. Nevertheless, we can't complain about the results.

The toaster uses a C 3600 MHz on-board Mini-ITX motherboard and 2.5-inch HDD, while the bento box, which took just ten hours to make, was fitted with an identically-sized HDD and a Nano-ITX motherboard. All it needs now is some food USB sticks from Solid Alliance."

through Gizmodo.com

Labels: mini-itx, modding

posted by mini-itx @ 12:19 PM 0 Comments

Albatron Mini-ITX KI690-AM2 Reviewed

"We have already seen one of their boards based on the 754 socket and GeForce 6150 chipset, and while adequate for a basic setup its lack of dual channel memory and HDMI features make it a bit obsolete for a HD media center in today’s market.

With that said, we now have the latest installment from Albatron, the KI690-AM2. By its name it gives away a couple of secrets."




through Tweaktown.com

Labels: albatron, AM2, AMD, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 1:58 PM 0 Comments

IBASE Debuts Mini-ITX Barebone System with AMD Geode LX Motherboard

IBASE, a leader in the manufacture of IPC motherboards and systems, is pleased to announce a low power Mini-ITX barebone system supporting the MB500 AMD Geode LX motherboard with processing speeds up to 600MHz. Measuring 190 x 190 x 78mm, the CMI100-500 plastic case has a nice shiny black finish and is ideal for space-constraint embedded applications.
With a slim design, the CMI100-500 offers ample storage with a 2.5" hard drive bay and compact flash socket that can be easily removed or installed. Front panel features two USB ports and indicators for HDD and power, while rear panel connectors are those for USB (x2), VGA, LPT, keyboard/mouse, serial port, RJ-45, audio and DC in. Additionally, the CMI100-500 fanless system offers two optional 7cm system fans.

CMI100-500 FEATURES

• Supports MB500 Mini-ITX motherboard with 433MHz ~ 600MHz processing speed
• Metal chassis cover with plastic design
• Slim box design with optional 2x 7cm fan, ideal for low power embedded applications
• Available in black color coating
• With 2.5" HDD drive bay and CF socket
• HDD and Power light indicator
• No CPU heat sink required

through Edageek.com

Labels: AMD Geode, embedded, iBase, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 1:55 PM 0 Comments

Mobile Computing Solutions Mini-ITX case

I think the best thing about this case is the height. It comes in alittle over 3". this gives more room for airflow inside the case and more room for cables. Otherwise it's very close in footprint to the Zoom case. I haven't tried yet but i think you could get a HQCT and a OEM GPS module both inside this case. Of course that would restrict the airflow. Another think i really like is the mounting of the components, they are all mounted a single sheet of aluminum that then slides into the case. And this case allows for that board to be inserted either rightside up or upside down. It ships with three end plates; One sealed end, and 2 open ends. One for either way you want to mount the Board. See pictures at bottom. Comes with a 120w power supply.

through MP3Car.com

Labels: carpc, case, mini-itx, mobile

posted by mini-itx @ 7:58 AM 0 Comments

Advansus i915GV2-LEI mini-ITX motherboard

Advansus has introduced its i915GV2-LEI mini-ITX motherboard which is based on the Intel Pentium M processor and the Intel 82915GV GMCH chipset.

The Intel 82915GV GMCH has an integrated GMA 900 graphics core, which supports widescreen LCD displays, DirectX 9 and 3D graphics. It also supports dynamic video memory technology (DVMT) 3.0 with a video memory up to 128MB. The system memory is flexible with one 240-pin DIMM socket supporting DDR2 400/533 up to 1GB, according to Advansus.

Advansus i915GV2-LEI mini-ITX motherboard specification
Item	Details
CPU	Supports 90nm Intel Pentium M and Celeron M CPU with 400/533 MHz FSB
Chipsets	Northbridge: Intel 82915GV GMCH Southbridge: ICH6
Memory	One 240-pin DIMM socket supporting DDR2 400/533 up to 1 GB
VGA	Intel GMA 900

through Digitimes.com

Labels: 82915GV, advansus, embedded, Intel, Mini-DTX

posted by mini-itx @ 4:25 AM 0 Comments

IBASE Releases MI910 Mini-ITX board based on Mobile Intel GM965 Express Chipset

TAIPEI, TAIWAN, July 2, 2007 – IBASE Technology, a leading provider of Mini-ITX boards and solutions, releases MI910 Mini-ITX board that incorporates the Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset consisting of the Intel® GM965 Graphic Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) and Intel® I/O Controller Hub (ICH8-M), an optimized integrated graphics solution with a 533MHz and 800MHz front-side bus.

Designed mainly for gaming and high definition multimedia applications, the MI910 features an integrated powerful 3D graphics engine that is based on Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X31000 (Intel® GMA X31000) architecture and operates at core speeds of up to 400 MHz. Validated with Intel® Coreä2 Duo fabricated on 65nm process technology, the 170mm x 170mm board supports two dual channel DDR2 667MHz DIMM sockets that can accommodate 4GB of DDR2 system memory.

The MI910 supports Dual Independent Display and work with optional display daughter cards with 24-bit single or dual channel LVDS, 2nd CRT, single or dual DVI. Advanced networking connectivity and high speed interface are provided by single or dual Gigabit LAN, two SATA ports, six USB 2.0 ports, two COM ports, 1394 and expansions slots including MiniPCI, PCI and PCI-E(x1) slots.



MI910 FEATURES

# Supports Intel® Core2 Duo processors
# Supports up to 2.4GHz, 533MHz/800MHz FSB
# Two DDR2 SDRAM DIMM, Max. 4GB memory
# Onboard Gigabit LAN and optional Marvell PCI-Express Gigabit LAN
# Intel® GM965 Express VGA for CRT / LVDS
# 2x SATA, 6x USB 2.0, 2x COM, Watchdog timer, 1394
# 1x MiniPCI, 1x PCI, 1xPCI-E(x1) slots, optional DVI
# 170mm x 170mm

About IBASE Technology

IBASE Technology was set up by a group of experienced engineers who revolve around the IPC arena and talented marketing and management staff sharing the same ideals and goals. As a team, it has gained the respect and support from reputable and established companies that eventually forged strategic partnerships with IBASE. IBASE’s R&D team is composed hardware and software engineers, 50% with over 10 years and 45% with between 5 to 10 years of experiences in their respective fields. IBASE, an ISO9001 certified company, also specializes in OEM/ODM services tailoring products to customers’ requirements. Current product offerings from IBASE include various single board computers, Mini-ITX, industrial motherboards, ETX CPU modules, CompactPCI processor boards, network appliance and digital surveillance systems.

IBASE Technology Inc. is an Affiliate Member of the Intel® Communications Alliance, a community of communications and embedded developers and solution providers. For more information, please visit www.intel.com/go/ica.

Contact Information

IBASE Technology Inc.
11F, No. 3-1, Yuan Qu St., Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. (Nankang Software Park)
Tel: 886-2-26557588 Fax: 886-2-26557388
Email: sales@ibase.com.tw
Web Site: www.ibase.com.tw

Labels: embedded, GM965, iBase, Intel, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 3:24 PM 0 Comments