Mini-ITX News

Albatron Core 2 Duo mini ITX board coming soon

Albatron has sort of disappeared from everyone's radar, as it seems as if the KI690-AM2 board never really hit retail. We met up with the compay yesterday and they're far from gone.

Although their main market at the moment is graphics cards, they announced an 8800 GT along with everyone else, they're still making motherboards and they are specifically trying to move into what they referred to as the application market.

They showed us their latest mini ITX board, the PI965, which is based on the Intel GME965 chipset combined with the ICH8-M. If you know your chipsets you'll know that this is the latest mobile chipset from Intel and that the board supports mobile Core 2 Duo or Celeron processors.

It has some rather interesting features, such as built-in component video out, DVI, optical S/PDIF and dual Gigabit Ethernet. It also has an x16 PCI Express slot and a bottom mounted mini PCI slot for expansion. This means that you could fit a better graphics card and a Wi-Fi or TV-tuner card into the mini PCI slot.

The board also supports dual channel memory, as it uses two SODIMM slots much like the KI690-AM2. It has three SATA connectors, a single IDE connector, internal headers for parallel and serial ports, and it can support up to eight USB 2.0 ports.

through Fudzilla.com

Labels: albatron, embedded, Intel, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 5:39 PM 1 Comments

Mini-ITX based Booksize PC

DSM AG, of Munich, has announced three compact computers aimed at the embedded market. The "Booksize" PCs are based on mini-ITX motherboards packaged in a rugged metal enclosure, and can be fitted with either hard drives or solid-state disks (SSDs).

The Booksize B1, B2, and B6 systems offer three different processor families and associated chipsets. An element common to all, however, is the 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5-inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm) metal case, including a 60-watt, 100-240 VAC power supply (24 VDC is optional).

Beyond that, all the units include the basic functions and interfaces expected of a standard PC, including keyboard and mouse connectors, VGA output, and Ethernet ports. Each also offers a standard, half-size PCI expansion slot, plus a drive bay that accepts a 3.5- or 2.5-inch hard drive or dual CompactFlash cards. Additionally, the systems can accept disk-on-module SSDs.

Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B1 include:

• Processor -- Via C7 processor clocked at 1 GHz, with CN700 chipset (no active cooling required)
  
• Memory -- up to 1 GB DDR (533 MHz), 0 MB in standard configuration
  
• Video -- Via 2D/3D video controller with S-Video and composite TV-out, supported resolutions not specified
  
• Audio -- Via AC '97 audio controller
  
• Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet (Via VT6103)
  
• Other I/O ports:
  • 2 x IDE ports (supports 4 x EIDE drives)
    
  • Serial ATA supports 2 x SATA 150 drives
    
  • 6 x USB 2.0
    
  • 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
    
  • VGA output
    
  • jacks for audio input and output
    
  • S-Video and composite jacks for video output
    
  • serial port
• Expansion:
  • half-size PCI expansion slot
    
  • 2 x CompactFlash slots
• Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
  
• Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
  
• Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C

Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B2 include:

• Processor -- Intel Celeron M clocked at 600 MHz (no active cooling required), with 400 Mhz front-side bus and Intel 852GM chipset
  
• Memory -- up to 1 GB DDR (PC 200/266/333), 0 MB in standard configuration
  
• Video:
  • Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller
    
  • 64 MB shared memory
    
  • 1600 x 1200 resolution
• Audio -- AC '97
  
• Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
  
• Other I/O ports:
  • 2 x IDE ports (supports 4 x EIDE drives)
    
  • 4 x USB 2.0
    
  • 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
    
  • DVI-I video output
    
  • jacks for audio input and output
    
  • 2 x serial ports
    
  • parallel port
• Expansion:
  • half-size PCI expansion slot
    
  • Mini-PCI slot (accepts optional wireless LAN module
    
  • 2 x CompactFlash slots
• Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
  
• Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
  
• Operating temperature -- 0 to 45 deg. C

Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B6 include:

• Processor -- Intel Core Duo T2500 clocked at 2 GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo clocked at 2.16 GHz (both require fan), with Intel 82945GM chipset
  
• Memory -- up to 4 GB DDR (667 MHz), 0 MB in standard configuration
  
• Video:
  • Intel GMA950 video controller
    
  • 224 MB shared memory
    
  • 2048 x 1536 resolution
    
  • S-Video and TV out
• Audio -- AC '97
  
• Networking:
  • 1 x 10/100 Ethernet based on Intel ICH-7M chipset
    
  • 1 x 10/100/1000 LAN based on Marvell 88E8053
• Other I/O ports:
  • 1 x IDE ports (supports 2 x EIDE drives)
    
  • 6 x USB 2.0
    
  • 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
    
  • VGA video output
    
  • jacks for audio input and output
    
  • S/PDIF optical digital audio output
    
  • jacks for S-Video and composite video output
    
  • 2 x COM
• Expansion:
  • half-size PCI expansion slot
    
  • Mini-PCI slot (accepts optional wireless LAN module)
    
  • 2 x CompactFlash slots
• Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
  
• Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
  
• Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C

through Linuxdevices.com

Labels: booksize, embedded, mini-itx, via

posted by mini-itx @ 11:25 PM 1 Comments

“Ampie” CarPC Mini-ITX Case Review

CarPC’s can have large amounts of storage space, limited only to your budget and what drives are available on market. They can output digital 5.1 surround sound, play any video file available, play any audio file available, run your GPS navigation, surf the web, watch digital TV, plug in any USB device including digital video/digital cameras, listen to digital radio and all that while you play your favourite game of Tetris

Another great thing is that they don’t skip! Try playing a CD or DVD on a bumpy rd and you’ll soon get the picture.

Standard home setup Carputer systems do come with a drawback though. Unless you really know what you’re doing, you will have issues with space, cooling, power (a Car battery is 12v and a PC runs at 240v) and setup. Actually, setup gets even harder if you’re trying to hook up a start-up/shutdown and reset button.
So what can you do to make it easier if you wanted to install a CarPC system? Get a specially built CarPC case!

through The New Technology Blog

Labels: carpc, embedded, Ituner, mini-itx, voombox

posted by mini-itx @ 10:44 PM 0 Comments

Aaeon Mini-ITX SBC EMB-820T

Aaeon has announced a "value-positioned" mini-ITX SBC (single-board computer) that can be used to create a media server. The EMB-820T is based on AMD's Athlon-family embedded processors, and features TV output and 5:1 surround sound, according to the company.

The EMB-820T is offered without a processor or memory installed, but accepts AMD's Athlon-derived NX1250, NX1500, or NX1750. Dual 184-pin DDR DIMM slots accept up to 2 GB of RAM, Aaeon says.

The board's graphics capabilities are implemented with an SIS 741CX graphics chipset. Its TV output serves up both NTSC and PAL video, while resolution is said to be up to 1600 by 1200 pixels on either a CRT or LCD. The LCD interface supports LVDS and 4-, 5-, or 8-wire resistive touchscreens.

The EMB-820T includes a Mini PCI slot that could, for example, be used to install a wireless network adapter. Unusually, the motherboard does not include Ethernet. Other expansion possibilities include a standard PCI card slot along with a Type II CompactFlash slot, and a floppy drive connector and 40-pin IDE connector.

Features and specifications cited by Aaeon include:

• Processor -- AMD Geode NX1250, NX1500, or NX1750
  
• Memory -- dual 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets, for up to 2 GB total DRAM
  
• Display:
  resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 pixels
  
  • NTSC and PAL video output
    
  • supports CRT and LVDS LCD display
    
  • 4/5/8-wire resistive touchscreen interface
• Audio:
  • 6-channel (5:1) audio output for 3D surround, or alternative stereo output
    
  • mic in
    
  • line in
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x UDMA100/133
    
  • 2 x SATA
    
  • floppy interface
    
  • 8 x USB ports (6 internal, 2 external)
• Expansion:
  • Type II CompactFlash
    
  • Mini PCI
    
  • PCI
• Dimensions -- 6.7 x 6.7 inches
  
• Power -- compatible with AT or ATX power supplies
  

The EMB-820T appears to be available now, although pricing has not been disclosed. Aaeon admits that the board has "not been fully tested" yet under Linux, but says it is open to assisting customers wishing to use it under Linux.

Labels: Aaeon, AMD, embedded, mini-itx, sbc

posted by mini-itx @ 9:29 PM 0 Comments

Advansus Unveils Intel® 945GM Multi-display Mini-ITX Motherboard

Advansus, a joint-venture company of ASUS and Advantech, announces the first of its latest series of Intel-based motherboards. The i945GM3-DCQI is a highly integrated Mini-ITX motherboard built around Intel® Core 2 Duo and a mobile Intel® 945GM Express northbridge and an ICH7-M southbridge. Among the notable features of this high-performance MB include: 24-bit LVDS, DVI, VGA, 5.1CH amplified Audio, GigaLAN. Generous I/O connections are available: 4 x COM, 8 x USB, 2 x SATA and 16-bit GPIO. The i945GM3-DCQI is a multi-purpose platform for demanding multimedia applications like: POS, KIOSK, digital signage, gaming, medical and many others.

Multiple displays
The i945GM3-DCQI accommodates Intel® 945GM Express chipset that supports Intel® Core 2 Duo processors, Intel® GMA950, and dual channel DDR2 667 SDRAM up to 4GB. Derived from Intel® 945GM and Chrontel CH7307C chips, i945GM3-DCQI supports onboard LVDS in both dual-channel 18-bit, or single channel 24-bit. The Intel® GMA 950 enables a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 at 75 Hz, and powers hardware acceleration for Microsoft DirectX 9. The Chrontel CH7307C supports the full operating range of Intel's SDVO (Serial Digital Video Output) input port (1-2 GHz) and the scalable DVI output bandwidth reaches 165 MHz.

Rich I/O with amplified Audio
The i945GM3-DCQI uses PCI Express technology to maximize I/O performance. It supports a 64-bit PCI expansion slot, two 300MB/s series ATA ports, a CompactFlash slot, eight USB ports, four COM ports, and 16-bit GPIO. Integrated with Intel® ICH7-M and Realtek ACL888 chipsets, the i945GM3-DVQI delivers 5.1 channel amplified audio output suitable for driving efficient loudspeakers. The mini-ITX motherboard runs 1000Mbps Ethernet through the Realtek 8110B Gigabit LAN chip.

A Quality Inexpensive Platform
i945GM3-DCQI provides an excellent platform that combines all benefits of Intel® 945GM chipset and the Core2 Duo processor. The wide variety of I/O connections and the advanced multimedia functionality make the i945GM3-DCQI one of the best available top quality low-cost solutions, ideally suited for outfitting any industry-grade embedded systems.

Features
• Supports Intel® μFC-PGA 478 Core Duo / Core Solo / Core 2 Duo CPU
• Intel® 82945GM Express Chipset
• Two DIMMs up to 4GB 2-CH DDR2 533/667 SDRAM
• DVI, 2-CH LVDS, Dual View
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Realtek ACL888 5.1-CH Audio Codec
• Realtek RTL8111B PCI-E Gigabit LAN
• 1 PCI, CF
• 4 COM, 8 USB 2.0, 2 SATA, 16-bit GPIO
• Stereo Audio Amplifier, 5Watt per channel

About Advansus
Advansus is a joint venture company between ASUSTek and Advantech. The company aims to provide specialized D&MS (Design and Manufacturing Services) to satisfy the demand for system longevity and cost control. In addition to its DMS business, Advansus delivers a variety of Industrial Motherboards (Nano-ITX, Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATX). Customers can enjoy products of unprecedented quality. Our cost effective systems highlight durability and offer long term revision control. All Advansus products are supported by continuous technical support from the beginning until the conclusion of each project.

Labels: 945GM, advansus, embedded, Intel, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 5:44 AM 2 Comments

Kontron Rolls Out KT690/mITX Motherboard with Latest AMD CPU, Chipset

Kontron announced the high-performance and cost-saving Kontron KT690/mITX motherboard based on the smallest ATX compatible embedded form factor Mini-ITX (mITX). The Kontron KT690/mITX is a new, long life mITX motherboard based on the latest AMD M690T + SB600 embedded chipset that supports the high-performance, low power mobile AMD Sempron(TM) single core and AMD Turion(TM) 64 X2 dual core processors.

These latest embedded processors from AMD deliver extreme performance with up to 16 Lane Hyper Transport(TM) support and only 9W to 35W TDP. The Kontron KT690/mITX offers a range of interfaces comparable with larger embedded form factors such as ATX, and is designed for market segments requiring long life availability such as kiosk, medical applications (i.e. ultrasound), multimedia and gaming. These market segments will benefit not only from the increased computing power and better performance-per-watt offered by the Kontron KT690/mITX, but also from increased graphics performance with the integrated Radeon(TM) X1250 Graphics Core as well as PCI Express x8.

The Kontron KT690/mITX supports the AMD Sempron(TM) 2100+ processor that offers a fanless system design and incorporates AMD64 technology in a 9W power envelope. This processor will provide particular advantages for designers focused on delivering high performance and functionality in embedded client systems. It also features the high shock and vibration specification socket, S1, offering exceptional reliability for rugged computing.

The Kontron KT690/mITX supports all AMD S1 CPUs including the embedded CPU models AMD Turion(TM) 64 X2, AMD Sempron(TM) 3700+, 3500+ and 2100+. In addition to being based on the latest AMD chipset & processor technology, the Kontron KT690/mITX also boasts a wide range of I/O features that exceeds the latest, standard offerings for many other embedded motherboards:

• 1x PCI slots
• CRT / DVI / TV-OUT (optional) / PCI-Express x8
• 1x mini PCI-Express connector socket
• 4x SATA SATA150/300 w. RAID 0/1/10 and 1x ATA133
• 10x USB 2.0
• Supports 4 GB DDR2 SO-DIMM Memory
• 2x RS232C
• Dual independent flat panel support
• 2x GbE LAN, Internal LPT
• Compact flash socket (Topside)
• 7.1ch HDA sound
• 8 GPIOs
• TPM (Trusted Platform Module) onboard

Like Kontron's other embedded motherboards, the Kontron KT690/mITX offers more than five years of anticipated product availability. The Kontron KT690/mITX is a cost-effective solution with low total cost of ownership and offers various hardware monitoring functions through Kontron's API (Application Programming Interface) software. The Kontron KT690/mITX supports Windows XP, Vista and Linux. Samples will be available in Q4, 2007.

About Kontron
Kontron designs and manufactures standard-based and custom embedded and communication 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, and custom capabilities. Kontron is a Premier member of the Intel(R) 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".

Kontron is trademark or registered trademark of Kontron AG.

Labels: AMD, embedded, Kontron, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 2:10 PM 0 Comments

IBASE Rolls Out AMI200, AMI300 Aluminum Barebone Systems

IBASE Technology Inc. (TASDAQ: 8050), a worldwide leader of high-quality Mini-ITX motherboards and industrial computers, unveiled the AMI200 and AMI300, aluminum barebone systems that support IBASE Mini-ITX motherboards.

Flexible and Versatile
Built with the same footprint size of 199mm by 232mm, the two systems can fit board models including MB899F, MB896F and upcoming Mini-ITX boards from IBASE. Both platforms come in silver color and can be used as a desktop PC or wall mounted. Front panel I/O interface includes those for Power LED, HDD LED, reset button, power button and two USB 2.0 ports. Rear I/O configuration follows the edge connectors of the motherboards that come with I/O shields. While both models support a 2.5-inch HDD drive bay, the taller AMI300 supports an additional slim DVD drive bay.

Elegant and Quiet
The silver-colored AMI200 and AMI300 come in a stylish design that fits elegantly to any environment in various applications in the multimedia, digital signage, automation, car PC, gaming and medical fields. Both are designed to have fanless operation and powered by DC to DC converter or 60W/90W power adaptor. Regardless of the motherboard they are configured with, these barebone system platforms deliver outstanding performance and stability in a beautiful aluminum case.

AMI200/AMI300 FEATURES

• Mini-ITX system supports IBASE MB899F & MB896F Mini-ITX motherboards
• Available in silver color
• Fanless operation
• Support desktop or wall mount mounting
• One 2.5" HDD drive bay for AMI200
• One 2.5" HDD drive bay and 5.25" slim type DVD combo for AMI300
• AMI200: 199(W) x 63.4(H) x 232(D)mm
• AMI300: 199(W) x 77.4(H) x 232(D)mm

About IBASE Technology
Founded in 2000, IBASE Technology (TASDAQ: 8050) is an ISO9001 certified company that specializes in the design, production, sales and marketing of industrial PC products. IBASE's R&D team is composed of talented hardware and software engineers - 50% with over 10 years and 45% with 5 to 10 years of experience in their respective fields. Current product offerings from IBASE include various single board computers, Mini-ITX boards, industrial motherboards, ETX CPU modules, barebone systems, network appliance and digital surveillance systems for different applications in the gaming, entertainment, automation, medical, military, network and security markets. IBASE also provides OEM/ODM services tailoring products to customers' requirements. IBASE Technology Inc. is an Affiliate Member of the Intel(R) Communications Alliance, a community of communications and embedded developers and solution providers.

Labels: barebone, embedded, iBase, mini-itx

posted by mini-itx @ 2:05 PM 0 Comments

VIA launches new Mini-ITX board for IPC market

VIA Technologies announced the VIA EPIA SN-series motherboard, a Mini-ITX board based on the VIA CN896 IGP chipset, that is suited for the industrial PC (IPC) market.

Powered by the 1.8GHz VIA C7 processor, the VIA EPIA SN provides a performance boost up to 30% over previous VIA EPIA motherboards, according to VIA. The VIA EPIA SN is also the first to provide the added flexibility of a 16-lane PCI Express port for bandwidth-intensive graphics cards, stated the company. The motherboard also is equipped with four SATA 2 ports, an Ultra DMA port, a compact flash connector, dual-LAN ports and wireless support. The VIA EPIA SN can support 4GB of DDR2 667 system memory.

The VIA CN896 chipset features VIA Chrome9 HC integrated graphics core, designed for high performance in 2D, 3D and DirectX 9 applications, noted VIA.

Digital signage and POS developers can take advantage of expansion cards supporting DVI and LVDS displays, while the option of an additional four COM ports and a native LPC bus is important to POS vendors, noted the company. Multiple native RAID configurations through 4 SATA channels and VIA V-RAID within the VIA VT8251 southbridge, and the inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet port as standard make the EPIA SN series a strong contender in NAS system development, according to VIA.

VIA EPIA SN series mini-ITX motherboard specifications
Item	Detail
Processor	VIA C7 1.5GHz nanoBGA2 processor
Chipset	VIA CN896 northbridge VIA VT8251 southbridge
System memory	Two DDR2 400/533/667 DIMM sockets up to 4GB
VGA	Integrated VIA Chrome9 HC integrated graphics
Expansion slots	One 16-Lane PCI-E slot and one 32-bit miniPCI slot
Onboard IDE	One UltraDMA 133/100/66 connector
Onboard LAN	One VIA VT6103L 10/100Mbps Ethernet PHY and one VIA VT6130 PCI-E gigabit Ethernet controller
Onboard audio	VIA VT1708A high defination audio codec
Onboard TPM	Infineon SLB9635TT 1.2 (Trusted Platform Module)
Form factor	Mini-ITX (6 layers) with size 17×17cm

Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2007

Labels: C7, embedded, mini-itx, VIA EPIA SN

posted by mini-itx @ 1:59 PM 0 Comments