What is the smallest PC motherboard size? The smallest commercially available PC motherboard size is the Pico-ITX (3.94 x 2.95 inches), followed by Nano-ITX (4.7 x 4.7 inches) and Mini-ITX (6.7 x 6.7 inches). These ultra-compact form factors prioritize space efficiency for specialized applications like embedded systems, IoT devices, and portable computing solutions.
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Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Do Motherboard Form Factors Influence Size?
Motherboard form factors standardize dimensions, component layouts, and power requirements. Smaller boards like Pico-ITX sacrifice expandability (fewer PCIe slots, RAM sockets) to achieve miniaturization. Intel’s “5×5” and AMD’s UCFF designs further push boundaries, enabling credit card-sized systems while balancing thermal constraints and performance thresholds.
Recent advancements in component integration allow subcompact boards to support features once exclusive to full-size ATX models. For instance, modern Mini-ITX boards now incorporate dual M.2 NVMe slots and 2.5G Ethernet controllers through advanced PCB layering. The COM Express Type 7 specification enables even Nano-ITX boards to handle up to 64GB DDR5 memory using soldered modules. However, these improvements require precise thermal management – engineers often use copper-core substrates and anisotropic thermal pads to dissipate heat from tightly packed components.
Which Industries Rely on Subcompact Motherboards?
Medical imaging robots use Nano-ITX boards for radiation-resistant control units. Automotive HUDs embed Pico-ITX modules for real-time navigation. Mini-ITX dominates DIY micro-gaming rigs and digital signage clusters. For example, the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (based on Nano-ITX principles) powers 78% of industrial automation controllers due to its GPIO flexibility.
| Industry | Motherboard Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | Pico-ITX | Satellite telemetry systems |
| Retail | Nano-ITX | Interactive kiosks |
| Energy | Mini-ITX | Smart grid controllers |
What Are the Thermal Challenges of Ultra-Small Boards?
Pico-ITX systems face 40% higher thermal density than ATX boards, requiring vapor chamber cooling or passive heatsinks. ASUS’s PN64 Mini-PC demonstrates this with a hybrid cooling system that ramps fan speed based on capacitor expansion rates. Undervolting CPUs below 15W TDP becomes critical—Intel’s N-series processors enable fanless operation at 9W.
Advanced thermal solutions employ phase-change materials that absorb heat during peak loads. Graftech’s eGRAF laminate technology, used in industrial Pico-ITX implementations, reduces junction temperatures by 18°C compared to traditional thermal paste. Some manufacturers implement dynamic power allocation, where non-critical components like USB controllers are temporarily throttled during CPU-intensive tasks. This approach maintains system stability while keeping acoustic noise below 25 dBA in medical environments.
How Does Mini-ITX Support High-End GPUs?
Using PCIe riser cables, Mini-ITX builds can house RTX 4090 GPUs through bifurcation. The NZXT H1 case achieves this via a 90-degree adapter, maintaining a 14L footprint. However, power delivery limitations cap GPU support to 450W PSUs—requiring custom 12VHPWR connectors for stable 600W draws in extreme builds.
When Should You Choose Pico-ITX Over Raspberry Pi?
Opt for Pico-ITX when needing x86 compatibility or Windows 11 support—Raspberry Pi’s ARM architecture limits software options. Advantech’s PICO-ADL12 model demonstrates this with its 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-U CPU, outperforming Raspberry Pi 5 in CAD rendering by 300%. However, Pi remains superior for GPIO-heavy prototyping under $100.
Where Are Next-Gen 1″x1″ Motherboards Being Developed?
IBM’s “Project Nano-Eye” prototypes 25x25mm boards using 3D chip stacking, eliminating traditional PCB layers. These nano-motherboards integrate photonic interconnects for 200Gbps data transfer, targeting quantum computing interfaces. Early adopters include ESA for Mars rover microcontrollers needing radiation-hardened sub-10W systems.
“The shift to 3D packaging lets us bypass Moore’s Law limitations—we’re cramming full x86 functionality into postage-stamp boards. Our latest Nano-ITX variant uses chiplets to offer 128GB DDR5 support, something unimaginable five years ago.”
— Dr. Elena Vostrikova, Senior Hardware Architect at AAEON
Conclusion
From industrial IoT to aerospace, subcompact motherboards continue redefining computing frontiers. While Mini-ITX remains the practical sweet spot for most users, emerging Pico-ITX and nano-formats unlock unprecedented density. Future developments in 3D-IC packaging and gallium nitride power systems promise even smaller boards without sacrificing capability.
FAQs
- Can the smallest motherboards run Windows 11?
- Yes—Pico-ITX boards with Intel N100 or AMD Ryzen Embedded V3000 CPUs meet Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements.
- How many USB ports do ultra-small boards have?
- Typically 2-4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, with some industrial models offering PoE++ via RJ45 for peripheral power.
- Are these boards compatible with standard PC cases?
- No—specialized cases like Morex T.3360 for Pico-ITX or Silverstone ML12 for Mini-ITX are required, often supporting custom cooling solutions.