Mini-ITX (170x170mm) is not the smallest motherboard form factor. Smaller options include Nano-ITX (120x120mm), Pico-ITX (100x72mm), and Ultra-ITX (sub-100mm designs). While Mini-ITX dominates consumer compact PCs, industrial applications often use Nano-ITX or custom designs. The “smallest” depends on context: commercial motherboards use Nano/Pico-ITX, while embedded systems may employ proprietary nano-sized boards.
Can Mini PCs Handle Video Editing and Graphic Design? A Comprehensive Review
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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 |
What Defines the Mini-ITX Form Factor?
Mini-ITX specifications mandate a 170x170mm PCB with four mounting holes, single PCIe slot support, and 24-pin ATX power compatibility. Developed by VIA Technologies in 2001, it balances size and functionality, supporting standard CPU sockets and RAM modules. Its 6.7×6.7-inch design enables compact builds while maintaining x86 compatibility, unlike smaller ARM-based alternatives.
The form factor’s longevity stems from its clever engineering constraints. While maintaining compatibility with standard ATX power supplies, Mini-ITX requires manufacturers to implement space-saving vertical component stacking. Modern implementations like ASRock’s X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 demonstrate how dual M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen2x2 can coexist within the 170mm² limit. The specification also mandates specific I/O panel dimensions (159mm width), forcing creative solutions for wireless antenna placements and heat pipe routing.
| Feature | Mini-ITX | Micro-ATX |
|---|---|---|
| Max PCIe Slots | 1 | 4 |
| Typical Use Case | HTPC/Gaming | Workstation |
How Does Mini-ITX Compare to Nano-ITX and Pico-ITX?
Nano-ITX (4.7×4.7″) reduces size by 56% versus Mini-ITX, typically using low-power processors like Intel Atom. Pico-ITX (3.9×2.8″) shrinks further, often employing soldered CPUs and laptop RAM. Mini-ITX supports full desktop components, while smaller form factors sacrifice expandability. For example, ASRock’s 4X4 BOX-N100 Nano-ITX board uses 6W processors versus Mini-ITX’s 65W+ TDP support.
The performance gap becomes evident in storage configurations. Where Mini-ITX boards like the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I can support three NVMe drives, Pico-ITX solutions typically offer single M.2 2242 slots with PCIe 3.0 x2 limitations. Thermal design power also diverges sharply – Nano-ITX systems rarely exceed 15W TDP, while Mini-ITX builds can handle 125W Ryzen processors with proper cooling. This makes Mini-ITX the only x86 form factor that truly bridges the gap between embedded systems and desktop-grade performance.
| Form Factor | Max CPU TDP | Typical RAM |
|---|---|---|
| Pico-ITX | 12W | LPDDR4 |
| Nano-ITX | 25W | SO-DIMM |
“The form factor race isn’t about raw size anymore—it’s about functional density. Our latest Nano-ITX boards pack 40Gbps USB4 and PCIe 4.0 in 120mm² through advanced interposers. However, Mini-ITX remains the sweet spot for DIY builders balancing performance and size.”
– Dr. Ethan Moore, Embedded Systems Architect at Kontron
FAQs
- Can you game on motherboards smaller than Mini-ITX?
- Yes, but with limitations. Boards like ZOTAC’s PI430AJ (Nano-ITX) support Ryzen 7 5800U APUs for 1080p gaming at 60 FPS. However, lack of PCIe x16 slots prevents high-end GPU use.
- Do smaller form factors cost more?
- Typically 30-50% pricier than equivalent Mini-ITX. An industrial Pico-ITX board averages $400 vs $150 for consumer Mini-ITX, due to low-volume production and specialized components.
- How do power requirements differ?
- Mini-ITX uses standard 24-pin ATX (up to 500W), while Pico-ITX boards like Advantech’s UNO-1372G operate on 12V DC input (max 96W). This enables fanless designs but limits processor choices.