Mini-ITX is a compact motherboard configuration designed to support relatively low-cost computers in small spaces such as in automobiles, set-top boxes, and network devices. The Mini-ITX can also be used in making thin client computers.

The Mini-ITX is similar and backward compatible to predecessor motherboards, the Micro-ATX and the Flex-ATX, but it has several features that set it apart. The Mini-ITX is very small, measuring 170 mm x 170 mm (6.7″ x 6.7″). The power supply is less than 100 watts. The Mini-ITX processors are usually ultra low power x86 processors that are soldered to the motherboard and are cooled by a heatsink only instead of a heatsink and a fan. Video, audio, and local area network (LAN) connection are built into the Mini-ITX. It also has at least two universal serial bus (USB) ports, a serial and parallel port, audio input and output, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot that can support two devices with a riser card. Some have no floppy drive interface, but there is always a CD-ROM and DVD-ROM interface. A case (a Micro-ATX and Flex-ATX case will work), memory, a hard drive, and a power supply complete an inexpensive computer.

A computer built with a Mini-ITX could be used for simple, everyday tasks such as e-mail, Web browsing, word processing, and listening to music. The Mini-ITX was developed by VIA Technologies.

Evolution of Form Factors