EPoX Computer EP-3VWM - Manual (Page 8)

Introduction EP-3VWM
Page 1-2
EP-3VWM Form-Factor
The EP-3VWM is designed with MicroATX form factor - the new industry
standard of chassis. MicroATX form factor is essentially a Baby-AT baseboard
rotated 90 degrees within the chassis enclosure and a new mounting configuration
for the power supply. With these changes the processor is relocated away from the
expansion slots, allowing them all to hold full length add-in cards. MicroATX
defines a double height aperture to the rear of the chassis which can be used to
host a wide range of onboard I/O. Only the size and position of this aperture is
defined, allowing PC manufacturers to add new I/O features (e.g.; TV input, TV
output, joystick, modem, LAN, etc.) to systems. This will help systems integra-
tors differentiate their products in the marketplace, and better meet your needs.
•
By integrating more I/O down onto the board and better positioning the hard
drive and floppy connectors material cost of cables and add-in cards is
reduced.
• By reducing the number of cables and components in the system, manufactur-
ing time and inventory holding costs are reduced and reliability will increase.
• By using an optimized power supply, it's possible to reduce cooling costs and
lower acoustical noise. An ATX power supply, which has a side-mounted fan,
allows direct cooling of the processor and add-in cards making a secondary
fan or active heatsink unnecessary in most system applications.
Full length
slots
Expandable I/O
5 1/4"
Bay
3 1/2"
Bay
Figure 2: Summary of ATX chassis features
CPU located near
Power Supply
Single chassis
fan for system
ATX
Power
Supply
ATX power connector
Floppy / IDE
connectors
close to
peripheral
bays