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Small Form Factor is a generic term originally phrased as shuttle form factor, and originally meant to describe shoebox-sized personal computers with exactly two expansion slots.[1] The initialization "SFF" was later applied to include other, similar PC designs from brands such as AOpen and First International Computer, with the word "Shuttle" replaced with the word "Small" in that initialization. Because so many of these mini-sized personal computers use proprietary motherboards, use of the word "Form Factor" is actually a misnomer. Designed to minimize spatial volume, SFF PCs are typically measured in litres. The phrase "small form factor" should not be applied to computing systems that have traditionally been small such as embedded or mobile systems.[2] However, "small form factor" lacks a normative definition and is consequently misappropriated as a buzzword due to its growing popularity. Manufacturers often provide self-serving definitions.[3] Pillferage of the term "SFF" has lead to its application to anything smaller than a traditional mini-tower, from cubes to book-sized PC's and systems that resemble miniature home-theater Audio/Video receivers. The term "SFF" originally refered to systems smaller-than Micro-ATX, and should never be applied to larger systems where more accurate descriptors such as "mini-tower" and "desktop" already exist[4]. 
[edit] UsesBecause they are built around small motherboards, SFF computers can be far smaller than typical desktop computers. They are often used in space-limited areas where normal computers cannot be placed. SFF computers have also found a niche as home theater PCs, as well as for mobile applications such as LAN parties. Many users simply enjoy the aesthetic and ergonomic benefits of a small system which, unlike a full-size tower case, can easily fit on top of a small desk. Some SFF computers go further, employing more compact components designed for portable computers, such as notebook optical drives, notebook memory modules, notebook processors, and external AC adapters rather than the internal power supply units found in full-size desktop computers. [edit] FeaturesSmall form factor computers are generally designed to support the same features as modern desktop computers, but in a smaller space. Most accept standard x86 microprocessors, standard DIMM memory modules, standard 3.5 inch hard disks, and standard 5.25 inch optical drives. However, the small size of SFF cases may limit expansion options; many commercial offerings provide only one 3.5" drive bay and one or two 5.25" external bays. Standard CPU heatsinks don't always fit inside an SFF computer, so some manufacturers provide custom cooling systems. Though limited to one or two expansion cards, a few have the space for 3/4-length cards such as the GeForce GTX-295 [5] Most SFF computers use highly integrated motherboards containing many on-board peripherals so that expansion cards are not needed. Though often labeled as "SFF", larger cube-style cases that support full-sized (PS2 form factor) power supplies are actually microATX--not Shuttle--form factor. True SFF systems use TFX or smaller power supplies, and some require a notebook-PC style external "power brick". [edit] SFF TypesThere are many different types of SFF computers[6] available as of 2008. They may be categorized loosely by their overall shape and size. [edit] Cubical Many SFF computers have a cubical or nearly cubical shape. Smaller models are typically sold as barebones units, including a case, motherboard, and power supply designed to fit together. The motherboard lays flat against the base of the case. Upgrade options may be limited by the non-standard motherboards, cramped interior space, and power and airflow concerns. The Apple Macintosh Cube, released in 2000, and the Shuttle XPC are good examples of this design. MSI and Asus produce similar designs. AOpen Inc. debuted revolutionary stackable S120[7] case. With brand new concepts, S120 can stack varied components layer by layer in standard mini-ITX (170 x 170 mm) motherboard systems with a 2.5” hard drive. Based on stackable and laminated construction design, it can stack a maximum of four layers for add-on cards (PCI expansion slot layer x1), optical drives (slim drive x1), and hard drives (3.5” HDD x1) with high assembly flexibility from 2.9 to 6.9 litres. It can be placed in a vertical or horizontal position and allows selection between internal power supplies or external AC adapter power sources (from 90 to 120 watt). After S120, AOpen made more small form factor cases for systems with Micro ATX and Mini-ITX. [edit] Mini computersUntil recently, SFF cases were usually sold as barebones units (case, power supply, and motherboard) to system integraters and home-based builders. In 2005, Apple Inc. introduced its Mac Mini (volume of 1.4 L, excluding external power brick). The first AOpen mini PC MP915 (renamed to XC mini in 2007 since “mini PC” could not be registered as a trademark), was announced in 2005 after the Apple Mac mini. MP915 was equipped with Intel 915GM, ICH6 and DDRII memory. The size of the XC mini series PC - 165(W) x 50(H) x 165(D) mm - makes it one of the smallest desktop PC systems (1.3L volume) in the world. It was criticized for looking like the Apple MAC mini, but Apple didn’t take any action until now so far (In February 2007, AOpen redesigned the case of the mini PC MP945 series.). As of 2006[update], major OEM PC brands such as HP and Dell have begun to sell fully-assembled SFF systems. These are often described as bookshelf units since they resemble a miniature tower case small enough to fit on a bookshelf. The HP Slimline series and Dell C521 (volume 1.65 L) are good examples of this trend. The Maxdata Favorit 300XS is another mini computer. The HP Slimline uses a non-standard motherboard that is very similar in size to Mini-ITX.[8] In addition to its industrial use, the extremely small Mini-ITX motherboard form factor has also been incorporated into SFF computers. These are often extremely compact and incorporate low-power components such as the VIA C3 processors. The Travla C134 is an example of this design; it is somewhat larger than the Mac mini (7x10x2" vs 6.5x6.5x2"), and barely bigger than a standard 5.25" optical drive. [edit] NettopMain article: Nettop As of 2007[update], several other companies have released other very small computers that besides a small size, focus on a low price, and extremely high power efficiency (typically 10 W or below in use). These devices are called nettops and include devices as Zonbu, fit-PC, Linutop, and A9Home. With the release of Intel ATOM CPU, AOpen also made Nettop systems: the uBox series with model LE200 and LE210[9]. The uBox series equips a dual core Intel Atom 270/330 processor, single channel DDR-II 533/667 memory, Intel 945GC+ICH7 chipset, three S-ATA connectors and 5.1channel high definition audio output. [edit] Home theatre boxesEssentially a bookshelf-style case laying on its side, a miniature HTPC replicates the look of other smaller-than-rack-sized home theatre components such as a DVR or mini audio receiver. The front panel interface is emphasized, with the optical disc drive rotated relative to the case in order to maintain horizontal mounting, and more motherboard port connectors (such as for USB) are routed to the front panel. AOpen ubox series LE300[10] contains an nVIDIA MCP68PVNT chipset, an AM2 socket suitable for AMD Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64, and Sempron CPUs, So-DIMM DDRII 667/533/400 memory, and full HD entertainment support including H.264 hardware decoding with a HDMI port and up to 7.1 channel digital audio. [edit] See also[edit] References
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