BTX, acronym for Balanced Technology Extended is an interface specification that provides a common, flexible foundation, based on standards that can be used to build innovative desktop systems. The BTX specification provides new tools and design space for developers to lay out desktop systems, whether designing small, compact systems or very large, expandable systems. BTX is also optimized for the newest desktop technologies, including PCI Express and Serial ATA. It is also designed to allow for better heat dissipation by incorporating a new thermal module design for better air flow.
Intel has developed two reference designs to demonstrate design techniques that result in a successful implementation of a system based on the Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) form-factor specification. *
- Intel 12.9-Liter Reference Design (Slim Tower Desktop System)
Intel has designed and validated a 12.9-liter BTX specification-based system that meets next-generation Intel processor and high-performance PCI Express graphics requirements at 4.0 bels, a measurement of sound power. - Intel 6.9-Liter Reference Design (Ultra-small Form-factor Desktop System)
Intel has designed and is in the process of validating a 6.9-liter picoBTX-based system that meets next generation Intel processor requirements at 4.0 bels.
* [Source: Intel]
Also see From AT to BTX: Motherboard Form Factors in Webopedia’s “Did You Know…?” section.
