CertiGuide to A+ (A+ 4 Real)  9  Chapter 8: Motherboards       9  Form Factors

ATX and Mini ATX 1 NLX

You might be more familiar with this form factor under names such as “slim line” and “low profile”. The LPX line was designed to provide a desktop computer that would use a minimal amount of physical space while producing the performance of a full-sized PC. The LPX measures 9 inches (22,86 cm) in width and 11 to 13 inches (27,94 to 33,02 cm) in width while the Mini LPX measures 8 to 9 inches (20,32 to 22,86 cm) wide by 10 or 11 (25,40 or 27,94 cm) inches deep. The outstanding characteristic of this form factor is the need to use a specialized type of daughter board called a “riser card”. Due to the need for a minimal profile, expansion slots cannot be located directly on the motherboard. The riser card plugs into the motherboard and provides the additional slots for expansion cards. Unfortunately, the riser card can only accommodate a maximum of two or three cards. This form factor suffers from difficulties in its ability to be upgraded as well as heat dissipation problems. The LPX and Mini LPX are not currently popular for the reasons that have just been mentioned and because space conscious computer users are more frequently using laptops with docking stations as an alternative as well as the NLX form factor.

ATX and Mini ATX 1 NLX