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.