BTX replacing ATX
Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2004 2:55 pm
Our familiar ATX motherboards are going to be replaced by something called BTX. ATX will more then likely not be able to support tomorrows technology. Here are the changes to the mobo spec:
1. Processor moved to the front of the motherboard, no longer residing underneath the power supply. Air will be sucked in and blown directly over the proc before the air has a chance to heat up.
2. The core logic chipset, RAM and videocard are moved to receive air after the proc.
3. RAM will be set horizontal instead of vertical to allow better air flow over the increasingly faster RAM..
4. The BTX mobo also has space reserved for a thermal module. Basically a big shroud that covers most of the proc to increase the velocity of airflow around the CPU. A wind tunnel of sorts.
5. The chipset is rearranged to more efficient areas to allow data to flow more smoothly from one area to the other increasing overall perforance.
Unfortunately the new BTX spec will require new towers that will open from the opposite side that we are used to. This will be awkward but it is necessary. The hope is with all of these cooling enhancements we will no longer require running 10 fans to keep our beasts cool. So in essence our PC's will run cooler and quieter in the future. Also, the hope is because fewer resources are needed to keep everything cool it may lower prices. Keep a lookout for these new BTX boards real soon.
1. Processor moved to the front of the motherboard, no longer residing underneath the power supply. Air will be sucked in and blown directly over the proc before the air has a chance to heat up.
2. The core logic chipset, RAM and videocard are moved to receive air after the proc.
3. RAM will be set horizontal instead of vertical to allow better air flow over the increasingly faster RAM..
4. The BTX mobo also has space reserved for a thermal module. Basically a big shroud that covers most of the proc to increase the velocity of airflow around the CPU. A wind tunnel of sorts.
5. The chipset is rearranged to more efficient areas to allow data to flow more smoothly from one area to the other increasing overall perforance.
Unfortunately the new BTX spec will require new towers that will open from the opposite side that we are used to. This will be awkward but it is necessary. The hope is with all of these cooling enhancements we will no longer require running 10 fans to keep our beasts cool. So in essence our PC's will run cooler and quieter in the future. Also, the hope is because fewer resources are needed to keep everything cool it may lower prices. Keep a lookout for these new BTX boards real soon.
