Intel Launches 5×5 Smallest Upgradable Motherboard Form Factor

By David Yee

intel_5x5_idf_slide_01Intel launched the new 5×5 socketed motherboard standard and now surpasses mini-ITX as the smallest socketed board standard at 5.5 x 5.8 inches / 140 x 147 mm. Though not as small as Intel NUC which feature a BGA processor soldered onto the motherboard, 5×5 shares in some features most notably directly using DC power and having SODIMM slots which are typically found in laptops. While socketed like mini-ITX, 5×5 lacks any PCI or PCI-E slot for expansion cards including video cards.intel_5x5_idf_slide_03

5×5 also supports 2.5 SATA or M.2 storage. It will accept LGA processors with TDPs of up to 65 watts which currently include several desktop i7 products. Fully featured system design considerations aim for a 0.85 liter sized chassis as low as 39mm in z-height with a minimal heatsink for CPUs with 35W TDP. A larger heatsink and thus enclosure is anticipated for CPUs with 65W TDP and 2.5″ drives.intel_5x5_idf_slide_02

There are currently no 5×5 motherboards available for purchase though designs are expected to appear from the usual board manufacturers in the future.