EPoX Computer EP-3VWM Computer Hardware User Manual


 
Introduction EP-3VWM
Page 1-2
EP-3VWM Form-Factor
The EP-3VWM is designed with MicroATX form factor - the new industry
standard of chassis. MicroATX form factor is essentially a Baby-AT baseboard
rotated 90 degrees within the chassis enclosure and a new mounting configuration
for the power supply. With these changes the processor is relocated away from the
expansion slots, allowing them all to hold full length add-in cards. MicroATX
defines a double height aperture to the rear of the chassis which can be used to
host a wide range of onboard I/O. Only the size and position of this aperture is
defined, allowing PC manufacturers to add new I/O features (e.g.; TV input, TV
output, joystick, modem, LAN, etc.) to systems. This will help systems integra-
tors differentiate their products in the marketplace, and better meet your needs.
By integrating more I/O down onto the board and better positioning the hard
drive and floppy connectors material cost of cables and add-in cards is
reduced.
By reducing the number of cables and components in the system, manufactur-
ing time and inventory holding costs are reduced and reliability will increase.
By using an optimized power supply, it's possible to reduce cooling costs and
lower acoustical noise. An ATX power supply, which has a side-mounted fan,
allows direct cooling of the processor and add-in cards making a secondary
fan or active heatsink unnecessary in most system applications.
Full length
slots
Expandable I/O
5 1/4"
Bay
3 1/2"
Bay
Figure 2: Summary of ATX chassis features
CPU located near
Power Supply
Single chassis
fan for system
ATX
Power
Supply
ATX power connector
Floppy / IDE
connectors
close to
peripheral
bays