IBM EP-8KTA Computer Hardware User Manual


 
Introduction EP-8KTA
Page 1-4
EP-8KTA Form-Factor
The EP-8KTA is designed with ATX form factor - the new industry standard of
chassis. ATX 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. ATX 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 integrators differentiate their
products in the marketplace, and better meet your needs.
Smaller size promotes a smaller system size.
I/O shield does not need to be retooled in an ATX 2.01 or later. The
mainboard should be used in an ATX 2.01 (or later) compliant case.
A smaller power supply can be used. High integration on mainboard
reduces the system costs.
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 connec-
tor
Floppy / IDE
connectors
close to
peripheral
bays