Custom-Fit Boxes

Small form factor (SFF) computers are housed in smaller cases than typical desktop computers. While the term has no exact definition, it generally includes cases designed for motherboards smaller than the standard ATX form factor. more...

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It generally excludes rack-mount cases, blade servers, and industrial computers, which are designed for data center and factory use, rather than home and office environments.

As of 2007, many SFF PCs are similar in volume to a shoe box. Their shapes vary from cubes to mini-towers to shallow flat cases resembling home theater components (such as VCRs or AV receivers).

Uses

Because they are built around small motherboards, SFF computers can be far smaller than typical desktop computers. They are often used in space-limited areas where normal computers cannot be placed. SFF computers have also found a niche as home theater PCs, as well as for mobile applications such as LAN parties.

Features

Small form factor computers are generally designed to support the same features as modern desktop computers, but in a smaller space. Most accept standard x86 microprocessors, standard DIMM memory modules, standard 3.5 inch hard disks, and standard 5.25 inch optical drives.

However, the small size of SFF cases may limit expansion options; many commercial offerings provide only one 3.5" drive bay and one or two 5.25" external bays. Standard CPU heatsinks don't always fit inside a SFF computer, so some manufacturers provide custom cooling systems. Many SFF cases only have room for one to four expansion cards, although very few have the space for larger cards— such as the GeForce 8800GTX—. Many SFF computers use highly integrated motherboards containing many on-board peripherals so that expansion cards are not needed; many of these motherboards use custom form factors, while others use the microATX standard.

Some "box type" SFF cases (recently very popular) can fit standard ATX power supplies, while others require custom power supplies or external power bricks.

SFF Types

There are many different types of SFF computers available as of 2007. They may be categorized loosely by their overall shape and size.

Cubical

Many SFF computers have a cubical or nearly cubical shape. Smaller models are typical sold as barebones units, including a case, motherboard, and power supply designed to fit together. The motherboard lays flat against the base of the case. Upgrade options may be limited by the non-standard motherboards, cramped interior space, and power and airflow concerns. The Shuttle XPC is a good example of this design. MSI and ASUS produce similar designs.

Read more at Wikipedia.org