CPU Lowestprofile motherboard

[nyxizbored]

What are some really low profile motherboards out there? Most if not all of the boards I see on the net are >2 USB ports tall, is there anything smaller than that that doesn't have an embedded chip? Looking to put together a really slim build and doing my research :}

Cheers!

 

[GuilleAcoustic]

What are some really low profile motherboards out there? Most if not all of the boards I see on the net are >2 USB ports tall, is there anything smaller than that that doesn't have an embedded chip? Looking to put together a really slim build and doing my research :}

Cheers!

You might want to look at Thin mini-ITX motherboard. They are slimmer but comes with some limitation :

• Limited CPU wattage (65-85W most of the time)
• SO-DIMM memory only
• PCIe limitation (most are limited to PCIe-4x or even have no PCIe slot)
• DC power only (either from an external brick or an internal AC-DC like Meanwell PSUs)
• DC barrel is not standardized, same for input voltage (some are 12V only, others are 19V, some accept wide voltage)
• Pretty much limited to Intel CPU only
• Availability can be a PITA and prices are very high for industrial models (AsrockInd or Mitac)

We have a nice discussion thread about them on the forum: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/thin-itx-discussion-thread.10257/

Gigabyte, AsrockInd and Mitac often have at least a model with PCIe-16x if that's something you need.

 

[nyxizbored]

Thank you! Do you know of any recommendations for other form factors like mATX that may be low profile? I've been looking into Thin mini-ITX and it may not be what I need for the project I'm looking at.

 

[GuilleAcoustic]

I don't know of any. What are your needs ? There might be something on the industrial or server side.

 

[nyxizbored]

As thin as possible, trying to conserve as much space for a cooler in a height-limited build. Willing to desolder some I/O to get that profile; I know it sounds like an insane requirement but I'm trying to improve on this insane build: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/diy-laptop-portable-pc-5-4-litres-17-screen.15795/

 

[GuilleAcoustic]

What's limiting you that you'd need mATX ? Unless you desolder some IO, you sadely won't get as slim as a thin mini-ITX.

 

[nyxizbored]

Power draw concerns and ability to use a higher-end 30 series card, really.

 

[nyxizbored]

Again, I know this sounds like an insane build, lol - I have some pretty decent machining and electronics experience so I miiiight be able to pull it off

 

[Necere]

How are you planning to cool the CPU? That's what'll most likely drive the height, not the USB ports.

 

[nyxizbored]

Probably a watercooled loop to an external radiator. I plan on trying to make a lower-profile block with some of the machining equipment I have, but we'll see how that goes

 

[GuilleAcoustic]

I'd suggest that you lay your idea on paper first

The slimmer WB I know of is a server block from EKWB that has its inlets and outlets on the side. But even then, total height once you account for socket and CPU is close to 4x USB stack.



The slimmest solution I can think of is thin ITX with Intel thin ITX heatsink (heatpipes connected to a deported heatsink + blower fan).



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