OE
January 29, 2004, 12:25 PM
There is some great new technology on the way but I wonder if we are moving too fast. Anyway I just had a chance to check out some new tech on the way and thought I would share.
First up we have Intel’s code name Big Water or BTX which stands for Balanced Technology eXtended and is the successor to the ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) form factor we are all accustomed to. Why the change you ask? There are two reasons I can think of. First, CPUs and graphics cards are getting hotter. Today's ATX cases and motherboards were not designed for the levels of heat that they have to deal with. Secondly, and most importantly IMO is that with the introduction of the BTX form factors we will see PCI Express based graphics as the choice of video card in these systems. Although ATI and nVidia both have PCI Express based graphics cards ready, but ATI has announced that they will be releasing their video card once the standard becomes available in platforms.
Features of BTX:
• Low-profile options for motherboard component keep-out. The lower profiles make it easy to integrate options into slim-line or small form-factor systems.
• Optimized routing, layout, and thermal advantages with an inline core layout. The new layout offers a condensed system design and optimized airflow path for efficient system cooling. It also helps developers avoid obstructed airflow that must be forced around components, and helps provide adequate cooling to all components. Along with optimized airflow, the use of high-quality fans can allow developers to eliminate one or more fans from the system, which can reduce the acoustics and system size even further.
• Scalable board dimensions. Flexibility in board sizes allows developers to use the same components to design a variety of system sizes and configurations. A smaller, more efficient power supply can be used for ultra-small systems. Standard ATX 12V power supplies can be used for tower configurations.
• Optimized structural board-support mechanisms and mounting holes. The support features offer mechanical characteristics to support high loads—such as heavy heat sinks—and help keep them from flexing or damaging board components and traces during shipping and handling.
http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/btxboard.jpg
Next up is PCI Express
PCI Express is not to be confused with PCI-X as they are two different technologies. A PCI Express design transmits data over a set of two wires at a base signalling rate of 2.5Gbit/sec.—but only in one direction. A complete, full-duplex PCI Express "lane" consists of four wires, for an aggregate bandwidth of 5Gbit/sec. Although PCI-X 2.0 adds bandwidth by increasing the clock speed to double data rate (DDR) or quad data rate (QDR), system designers increase the bandwidth of a PCI Express slot by adding lanes. The range starts with a 2.5/5Gbit/sec., one-lane or 1X (pronounced "times one") connection all the way up to an 8/16Gbit/sec. 32X design. Initially, desktop expansion slots are expected to range from 1X to 4X; servers will likely range from 4X to 8X; and graphics will run off 16X slots.
So while PCI-X 2.0 supports up to 2GB/sec. of traffic in either direction, a 4X Express slot supports 2GB, but only 1GB/sec. in one direction. If the nature of the I/O is unidirectional—say read-only access to a serial-attached storage array—then a comparable PCI Express device would need to be 8X.
http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/pci_pcix.jpg
More info shortly
Regards,
OE
First up we have Intel’s code name Big Water or BTX which stands for Balanced Technology eXtended and is the successor to the ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) form factor we are all accustomed to. Why the change you ask? There are two reasons I can think of. First, CPUs and graphics cards are getting hotter. Today's ATX cases and motherboards were not designed for the levels of heat that they have to deal with. Secondly, and most importantly IMO is that with the introduction of the BTX form factors we will see PCI Express based graphics as the choice of video card in these systems. Although ATI and nVidia both have PCI Express based graphics cards ready, but ATI has announced that they will be releasing their video card once the standard becomes available in platforms.
Features of BTX:
• Low-profile options for motherboard component keep-out. The lower profiles make it easy to integrate options into slim-line or small form-factor systems.
• Optimized routing, layout, and thermal advantages with an inline core layout. The new layout offers a condensed system design and optimized airflow path for efficient system cooling. It also helps developers avoid obstructed airflow that must be forced around components, and helps provide adequate cooling to all components. Along with optimized airflow, the use of high-quality fans can allow developers to eliminate one or more fans from the system, which can reduce the acoustics and system size even further.
• Scalable board dimensions. Flexibility in board sizes allows developers to use the same components to design a variety of system sizes and configurations. A smaller, more efficient power supply can be used for ultra-small systems. Standard ATX 12V power supplies can be used for tower configurations.
• Optimized structural board-support mechanisms and mounting holes. The support features offer mechanical characteristics to support high loads—such as heavy heat sinks—and help keep them from flexing or damaging board components and traces during shipping and handling.
http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/btxboard.jpg
Next up is PCI Express
PCI Express is not to be confused with PCI-X as they are two different technologies. A PCI Express design transmits data over a set of two wires at a base signalling rate of 2.5Gbit/sec.—but only in one direction. A complete, full-duplex PCI Express "lane" consists of four wires, for an aggregate bandwidth of 5Gbit/sec. Although PCI-X 2.0 adds bandwidth by increasing the clock speed to double data rate (DDR) or quad data rate (QDR), system designers increase the bandwidth of a PCI Express slot by adding lanes. The range starts with a 2.5/5Gbit/sec., one-lane or 1X (pronounced "times one") connection all the way up to an 8/16Gbit/sec. 32X design. Initially, desktop expansion slots are expected to range from 1X to 4X; servers will likely range from 4X to 8X; and graphics will run off 16X slots.
So while PCI-X 2.0 supports up to 2GB/sec. of traffic in either direction, a 4X Express slot supports 2GB, but only 1GB/sec. in one direction. If the nature of the I/O is unidirectional—say read-only access to a serial-attached storage array—then a comparable PCI Express device would need to be 8X.
http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/pci_pcix.jpg
More info shortly
Regards,
OE