Much the way the AT form factor eventually became outdated and less suitable
for use with the newest technologies, the LPX form factor has over time begun to show
the same weaknesses. The need for a modern, small motherboard standard has lead to
the development of the new NLX form factor. In many ways, NLX is to LPX what ATX is
to AT: it is generally the same idea as LPX, but with improvements and updates to
make it more appropriate for the latest PC technologies. Also like ATX, the NLX
standard was developed by Intel Corporation and is being promoted by Intel. Intel of
course is a major producer of large-volume motherboards for the big PC companies.
NLX still uses the same general design as LPX, with a smaller motherboard footprint
and a riser card for expansion cards. To this basic idea, NLX makes the following main
changes, most of which are familiar to those who have read about the enhancements
introduced by ATX:
· Revised design to support larger memory modules and modern DIMM memory
packaging.
· Support for the newest processor technologies, including the new Pentium II
using SEC packaging.
· Support for AGP video cards.
· Better thermal characteristics, to support modern CPUs that run hotter than old
ones.
· More optimal location of CPU on the board to allow easier access and better
cooling.
· More flexibility in how the motherboard can be set up and configured.
· Enhanced design features, such as the ability to mount the motherboard so it
can slide in or out of the system case easily.
· Cables, such as the floppy drive interface cable, now attach to the riser card
instead of the motherboard itself, reducing cable length and clutter.
· Support for desktop and tower cases.
The NLX form factor is, like the LPX, designed primarily for commercial PC
makers mass-producing machines for the retail market. Many of the changes made to it
are based on improving flexibility to allow for various PC options and flavors, and to
allow easier assembly and reduced cost. For homebuilders and small PC shops, the ATX
form factor is the design of choice heading into the future.