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Input Devices
Definition: An input device is any peripheral (external hardware) that allows users to
communicate with or provide data to a computer.
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Joystick/ Gamepad, Microphone, Webcam,
Touchscreen, Barcode Reader, Optical Character Recognition, Trackball, Magnetic Ink
Character Recognition.
Output Devices
Definition: An output device is a peripheral device that converts computer-processed data
into human-readable or usable form, like images, text, sound, or physical copies.
Examples: Monitors, Printers, Speakers, Projectors, Headphones.
Main Types of Motherboards:
1. Micro ATX (mATX)
Micro-ATX, also written as mATX, is a smaller variant of the ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended)
motherboard standard. It offers a balance between size, expandability, and cost, making it ideal for most
users — from casual desktop users to gamers on a budget.
📅 Introduced by: Intel in 1997
Target users: Home users, gamers, office workstations
Physical Specifications
Feature Specification
Dimensions 244mm x 244mm (9.6 x 9.6 inches)
Mounting Compatible with both ATX and mATX cases
Power Connector 24-pin ATX main power + 4/8-pin CPU power
Key Features
Feature Description
CPU Socket Supports Intel (LGA 1200/1700) or AMD (AM4/AM5) CPUs
RAM Slots Usually 2 to 4 DIMM slots (supports dual-channel DDR4/DDR5)
Storage 2–6 SATA III ports, 1–2 M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs
I/O Ports USB (2.0, 3.0, 3.2), HDMI/DisplayPort, Ethernet, Audio, etc.
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Colour: Green PCB
Ideal For:
General-purpose desktops
Budget or mid-range gaming PCs
Office and productivity systems
Users who want a balance between size and features
2. Mini ITX
Mini-ITX is a compact motherboard form factor designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs. It was
developed by VIA Technologies in 2001 and has since been adopted widely for use in home theater PCs
(HTPCs), compact gaming rigs, and space-saving desktops.
Physical Specifications
Feature Specification
Size 170mm x 170mm (6.7 x 6.7 inches)
Mounting Holes Same hole placement as ATX/mATX cases (usually 4 screws)
Power Connector 24-pin ATX + 4/8-pin CPU power
Key Features
Feature Description
CPU Socket Supports both Intel (LGA1200/1700) and AMD (AM4/AM5) processors
RAM Slots Usually 2 DIMM slots (dual-channel DDR4/DDR5)
Expansion Slot 1× PCIe x16 (for GPU or expansion card)
Storage 2–4 SATA III ports, 1 or 2 M.2 NVMe slots
I/O Ports Varies by model: USB (2.0/3.0/3.2), HDMI, DisplayPort, LAN, audio
Colour: Blue PCB
Use Cases:
Space-saving desktops
Home Theater PCs (HTPCs)
Compact gaming PCs
Portable workstations
Silent office PCs
3. Nano ITX
Nano-ITX is a very compact motherboard form factor designed for embedded systems and ultra-small
devices. It was introduced by VIA Technologies in 2003 for use in low-power.
Physical Specifications
Feature Specifications
Dimensions 120 mm × 120 mm (4.7 × 4.7 in)
Mounting Holes 4 holes, arranged in a square
Power Connector Varies (often external DC power or 20/24-pin ATX for some models)
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Key Features
Component Description
CPU Often soldered-on low-power CPUs (e.g., VIA C7, Intel Atom, ARM)
RAM 1 or 2 slots, or even soldered-on RAM; typically DDR2/DDR3/DDR4
Expansion Usually 1 mini PCIe slot or proprietary connector
Storage 1–2 SATA ports; may include onboard flash or eMMC
I/O Ports USB, Ethernet, HDMI or VGA, audio — usually via headers, not full-size
Colour: Black PCB
Use Cases:
Set-top boxes (STBs)
In-vehicle computers
Thin clients or terminals
Networking equipment
4. Pico ITX
Pico-ITX is an ultra-compact motherboard form factor introduced by VIA Technologies in 2007. It is
designed primarily for embedded systems, IoT devices, and space-constrained applications, where low
power consumption and compactness are essential.
Physical Specifications
Feature Specification
Dimensions 100 mm × 72 mm (3.9 × 2.8 inches)
Mounting Holes 4 mounting holes
Power Connector Often DC-in or ATX (via adapter); supports low-voltage input
Key Features
Component Description
CPU Usually onboard (soldered) low-power processors: VIA Eden, ARM, or Intel
Atom
RAM 1× SO-DIMM slot or soldered onboard RAM (DDR2/DDR3/DDR4)
Storage SATA ports, optional onboard flash, eMMC, or SD card slot
Expansion Often 1× mini PCIe or proprietary headers (no full PCIe slot)
I/O Ports USB, audio, Ethernet, HDMI/LVDS/VGA – mostly through headers
Colour: Purple PCB
Use Cases:
Robotics and automation
IoT and edge computing
Smart TVs and kiosks
Thin clients
Medical and industrial control systems
In-vehicle infotainment systems