The FlexATX is a natural evolution of the Intel's microATX form factor which was first unveiled in late 1999. The FlexATX addendum to the microATX specification addresses the requirements of only the motherboard and not the overall system solution. As such, it does not detail the interfaces, memory or graphics technologies required to develop a successful product design. These are left to the implementer and system designer. The choice of processor is, however, limited to socket-only designs. The principal difference between FlexATX and microATX is that the new form factor reduces the size of the motherboard to 9" long and 7.5" wide. Not only does this result in lower overall system costs, it also facilitates smaller system designs. The FlexATX form factor is backwards compatible with both the ATX and microATX specifications use of the same motherboard mounting holes as both of its predecessors avoids the need to retool existing chassis.



In year 2000, VIA Technologies announced an even smaller motherboard than the FlexATX. At 8.5" long and 7.5" wide, the company's ITX form factor is half an inch less wide than its Intel competitor. The key innovation that allows the ITX to achieve such a compact form is the specially designed slim line power unit with built-in fan. Its dimensions are 174mm long x 73mm wide x 55mm high as compared with a standard ATX power supply unit measuring 140mm x 150mm x 86mm.