EPOX EP-3VBM+, Manual, Page: 8 / 71

Introduction
EP-3VBM+
Page 1-2
EP-3VBM+ Form-Factor
The EP-3VBM+ is designed with Micro-ATX form factor - the new industry
standard of chassis. The Micro-ATX form factor is essentially a Baby-AT
baseboard rotated 90 degrees within the chassis enclosure and a new mounting
configuration for the power supply. With these changes the processor is relocated
away from the expansion slots, allowing them all to hold full length add-in cards.
Micro-ATX defines a double height aperture to the rear of the chassis which can
be used to host a wide range of onboard I/O. Only the size and position of this
aperture is defined, allowing PC manufacturers to add new I/O features (e.g.; TV
input, TV output, modem, LAN, etc.) to systems. This will help systems integra-
tors differentiate their products in the marketplace, and better meet your needs.
• Smaller size promotes a smaller system size.
• I/O shield does not need to be retooled in an ATX 2.01 or later. The
mainboard should be used in an ATX 2.01 (or later) compliant case.
• A smaller power supply cam be used. High integration on mainboard reduces
the system costs.
Full length
slots
Expandable I/O
5 1/4"
Bay
3 1/2"
Bay
Figure 1: Summary of MicroATX chassis features
CPU located near
Power Supply
Single chassis
fan for
system
Micro-
ATX
Power
Supply
ATX power
connector
Floppy / IDE
connectors
close to
peripheral
bays