Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) Channel Resource Center

Proof-of-Concept Reference Designs based on Balanced Technology Extended (BTX)

Intel has developed two reference designs to demonstrate design techniques that result in a successful implementation of a system based on the Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) form-factor specification. The systems based on these reference designs show proof-of-concept, and are not expected to be offered as products for sale in any channels by Intel, however Intel may offer components similar to those featured in these reference designs.

Intel® 12.9-Liter Reference Design
Slim Tower Desktop System

Intel has designed and validated a 12.9-liter BTX specification-based system that meets next-generation Intel® processor and high-performance PCI Express* graphics requirements at 4.0 bels, a measurement of sound power.**

Intel® 6.9-Liter Reference Design
Ultra-small Form-factor Desktop System

Intel has designed and is in the process of validating a 6.9-liter picoBTX-based system that meets next generation Intel® processor requirements at 4.0 bels, a measurement of sound power.**

For more detail on these reference designs, see page 2 of the Introduction to BTX Brochure.

** About "Sound Power"
Sound Power and Sound Pressure are two measures of the noise generated by any noise source and set of noise sources. Sound Power is, in essence, the average of noise in all directions, whereas Sound Pressure is noise in a particular direction. For Desktop computer systems, Sound Pressure is typically measured at a location directly in front of the system termed the Seated Operator Position. Since the directional noise characteristics of each Desktop system will vary with each design, Sound Pressure is not the most relevant characteristic to compare its acoustic performance, since some system designs may have very high Sound Pressure in directions other than the Seated Operator Position. The use of the Sound Power characteristic ensures a thorough, appropriate, and relevant comparison of Desktop systems.