[newzhunter]

With Intel restricting its Atom processor to only be used with mini-ITX-based motherboards, mini-ITX chassis are expected to see a surge in demand in June, according to sources in the channel.

In order to make a clear separation between nettop products and traditional entry-level PCs, Intel only allows Atom processors to be used with mini-ITX motherboards, limiting the platform with a lack of PCI Express and only a single DIMM slot for up to 2GB DDR2 memory.

Since demand for mini-ITX motherboards is likely to increase with Intel's push of nettop products, the sources expect mini-ITX motherboard pricing toe a significant drop, as will those for corresponding chassis.

Currently, Asustek Computer and Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) are already confirmed to launch nettop products in June, while the sources expect PC vendors including Shuttle, Acer and Dell to enter the market with products too.

http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20080505PD201.html

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