Form factor is a hardware design aspect that defines and prescribes the size, shape, and other physical specifications of components, particularly in electronics . ^{[1] [2]} A form factor may represent a broad class of similarly sized components, or it may prescribe a specific standard. It may also define an entire system, as in a computer form factor.

Evolution and standardization [ edit ]

As electronic hardware has become smaller following Moore's law and related patterns, ever-smaller form factors have become feasible. Specific technological advances, such as PCI Express , have had a significant design impact, though form factors have historically evolved slower than individual components. Standardization of form factors is vital for hardware compatibility between different manufacturers.

Trade-offs [ edit ]

Smaller form factors may offer more efficient use of limited space, greater flexibility in the placement of components within a larger assembly, reduced use of material, and greater ease of transportation and use. However, smaller form factors typically incur greater costs in the design , manufacturing , and maintenance phases of the engineering lifecycle , and do not allow the same expansion options as larger form factors. In particular, the design of smaller form-factor computers and network equipment must entail careful consideration of cooling . ^[3] End-user maintenance and repair of small form-factor electronic devices such as mobile phones is often not possible, and may be discouraged by warranty voiding clauses; such devices require professional servicing?or simply replacement?when they fail. ^[4]

Examples [ edit ]

Computer form factors comprise a number of specific industry standards for motherboards , specifying dimensions, power supplies , placement of mounting holes and ports , and other parameters. Other types of form factors for computers include:

• Small form factor (SFF), a more loosely defined set of standards that may refer to both motherboards and computer cases . SFF devices include mini-towers and home theater PCs .
• Pizza box form factor , a wide, flat case form factor used for computers and network switches; often sized for installation in a 19-inch rack .
• All-in-one PC
• "Lunchbox" portable computer

Components [ edit ]

• Hard disk drive form factors , the physical dimensions of a computer hard drive
• Hard disk enclosure form factor , the physical dimensions of a computer hard drive enclosure
• Motherboard form factor , the physical dimensions of a computer motherboard
• Memory module form factors

Mobile form factors [ edit ]

• Laptop or notebook , a form of portable computer with a clamshell design .
• Subnotebook , ultra-mobile PC , netbook , and tablet computer , various form factors for devices that are smaller and often cheaper than a typical notebook.
• Mobile phone , including a wide range of sizes and layouts. Broad categories of form factors include bars, flip phones , and sliders, with many subtypes and variations. ^[5] Also include phablets (small tablets) and industrial handheld devices. ^[5]
• Stick PC , a single-board computer in a small elongated casing resembling a stick

See also [ edit ]

• Computer hardware
• Electronic packaging
• Packaging engineering
• List of computer size categories
• List of integrated circuit package dimensions

Notes [ edit ]

References [ edit ]