AMD's DTX Sneak peak

Anandtech
Tech Report
Hot Hardware

So, having read only the Anandtech article I have to say I think Anandtech is becoming less and less relevant to my interests.

From the conclusion said:

Because DTX motherboards have the same mounting hole locations as ATX boards, motherboard makers could just as easily standardize on DTX instead of micro-ATX. The motivation being that with DTX motherboards, end users have the ability to build small form factor PCs without resorting to expensive custom cases. The problem is that the argument for DTX, much like the one for BTX, is a classic chicken and egg scenario. While it may be easier for motherboard makers to make DTX boards than it was to produce BTX boards, the motivation just isn't there if there are no DTX cases. At the same time, there won't be any DTX cases if there are no DTX motherboards, and thus we have the same problem we had when BTX was first introduced - albeit not as severe.

If DTX does become successful then we will run into another problem: further fragmentation of PC form factors. BTX won't go away given its prevalence in the OEM market today, it will simply be augmented by ATX and DTX, which is something motherboard makers wouldn't be particularly eager to entertain.

Don't mistake our cautious skepticism for a lack of appreciation; we are excited about the idea of being able to have a wide variety of cases and motherboards to choose from, all based on the same standard. It would be great to be able to build small form factor PCs using standard components just like the OEMs can, but given that BTX hasn't been able to achieve such ubiquity it's difficult to believe that DTX can. ITX has had pockets of success, but it's far from widely used, DTX needs to do better than that.

It's nice to see a working DTX reference design, but as with BTX, it'll be at least a couple of years before we can measure success. There's also the argument that instead of motherboard makers producing DTX boards, they should simply focus on bringing micro and picoBTX solutions to the channel. These boards are already in use on the OEM side, so why not offer them to all?

Click to expand...

Wait. Why is not having any DTX cases a problem when DTX was developed as an augmentation to the ATX spec and that all DTX boards will fit ATX and MATX cases? Just because it's not a "DTX case" doesn't mean I can't use a DTX mobo in it. So, Anand, why can't I buy a DTX mobo and pickup an old Aria, Minuet, any other tiny MATX case and use it?

Anand tries to make several comparisons between DTX and BTX but he seems to fail in seeing what he already mentioned: no one wanted BTX (other then Intel) because BTX means having to get a different mobo and a different case. BTX was a heavy invest while DTX is pretty much a drop in replacement for an ATX mobo. Mobo and case makers don't need to retool their systems for a completely different standard (BTX) which would still be the problem if they took the advice to push micro and Pico BTX boards.

So how does micro/Pico BTX boards make any more sense then DTX when they still suffer from having to support two completely different standards (BTX/ATX) when DTX works with the current standard?

The comparison to Mini ITX is a better but even then ITX has made it's own problems. If only it was possible to find an AM2 or LGA775 ITX mobo with pretty decent features priced under $150, hell I'd take one priced at $180 but it's a PITA to find any decent ITX board under $250. If DTX boards were priced better ($100 and under, Why the hell would I go DTX if I could get an good/decent MATX for $70-80 or under?) and the only real difference between it and it's MATX/ATX cousins is the size then it gives anyone no reason not to go with a DTX system.

DTX is FlexATX – AMD ripped off an existing standard to try to fuel growth in a niche channel and claim their own. BTX failed because it was a ridiculous idea. FlexATX might experience some increase in popularity among enthusiasts and case makers if AMD or Shuttle start selling boards for it.

I keep saying this, but 3 slots is the magic number. 2 slots for a dual slot video card and 1 for expansion, plus it makes for squarer front faces than the current Shuttle rectangles or overly wide microATX cases.

Interesting... I didn't know that FlextATX was an format based on the mATX. It was pushed by Intel though, and just like for the BTX, it didn't catch up. Was it maybe because Intel tend to push for non-open formats that bring only few advantages and benefit only themselves??? Did manufacturers have to pay Intel to use the FlexATX or BTX format? I think so...

On the opposite, it seems like AMD is offering a open format that will benefit many manufacturers and the consumer as well. Like... it's a real open format... something actually useful (but many consumers and manufacturers don't seem to get that). As a matter of fact, for what it's worth, it seems like AMD has gained support from many manufacturers. Does that prove something?

My take...

Still looks cool to me... though maybe because a good acquaintance at AMD is working on it... no prejudice here, nope no sir...