The smallest socketed motherboard available, debuted by Intel

How small can a motherboard get? Intel have the answer with their new 5×5 motherboard standard for ultra-compact PCs.

In terms of size, Intel’s 5×5 motherboard sits between mini-ITX and the Intel NUC in relation to dimensions and overall functionality.

This new motherboard is 29% smaller than mini-ITX at around 147x140mm, which means that this is the tiniest socketed board available to the public.

The board has a socket which fits LGA processors, with 2 SODIMM memory channels, 2.5-inch SATA drive or M.2 solid state drive support, and supports wired and wireless connectivity.

Beyond this, the Intel’s 5×5 board provides scalability for Celeron to Core processors, with support for both 35W and 65W TDP CPUs. Intel further argues that despite the board’s small size, it offers the same CPU upgradeability as a normal desktop.

However, it must be noted that you won’t be able to have a full length PCIe slot with this board making it difficult to add a PCIe graphics card. We’re also unsure exactly which LGA socket Intel is employing, so we’re looking forward to that announcement.

On a side note, a fixed CPU XY location is included with the motherboard as part of the standard, which makes incorporating integrated cooling systems slightly easier in a new build.

At present, there are no details about the board’s pricing and availability. According to Digital Trends, the 5×5 may not be a consumer product at all and perhaps could be used by device manufacturers.

If the 5×5 motherboard did see a release, what would you use it for? Tell us what you would do with it.

We can already imagine a number of ultra-compact emulator and media PCs, and that’s but a few practical applications.