Pico-ITX is a motherboard form factor defined by the VESA standard, measuring a mere 100 x 72 mm (3.9 x 2.8 inches). It is the smallest standardized x86 and ARM motherboard format, designed for ultra-compact and space-constrained embedded systems. These boards offer a complete PC architecture in a footprint that is 75% smaller than Mini-ITX, enabling integration into applications where size, low power consumption, and reliability are paramount. While the core components (CPU, RAM, storage) are typically soldered onto the board for durability, they provide essential I/O like USB, Ethernet, and display outputs, often requiring system-on-module (SoM) or carrier board designs for full functionality.

Key specifications for Pico-ITX platforms include extremely low Thermal Design Power (TDP), often between 6W and 12W, which enables completely fanless, silent operation. Common processors range from Intel Atom, Celeron, and Core U-series to ARM-based chips from manufacturers like NXP or Rockchip. Memory is usually soldered LPDDR4 or DDR4, with storage provided via eMMC or M.2 slots for NVMe or SATA SSDs. Despite their size, these boards support modern interfaces like Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.2, HDMI/DisplayPort, and often feature wide-range DC power input (9-36V) for industrial environments.

The primary use cases for Pico-ITX systems are in embedded and IoT applications where minimal footprint is critical. This includes digital signage, kiosks, and interactive displays; in-vehicle computing for transportation and logistics; portable medical devices and diagnostic equipment; and lightweight edge computing nodes for data acquisition and control. Their fanless design makes them ideal for dusty or sensitive environments, while their low power draw allows for deployment in remote or battery-powered scenarios.

Thinvent Pico-ITX and Ultra-Compact Solutions

While Thinvent specializes in complete, ruggedized systems, our product philosophy aligns perfectly with the demands of Pico-ITX applications: extreme reliability, compact form factors, and efficient thermal management. Our range of Industrial PCs and Mini PCs utilize modern, low-power Intel and ARM processors in housings designed for 24/7 operation. For projects requiring the absolute smallest footprint, our Thin Client series, such as the Micro 5 and Micro 6 Pro, offer ARM-based, fanless designs with soldered memory and storage that mirror the integration and durability of Pico-ITX modules. For more demanding compute tasks in a small package, our Treo and Aero Mini PC lines feature efficient Intel processors like the N100 and Core i3, providing x86 performance in compact, versatile chassis suitable for embedded integration. We provide solutions that deliver the core benefits of Pico-ITX—size, power efficiency, and reliability—in fully tested, application-ready systems.