- For computers form factors both larger and smaller than desktop personal computers, see list of computer size categories.
In
computing, the
form factor is the specification of a
motherboard – the dimensions, power supply type, location of mounting holes, number of ports on the back panel, etc. Specifically, in the
IBM PC compatible industry, standard form factors ensure that parts are interchangeable across competing vendors and generations of technology, while in enterprise computing, form factors ensure that server modules fit into existing
rackmount systems. Traditionally, the most significant specification is for that of the motherboard, which generally dictates the overall size of the
case.
Small form factors have been developed and implemented.