[Updated Jan. 3] — Mini-ITX distributor Logic Supply is shipping a mini-ITX case claimed to be the smallest available. The Serener GS-L05 measures 7.4 x 7.2 x 3 inches, uses heat pipes for passive cooling, and works with nine available Via- and Intel-based mini-ITX boards.

(Click for larger view of GS-L05)

Logic says the GS-L05 targets harsh, demanding, or remote environments, and can be combined with commodity mini-ITX boards to build systems that cost less than those based on form factors tailored for embedded applications.

The GS-L05 has a steel chassis and extruded aluminum top panel. Heat pipe technology connects the processor with the top panel, which serves as a heat-sink.

Because of its heat pipe technology, Logic does not recommend the GS-L05 case for novice users. However, the company plans to offer a full line of pre-assembled and tested “SolidLogic” systems that use the case.

The GS-L05's back panel has a half-height PCI slot and drilling for optional power switch

Although barely larger than a mini-ITX board, the case sports a half-height PCI expansion port, and is also available with an optional rear-panel-mounted power button. Without the button, the system must be booted initially via an on-board jumper, then configured in the BIOS to start when power is connected.

The GS-L05 has room for a 2.5-inch (laptop-sized) hard drive, but can also be configured with CompactFlash for solid-state operation, Logic says.

Additional touted features include:

• Black-box looks
• Mounting brackets
• Maximum operating temperature of 97 degrees F (36 degrees C)
• 7.4 x 7.2 x 3 (190 x 184 x 76mm)

President Roland Groeneveld stated, “Engineers can choose a board with the functionality, performance and speed they require and marry it with this case to create a highly compact, fanless solution that is ideal for a range of embedded and industrial applications.”

Availability

The GS-L05 is available now, direct from Logic Supply, priced at $219. It is available with 60-, 80-, or 120-Watt DC-DC converters.

The GS-L05 case will also be available shortly as one component of complete “SolidLogic GS-L05” systems, to be available pre-assembled and tested from Logic Supply. The SolidLogic systems will mate the Serener GS-L05 case with the customer's choice of boards. Currently, nine boards are undergoing testing, including Via's Epia M, Epia ML, Epia MII, Epia EN, and Epia CN; Emphase's EP330; Commell's LV-675D and LV-677; and Phylon's 7F2WE.

Logic Supply also offers software integration and development services around its mini-ITX systems. These services include Linux kernel porting, filesystem creation, and soon, application development services, according to Sales Director Scott Hayden. He said, “We're growing from distribution into the full-range embedded service provider market.”

More than half of Logic's mini-ITX customers use Linux, Hayden added.

 
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