Logic Supply has unveiled what it's calling the world's first case for Via's tiny, Linux-compatible pico-ITX motherboard. The fanless Serener GS-L08 is equipped with a 2.5-inch hard drive bay and a heat pipe, yet measures only 5.8 x 2.0 x 4.3 inches.

The black, steel Serener GS-L08 is cooled with a heat pipe connected to machined aluminum heat sink and chassis fins, says distributor Logic Supply. Its front controls include four USB 2.0 ports, an S/PDIF digital audio out port, speaker and mic jacks, and a power button. The back panel is equipped with Ethernet, VGA, and RS-232 ports.

The GS-L08, front and back

The GS-L08 is designed to fit boards in the 3.8 x 2.8-inch pico-ITX format originated by Via. Pico-ITX boards are half the size of nano-ITX boards, which in turn are half the size of mini-ITX.

Via's incredible shrinking motherboard
(Click to enlarge)

Currently, there's only one pico-ITX form-factor motherboard: Via's PX10000G. Fortunately, the GS-L08 works with this board, according to Logic Supply.

Via's PX10000G pico-ITX motherboard
(Click any view to enlarge)

Based on a 1GHz Via C7 processor, the PX10000G supports up to 1GB of DDR2 533 SDRAM via an SO-DIMM socket. It's also equipped with Via's VX700 “system media processor,” featuring UniChrome Pro II IGP 3D/2D graphics, MPEG-2/-4 acceleration, and WMV9 hardware decoding.

According to Logic Supply, the GS-L08/PX10000G combination is “excellent for embedded applications and remote deployments.” With digital audio out, the silent system is also a natural for hobbyist applications like the ultimate Linux-based MP3 server, which was originally based on Serener's GS-L05 for mini-ITX boards. Whereas nano-ITX products remain expensive, mainly targeting industrial users, pico-ITX may like mini-ITX prove to be a popular form factor with tinkerers.

Logic Supply lists the following key specs for the Serener GS-L08 chassis:

• Dimensions — 5.77 x 1.97 x 4.29 inches (146.5 mm x 50.0 mm x 109.0 mm)
• Hard Drive Bay — 2.5-inch HDD
• Front panel ports — 4 x USB 2.0; 1 x S/PDIF port; speaker jack; mic jack; power button
• Back panel ports — 1 x RS-232 COM; 1 x LAN; 1 x VGA port
• Operating temperature — 0 to 40 degrees C
• Power supply — built-in 120W pico DC converter; external 60W AC adapter (brick)
• Other — IDE cable; power supply and cord

Availability

U.S. distributor Logic Supply plans to ship the Serener GS-L08 in mid-December, priced at $140. The PX10000G currently sell for about $230. The Serener GS-L08 chassis is also sold in volume by Championsail.

 
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