I get wanting rack mount, I get wanting pretty cases with all the ports on one side (like the Argon cases), I can even see the allure of a slightly bigger SBC such that all the ports are tracked out to one side, but I seem to be missing the point of why you would want to put it in a much bigger case.Given the popularity of ARM processors for the cloud along with Apple and Qualcomm's moves in the laptop market, I'd expect to see a variety of ARM-based mini PCs over the next couple years. Right now it should be possible to squeeze a Pi 5 into an ITX case. The main thing needed would be a suitable I/O plate with HDMI extension cables and an ITX power adapter. Since some people don't want too much do it yourself, is there a kit available for this?Much as I would like a Pi in a format which can nicely and easily fit into a traditional desktop mini-tower case I can't see the point. By the time you've made it a more standard format, added support for all the things one expects in a Desktop PC replacement, it's more expensive than a non-Pi equivalent, likely less powerful, and still less useful.
My Desktop Pi are likely to remain as an SBC tie-wrapped to the chassis with wires hanging out the back for some time to come.
As I understand it, a mini ITX motherboard is 170 mm x 170 mm (28900 mm2), whereas a Pi 5 is 86 mm × 56 mm (4816 mm2), or 1/6th the size. An Argon one, even with the ports all brought out to one side is 110 mm x 95 mm.
Why would I want vast tracks of wasted space? Feel free to explain it like I am 5.
Otoh, I completely agree that we are likely to see ARM based "mini" PCs.
Statistics: Posted by bjtheone — Thu Aug 08, 2024 5:20 pm