Albatron KI690-AM2 is the name of the world’s most powerful mini-ITX motherboard, a statement we can’t really deny. We heard about the motherboard two weeks ago and now Albatron has launched it, in due time before CeBIT. Most mini-ITX motherboards are designed to be really power efficient, and at the same time mediocrely performing, processors like VIA’s C series. Measuring only 17x17cm there is hardly anyone who can blame the mini-ITX manufacturers for that and the minimalistic systems the motherboards are used with usually requires lower power consumption and heat dissipation. This is not the case with Albatron KI690-AM2.
The motherboard namely uses the AMD RS690 chipset and supports AMD’s Socket AM2 platform. This has been done with a motherboard just a few centimeters bigger than a CD case. Albatron claims that the motherboard has been tailor-made for MediaCenter computers (HTPCs) where the integrated Radeon X1250 graphics circuit and support for Windows Vista offers a complete work environment.
“You needn’t worry about connectivity. You can attach all of your multimedia devices using up to two IEEE 1394 ports or using up to eight USB 2.0 ports. This board is fully equipped for rich, high quality audio featuring 7.1 HD Audio Effects (8 channels). In addition, the KI690-AM2 supports audio devices requiring SPDIF connectors.”
We’ve seen several manufacturers launching motherboards of small formats but rich with features. Still, we can’t help being impressed by Albatron’s mini-ITX motherboard which we certainly hope to hear more about.
