Just when you thought Mini-ITX would mean extremely compact system components for great HTPC builds, came in the limitations of integrated graphics and relatively weak processors. VIA for example, have had ITX boards for quite some time. Just that the features most essential for HTPC builds such as graphics capable of high-definition video output, processors capable of decoding them at acceptable rates lacked, and hence those older ITX solutions from VIA remained a niche solution for embedded computing or thin-clients.

Picture this: a Mini-ITX board, AM2+ socket, AMD 780G (one of the fastest integrated graphics embedded), four SATA II ports, video output as HDMI (with digital audio pass, HDCP compliant) DVI-D / D-Sub, 8-channel audio with SPDIF optical and co-axial pass, all rolled into one? Awesome, isn't it? Several sources point out that J&W Technology is planning the release of such a board next week, the MINIX-780G-SP128MB.According to the manufacturer, it features:

• Integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics
• Supports DirectX 10 3D graphics, Vista Aero Ready
• Supports AMD Phenom Quad-Core Processors (95W max.)
• Built-in 128 MB Local Frame Buffer (Side-port memory)
• Supports ATI Avivo HD technology and built-in Universal Video Decoder (UVD) which leverages CPU consumption when play HD movie, hence power-saving
• Designed with 100% high quality solid capacitors and components to ensure high performance and great longevity
• One PCI-E 2.0 slot for any PCI-E device
• Two DDR2 SO-DIMM slots for extensible upgrade
• Supports J&W iPartner Control Centre
• 7.1+2 Channel High-Performance HDA Codec with Content Protection

With even a basic AMD Sparta or Brisbane LW processor with low-profile cooling, you have the most powerful ITX solution ever made.