Advantech AIMB-U117 Desktop Motherboard - Intel Chipset, Socket BGA-1296, UTX

Discover compact, reliable performance with the Advantech AIMB-U117 Desktop Motherboard. Designed for rugged embedded and mini-desktop applications, this board brings together an Intel chipset, a BGA-1296 socket, and an ultra-efficient Intel Atom platform to deliver steady, low-power computing in tight spaces. The AIMB-U117 is ideal for industrial automation, digital signage, thin clients, and compact kiosks where space is at a premium but dependable connectivity and multimedia support are non-negotiable. Built to withstand demanding environments, it combines a fanless-friendly footprint with essential I/O and display options to power a wide range of workloads without sacrificing reliability or scalability. Whether you’re deploying multiple units in a production line, powering a small-scale digital signage network, or building a compact gateway, the AIMB-U117 offers a balanced blend of performance, efficiency, and flexible connectivity.

• Compact engineering, robust connectivity: The AIMB-U117 is built around a space-saving UTX form factor with integrated Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and a single SATA interface, enabling sleek, space-efficient builds without compromising essential I/O options.
• Efficient Intel Atom performance: Powered by Intel Atom x5-E3930 (1.3 GHz) with support for the quad-core E3950 (1.6 GHz), this motherboard delivers solid performance for embedded and entry-level desktop tasks while keeping power consumption low for always-on deployments.
• Memory and storage that scale with your needs: Supports up to 8 GB DDR3L SDRAM in a single SoDIMM slot, providing enough headroom for everyday applications, small databases, and edge computing tasks. A dedicated SATA interface offers straightforward, reliable storage options.
• Multimedia-ready outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort outputs give you flexible display configurations for single or multi-monitor setups, ideal for dashboards, control rooms, or customer-facing interfaces where clear visuals are essential.
• Industrial-grade reliability in a small package: With a rugged design and Intel chipset support, the AIMB-U117 is engineered for stability in demanding environments, offering consistent performance for automation, signage, and compact PCs in manufacturing and field deployments.

Technical Details of Advantech AIMB-U117

• Processor support: Intel Atom E3950 (Quad-core, 1.6 GHz) and E3930 (Dual-core, 1.3 GHz) processors supported via Socket BGA-1296.
• Chipset: Intel chipset designed for reliable embedded and industrial performance.
• Socket: Socket BGA-1296 (Integrated CPU package on the board).
• Form factor: UTX-based desktop motherboard for compact, space-saving deployments.
• Memory: Up to 8 GB DDR3L SDRAM, implemented as a SoDIMM module with 1 x memory slot.
• Storage: 1 x SATA interface for solid-state or mechanical drives, enabling simple, dependable data storage.
• Graphics/Video outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort for flexible display connections and multi-monitor configurations.
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet for fast, stable network connectivity in industrial and office environments.
• Expansion and I/O: Core I/O includes HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA, and Ethernet with minimal expansion options suitable for compact builds.
• RAM type and capacity: DDR3L SDRAM; maximum 8 GB to balance power efficiency with application needs.

How to Install Advantech AIMB-U117

Note: The AIMB-U117 uses a BGA-1296 CPU package, so there is no user-installable processor. The installation focuses on memory, storage, and peripherals to complete your compact system.

• Prepare the motherboard and environment: Handle the board on an ESD-safe surface. Verify you have a compatible power supply and the required peripherals (RAM, SATA storage, display cables).
• Install memory: Insert the DDR3L SDRAM module into the single SoDIMM slot. Ensure the module is fully seated and locked by the retention clips. Confirm that the module is rated for the required speed and voltage (DDR3L) and that the total capacity does not exceed 8 GB.
• Connect storage: Attach your SATA storage device to the 1 x SATA interface. Secure the drive and route data and power cables to minimize interference with other components. If using an SSD for OS boot, place it where it won’t obstruct airflow or access.
• Attach display and peripherals: Connect your monitor(s) to HDMI and/or DisplayPort. If you plan to use multiple displays, configure them in your operating system or BIOS/UEFI settings after initial boot.
• Power up and configure: Connect the power supply and boot the system. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to configure boot order, memory timings (if needed), and any platform-specific settings required by your OS or application.
• Install the operating system and drivers: Install your preferred operating system, such as a lightweight Linux distribution or Windows IoT/Embedded edition. After OS installation, update firmware and drivers to ensure compatibility with HDMI, DisplayPort, and network interfaces.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What CPUs are compatible with the AIMB-U117?
  A: The AIMB-U117 supports Intel Atom processors in the E3950 (quad-core, 1.6 GHz) and E3930 (dual-core, 1.3 GHz) range via the BGA-1296 socket. The CPU is integrated onto the board, so no user-made CPU installation is required beyond selecting the supported processors through the device configuration.
• Q: How much memory can I install?
  A: The board supports up to 8 GB of DDR3L SDRAM in a single SoDIMM slot. This setup is suitable for lightweight industrial tasks, edge computing, and compact desktop workloads while favoring energy efficiency.
• Q: What display outputs are available?
  A: The AIMB-U117 provides both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, enabling versatile display configurations, multi-monitor setups, and compatibility with modern peripherals and digital signage.
• Q: How many SATA drives can I connect?
  A: The board includes 1 x SATA interface for storage. You can connect a solid-state drive or a traditional HDD, depending on your space and performance needs.
• Q: Is this motherboard suitable for industrial use?
  A: Yes. The AIMB-U117 is designed for embedded and industrial environments, offering a compact footprint, reliable connectivity, and support for industrial-grade display and networking features that fit in automation, kiosk, and control-system deployments.
• Q: Do I need to install a CPU separately?
  A: No. The CPU for the AIMB-U117 comes in a BGA package soldered to the motherboard or integrated on the board’s design as specified. Users focus on memory, storage, and peripheral connections rather than CPU installation.