Hallmark claims BTX first

Hallmark Computer International claimed it was the first supplier to start shipping a computer that uses Intel’s latest Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) design concept.

BTX improves system cooling by aligning the hottest components -- the CPU, chipset and graphics card -- in a way that they are cooled by a front-to-back airflow produced by one large RPM fan that also acts as a CPU fan.

The result is a more efficient cooling design that no longer requires multiple chipset fans, graphics card fans and chassis fans, said Phil McIntosh, CTO at Hallmark.

Hallmark’s new Viewmaster Advantage 6000 Series desktop PC employs this design, which reduces noise. “Acoustically, a classroom is rated at 45dBA [and] a quiet office at 40dBA,” he said.

“Given that, a decrease of 3dBA means that the volume has halved. The 30dBA approximate level produced by the BTX system equates to about a 90 percent noise reduction of the quietest office -– in other words you can’t even hear if the system is switched on,” he said.

Users today want faster machines in smaller chassis which in reality causes the PC to get too hot, resulting in premature failure of systems and components, Hallmark said.