Avalue EMX-PTLP mini ITX board packs Intel Panther Lake-H CPU and PCIe 5.0 expansion

Intel's Panther Lake processors continue to make waves following their CES debut, with industrial PC manufacturer Avalue introducing an unexpected application: the EMX-PTLP mini ITX motherboard. This compact 170×170mm board integrates Intel's next-generation Panther Lake-H processor directly onto the PCB, bringing laptop-grade efficiency and performance to customizable small form factor systems.

The Panther Lake-H series represents Intel's upcoming Core Ultra Series 3 processors, featuring hybrid core architectures and Intel Arc B-Series integrated graphics. While primarily targeting laptops and mini PCs, this implementation unlocks unique possibilities. The EMX-PTLP supports configurations up to the flagship Core Ultra X7 358H processor with 12-core Intel Arc B390 Pro graphics – performance that Intel claims rivals entry-level discrete GPUs.

What sets this board apart is its expansion capabilities rarely seen in compact Panther Lake implementations:

• PCIe Gen 5 x8 Slot: The standout feature enables installation of discrete graphics cards, AI accelerators, high-speed networking cards, or other PCIe add-in boards. While not a full x16 slot, the x8 interface provides 32 GT/s bandwidth – sufficient for many modern GPUs when paired with Panther Lake's efficiency.
• Memory & Storage: Dual SODIMM slots support DDR5-6400/7200 memory, while storage includes both a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot and a PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot for NVMe SSDs.
• Industrial Connectivity: Includes two Gigabit/2.5GbE LAN ports (Intel i210AT or i226LM), three RS-232 ports, two RS-422/485 ports, and multiple USB ports (2x USB4 Type-C, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 3x USB 2.0).
• Multi-Display Support: With DisplayPort 1.4a, HDMI 2.1, and dual USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode, the board can drive up to four simultaneous displays.

Designed primarily for industrial applications like digital signage, kiosks, and edge computing, the EMX-PTLP's combination of Panther Lake efficiency and expansion flexibility makes it intriguing for enthusiasts building compact gaming or AI workstations. The board accepts standard ATX power supplies and fits any mini ITX case.

For developers targeting Panther Lake's architecture, this board provides an early hardware platform with full I/O exposure. The PCIe 5.0 x8 slot enables testing high-bandwidth peripherals with Intel's next-gen CPU, while industrial interfaces like RS-485 support embedded development scenarios.

Avalue hasn't announced pricing or availability, but industrial boards typically command premium pricing. As Panther Lake systems approach launch, this mini ITX implementation demonstrates unexpected flexibility for Intel's mobile-first architecture – particularly that PCIe 5.0 x8 slot enabling desktop-class expansion in a sub-7-inch form factor.