The physical benefits of the PC/104 architecture are promoted often. If you are a frequent PC/104 and Small Form Factors reader, then you know these benefits well: rugged stackable bus connectors, a small footprint with corner mounting holes, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) availability, and interoperability. Many of the PC/104 products on the market are also targeted for high-vibration and extended-temperature environments.

The history of the stackable PC/104 architecture is tightly coupled to the concept of building on the foundation of the PC market as defined by the major processor and peripheral chip manufacturers. This began with the ISA bus (PC/104), then the ISA and PCI buses together (PC/104-Plus), then the PCI bus only (PCI/104), and then the PCI and PCI Express buses together (PCI/104-Express).