When you are looking to build a new computer, there are two major motherboard form factors that you will need to choose from. The first one is ATX, and the second one is microATX. This blog post discusses the difference between these two types of motherboards so that you can make an educated decision on which type of board you want for your next PC!
ATX Vs. MicroATX
If you are looking for a motherboard that offers plenty of expansion options, then the ATX form factor is the right choice for you. However, if you want a motherboard that is more compact and uses less power, then the microATX form factor is a better option. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which motherboard type is best for your needs.
When building a new computer, the two major form factors that you will need to choose from are ATX or microATX. The larger of these is called ATX and was first introduced by Intel in 1995. This board measures 305 x 244mm which makes it slightly larger than microATX boards.
One advantage of using an ATX board is that it can accommodate more expansion slots. There are seven different expansion slot types that board within the ATX form factor support, and this allows for plenty of flexibility when choosing components such as graphics cards and hard drives.
The second most popular motherboard type is called microATX, or µATX. It was introduced in 1997 by Intel as a smaller version of the ATX form factor, which means that it is slightly different than ATX boards. The microATX board measures 244 x 244mm and this makes it significantly shorter compared to ATX motherboards.
The advantage of using a µATX motherboard over an ATX motherboard is that they are often cheaper. Additionally, microATX boards consume less power and can be used in smaller cases.
Ultimately it is up to you which one you want for your next PC build! If you need expansion options then the ATX form factor is right for you. If however, you want a smaller board that uses less power then the microATX form factor is for you!
What is ATX?
The ATX form factor is the most popular motherboard form factor in use today. It was first introduced by Intel in 1995 and has been used in countless PCs since then. The ATX board measures 305 x 244mm, which makes it slightly larger than microATX boards.
One of the main advantages of using an ATX board is that it can accommodate more expansion slots than a microATX board. There are seven different expansion slot types that board within the ATX form factor support, and this allows for plenty of flexibility when choosing components such as graphics cards and hard drives.
What is MicroATX?
The second most popular motherboard type is called microATX, or µATX. It was introduced in 1997 by Intel as a smaller version of the ATX form factor, which means that it is slightly different than ATX boards. The microATX board measures 244 x 244mm, and this makes it significantly shorter compared to ATX motherboards
One advantage of using a µATX motherboard over an ATX motherboard is that they are often cheaper. Additionally, microATX boards consume less power and can be used in smaller cases.
Difference Between ATX Vs. MicroATX
- ATX is larger than microATX
- microATX boards are less expensive than ATX boards
- microATX boards consume less power and can be used in smaller cases
- microATX has fewer expansion slots than ATX does. There are only four different expansion slot types that a microATX board supports, compared to seven that ATX boards support
- ATX offers more flexibility when it comes to choosing components, such as graphics cards and hard drives. There are seven different types of expansion slots in a standard ATX motherboard, compared to four in a microATX board. These include PCI Express x16 (the most flexible), PCI Express x12, PCI Express x11, PCI Express x16 (half-length), PCI, PCI Express x32 (not common), and AGP.
- microATX boards are not as commonly used as ATX boards so they might be harder to find in stores. If you’re looking for a specific microATX motherboard, your best bet is to search online.
- ATX boards are much more widely used than microATX boards, which means that there is a much larger variety of products (including cases and power supplies) designed for this form factor.
Conclusion
These are the main differences between ATX and microATX motherboards. ATX boards are larger than microATX boards. microATX boards are less expensive than ATX boards. microATX boards consume less power and can be used in smaller cases.As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to each one, so it is important to decide which type of motherboard is best for your needs.
If you need a board that offers plenty of expansion options, then go with an ATX form factor. If, however, you want a smaller board that uses less power than the microATX form factor is for you!