Micro ATX Vs ATX: What’s Your Preference & Need

When purchasing a computer, either as a pre-built unit or as individual parts, you will be faced with a somewhat confusing specification. It will state that the PC is “ATX” or “Micro ATX”, without really explaining what this means. Unluckily, these baffling abbreviations are extremely vital to recognize when buying for a PC. While getting the wrong type of PC won’t spell disaster for you, it could put a damper on any future PC plans you have.

As you might expect, there are many form factors, each designed to fit a specific role. Though, in this piece of writing, we only center on the ones you are mainly apt to come across when buying for a computer or mainboard: Micro ATX Vs ATX

Form Factor Specification:-

These acronyms refer to what is called the “form factor” of the motherboard. Mainboards can arrive in all forms and dimensions to fit a range of devices, from super-computers to cell phones. As such, it is necessary to differentiate all the different ways motherboards are made.

ATX:-

To begin with, let’s start with the “standard” size motherboard: the ATX. ATX stands for “Advanced Technology eXtended” and was appeared in 1995. If you own or have owned a full-size PC, chances are good that you have an ATX motherboard. This makes ATX the “usual” choice when buying a PC or motherboard.

Starting from ATX, motherboards get bigger or smaller. For larger size, you have the E-ATX (Extended ATX) motherboard, which adds more to the ATX board and is slightly larger as a result. Going the other way around, you has Micro ATX, which is smaller than ATX.

Micro ATX:-

Micro ATX is an option of choice for people who want smaller computers. Small PCs are great if you want something portable or as a server or media center that doesn’t take up a lot of space. Now keep in mind that parts are intended for ATX PCs may not fit in a miniature case.

In ordinary circumstance, a case intended for a precise form factor can also hold up smaller ones. Such as, ATX cases are frequently intended so they can also grasp Micro ATX mainboard. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing a PC case that is a different size than your motherboard.

PCIe Slots & RAM:-

If you alter from ATX to Micro ATX loses a few of the PCIe slots, which is where you insert extra components like your graphics card. ATX motherboards come with around 6 PCI slots (usually 3x PCI-E x16 and 3x PCI-E x1, however this can differ between models), while Micro ATX has around three (1x PCI-E x16 and 2x PCI-E x1). This means less space for additions like graphics, sound, capture, and network cards. Sometimes there will also be a decrease in RAM slots. ATX to Micro ATX can go from four slots to two, although this does not always happen. USB ports may also be affected as a result of the smaller board.