Micro ATX Vs ATX: Which Is Best Fit for Your Need?

Motherboards arrive in a range of distinct dimensions and designs; however there are 2 which we discuss here that are popular for PC: Micro ATX Vs ATX. They vary not just in dimension!

In this material, we’ll take a glance at both motherboard kinds and eventually make a decision which is finest for whom.

The Size:-

The most obvious and most noticeable difference is the physical size of the board. E-ATX or Extended ATX (305 × 330 mm) motherboards have larger dimensions, then ATX (305 × 244 mm), Micro-ATX or mATX (244 × 244 mm).

Compatibility:-

First of all, compatibility with the case is important, which also has its own classification: Full Tower, Midi Tower, Mini Tower, etc. As a rule, computer cases are installed under several board options at once. So, in the Mini Tower case, Micro-ATX is placed. But you won’t be able to install a standard ATX board.

If you want to build a compact system, then you need Micro-ATX motherboard. The advantage of a large case is better ventilation, the ability to install a tall cooler or a bulky water cooling system. That is, a large body can simply hold the most of everything. Whether, it is hard drives or three video cards.

In general, serious cooling is not needed for an office computer, so a compact format is perfect. But for a powerful gaming or work computer, you need to choose models with good airflow especially if the hardware is over-clocked.

Functionality:-

Despite the fact that smaller boards cannot be fully considered flawed or cut down, they are still limited in functionality. Primarily because of the physical size: in order to reduce the size, you have to sacrifice slots on the motherboard.

Micro-ATX boards have fewer PCI-Express slots, so a massive video card (and modern gaming solutions are all like that) will completely block them. And even if you install, for example, a sound card will work, it will be installed close to the hot video card. This is generally not a problem, but there is little good here either.

Thus, it turns out that Micro-ATX board allows you to install nothing but a video card. If you do not need additional equipment, then this cannot be called a disadvantage. Here everyone chooses individually: compact size or additional slots.

Price:-

There is a difference in price between ATX and Micro-ATX, but it is not always significant. However, if you are looking to build a less expensive computer, chances are, the minimum prices will be for Micro-ATX motherboards.

As for Mini-ITX boards, the price range for them is quite large. You can find both expensive models and more affordable ones. Another thing is that the choice is generally less than that of ATX and Micro-ATX.

Over-clocking Capabilities & Performance:-

The motherboard format itself. Everything is decided by the quality of the element base, radiators, firmware features, the number of power phases, the use of a chipset, etc. A Micro-ATX motherboard from a gaming series can be much better than an office model of the ATX standard.