Mini ITX Vs Micro ATX: A Difference

Anyone interested in assembling or repairing a computer will need a motherboard and case. Buying motherboards and cases, however, results in a variety of options ranging from ATX and ITX motherboards of various types. These motherboards vary in performance, cost, and form factor (shape and size).

It’s important to note that differences in form factor also determine which chassis fit the motherboard.

Reviewing motherboards and cases, and understanding the Mini ITX Vs Micro ATX can help you determine which parts are best for your build. We’ll look at the differences and then go over some of your best options that you could buy.

Is Micro ATX The Same As Mini ITX?

Size is a particular difference between standard ATX, micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. Industry sizes for everyone:

• Standard ATX: 12.0 “x 9.6”
• Micro-ATX (m-ATX): 9.6 “x 9.6”
• Mini-ITX (m-ITX): 6.7 “x 6.7”

Standard ATX motherboards are larger in size, allowing them to have more PCIe lanes. This means that standard ATX motherboards are best suited for use with mobile GPUs or computers that use multiple PCIe input devices.

Micro-ATX motherboards are similar to standard ATX motherboards, but Micro-ATX boards are several inches shorter. The advantages of micro-ATX are that these motherboards fit into smaller form factor cases when needed.

Mini-ITXs are even smaller motherboards that are shorter in length and height than micro-ATX and standard ATX. Micro-ITXs usually have one PCIe lane and are found with much more compact chassis.

What Is The Difference Between ITX And ATX?

The differences between ITX and ATX are in the size, construction of the PCIe lane, and the amount of RAM. In turn, these differences determine what type of PC you can use for your motherboard. For example, VIA Technologies initially developed ITX for employ in small PCs, and ITX have fewer RAM than other motherboards. Intel designed ATX for building PCs with a single GPU, and it has more RAM than other miniature motherboards.

The main differences between the Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards are as follows:

Micro-ATX

General Pros:

• Great for single GPU PC builds
• Higher RAM capacity than mini-ITX
• Suitable for many occasions
• Very affordable

Common Cons:

• Not ideal for over-clocking
• Not suitable for mobile devices with GPUs.

Mini-ITX

General Pros:

• Ideal for small enclosures
• Aesthetically pleasing (for small enclosures)

Common Cons:

• Not ideal for over-clocking
• Usually only has two RAM slots maximum
• Not suitable for mobile devices with GPUs.

Does Mini ITX Fit In An ATX Case?

From a technical point of view, motherboards of any size are in a larger case. In large cases, you can link standard, medium and small motherboards. However, perhaps a visual point of view might require a mini-ITX motherboard in a large case.

While you can fit small motherboards into large cases, it is important to note that the reverse scenario is not possible. In other words, you cannot fit ATX motherboards in a micro-ATX case, and you cannot fit ATX and micro-ATX motherboards in a mini-ITX case.