ATX Vs MATX Vs ITX: Let’s Find the Differences

Hardware standardization is one of the biggest strengths of desktop computers. You can mix and match parts with the contents of the heart. However not every mainboard has the similar physical size. There are different form factors for different types of computers.

Different Standards:-

Similar to other computer components, mainboards have consistent form factors, counting ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. Almost every home computer motherboard from your local computer store or online store will be in one of these variants.

Standardization means you can easily find a motherboard that has a processor, RAM, power supply and storage. It also opens options for desktop computer cases. Many cases support all three major motherboard sizes. Mounting points are drilled in the appropriate places, and adequate space is available for the rear ports and the accompanying I / O shield that cover them.

It’s a nice thing, but to decide which motherboard is right for you, you need to consider ATX Vs MATX Vs ITX for things like your computer space and experience and performance needs.

ATX Vs MATX Vs ITX:-

Form Factors:-

ATX: – Intel created the ATX form factor and first introduced it in 1995. For almost 25 years, ATX design has been the predominant form factor for home and office computers.

The largest of the three motherboard sizes we look at, the ATX measures 12 inches by 9.6 inches. The specification requires that all ATX motherboards have this size. It also specifies the locations of the mount points, I / O panel, power connectors, and all other connection interfaces.

MATX: – However, not everyone wants an ATX-sized motherboard, especially if the goal is to make it more compact. Micro ATX cards, which measure only 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches. Akin to larger ATX mainboards, the normal decide what every decisive point must be.

MITX: – Finally, the Mini-ITX, presented in 2001, is the miniature of all, measuring 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches.

PCIe Slots:-

ATX: – ATX motherboards have the highest extensibility. They usually have six (or fewer) PCIe slots for things like graphics, sound, and network cards. Conversely, there are extended ATX cards (or EATX) that have 7 PCIe slots, however they are designed for game lovers and servers and are beyond the range of this article.

Micro ATX & MITX: – Micro ATX can have up to four PCIe slots, while Mini-ITX has only one for a graphics card.

RAM:-

RAM is also limited on Mini-ITX. It has space for only two slots compared to four on ATX or Micro ATX cards. But, this does not signify that Mini-ITX cards cannot have a well amount of RAM. For example, if you want 32 GB of RAM, simply put two 16 GB modules on it, while the other two motherboards complement them with 8 GB modules.

For Gaming:-

ATX is great, but there’s no reason to stay away from a Micro ATX if you’re a beginner and want something more compact. Mini-ITX is the “hardest” of the three for gaming, as there is very little space inside the case. You can create a solid gaming PC with a Mini-ITX, but you need to carefully consider the free space for your graphics card, airflow, and cooling. There is not much space in a dedicated Mini-ITX case, especially compared to a full ATX case.

Christophe Rude
Christophe Rude
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