A motherboard is the most essential circuit board in a computer. It holds many of the crucial components of the system, such as the CPU, memory, and graphics card. There are three main motherboards sizes: micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX.
Mini ITX motherboards are the smallest and are best suited for small form factor cases or home theater PCs. They typically have just one expansion slot and often lack features like SATA ports and USB headers.
Micro ATX motherboards are slightly larger than mini ITX and offer more expansion slots. They’re a good choice for smaller builds and still fit in most cases.
However, ATX motherboards are the largest and offer the most features. They’re ideal for high-end builds, and most cases are designed to accommodate them. If you are building a new computer, you need to purchase a motherboard first, which is one of the most essential components of the computer. But, not all motherboards are the same in structure.
These motherboards can vary in size, features, and cost. One of the most crucial things that beginners struggle with is knowing the difference between motherboard form factors.
In this article, we will find out the difference between these motherboards. It should give you a better idea of which form factor motherboard is best for your needs.
Micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX: Size Comparison
There are many different factors to consider when it comes to PC building. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what size motherboard to choose.
There are three main sizes to choose from Mini ITX, ATX, and micro ATX. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to understand the differences before deciding.
This section will compare micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX motherboards and help you decide which one is right for you in size.
1) ATX Motherboard
ATX motherboards are the most significant and most common type of motherboard. They are designed for desktop PCs and typically have more features and ports than Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards.
The ATX motherboard size is about 12 inches wide and 9.6 inches long and usually has around 6-7 expansion slots and 2-4 RAM slots. These also have several ports, including USB ports, audio jacks, and video ports.
They are a good choice for people who want many features and ports. They’re also a good choice for people who want to build a high-end desktop PC.
2) Mini ITX Motherboard
Mini-ITX motherboard is a type of the smallest motherboards. They are designed for small form factor PCs and laptops and have a lot of features packed into a small package.
The mini ITX motherboards typically have better power efficiency than micro ATX motherboards. They also usually have smaller form factors, which can be essential to save space.
These motherboards are about 6.7 inches wide and 6.7 inches long. They usually have 2-3 expansion slots and 2 RAM slots. These motherboards also have several ports, including USB ports, audio jacks, and video ports.
They are a good choice for people who want a small PC or laptop. These motherboards are also a good choice for people who want a lot of features in a small package.
3) Micro ATX Motherboard
Micro ATX motherboards are the smallest type of motherboard that can be used in a desktop PC. These motherboards are designed for people who want a small PC without sacrificing features.
Micro ATX motherboard size is about 9.6 inches wide and 9.6 inches long and usually has 4-5 expansion slots and 2 RAM slots. These motherboards also have many ports, including USB ports, audio jacks, and video ports.
They are a good choice for people who want a small form factor PC with a lot of features. These motherboards are also a good choice for people who want to build a budget desktop PC. Additionally, micro ATX motherboard dimensions are perfect for a powerful and compact motherboard.
Micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX: Which One is Best for Gaming?
When it comes to gaming, the motherboard you choose is incredibly important. You need a board that can handle all of the power your graphics card and processor requires and all of the other hardware you’re going to be plugging in.
Here, we are going to make a comparative analysis among micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX motherboards to choose the best for gaming.
1) Micro ATX Motherboard
Micro ATX motherboards are an excellent choice for gamers looking for a mid-sized motherboard. They typically have more features than mini ITX motherboards but are smaller than ATX motherboards. It makes them a good option for gamers who want more flexibility than what mini ITX motherboards offers.
Micro ATX motherboards typically have 4-5 PCI slots, fewer than the 7-8 available on ATX motherboards. However, they often have more USB ports than mini ITX motherboards. It makes them a good option for gamers who want to connect multiple peripherals to their motherboard or store a lot of data.
Many gamers prefer to use micro ATX motherboards because they offer a good balance of features and flexibility. They are also often less expensive than ATX motherboards, making them a good option for gamers on a budget.
As the name suggests, it is a motherboard designed for use with AMD’s AM4 socket. This socket is used by a number of AMD’s latest processors, including the Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, and Ryzen 3 lines. A micro ATX motherboard AM4 typically has a smaller form factor than a standard ATX motherboard, making it a good option for smaller cases or systems.
Due to its smaller size and fewer ports, it is a good option for users looking for a simple, no-frills motherboard that can be used with a Ryzen processor. Among micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX, this is one of my favorite form factors, considering its size, features, and power consumption.
2) Mini ITX Motherboard For Gaming
Mini ITX motherboards are an excellent choice for gamers looking for a small and lightweight motherboard. They typically have fewer features than micro ATX motherboards, but they are still powerful enough to run most games.
Mini ITX motherboards typically have 1-2 PCI slots and a limited number of USB and SATA ports. It can make them a good choice for gamers looking for a simple motherboard that can run basic games.
They are also a good choice for gamers who want to build a small gaming PC that is easily transported. Some gamers prefer to use mini ITX motherboards because they are small and lightweight. This small motherboard is perfect for building compact, low-power systems and can be found in various form factors, including the popular Intel NUC.
Now that AMD has released their new Ryzen processors, mini ITX motherboard AM4 sockets options are becoming more popular in the IT industry. They are also often less expensive than micro ATX motherboards, making them a good option for gamers who want cheap motherboards.
3) Gaming ATX Motherboard
ATX motherboards are the largest and most powerful motherboards that are available. They typically have a large number of PCI slots and a variety of USB and SATA ports. It makes them a good choice for gamers who want to connect multiple peripherals to their motherboard or store a lot of data.
Moreover, an ATX motherboard Intel LGA1151 is designed with the latest Intel processors. This board has many features that are beneficial to the user. One of the features of the Intel LGA1151 is the built-in Wi-Fi.
It means that the user can connect to the internet without using a separate adapter. The user can also connect to a local network using the integrated Ethernet controller. The bios have been updated to support the latest features of the Intel processors. The motherboard also includes features that improve the reliability of the system.
ATX motherboards are also typically the most expensive motherboards that are available. It can make them a good choice for gamers looking for a high-end motherboard.
Most gamers choose to use ATX motherboard parts because they offer a lot of flexibility and are very powerful. They are also often less expensive than the motherboards available in the server market. Alternatively, they are most expensive in our micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX comparison.
Micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX: Power Consumption
When comparing the power consumption between micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX, Mini ITX systems are the clear winners. They consume significantly less power than both Micro ATX and ATX systems.
Mini ITX motherboard Intel 11th Gen motherboard is perfect for compact builds and tight spaces. Powered by an Intel Core i7-8700T CPU, this motherboard is packed with features in a small form factor.
It makes them ideal for small form factor cases or for systems that need to be as power-efficient as possible. If we talk about Micro ATX vs ATX power consumption, Micro ATX systems are second best. They use more power than Mini ITX systems but less than ATX systems.
ATX systems are the least power-efficient, using significantly more power than the other two options. If you’re looking for a system as power-efficient as possible, Mini ITX is the way to go. If you need power, Micro ATX is a good option. If you need the most power possible, ATX is the way to go.
Moreover, micro ATX provides the best of both worlds. They are not too small and not too large and just perfect for all kinds of us. These motherboards offer diversity, and despite their compact size, they are perfect for PC gaming.
Micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX: Benefits and Drawbacks
Each type of motherboard has its own unique set of pros and cons. To decide which is better for you, we have comparatively discussed the pros and cons among micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX.
ATX Motherboard PROS and CONS
Positive
- The ATX motherboard is the most popular type of motherboard on the market. It is the standard size for most desktop computers. It has a number of advantages over the other two types of motherboards.
- Let’s talk about micro ATX vs ATX motherboard size. The ATX motherboard is larger than the Mini ITX motherboard, which gives it more room to include features and connectors.
- It also has a more traditional layout, with the CPU at the center and the RAM and expansion slots on the sides. It makes it easier to work on and upgrade than the Mini ITX motherboard..
Negative
- The ATX motherboard also has a number of disadvantages. It is the largest and heaviest of the three types of motherboards, and it takes up more space inside the computer case. It also requires a larger power supply, which can add to the cost of building a computer.
- In the micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX comparison, the only downside of this form factor has its large size and high price. Other than that, they are perfect for all kinds of uses, including games and official work.
Mini ITX Motherboard PROS and CONS
Positive
- The Mini ITX motherboard is the smallest and lightest of the three types of motherboards. It is ideal for small form factor computers and laptops.
- The Mini ITX motherboard has a much more compact layout than the ATX motherboard, with the CPU and RAM located in the center of the board. It also has fewer connectors and expansion slots than the ATX motherboard.
Negative
- This motherboard has a number of advantages over the ATX motherboard. It is smaller and lighter, making it easier to fit into a small computer case. It also uses less power, saving you money on your electric bill.
- Usually, the mini ITX motherboard LGA 1151 sockets are used because they have a more compact layout, making it easier to work on and upgrade. It has fewer connectors and expansion slots, which can limit its functionality.
- It also has a more limited selection of motherboards and CPUs, making it difficult to find a compatible motherboard and CPU. Mini ITX motherboard Ryzen works perfectly together and makes a beautiful combination.
Micro ATX Motherboard PROS and CONS
Positive
- The micro ATX motherboard is an excellent choice for a small or home office computer. It is about half the size of an ATX motherboard and has a reduced number of connectors and expansion slots.
- These features make it a good choice for a small form factor case. It has a limited number of connectors, including two or four DIMM slots for memory, one or two PCI Express x16 slots for video cards, and 6-8 USB ports.
- The micro ATX motherboard is suitable for a budget build and typically costs less than an ATX motherboard. It also has a lower power requirement, making it a good choice for a small form factor case or a low-power computer. The micro ATX motherboard is suitable for a small or home office computer.
Negative
- However, it does have some limitations and disadvantages. It has reduced connectors and expansion slots, so it is not a good choice for a high-end gaming computer. It also has a lower power requirement, making it a good choice for a small form factor case or a low-power computer.
ATX Vs Micro ATX Performance Comparison
In the world of computing, there are various motherboard form factors to choose from. Two of the most popular and competitive are micro ATX vs ATX performance.
Both of these form factors have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
Here, we’re going to look at the differences between micro ATX vs ATX motherboard performance. The first significant difference between these motherboards is the number of expansion slots.
Micro ATX motherboards typically have fewer expansion slots than ATX motherboards. It can be a significant downside if you add additional components to your computer.
An advantage that micro ATX motherboards have over ATX motherboards is that they are typically smaller. However, it could be a significant advantage if you have a slight case or limited space on your computer.
Micro ATX motherboards are not much different from ATX motherboards in performance, and they are also lightweight and budget-friendly. It can run all high-level games on your PC and doesn’t take much either.
Overall, micro ATX motherboards offer a few advantages over ATX motherboards, such as smaller size, fewer expansion slots, and fewer SATA ports. However, ATX motherboards provide more features and better performance.
In micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX comparison, these two motherboards have almost similar features and attract most professional gamers for high-end online and offline gaming.
So, it ultimately depends on your needs and preferences as to which motherboard form factor is suitable for you.
Micro ATX vs Mini ITX Case Dimensions
The Micro-ATX case is slightly larger than the Mini-ITX case. If we compare the Micro ATX vs Mini ITX size, the Micro-ATX case has a width of 9.6 inches, compared to the Mini-ITX case width of 6.7 inches. The Micro-ATX case has a depth of 17.2 inches, compared to the Mini-ITX case’s depth of 12.8 inches.
The height of the Micro-ATX case is 3.8 inches, compared to the Mini-ITX case’s height of 2.4 inches. This case can accommodate up to a Mini-ITX motherboard and a total of 6 expansion cards.
While the Mini-ITX case can accommodate up to a Mini ITX motherboard and a total of four expansion cards, the Micro-ATX case has two 5.25-inch external drive bays, compared to the Mini-ITX case that has one 5.25-inch external drive bay. These Micro-ATX cases have two 3.5-inch internal drive bays, compared to the Mini-ITX case with one 3.5-inch internal drive bay.
But there is a difference in Micro ATX vs Mini ITX mounting holes. The Micro-ATX case has four mounting holes for a power supply, compared to the Mini-ITX case has two mounting holes for a power supply.
Micro-ATX case weighs 5.5 pounds, compared to the Mini-ITX case weight of 2.6 pounds. Alternatively, the micro ATX vs Mini ITX power supply is quite different and should be considered while making a purchase. It leaves a significant and essential impact on the performance of your PC.
Both micro ATX and mini ITX are designed to supply power to a desktop computer. Micro ATX power supplies are typically larger and heavier than mini ITX power supplies, but they also offer more power.
A micro ATX power supply can typically provide up to 350 watts of power. In comparison, a mini ITX power supply can typically provide up to 150 watts of power. It makes micro ATX power supplies a better choice for high-powered desktop computers.
On the other hand, mini ITX power supplies are better for lower-powered desktop computers or those that need to be as small and lightweight as possible.
A micro ATX motherboard is an excellent choice for a smaller ATX case. Because the micro ATX motherboard is smaller, it leaves more room inside the case for other components. Additionally, many micro ATX motherboards offer a wealth of features and a good range of performance options. So if you’re looking for a powerful and compact system build, a micro ATX motherboard is a great option.
There is no clear answer for mini ITX vs micro ATX. Both form factors have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, mini ITX motherboards are often more compact and easier to transport. In contrast, micro ATX motherboards can usually support more powerful hardware. Ultimately, the best format for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. But if you need powerful hardware, you need to go for micro ATX.
Micro ATX motherboards were designed to be a smaller alternative to the standard ATX motherboard. They share many common features, but there are some differences. For example, micro ATX motherboards typically have fewer expansion slots, and the socket for the CPU may be in a different location.
After the comparative analysis of micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX motherboards, we have reached some conclusions. Micro ATX motherboards are smaller than ATX motherboards, but they have more features than mini ITX motherboards.
FINAL WORDS
Mini ITX motherboards are the smallest type of motherboard, and they are not as feature-rich as micro ATX and ATX motherboards. ATX motherboards are the largest type of motherboard, and they have the most features.
Choosing the right motherboard form factor depends on the type of computer you are building and your needs. If you build a small computer, mini ITX is the best option. If you are building a medium-sized computer, micro ATX is the best option. If you are making a large computer, ATX is the best option.