Looking for a primer on the different motherboard form-factors? In this post, we’ve highlighted the main differences between mini-ITX, micro-ATX, E-ATX, and standard ATX motherboards.
Should you get a micro-ATX, mini-ITX, or standard ATX motherboard? What about extended ATX motherboards? What’s the difference between all of these form-factors?
If you’re looking to build a new computer, one of the most important components you’ll need to purchase is a motherboard. However, not all motherboards are created the same.
Also Read: How to Choose A Motherboard
Motherboards can vary in features, cost, and size. The main thing that first-time builders struggle with, is knowing what the difference is between motherboard form-factors (or sizes).
In this guide, we’re going to go over what the main differences are between motherboard form-factors. And, that should give you a better idea of which form-factor motherboard is best for you and your build.
Table of Contents
1. Video Guide
3. Form-Factor Size Comparison
4. Pros and Cons of Each Form-Factor
Quick Motherboard Form-Factor Comparison
| Form Factor | Dimensions (mm) | RAM Slots | PCIe Slots | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATX | 305 x 244 | Up to 4 | Multiple | Gaming, Workstation |
| Micro-ATX | 244 x 244 | Up to 4 | Fewer | Budget Builds |
| Mini-ITX | 170 x 170 | Up to 2 | 1 | Compact PCs |
| E-ATX | 305 x 330 | Up to 8 | Multiple | Enthusiast Builds |
Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX vs ATX vs E-ATX: A Size Comparison
The biggest difference between micro-ATX (mATX), mini-ITX, standard ATX, and E-ATX motherboards are their dimensions:
- Extended ATX: 305mm x 330mm (12.0″ x 13.0″)
- Standard ATX: 305mm x 244mm (12.0″ x 9.6″)
- Micro-ATX: 244mm x 244mm (9.6″ x 9.6″)
- Mini-ITX: 170mm x 170mm (6.7″ x 6.7″)
As you can see in the image above, mATX motherboards are the same width as standard ATX motherboards, but they are a couple of inches shorter. This size advantage for standard ATX motherboards allows them to feature more PCIe lanes. And, that makes them better suited for multi-GPU setups, or for users that want to utilize multiple PCIe devices.
Mini-ITX motherboards, on the other hand, are shorter in both height and width than micro-ATX motherboards. They typically only feature a single PCIe lane. Their advantage, however, is in their smaller size. They are typically compatible with more small form-factor cases than both standard ATX and micro-ATX motherboards.
Extended ATX motherboards are the same height as standard ATX motherboards, but they can be up to a few inches wider. With the extra width, E-ATX motherboards can house more DIMM slots, more ports in general, and more heatsinks. Just note, though, that E-ATX motherboards also require cases that are specifically designed to house them.
Also Read: Which PC Case Size is Best for Your Next Build?
The biggest take away on the sizes of each of these motherboards are that they mostly determine what PC case you can (or cannot) use.
For instance, if you want to build a small form-factor gaming computer, it is highly likely that you will not be able to use a standard ATX motherboard in it. And, in fact, you may not even be able to use a micro-ATX motherboard in it as well.
On the other hand, if you want to go with a larger case, you’ll likely be able to fit any motherboard in it. That is because most medium-to-larger sized cases will accommodate smaller form-factor motherboards. (However, from an aesthetics stand point, you may not want to put a mini-ITX motherboard in a larger case, as your components will look scrunched up in the top left corner of your case.)
But, it is important to note that the opposite is not true and that you typically cannot put standard ATX or mATX motherboards in mini-ITX cases, or standard ATX motherboards in micro-ATX cases.
The Pros and Cons of Each Form-Factor
You might be thinking to yourself… “Why would I want anything other than a standard ATX or E-ATX motherboard and case? Isn’t bigger better?”
And, the answer to that is that there is a time and place for each motherboard form factor. Each of the three most popular form-factors discussed in this article will make more sense than the others in different scenarios.
So, in this section, we’ll go over the pros and cons of each form-factor so that you’ll have a better idea of which one meets your needs the best.
Extended ATX Pros & Cons
Standard ATX Pros & Cons
Micro-ATX Pros & Cons
Mini ITX Pros & Cons
Which Motherboard Form-Factor Should You Choose?
If you have looked over the pros and cons of each of the three most popular motherboard form-factors above, you probably already have a good idea of what motherboard is best for you.
But, if you are still unsure of which motherboard is right for you, let me outline a few common use cases and which motherboard form-factor makes the most sense for them:
1. You want to build a budget-friendly gaming PC
If you want to build a budget-friendly gaming PC, your best bet is to go with a micro-ATX motherboard. The reason being is that, no components are going to have as big of an impact on your in-game performance as will your graphics card, processor, and memory.
And, so the general rule of thumb when building a budget-friendly gaming PC is to allot as much of your budget as is possible to those three components. As a result, you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of quality on your other components (which doesn’t mean that you should buy low-quality components).
Fortunately, mATX motherboards are perfect for budget-friendly gaming PCs, as they still have all of the main features that standard ATX motherboards have. The only real difference is that standard ATX motherboards offer better aesthetics, more PCIe slots, and beefier VRMs for overclocking.
And, since most budget-minded gamers won’t have the money necessary to drop on the components that are more suited to the features that standard ATX motherboards offer, there should really be no loved lost for users who don’t end up spending extra on ATX boards.
2. You want to build a high-end gaming PC
Whether you’re looking to build a high-end gaming PC that has a powerful gaming PC inside of it, or you want to overclock your processor and push it to the extreme, or you want a really fancy-looking motherboard as part of a nice color-coordinated build you are doing, you’ll probably want to look at a higher-end standard ATX or E-ATX motherboard.
And, while there are standard ATX motherboards that offer more of the bare minimum in terms of features, if you want a high-end board, you’re likely going to be forced to choose a standard ATX (or, again, a larger extended ATX) motherboard.
3. You want to build a small form-factor PC
If you want to build a PC that has a smaller footprint, whether because you want it to be mobile, or you prefer a minimalistic design, your best bet will be to go with a smaller mini-ITX or micro-ATX motherboard.
And, obviously, if you want to go as small as possible, mini-ITX motherboards will be your best bet.
Smaller form-factor PCs are usually best-suited for gamers who want a system that is easy to move around (like to take to LAN parties) or for HTPC systems.
Motherboard Form-Factor FAQ
1. Can I install a Mini-ITX motherboard in an ATX or Micro-ATX case?
Yes, you can typically install a smaller form-factor motherboard inside of a larger form-factor case, as smaller form-factor motherboards use the same mounting holes as larger form-factor motherboards—they just use less of them.
The only downside to doing so, is that a smaller form-factor motherboard might loook funny inside of a larger form-factor case.
2. Can a Micro-ATX motherboard fit into a case designed for ATX motherboards?
Yes, just like with mini-ITX motherboards, any smaller form-factor motherboard can fit inside of a larger form-factor case as the smaller form-factors use the same mounting hole patterns as the larger form-factors.
3. Is Micro-ATX suitable for gaming builds, or should I opt for ATX instead?
Yes, micro-ATX motherboards are fine for budget-oriented gaming builds. However, as micro-ATX motherboards are a bit more limited in their feature-sets, using a micro-ATX motherboard may limit your future upgradeability.
4. Do Mini-ITX motherboards offer the same performance as larger form factors?
While motherboards don’t directly dictate the performance your system will get, they do determine the kinds of components you can use in your system. And, so there are scenarios where choosing a mini-ITX motherboard over a standard-ATX motherboard could lead to you getting lower performance than if you would have chosen a larger form-factor motherboard.
For instance, due to the smaller size of mini-ITX motherboards, they can’t feature as robust of power designs as can standard ATX or extended ATX motherboards. Therefore, even a mini-ITX motherboard with a higher-end chipset may not be able to accommodate an extreme processor.
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a Mini-ITX motherboard?
The only real advantage of the mini-ITX form factor is that it will allow you build a very compact system. In terms of feature set, standard ATX and extended ATX motherboards will always be better and in terms of pricing, micro-ATX motherboards are more affordable.
6. How many RAM and PCIe slots are typically available on Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards?
Mini-ITX motherboards only have two DIMM slots and one PCIe slot and micro-ATX motherboards can have either two or four DIMM slots and up to three PCIe slots.
7. Are Mini-ITX motherboards more expensive than Micro-ATX or ATX boards?
Depending on the chipset, mini-ITX motherboards are similarly-priced to ATX motherboards and more expensive than micro-ATX motherboards.
8. Which motherboard form factor is best for building a compact or portable PC?
Mini-ITX is the best form-factor for building a compact and portable PC. Although, there are some compact cases that can hold a micro-ATX motherboard that may or may not meet the requirements of an individual who is looking to build a smaller PC.
Make the Right Motherboard Choice for Your Needs
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll have a better idea on what form-factor motherboard is right for your needs.
If you want specific motherboard recommendations, be sure to check out our motherboard buyer’s guide, as we’ve rated a bunch of the best motherboard options for each motherboard socket.
