Motherboard Form Factors: Sizes, Uses, and Compatibility Guide

 Motherboard Sizes & Other Info

Motherboards come in various sizes, known as form factors, which determine their physical dimensions, layout, and compatibility with cases and components. Here's a detailed breakdown of the most common motherboard types and their sizes:

1. ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended)

• Size: 12 x 9.6 inches (305 x 244 mm)
• Description:
• The ATX is the most popular and widely used motherboard form factor.
• It offers ample space for components, including multiple PCIe slots, RAM slots, and storage connectors.
• Ideal for gaming PCs, workstations, and high-performance builds.
• Advantages:
• Supports extensive expansion options.
• Compatible with most standard PC cases.
• Excellent airflow and cable management due to its size.

2. Micro-ATX (mATX)

• Size: 9.6 x 9.6 inches (244 x 244 mm)
• Description:
• A smaller version of the ATX, the Micro-ATX is designed for compact builds while retaining decent expansion capabilities.
• It typically has fewer PCIe slots and RAM slots compared to ATX boards.
• Advantages:
• Fits in smaller cases, making it suitable for budget or space-saving builds.
• More affordable than ATX boards.
• Limitations:
• Limited expansion options compared to ATX.

3. Mini-ITX

• Size: 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170 mm)
• Description:
• The Mini-ITX is a compact motherboard for small form factor (SFF) PCs.
• It usually has only one PCIe slot and supports fewer RAM slots.
• Ideal for HTPCs (Home Theater PCs) or portable systems.
• Advantages:
• Extremely compact and space-efficient.
• Fits in the smallest PC cases.
• Limitations:
• Limited expansion and cooling options.
• May require specialized cooling solutions due to compact layouts.

4. Extended ATX (E-ATX)

• Size: 12 x 13 inches (305 x 330 mm)
• Description:
• The E-ATX is a larger version of the ATX, designed for high-end systems like gaming rigs or servers.
• It offers space for more PCIe slots, RAM slots, and advanced cooling solutions.
• Advantages:
• Supports multiple GPUs and extensive storage options.
• Ideal for enthusiasts and professionals requiring maximum performance.
• Limitations:
• Requires larger cases.
• More expensive than standard ATX boards.

5. Mini-STX (Mini Socket Technology Extended)

• Size: 5.5 x 5.8 inches (140 x 147 mm)
• Description:
• A relatively new form factor designed for ultra-compact systems.
• It supports socketed CPUs but lacks PCIe slots.
• Advantages:
• Perfect for ultra-small builds.
• Energy-efficient and quiet.
• Limitations:
• Minimal expansion options.
• Limited compatibility with cases and components.

6. Nano-ITX

• Size: 4.7 x 4.7 inches (120 x 120 mm)
• Description:
• Even smaller than Mini-ITX, Nano-ITX boards are used in embedded systems, IoT devices, and specialized applications.
• Advantages:
• Extremely compact and energy-efficient.
• Limitations:
• Not suitable for standard PC builds.
• Limited availability and compatibility.

7. Pico-ITX

• Size: 3.9 x 2.8 inches (100 x 72 mm)
• Description:
• The smallest form factor, designed for highly specialized applications like robotics or industrial systems.
• Advantages:
• Ultra-compact and lightweight.
• Limitations:
• Minimal functionality and expansion options.
• Rarely used in consumer PCs.

Choosing the Right Motherboard:

• ATX: Best for general-purpose builds, gaming PCs, and workstations.
• Micro-ATX: Ideal for budget or compact builds with moderate performance needs.
• Mini-ITX: Perfect for small form factor PCs or portable systems.
• E-ATX: Suited for high-end gaming rigs or professional workstations requiring maximum expandability.

Each form factor caters to specific needs, so your choice depends on your build's purpose, budget, and space constraints.

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