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The ATX motherboard, also known as Advanced Technology eXtended motherboard, comes in different variants. These include:
Standard ATX motherboard
The Standard ATX motherboard is typically the global standard, measuring 305mm x 244mm. However, there is no specific size for the ATX motherboard. The size can go up to 30 centimeters in broad and 39 centimeters in long, depending on the manufacturer. The board has a variety of ports and expansions and can be used for a multitude of tasks. It is commonly used in mid-tower and full-tower cases due to its compatibility with expansion slots, connectors, and mounting points.
Micro ATX motherboard
The size of a micro ATX motherboard can range from 150 mm x 100 mm to 200 mm x 200 mm. It is more compact compared to the standard ATX motherboard. The micro ATX motherboard is a great option for building small form-factor PCs. It has fewer expansion slots and connectors, making it a suitable option for portable devices. Due to its small size, it is the best fit for compact computer cases.
Mini ATX motherboard
The mini ATX motherboard is smaller than the micro ATX motherboard. Although there is no fixed size, it can range from 150mm x 150mm to 180mm x180mm. Because of its compact design, the mini ATX motherboard has limited expansion slots and connectors. It is used to build ultra-sleek laptops and portable devices.
The ATX motherboard is a popular standard motherboard size because it has a well-organized layout. The major functions are connecting and communicating between the different parts of the computer. The extensive features are; its larger form factor allows more expansion slots, memory slots, USB ports, and connectors. It also has more mounting points for the case; and gives the option of multi GPU support. An ATX motherboard can replace an outdated motherboard and significantly upgrade a PC.
Some key functions and features of motherboards include:
Expanded ATX Motherboards
These motherboards provide extra features, giving gamers and PC builders better options. They are larger cases and have more slots, holding two to four GPUs. They also have more bandwidth PCI express to provide faster speeds and separate gaming and multimedia cards.
Many E-ATX motherboards have liquid cooling systems with preinstalled radiators and slots for water hoses and pumps. The RAM is capable of overclocking ultra-fast speeds between 3600-4400 MHz. They also have dual memory support for using two different types of memory, like DDR3 and DDR4, or DDR4 and DDR5. AAS (advanced aftermarket support) services are another feature that allows users to get support even when the motherboard is outdated.
Micro ATX Motherboards
Micro ATX motherboards are smaller in size and perfect for making compact and portable PCs. They fit well in micro cases and have enough expansion slots and connectors. The average size of a micro ATX motherboard is 244mm x 244mm. It has 4 DIMM memory slots instead of 2 and a 3-phase power connector that uses less energy.
Installing the motherboard is easy because it has clearly marked mounting holes and tab lock RAM slots. The motherboard also has a built-in type C USB connector and audio systems with surround sound capabilities.
ATX Motherboards Versatility
An ATX motherboard is a versatile and expandable motherboard ideal for gaming, office, and home use. It comes in different sizes from standard to XL, depending on the case. It has several PCI express slots for graphics cores, sound cards, and network cards. An ATX motherboard made for gaming has a faster clock speed, a large capacity for memory, and enhanced cooling.
Motherboards from different brands like Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI have similar basic features. They all have Ethernet ports for connecting to the network, PCI express slots for graphic cards, built-in USB connectors, and dual or multi-core capacity. An ATX motherboard efficiently controls and links all the important parts together for peak performance and stability.
ATX motherboards are known for their versatility and support for expanded connectivity and powerful computing. Hence, they are widely used across various applications, including the following:
When choosing an ATX motherboard, there are several factors to take into account to make sure it meets particular requirements and preferences.
Q: What does ATX mean?
A: ATX stands for Advanced Technology eXtended. It is a standard set by Intel regarding the specifications of motherboard sizes and mounting points. It also includes specifications for power connectors and front-panel connectors.
Q: What is the difference between ATX and micro ATX motherboards?
A: The main difference between an ATX motherboard and a micro ATX motherboard is size. An ATX motherboard is larger, measuring 305 mm x 244 mm, while a micro ATX motherboard is 244 mm x 244 mm. Because of this, the micro ATX motherboard has fewer expansion slots. It is also commonly used for budget PCs or devices where space and cost are more important than power and capacity.
Q: What is the difference between a motherboard and an ATX power supply?
A: There is a significant difference between the motherboard and the ATX power supply. The motherboard is a printed circuit board that connects all the important computer components and peripherals. An ATX power supply, or ATX PSU, is a computer component that provides power to the motherboard and other PC parts. It has to meet the ATX standards to ensure that it fits in an ATX case.
Q: Do all ATX motherboards fit in the same cases?
A: No. While all ATX mother boards will fit in an ATX case, specific compatibility requirements must be met. The cases should support the motherboard form factor. Other compatibility features to check are the mounting standoffs, case I/O, and rear panel cutouts.