ATX Vs Micro-ATX: Your Guide to Motherboard Sizes

Don't underestimate the motherboard! It's the foundation of your gaming PC, and the size of your motherboard dictates what components fit and how well they perform. Reviewing options is crucial. An ATX board offers tons of space for future upgrades, while a Micro-ATX prioritizes a smaller footprint.

Understanding these differences ensures you build a PC that fits your needs and budget.

Differences in Motherboard Sizes: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX

Customizing a gaming PC is an opportunity to get what you want for the games you play.  But choosing the right components isn't always easy. One of the most important is the motherboard, which acts as the foundation for connecting all your other parts. This blog will help you navigate the different motherboard form factors (sizes): ATX, Micro-ATX (mATX), and Mini-ITX (Mini-ITX) and what it means for game performance.

ATX Motherboards

ATX motherboards are the most common size at 12" x 9.6", offering the most expansion slots (7) as well as multiple ports and connectors for future upgrades and further customization. ATX typically provides better cooling solutions due to their larger size. However, ATX motherboards require the largest PC cases.

Benefits of ATX Motherboards

First, an ATX motherboard is better suited for overclocking. Second, it also has more PCIe lanes, which is ideal for more than 1 GPU build. And third, it has a higher RAM capacity than the Micro-ATX, meaning the performance can be improved more.

Micro ATX Motherboards

Micro ATX motherboards offer a good compromise between size and functionality. They are smaller than ATX boards, allowing for more compact builds while still providing enough space for essential components. The maximum size is 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches (244 millimeters by 244 millimeters). There are some that measure 9.6 inches by 8.1 inches (244 millimeters by 205 millimeters).

Benefits of Micro ATX Motherboards

With this said, the Micro boards have fewer expansion slots compared to ATX, limiting upgrade options. Meaning GPU and RAM capacity is limited. Some gamers seem to prefer the Micro ATX to others, as it gives the power needed to play at the highest levels without having to buy a large case to fit it.

Mini-ITX Motherboards

Gamers might choose Mini-ITX motherboards for their ultra-compact size. This allows for building incredibly small PCs that are perfect for portability or space-constrained environments. The small size also contributes to a clean, minimalist aesthetic that some gamers prefer.

Benefits of Mini-ITX Motherboards

Mini-ITX motherboards are the smallest in size, perfect for building compact PCs. They're ideal for minimalist setups or those with limited space. But the Mini-ITX boards have the fewest expansion slots (2) and might require specific CPU coolers due to their size. The Mini-ITX measures 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches (170 millimeters by 170 millimeters)

Other Motherboard Sizes

While ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX are the most common motherboards, there are a few additional options to consider for specific needs.

Extended ATX (E-ATX)

Designed for high-performance systems, E-ATX motherboards offer even more space than ATX. They have additional expansion slots for multiple graphics cards and other high-end components. However, the larger size means you have to have full-tower cases. The E-ATX typically measures 12 inches by 13 inches (305 millimeters by 330 millimeters).

Flex-ATX 

Flex-ATX motherboards bridge the gap between Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. They offer a slightly smaller footprint than mATX while still making room for essential components and making them suitable for specific compact PC builds. The Flex-ATX motherboard measures 9 inches by 7.5 inches (229 millimeters by 191 millimeters).

Ultra-Compact

For those seeking the absolute smallest PC form factors, the Mini-ITX has an even smaller sidekick. Even more compact than Mini-ITX, the Mini-STX motherboard is ideal for building highly portable systems or embedded devices with limited space constraints. The Mini-STX measures 5.8 inches by 5.5 inches (147 millimeters by 140 millimeters).

Extreme Miniaturization

For specialized applications where space is an absolute premium, there are even smaller options. Nano-ITX and Pico-ITX: These minuscule motherboards are typically used in niche applications like ultra-compact industrial computers or portable devices with minimal processing needs. Nano-ITX motherboards are standardized at a miniature 4.7 inches by 4.7 inches (120 millimeters by 120 millimeters). While the Pico-ITX is 3.9 inches by 2.8 inches (100 millimeters by 72 millimeters).

How Motherboard Size Affects Your PC Gaming Experience

The impact of motherboard size (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) on your PC gaming experience is often indirect. But depending on what you want from your gaming, decisions will have to be made. Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider.

Motherboard Sizes FAQs

The motherboard size itself doesn't directly affect core processing power or graphics capabilities. These aspects are determined by your CPU and GPU.

Impact on Upgradeability and Features: Larger motherboards (ATX) typically offer more expansion slots. This provides greater flexibility for future upgrades like adding additional graphics cards or storage drives. 

Features and BIOS Support: Different motherboards can have varying features, like overclocking capabilities or built-in Wi-Fi. Researching the specific features and BIOS support of your chosen motherboard is important, regardless of size.

ATX: Ideal for users who prioritize extensive upgradability with multiple expansion slots and high-end features.

Is a Micro-ATX Good for Gaming?

Micro-ATX (mATX): A good balance for gamers who prioritize performance but don't necessarily need multiple GPUs. mATX boards often offer enough slots for essential components and some future upgrades.

Mini-ITX: Perfect for compact builds where space is a major concern. While some limitations in upgradeability exist, Mini-ITX motherboards can still deliver great gaming performance with compatible components.

Is ATX the Biggest Size Motherboard?

While ATX is a popular motherboard size, it's not the biggest. The Extended ATX (E-ATX) motherboard is the biggest, boasting a larger footprint that can accommodate features like multiple high-end graphics cards or additional storage drives – perfect for gamers who crave maximum performance and expandability. The E-ATX are typically around 12 inches by 13 inches (305 millimeters by 330 millimeters).

Summary of ATX Vs. Micro-ATX in Gaming PCs

When selecting a motherboard size, consider your desired PC size, upgradeability needs, and the components you plan to use. The most common options (ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX) cater to a wide range of builds, while the less common sizes serve specific needs for enthusiasts or space-constrained applications.

So as a summary, motherboard size plays a more significant role in future upgradeability and features compared to directly impacting core gaming performance. Choose a motherboard size that aligns with your needs for expandability, features, and desired PC size. For most gamers, a well-equipped Micro-ATX motherboard can deliver excellent performance without sacrificing valuable space.