ATX Motherboard Vs. Micro ATX!

Are you planning to build your computer by yourself? Selecting the best motherboard for the requirements you have is quite tricky as you can’t simply say which kind of motherboard suits you. Looking at such motherboards, one just thinks that the only disparity between them is size, but assuming that is just completely wrong.

There are a lot of disparities among such motherboards, which we’ll explain to you here in this article. The most significant factor when selecting between such motherboards is why you require them. Such motherboards are created particularly for their assembled purposes.

Size

If you are new to computers, it can be pretty overwhelming when you take a glance at which motherboards to purchase. In many ways, it is the nucleus of the computer parts. If it does not get along with the other components you plan to comprise, you will encounter hiccups as you build. 

So when selecting between an ATX Motherboard vs. Micro ATX motherboard, you need to think ahead a little. The disparities between these two form factors rely very much on what you desire out of the computer. The ATX boards are bigger than Micro-ATX, about two inches larger, in fact. 

Why does that really matter? Because the case will have to be big enough for fitting the ATX board, for the most part, that is a simple thing to locate. Cases assign that pretty evidently in their names and on the product pages. And if your case fits the ATX motherboard, it is automatically compatible with the smaller Micro-ATX board.

RAM Slots

With the simple disparity out of the way, we now need to look at the technical disparities that matter a lot more. The ATX motherboards can have more RAM slots than the Micro-ATX boards. Typically, you can locate 4 RAM slots that can support up to thirty-two GB sticks each in both kinds of boards, but the Micro-ATX motherboard can support just two total slots. 

It matters because you may be in need of numerous slots, especially if the computer will be utilized for rendering the video of 3D models. For gamers and the majority of other users, a Micro-ATX board will be enough.

Cost

The disparity in cost between the two kinds of motherboards is pretty simple to discern. Micro-ATX motherboards are usually cheaper because they just comprise fewer parts to the design. ATX motherboards having to hold more inside one motherboard brings the cost up. That said, the ATX motherboard may be the correct option for you if you require a lot of what it provides. 

The cost may make sense given what you are actually asking of it. Conversely, the Micro-ATX motherboards are more reasonably priced and ought to get the work done for the majority of individuals. For gaming and basic tasks, you do not really require all the additional support for parts that you would find in the ATX motherboard.

PCIe Slots

PCIe slots are another selection you will need to make when choosing between these two kinds of motherboards. The ATX motherboards frequently have numerous PCIe slots, at times up to 7 of them. 

On the contrary, the Micro-ATX motherboards have around two. It’s a huge factor to contemplate if you have parts that require those slots. Gamers will desire to contemplate this if they utilize an RTX 3060 or some other graphics card and desire to slot in a capture card or the network card. 

A few graphics cards may cover up close by slots, so two may not be sufficient in the Micro-ATX board. It is something you will need to plan out because even if you do not require the slots now, you may require them later.

ATX Vs. Micro-ATX Motherboards

ATX boards are recognized to be standard because of their excellent features and broad compatibility. You can install such motherboards in the majority of mid-tower cases, which denotes that if you desire to accomplish some mainstream gaming with the correct cooling solutions, it’d be better to purchase an ATX board. 

The ATX boards frequently come with a rectangular shape, while the micro-ATX boards come with a more square shape. It’s because of the disparity in the number of PCIe slots each board provides. 

Now, speaking about the availability of motherboards, the majority of the high-end boards offer ATX form factor, and you’d not see a lot of high-end boards that offer the micro-ATX form factor. 

Therefore, if you desire to have a high-quality system, it’d be better to choose the ATX board. Coming towards the cost, ATX boards are frequently more expensive than the micro-ATX boards, and the cause for that is more than just the larger size, a more considerable number of slots, and other things. 

Such motherboards frequently offer features such as RGB lighting, etc. Simultaneously, micro-ATX boards are targeted towards users on a budget. As for the size, make certain that you have a compatible case before purchasing a full-sized ATX board. Next, we speak about general features. Even the majority of the micro-ATX cases will offer you adequate gaming slots. 

There’s a possibility that you would not be capable of installing the LAN card, dedicated sound card, and other PCIe devices, as there are just two slots in the micro-ATX board frequently. Conversely, the ATX boards offer many PCIe slots, and you can utilize add-in NVMe cards, Bluetooth cards, sound cards, and a lot more devices on such a motherboard.

Which Board Form Factor Should You Pick?

Now we’re gonna discuss which motherboard you ought to pick and equip on the computer. There are numerous types of computers, and motherboards’ options would vary as to the category changes. So let’s go on to the categories and let’s elucidate which board suits you the most.

Motherboard For Gaming PC

If you’re a gamer and want to build a computer for gaming purposes, we recommend the Micro-ATX board. This board is able to fit in each case, but besides, it can really support all the parts and upgrades that latter-day games need with 4 RAM slots attached to your board and four PCIe slots. 

You can expand the memory to sixty-four GB, which isn’t much even required for games. For middle-budget gaming, this board is excellent as it’s also the cheapest of all. Such boards are the most supported when it comes to the other parts you need to purchase for completing the gaming computer. 

Although if you desire to experience high-end gaming with VR support and all the latter-day technology. You can purchase the ATX board because they choose to install a Multi-GPU. Although it needs a huge budget, it’s the option if you require high-end gaming. However, the Micro ATX motherboard is best for gaming purposes these days.

Motherboard For WorkStation

If you want to build a computer for developing purposes and professional requirements, then the ATX board would be the most appropriate one for you; the latter-day rendering and editing need a massive amount of Graphical Memory and RAM. 

This board is a complete solution as it comes with seven PCIe Slots and 4 RAM slots for fulfilling all the requirements. You can pair up two GPUs to have adequate visual memory for the purposes, with the RAM slot supporting up to thirty-two GB. 

This board would be the most appropriate one for you if you desire to make use of all the PCIe slots; if utilizing all the slots isn’t the requirement, then it’s better to choose the Micro ATX board as it’s the same as ATX but just lacks in the number of PCIe slots.

Conclusion

We always leave with a note that is mostly for the readers desiring to purchase a product. For summing up, the whole topic is that users that are strictly gamers ought to choose the Micro-ATX boards. In the majority of situations, the Micro-ATX board is economically reasonable with sufficient connectivity for everyday use. 

The data center experts and graphics designers ought to choose the ATX board. It comes with a better heat transfer, higher thermal threshold, simpler wire management, lower noise in parts operation signal, and enough expansion slots for using any external cards. 

Boards are a very important part of the PC, and they can really bottleneck the performance. Be certain to choose a motherboard cautiously. Write down all the needed PCIe slots, expansion slots, SATA ports, and M.2 drive slots you require for everyday usage before buying. 

The size might constraint you from a few capabilities. The choice is yours, but we recommend you pick thoughtfully while looking at the ATX motherboard vs. micro ATX. ATX is the best complete selection. 

It’ll offer you a better opportunity to build a computer that you can install and upgrade extra parts more freely and can even move from one form factor to the other without any problem. Whether you’re building for a gaming rig or official work, ATX motherboard is the standard form factor that you’ll feel more content with if you think about ATX motherboard vs. micro ATX motherboard.