Overview of mainboard sizes: All information from ATX to ITX
It is important to have an overview of the size and form factor of different mainboards. Because these are each suitable for different areas of application and have their advantages and disadvantages. We give you an overview of the three most common form factors of motherboards.
Mainboard size 1: ATX
The mainboard format ATX is the most widespread and particularly popular with gamers. ATX is also suitable for enthusiasts. In the home area you will also find this form factor due to its high compatibility and low prices.
- ATX motherboards are 305 x 244 millimeters in size and fit in every modern midi and big tower. You don't have to pay too much attention when buying, as ATX is compatible with almost everything.
- There are ATX mainboards for every socket in different price variants. The cheaper models offer everything that the normal user needs. More expensive motherboards often have additional functions for overclocking and special features such as high-quality audio cards or support for several graphics cards on board.
- If you want to install a long graphics card, ATX should be the best form factor for you. Most cases that accommodate ATX motherboards offer enough space for large graphics cards.
- You can find the currently best and cheapest motherboards in our constantly updated price comparison.
Mainboard size 2: Mini-ATX
If a small form factor is important to you, you should use mini-ATX mainboards. If you transport your computer a lot or have little space available, you've come to the right place.
- Mini ATX models are only 150 x 150 millimeters in size and fit in any midi or mini tower. When making a purchase, make sure that "Mini" is not the same as "Micro". This is another form factor.
- In the meantime, mini ATX mainboards are also offered for each socket and there are motherboards that can be overclocked. However, the heat development plays a major role in this form factor. There are also significantly fewer slots than with ATX. A maximum of four PCI slots and two RAM slots are standard.
- Unfortunately, not many manufacturers offer support for multiple graphics cards, but you will still find motherboards for this purpose in the upper price segment. But be sure to pay attention to the size of your graphics cards.
Mainboard size 3: micro ATX
The form factor micro-ATX is slightly larger than mini-ATX and therefore offers slightly more options. The housings for this form factor usually look like a cube.
- Mikro-ATX is 244 x 244 millimeters in size and only fits in housings that also provide screw holes for this form factor.
- Compared to conventional ATX mainboards, you will find fewer slots in the micro-ATX form. So if you need a lot of memory or several graphics cards, you should better keep your hands off the micro format. You will usually only find four PCI slots and two RAM slots here.
- Graphics cards that have excess length usually do not fit in cases for micro ATX mainboards.
Motherboard size: ITX and co.
- In addition to the well-known ATX mainboards, there are also ITX versions. This form factor is even smaller than the ATX variant.
- Such mainboards are often slimmed down and do not offer integrated sound cards or features such as overclocking, RAM slots or active cooling. They are mainly used for experimental systems or small home servers.
No matter which motherboard you choose, you always need a suitable housing. We present the 50 coolest PC cases in our picture gallery.