E-Atx Vs Atx Vs Matx Vs Mini-Itx Motherboard Sizes Comparison

Motherboard Sizes: Understanding E-ATX, ATX, mATX, and mini-ITX

When building a PC, choosing the right motherboard size is crucial for ensuring compatibility, upgradability, and performance. The four most common motherboard sizes are E-ATX, ATX, mATX (micro-ATX), and mini-ITX, each with its own set of advantages and limitations.

Dimensions and Applications

E-ATX (Extended ATX)

Dimensions: 12 x 13 inches (305 x 330 mm)
Applications: High-end desktop PCs, workstations, and servers
Features: Typically includes 4-8 PCIe x16 slots, making it ideal for multi-GPU setups and extensive expansion needs

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)

Dimensions: 12 x 9.6 inches (305 x 244 mm)
Applications: Standard desktop PCs
Features: Usually includes 2-3 PCIe x16 slots and 1-2 PCIe x1 slots, supporting dual GPU configurations and various expansion cards

mATX (micro-ATX)

Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 inches (244 x 244 mm)
Applications: Compact desktop PCs, especially for gamers who don't need extensive expansion
Features: Typically includes 1-2 PCIe x16 slots and 1 PCIe x1 slot, with fewer RAM slots (usually 4) compared to ATX

mini-ITX

Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170 mm)
Applications: Small form factor PCs, home theater PCs (HTPCs), and portable systems
Features: Usually includes only 1 PCIe x16 slot and limited RAM slots (often 2), making it less suitable for heavy expansion

Expansion and Upgrade Capabilities

The size of the motherboard directly affects its expansion and upgrade capabilities:

PCIe Slots: E-ATX and ATX motherboards offer more PCIe slots, allowing for multiple GPUs, sound cards, network cards, and other expansion cards. mATX boards have fewer slots, typically 1-2 PCIe x16 slots, while mini-ITX boards usually have only one PCIe x16 slot.
RAM Slots: ATX motherboards often have 4 RAM slots, while mATX boards typically have 2-4 slots. Mini-ITX boards usually have only 2 RAM slots, limiting the total RAM capacity.
M.2 and SATA Ports: Larger motherboards like ATX and E-ATX generally offer more M.2 and SATA ports, allowing for more storage options. Smaller boards like mATX and mini-ITX have fewer of these ports.

Cost and Compatibility

Cost: Micro-ATX motherboards tend to be the cheapest option, making them a good choice for budget builds where extensive expansion is not needed. ATX and E-ATX motherboards are generally more expensive due to their larger size and additional features.
Compatibility: All three smaller form factors (mATX, mini-ITX) can fit into an ATX case, but the reverse is not true. This flexibility makes mATX and mini-ITX boards versatile for future upgrades or changes in case size.

Practical Considerations

Case Size: The case size must be compatible with the motherboard size. Larger motherboards require larger cases, while smaller motherboards can fit into smaller cases but may not utilize the full space.
Cooling and Power Supply: Smaller motherboards often require smaller power supplies and may have limited cooling options due to their compact design. Larger motherboards can accommodate more robust cooling solutions and larger power supplies.
Future Upgrades: If you plan to add more components in the future, such as additional GPUs, sound cards, or network cards, an ATX or E-ATX motherboard is a better choice. For builds where minimal expansion is anticipated, mATX or mini-ITX could be sufficient.

Conclusion

Choosing the right motherboard size depends on your specific needs and future plans for your PC. E-ATX offers the most expansion options but is the largest and most expensive. ATX provides a good balance between size and expandability. mATX is a cost-effective option with limited expansion, and mini-ITX is ideal for very compact builds with minimal upgrade needs. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision when selecting a motherboard for your next PC build.