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It’s a difficult task to select the most compatible components while creating a PC. You may become perplexed or require the assistance of a professional to install the ideal CPU, motherboard, GPU, RAM, SSD or HDD, and so on.
The motherboards are made differently, and it is the most crucial component you must install with some competence. They can differ in specifications and features, size, and pricing.
The most challenging thing for beginners is to understand the difference between various types of motherboards. Therefore, many of them frequently ask ATX vs. Micro-ATX vs. Mini-ITX — which should I choose?
So, if you are the one of them, you are at the right place, my friend. Just continue to read!
ATX Motherboards
These motherboards are compact, compatible, small, and easy to install. It has enough storage for seven slots, including PCI and PCIe slots. The expansion slots in the traditional configuration are separated by 20.32mm.
Although this is the default setting, it does not necessarily imply that you can install a further 7 GPUs or seven other cards.
Some GPUs have up to two expansion slots, while others have three. The GPU is installed in a PCIe slot, but no other expansion card may be inserted next because it is more significant than 20.32mm. It may be worrisome for some folks who are interested in multi-GPU installations.
This motherboard is sufficient to install a QuadSLI GPU that takes up two slots. The buyer desires to build a Quad SLIGPU setup with three PCIe slots for each GPU. Customers will then have to upgrade to E-ATX, which is uncommon because most users are pleased with ordinary ATX capabilities. It is the smallest size required for any 3- or 4-lane ATX GPU setup.
ATX cards can use up to 8 RAM slots. The most recent ATX type includes 4 RAM slots with a total range of 128 GB. The card includes additional SATA connections, front-panel connectors, and M.2 sockets. The IO panel has more capability than the Micro-ATX, depending on the price and chipset.
Micro ATX Motherboards
The motherboard is now available with multiple advanced features. Unlike ATX, it has a small footprint and is compatible with all cases. Because they are smaller, these motherboards are easier to handle, but they have less power and strength than the extended form factor.
It is a good option for people looking for convenience and ease. Motherboards can fit comfortably inside smaller enclosures because of the form factor’s tiny size.
It takes up less space in minor cases and can even fit into larger ones without issue. These motherboards do not require a significant investment because they are perfect for building a low-cost gaming PC. The majority of them are affordable, and all of the components you need are already included.
These motherboards also include four RAM slots. Customers prefer these motherboards because they have high-quality features that are adequate for gaming. These motherboards are not suitable for creating a PC with additional GPUs because they do not support Multi-GPUs.
Current versions of these motherboards support dual GPUs. However, they are equally as expensive as the extended models. If you need more GPUs, an extended motherboard is the best alternative. The components on these two motherboards are identical if you want to swap them out.
Mini ITX motherboards
This sort of motherboard is well-known for its tiny and readily portable form, allowing you to transport and install it into any PC swiftly. Gamers prefer this motherboard because it has a storage capacity of 32 GB. However, if you want to build a professional workstation or computer, this is not the best choice.
It is an excellent alternative for gamers who want to keep their PC at a smaller level. High-end gaming is not viable with this motherboard as it only supports a single PCIe slot, limiting you to a single GPU.
Another reason it isn’t the best option is because Micro ATX motherboards are cheaper and have more features than the number of features this motherboard holds. The most crucial selling point is its compact size, which helps design a modest-sized gaming PC.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about creating a new PC, you’ll have to make one essential decision: which motherboard to use. After all, this is a sort of PC hub, connecting all of its components to form the machine you’ll use for work, play, or a combination of the two.
However, not all motherboards are created equal. Before you hurry out and get a new motherboard, think about the best layout for the computer you’re building. Typically, three options are available: ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX, but which is the best? Hopefully, this blog will have assisted you in making your decision!