Common Motherboard Form Factors Compared

hazantech34 June 23, 2025



Motherboard




Table of Contents

Introduction

Choosing the right motherboard form factor is crucial for building a PC that suits your needs, whether you’re focused on performance, size, or budget. Motherboard form factors determine the size, layout, and expansion capabilities of your system, which directly impacts the components you can install and the overall design of your PC. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common form factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, and Extended ATX (E-ATX). Each offers unique advantages depending on your requirements, from high-performance builds to budget-friendly or space-saving systems. Understanding these differences will help you select the best motherboard for your build.


What is a Motherboard Form Factor?


A motherboard form factor refers to its physical size, shape, and the placement of mounting holes, ports, and connectors. The form factor affects not only the type of case you can use but also how many components (like RAM, GPUs, and storage) your build can support.

Larger form factors typically offer more features and expansion options, while smaller ones save space and fit in compact cases. But the right choice depends on your goals, space, and budget.


1. ATX – The Standard for Most Builds




The ATX motherboard form factor has been the standard for most PC builds for years, and for good reason. Measuring 12 x 9.6 inches, it provides the perfect balance between expandability, performance, and cooling. ATX motherboards are ideal for users who need ample room for multiple graphics cards, storage devices, and cooling systems while maintaining ease of use and accessibility. This form factor is often chosen by gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts who require high-performance hardware with the ability to upgrade and customize their systems over time.

ATX motherboards feature multiple PCIe slots, which allow for additional graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, or storage controllers. They also support more RAM slots, making it easier to install large amounts of memory for multitasking or demanding applications. Additionally, ATX boards provide ample space for advanced cooling systems, including large air coolers or liquid cooling setups. This makes them a go-to choice for builds that will require significant processing power and stability under load.

Pros:

  1. Maximum Expandability: ATX boards offer the most PCIe slots, RAM slots, and storage connections among all form factors, making them ideal for users looking to build high-performance, expandable systems.

  2. Great for High-Performance Builds: The spacious layout allows for better placement of cooling solutions, ensuring stable performance during intense workloads like gaming or video editing.

  3. Widely Available and Compatible: As the most popular form factor, ATX motherboards are the easiest to find and typically come with a wide variety of features, making them versatile for many types of builds.

Cons:

  1. Larger Size: ATX motherboards require larger cases, which can be cumbersome and take up more space, making them less suitable for compact or portable builds.

  2. More Expensive: Due to their larger size and additional features, ATX boards are generally more expensive compared to Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards.

  3. Limited to Larger Builds: The size and features of ATX motherboards may be overkill for users who only need basic functionality or are building entry-level systems.

In conclusion, ATX motherboards are the perfect choice for most users looking to build a high-performance, expandable system. While they may not be the best fit for compact builds, their scalability, performance, and cooling options make them the go-to form factor for enthusiasts and gamers.




2. Micro-ATX – Budget-Friendly and Compact


The Micro-ATX motherboard is a great option for users looking to build a budget-friendly, compact system without sacrificing too much on performance. Measuring 9.6 x 9.6 inches, Micro-ATX boards are smaller than traditional ATX boards but still provide plenty of features for most users. They offer a balanced compromise between the larger ATX form factor and the smaller Mini-ITX boards, providing enough space for multiple expansion slots, RAM slots, and storage connectors. This makes them ideal for users who want a functional and affordable build while still having the flexibility to add extra components like graphics cards and storage drives.

Pros:

  1. Affordable: Micro-ATX motherboards tend to be more affordable than full-sized ATX boards, making them ideal for budget-conscious users who still want a capable and upgradable system.

  2. Compact Size: While larger than Mini-ITX, the Micro-ATX board’s compact size makes it easy to fit into smaller cases, saving space without compromising too much on functionality.

  3. More Expansion Options: Unlike Mini-ITX boards, Micro-ATX offers more PCIe slots and RAM slots, allowing users to upgrade their system with additional cards or memory without the constraints of a smaller form factor.

  4. Balanced Performance: Micro-ATX provides a good balance of expandability and performance, offering a great option for both casual users and gamers.

Cons:

  1. Limited Expansion Compared to ATX: While it offers more options than Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX still provides fewer PCIe slots and RAM slots than a full-sized ATX motherboard, limiting future upgrade options for high-end components.

  2. Potential Cooling Challenges: The compact size can sometimes lead to challenges in cooling, especially in smaller cases where airflow may be limited.

  3. Less Space for Components: Compared to ATX, Micro-ATX boards offer less room for additional components, which may limit users looking to install several high-performance cards or advanced cooling solutions.

In conclusion, Micro-ATX motherboards are a great choice for users seeking a compact, cost-effective solution that doesn’t sacrifice too much performance. While there are some limitations in terms of expansion and cooling, it provides a solid foundation for a wide range of builds, from home desktops to budget gaming rigs.




3. Mini-ITX – Ultra-Compact and Sleek


Mini-ITX motherboards are the ultimate choice for users looking for a compact, sleek, and space-efficient build without compromising too much on performance. With dimensions typically measuring just 6.7 x 6.7 inches, these motherboards are ideal for small form-factor cases, home theater PCs (HTPCs), or compact gaming systems. Despite their small size, Mini-ITX boards still offer essential features like PCIe slots, RAM slots, and storage connectors, making them perfect for low-profile systems. These motherboards are often used in builds where space-saving and aesthetics are priorities, and users are willing to sacrifice some expandability for a smaller footprint.

Pros:

  1. Compact Size: The Mini-ITX form factor’s ultra-small size allows for incredibly compact builds, making it ideal for users with limited desk space or for those creating portable systems like LAN-party rigs.

  2. Power Efficiency: Mini-ITX boards are more power-efficient due to their smaller form factor, which makes them excellent choices for energy-conscious users or systems that don't need excessive power.

  3. Sleek Aesthetics: With their small and sleek design, Mini-ITX builds often have a clean, minimalist look, making them great for custom, stylish setups.

  4. Quiet Operation: Many Mini-ITX cases allow for quieter operation due to their smaller, more controlled airflow and less room for noisy cooling components.

Cons:

  1. Limited Expansion: Due to the small size, Mini-ITX motherboards generally feature fewer PCIe slots and RAM slots, limiting expandability and upgrades.

  2. Cooling Challenges: The compact space can make effective cooling more difficult, leading to potential thermal issues if not managed properly.

  3. Price: Mini-ITX boards tend to be more expensive than their ATX counterparts due to the need for specialized components and the small, complex design.

  4. Limited GPU Support: The small size often limits the compatibility with larger graphics cards (GPUs), restricting users who want to build high-performance gaming PCs or workstations.

In conclusion, Mini-ITX motherboards are an excellent choice for users who prioritize compactness, style, and energy efficiency over expansion and performance. They are perfect for small builds but may not be suitable for users who require high expandability or maximum performance.


Extended ATX (E-ATX) – Maximum Power and Expansion








Extended ATX (E-ATX) motherboards are designed for users who need maximum power, expansion, and performance in their builds. The larger size of an E-ATX motherboard, typically measuring 12 inches by 13 inches, allows for more slots, ports, and capabilities compared to standard ATX boards. This form factor is perfect for high-end gaming rigs, workstations, and content creation setups that demand superior performance and heavy multitasking capabilities. With more PCIe slots, RAM slots, and M.2 connectors, E-ATX motherboards can support multiple graphics cards, large memory capacities, and fast storage drives, making them ideal for overclocking and resource-intensive tasks.

Pros:

  1. Increased Expansion: E-ATX boards offer extra room for additional PCIe slots, allowing you to install multiple GPUs, network cards, sound cards, and other expansion cards, increasing system versatility.

  2. Better Cooling Options: The larger form factor accommodates larger heatsinks, radiators, and cooling systems, making it ideal for systems with demanding components or high-performance cooling needs.

  3. Superior Power Delivery: E-ATX boards provide better power delivery to high-performance components, which is especially important for overclocking and powering multiple GPUs.

  4. Future-Proofing: With more room for upgrades, E-ATX motherboards are well-suited for future expansions, ensuring longevity in high-end systems.

Cons:

  1. Larger Case Requirement: Due to their size, E-ATX motherboards require larger cases, which can limit your case options and increase overall build size.

  2. Higher Cost: E-ATX motherboards tend to be more expensive due to their increased capabilities and advanced features.

  3. Limited Availability: While popular among enthusiasts, E-ATX boards are less common than ATX or micro-ATX boards, which may limit options for certain features or designs.

In conclusion, E-ATX motherboards are best suited for those who need powerful, expandable systems with room for future upgrades. However, the larger size and increased cost may not make them ideal for everyone.








Side-by-Side Comparison Table


Feature Mini-ITX Micro-ATX ATX E-ATX
Size (inches) 6.7 x 6.7 9.6 x 9.6 12 x 9.6 12 x 13
PCIe Slots 1 Up to 4 Up to 7 7 or more
RAM Slots 2 2–4 4–8 4–8+
Case Size Small Small–Medium Medium–Large Large Only
Price Range Medium–High Low–Medium Low–High High–Very High
Ideal Use Case HTPCs, SFF PCs Budget & Home Gaming & Pro Extreme Builds


How to Choose the Right Motherboard Form Factor


When deciding on the best form factor for your build, consider the following:

  1. Available Space: Do you have room for a full-tower or are you aiming for a compact build?
  2. Budget: Smaller boards can be cheaper, but mini-ITX may cost more for the same features.
  3. Expansion Needs: Will you need multiple GPUs, storage drives, or add-in cards?
  4. Cooling & Airflow: Larger boards and cases allow for better airflow and bigger coolers.
  5. Aesthetics: If you care about the look of your build, smaller boards can create cleaner layouts.


Final Thoughts


The motherboard is the backbone of your PC, and its form factor determines your build’s future flexibility. Here's a quick recap:

  • Go with ATX if you want a balanced, feature-rich, and widely compatible setup.
  • Choose Micro-ATX if you're on a budget and don’t need many expansion slots.
  • Pick Mini-ITX for compact, minimalist, or portable builds with limited expansion needs.
  • Opt for E-ATX if you're building an absolute powerhouse and need the most connectivity and performance.

Understanding the differences between motherboard form factors is essential to building a computer that suits your needs today—and can grow with you tomorrow.


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