Micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX

If you are making a plan to build a PC for yourself? Therefore, choosing the best motherboard can be difficult because you can only guess which motherboard fulfills your needs. When you look at these Micro ATX, Mini ITX, and ATX motherboards, you only get to see the size difference inside them, but when we go into their details, you will see many more factors inside them.

Inside this guide, you will be introduced to all the factors and differences you can see inside these motherboards, which are essential for the best performance. When it comes to choosing a motherboard, the most crucial factor is using the motherboard. Micro ATX, Mini ITX, and ATX motherboards mentioned below are specially designed for their assembled purposes, and they will meet all your needs.

It would be better to look at the size of these motherboards before learning more about them.

• ATX: 305×244 mm
• Micro ATX: 244 x 244mm
• Mini ITX: 170 x 170mm

Micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX

From the measurements, you may have guessed that the most oversized motherboard out of all these motherboards is the ATX. Secondly, when it comes to smaller motherboards than the ATX, you can see the Micro ATX; the smallest motherboard is a mini ITX. Especially when it comes to ATX and Micro ATX motherboards, they both look alike.

On the other hand, the only thing not similar in this motherboard is its length. After seeing the standard ATX motherboard size, the question is: Why is this motherboard so big? The main reason for its considerable length is that you can see many PCIe and RAM slots inside the ATX motherboard.

Plus, inside the micro ATX motherboard, you see fewer PCIe slots than the ATX. Finally, when we talk about the Mini ITX motherboard, you can only get two slots inside, which is the biggest reason for its small size.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at these motherboards and try to find out about their specifications and their advantages and disadvantages.

ATX Motherboards

If you are keen on gaming and want to develop a great workstation, there is no better choice than this motherboard, in which you can see high-end specifications. Inside, you see many factors and unique features that are incredibly beneficial to meet your gaming needs.

Four RAM slots are the most prominent feature and advantage of this motherboard. The advantage of this is that you can expand your PC’s memory to improve overall performance. One fantastic thing for you is that each of these four RAM slots has a capacity of 32 GB of RAM.

After looking at this motherboard, you can call it an excellent one for gaming because you can see massive amounts of RAM inside it. When it comes to its benchmark and if you put 8 GB of RAM or 16 GB of RAM in it, you won’t see much difference between performance and frame rates.

On the other hand, if you are a developer and want to make an excellent PC and work professionally on it, then you need more than 32 GB of RAM and should put in more RAM. Lack of RAM often annoys developers when they see the PC slow after running extensive applications.

This motherboard is perfect as it gives you the best performances in all categories, and you also benefit from additional upgrades. You can see 7 PCIe slots supporting multi-GPU and other PCIe cards. Finally, inside, you get to see this larger motherboard, which can be more expensive than the competitor.

Micro ATX Motherboards

If you want the best gaming PC within a reasonable budget, then the Micro ATX motherboard is especially for you, which will meet all your needs. You can see all the specifications inside the Micro ATX motherboard that have almost an ATX motherboard. When it comes to the difference between the two, the only difference you can see is that it is slightly smaller in size and PCIe slots’ availability.

Inside, you get four RAM slots to meet all your memory needs and perform well in aspects of gaming. You can see many factors inside this motherboard, but when it comes to the best and highlight factor, this motherboard is significantly cheaper than both competitors. Micro ATX motherboard is widely used by all gamers, workstation users, and worldwide and highly demanded motherboard.

On the other hand, when it comes to its shortcomings, you only see the lack of GPUs. If you are building a PC with more GPUs, this motherboard choice needs to be corrected. As you know, this motherboard is available to you in the best and most appropriate size. Therefore, because of this, you can put it inside any case and use it later.

The advantage of its medium size is that it allows all of the above features to work correctly and reduces your hassle. Inside, you can see the upgrading feature, but less than the ATX motherboard. Therefore, within a reasonable budget, this motherboard is primarily known as High Demand Motherboard.

Mini ITX Motherboards

When it comes to the Mini ITX motherboard is available to you in the smallest size. It is usually used by people who want a portable PC and can quickly move from one place to another. Inside this motherboard, you see only two RAM slots, and each RAM slot has a memory capacity of only 16GB. To a large extent, the Mini ITX motherboard meets gaming needs but is less capable than ATX and Micro ATX.

It works well for gaming but runs slow when using the motherboard as a professional workstation. Plus, you get to see only one PCIe slot inside this motherboard, which means you can only run a single GPU on top of the Mini ITX motherboard. This motherboard can be perfect for many gamers who want a motherboard in a smaller size. But when it comes to high-end gaming, this type of gaming is almost impossible on this motherboard.

As you know, it is available in a small size, so you will be surprised to hear about its price as it is more expensive than a micro ATX motherboard. They are available to you because they come with a double feature compared to other motherboard types and are known as the latest edition. Using this motherboard, you can create a unique small-factor gaming PC. Therefore, for many gamers who mostly want to make a portable PC, Mini ITX is the best motherboard.

Micro ATX vs Mini ITX vs ATX

First, if you want a motherboard that your need and to run high-end games without lagging, the ATX motherboard is known as the expensive motherboard. Because with this motherboard, you can efficiently run high-end games as you see the lots of RAM and PCIe slots inside.

ATX motherboard is the superior motherboard as compared to the Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards. The biggest reason for its expensiveness is that it comes with a premium inside, like top overclocking and RGB lighting.

On the other hand, if you have a low budget and want the best gaming experience without losing compatibility, it would be the best choice to select the t mid-end Micro-ATX motherboard. This motherboard is typical in society, and most people buy it because it comes at a reasonable price and offers the best performance with good compatibility.

Also, if you buy the Mini ITX motherboard, making sure you need such a motherboard for finding compatible components can be complicated. Moreover, when purchasing the Mini ITX motherboard, there is little to choose from about it. Inside, you can get airflow, low PCIe, and RAM slots. It would be best to look at the liquid cooling solution inside this Mini ITX motherboard.

Overall, the Mini ITX motherboard is the best. It is mainly for those who want a compatible and portable system if you buy the Mini ITX motherboard to use as an HTPC system. Finally, let’s take a brief overview to compare motherboards with each other and find out the difference.

ATX VS Micro ATX

You see many differences when comparing these two ATX and Micro ATX motherboards. When it comes to the ATX motherboard, it has broad compatibility, and ATX motherboard has excellent features, especially among the legal community. You can easily fit this motherboard inside a mid-tower case. If you want an amazing and high-end mainstream gaming experience, and that too with the right cooling solution, then buying an ATX motherboard may be the best for you.

Within the first difference, when we talk about its size and shape, you see the ATX motherboard is usually rectangular, and the micro ATX is square. It is an essential question on what basis these shapes differ from each other. The answer is that you can see the difference in the number of PCIe slots inside.

You get to see the ATX form factor regarding its availability and high-end motherboards. On the contrary, it is not considered a high-end motherboard for micro-ATX form factor motherboards. If you want a high-end system for a better gaming experience, the ATX motherboard is best for you.

When discussing the price difference between these two motherboards, you get the ATX motherboard pricier than the Micro ATX motherboard. The biggest reason behind the price difference is that in the ATX motherboard, you see lots of RAM and PCIe slots, bigger sizes, and other kinds of stuff. This motherboard offers the best feature, like RGB lighting. Simultaneously, in terms of the micro ATX motherboard, it is known as the best motherboard for budget users interested.

Now, when we talk about these motherboards’ generic features, the ATX form factor offers enough RAM slots for gaming. The downside of the Micro ATX motherboard is that it won’t install the dedicated sound card, LAN Card, and other PCIe devices because you usually get only two slots inside the micro ATX motherboard.

On the other hand, when it comes to the ATX form factor, it has lots of slots inside compared to the micro ATX motherboard. Inside the ATX motherboard, you can easily install NVMe cards, sound cards, Bluetooth cards, and many more devices. Overall, the ATX motherboard is best when we compare the ATX motherboard with the Micro ATX motherboard.

ATX VS Mini ITX

As we already know, the ATX motherboard is usually considered as being chosen for a high-end gaming rig. When you compare the ATX motherboard with the Mini ITX motherboard, the most significant difference is its size. The size of the ATX form factor is much more powerful than the Mini ITX motherboard. Many users consider the micro ITX motherboard because of its small size and for carrying it anywhere.

Micro ITX motherboard is also included in our top list because it is more compact, and you can quickly move it from one place to another than ATX motherboards. If you want to develop a remote form factor PC, the mini ITX motherboard comes in small components and conjunction within the Compatibility section.

In terms of power supply and cooling solution, you get a Mini ITX motherboard in small components, and it could be better when we compare it with the ATX motherboard. Moreover, the mini ITX motherboard is often typical and provides low specification. Inside this motherboard, you see a small amount of PCIe, RAM, and SATA slots.

On the other hand, when it comes to the ATX form factor, you get to see the broad compatibility inside as it offers lots of RAM, PCIe, SATA slots, and other kinds of stuff. ATX motherboard is one of the best motherboards as you can put any things like graphic card, RAM, and sound card inside it you can easily experience any game.

When you choose it, inside the motherboard, you usually see the host graphics card inside it. It only works for that, and you can’t put extra graphic cards inside it because you won’t get any space. However, you can easily use a Mini ITX motherboard in mid-tower cases, although it destroys the motherboard’s necessities.

Finally, when we compare prices, we see the ATX motherboard at a higher price, but the mini ITX motherboard has good demand in the market. It comes with a portable feature. If you need a PC with portable quality and not high-end games, that mini ITX motherboard is best.

Micro ATX VS Mini ITX

First, you need to see the price difference between micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards. Both motherboards are specially manufactured for budget users. However, you will find it a lot easier to find a micro ATX motherboard because the biggest reason is that peoples typically want to have a more significant case.

Both motherboards have the best feature, as the ATX motherboard case supports the Mini ITX motherboard compatibility. On the other hand, you can’t consider the mini ITX motherboard case for micro ATX. Usually, when it comes to mid-tower cases are best and enough to host high-end gaming because you can easily fit all types of high-end graphic cards inside.

Inside the Micro ATX motherboard, you see the large cases and try fans, which cool the motherboard when experiencing high-end games. We prefer to buy something other than a Mini ATX motherboard. The biggest secret to advising them not to buy it is that it needs to work better for the high-end gaming system. Because you only see two slots inside it, and one slot supports a maximum of 16 GB RAM.

In today’s modern world, people love to play games to consider medium-sized and regular-sized motherboards because they can efficiently run high-end games. You will also find most people buying a mini ITX motherboard because inside it, you get a unique look, and it is lightweight and portable.

Also, the difference you get to see inside each motherboard is that the Micro ATX motherboard supports many RAMs, PCIe, and SATA slots and ample storage. On the other hand, inside the Mini ITX motherboard, you see only two RAM slots and only more than one or two hard drives. Given this difference, choosing the Micro ATX motherboard may be best for you.

Finally, portability is the most prominent feature of the Mini ITX motherboard. If you are a tourist, then the selection of this motherboard is a perfect idea.

The Pros and Cons of Each Motherboard

After knowing all the above motherboard comparisons and separate details, you must know which motherboard meets your needs. You must also be aware of the pros and cons clearly and concisely. Therefore, to make your thinking clearer and purer, we have brought below its advantages and disadvantages.

Which Motherboard Should You Choose?

You may be familiar with all the motherboard details, but you will still have to decide which is best for PC and gaming. You will find different PC motherboards in the market and use them by changing them for other categories. Therefore, let’s find out about these categories and clear our minds as to which motherboard suits us best for most.

Motherboard for WorkStation

As a developer or professional, if you are also thinking of developing a PC that meets your developing and professional needs, then the ATX Motherboard is a suitable motherboard for you. In today’s modern world, high-end PCs run various software and gaming workstations.

Therefore, you need a massive number of graphic card memory and RAM for this type of gaming, editing, and rendering purposes. To best serve this purpose, the ATX motherboard meets all your needs and offers a complete solution. To complete the solution, you see seven PCIe slots on this motherboard and four RAM slots that meet your needs and all the requirements.

Inside, you can easily install two GPUs, perfect for visual memory due to their large size. It has four RAM slots, each storing 32GB of memory. On top of the gaming workstation, if you use all the slots inside it, it proves to be a very suitable motherboard for you and dramatically enhances the performance while meeting all your needs. In the end, the ATX Motherboard is the best choice if you use a workstation.

Motherboard for Gaming Computer

If you are a gamer and want to develop a reasonably priced PC, we recommend you choose the Micro ATX motherboard. First, the most significant advantage you get is that you can easily fit this motherboard into any case and use it for gaming purposes. Simultaneously, the biggest secret behind its high performance is that it provides upgrade components, four RAM slots, and four PCIe slots.

Any gamer who develops this PC will increase the RAM inside it to a maximum of 64 GB, which is sufficient and ideal for a gamer. For gamers, who have a reasonable budget and need more budget, choosing this motherboard is a mid-range option for you. Therefore, this is one of the best motherboards that can be used to complete your PC.

Also, inside the micro ATX motherboard, you see another feature that makes it worthwhile to experience high-end PC gaming, supports VR and uses today’s modern technology. In addition to the Micro ATX motherboard, if you feel better and have the budget, you can buy the slandered ATX motherboard for gaming, as it allows you to put a multi-GPU inside.

Motherboard for Desktop Computer

If you want a PC ready for personal use, there is no better choice than a mini-IDX motherboard that will perform all the tasks correctly in your daily routine. Not only is the Mini ITX motherboard great for a desktop computer, but you can get more features using the Micro ATX motherboard.

This motherboard’s advantage is that you can easily carry it as it provides you with a portable feature. The Mini ITX motherboard is mobile, so you can see only two RAM slots and a single PCIe slot inside, which is enough for a regular-use desktop computer.

The advantage of this is that it is available to you in small sizes and within the scope; the Micro ATX fits; the Mini ATX also provides it quickly. In the end, if you are looking for a motherboard for home use, then Mini ITX motherboards are the best choice.

Recommendation

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)

When it comes to ATX motherboards, this is especially true of the motherboard in 1995, which has many more improvements than its old motherboard. Advanced Technology Extended Motherboard is primarily known as the big motherboard and is designed for large desktop computers.

On the other hand, Mini ATX and Micro ATX are motherboards that enhance their identity, but the upcoming ATX motherboards are still in high demand. This large-size motherboard gives an excellent performance to graphic designers, computer network administrators, and PC games, as it also provides an overclocking feature.

The advantage of overclocking is that it speeds up the processor inside the motherboard and your overall performance. Big PC gamers, graphic designers, and professionals who mostly prefer the ATX motherboard have more graphic processing units and faster speeds. When you run any heavy tasks, if you see any heat inside it, you see a fan inside it because of the large area, which cools it in every way.

When it comes to ATX motherboards, one of the problems you may have is which motherboard to buy. Here are the three best examples of ATX motherboards.

1. GIGABYTE Z370 AORUS
2.  MSI X299 Gaming Pro
3.  ASA TUF X299 Mark 1

Micro ATX (Micro Advanced Technology Extended)

The Micro ATX Motherboard can be the best motherboard for you as it is neither too big nor too small and fits snugly inside any fitting. It is an excellent motherboard for those with a reasonable budget, and inside, you find the slot selection that performs best for graphic designing and gaming.

Due to its medium size, you don’t need any other PC gaming resources, and it completes all your tasks. If you like to play games as much as possible, having 16gp RAM inside your PC is enough to support Micro ATX. However, you still see a limit where you can’t customize the maximum RAM.

Micro ATX motherboard is ideal in the work environment. It allows you to see the availability at a reasonable price and provides a high-end processing option. You may also find a shortcoming that you need help finding the processor’s overclocking inside it. It provides an upgrade feature; if you work from an office, it is medium-sized and meets all your needs.

If you are considering buying a micro ATX motherboard, here are some examples of the motherboard that will fulfill your requirements.

1. MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge
2.  Asus ROG Maximus XI Gene
3.  Aorus Ultra Durable B450

Mini ITX (Mini Technology Extended)

Mini ITX motherboard is typically the smallest motherboard from all three motherboards, enhancing portability and prioritizing single-task workstations. It has features you can easily carry from one place to another, and inside, you will find it as a home theater system.

This motherboard does not take much power as you only see one PCIe slot inside, and it can only support 32GB of RAM. As you know, you can’t use the motherboard for much gaming and, foremost, for a single task, so you don’t see overclocking inside it, and it doesn’t get hot too fast.

The low power requirement you see inside it makes it popular because you can easily use it in the office building, hospital, and other small complex tasks. Here are some examples of Mini ITX motherboards.

1. MSI H3101 Pro
2.  MSI B450I
3.  ASUS ROG Z370

Here’s why a micro ATX motherboard is an excellent option as a budget-friendly gaming PC:

• It has some capabilities that can provide ATX motherboard-level performance but lacks slots.
•  You can quickly move it from one place to another if you are a tourist.
•  It comes with Heat Management Feature.

Conclusion

We hope you have chosen the best motherboard by seeing the details and comparing the abovementioned motherboards. Then you will have figured out exactly which motherboard meets your needs and fits you within a reasonable budget. You have already gone over their advantages and disadvantages, which clarifies which motherboard is the best.

If we give you a little interview of each motherboard to clarify again, then first comes the ATX available to you in larger sizes. It is mainly used for high-end gaming. Second is the micro-ATX motherboard, specifically the budget motherboard, which can be almost like ATX but comes with quite limited features. The mini ITX motherboard is primarily for making a portable feature PC.

Therefore, after all things are known, why are you late? Choose the motherboard of your choice now and use it for gaming and your work as a professional developer.

Sajid Ali

CEO, Lead Writer

Sajid Ali is a tech enthusiast and gamer who loves to write reviews about gaming hardware. He has a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and loves sharing his knowledge with others. Sajid studied Intermediate Computer Science at Degree College and went on to earn his Bachelor's in Computer Science from GSC. In his free time, you can find him testing out new hardware and software, or playing the latest video games. Sajid's in-depth understanding of computers and his love for gaming make him the perfect author to turn to for all things tech and gaming.