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When buying a new computer or individual parts, you will be confused with the technical parameters, such as ATX or Micro ATX specifications,... How do these parameters mean, and how do we distinguish EATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX?
Distinguish EATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX are essential for users when purchasing a new computer. So these parameters mean how? How to distinguish these parameters?
Parameters Meaning
These parameters refer to the so-called "form factor" of the motherboard; motherboards usually have many shapes and sizes suitable for the device, from supercomputers to mobile devices.
There are many "form factors," each form factor designed to suit specific roles. In This article, Justgage will introduce you to the motherboard: EATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX.
Standards Mean?
First to mention is the standard ATX motherboard. ATX stands Advanced Technology eXtended. This motherboard was developed in 1995. If you're using a regular computer, the more likely you are using an ATX motherboard. This makes the ATX become a choice "popular" when buying a new computer or motherboard.
The other motherboard, ATX, has developed from a larger size or smaller. The motherboard has a larger size, not to mention EATX (Extended ATX). Micro ATX motherboard with smaller size ATX, Mini-ITX then ( "Information Technology eXtended") size even smaller than Micro ATX.
Discrimination EATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX
Size is the most obvious point to distinguish: EATX is the largest, then ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX are the tiniest. The question is, why these motherboards have different sizes? Advantages and disadvantages of each motherboard.
Case Size
The first reason is that the motherboard is small in size to fit the tiny Computer. Looking inside the computer case, you will see the motherboard size. But if you use a small computer, you should only use a small motherboard.
Micro ATX and Mini-ITX is the perfect choice for users who use small computers. The tiny computer line is beneficial if you want to save space in the room or enjoy multiple positions. Just note that the components are designed in the ATX computer case are not suitable for small computers.
Also, the case is designed for a specific form factor that also supported a small motherboard. Example ATX cases are generally designed to accommodate the motherboard ATX or Mini-ITX Micro. Ensure that you have checked the manufacturer's specifications before buying the computer case with a different size than the motherboard.
Function
Small motherboards are created by removing the expansion slot on the motherboard old. The result is to create a suitable motherboard with a more minor computer case but not upgrade in the significant form factor.
The change from ATX to Micro ATX takes away some PCI slots. ATX motherboards come with 6 PCI slots (usually 3 PCI-E x16 and 3 PCI-E x1, but can vary between these models). This means less space for graphics, audio, video, and network cards. Mini ITX motherboards have only 1 PCI-E x16 slot.
Also, RAM slots will decrease. The shift from ATX to Micro ATX drops from 4 slots to 2 slots, although this is not always the case. Mini ITX has only 2 RAM slots. USB ports can also be affected by small motherboards.
Conversely, large EATX motherboards with more functions. EATX least 4 PCI-E x16 slot (or maybe more). Generally, if you are looking for computers with multiple ports and upgrade options, ATX or EATX will be the most correct choice.
Price
Case, Computer, and Micro ATX motherboards are often the cheapest. Suppose you are looking for a computer and do not need to care about upgrades or additional hardware implants. In that case, you can save a decent amount of money by choosing a small motherboard.
Small motherboard Is slower?
Despite the small size but the performance of the small motherboards are equal to the large one. Of course, small motherboards mean that the PCI-E slots and sockets are reduced. But in terms of performance, the small motherboard not slower.
Undeniably form factor PC's trickiest topic. After distinguishing EATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. Above are the cases that can support Micro ATX motherboards. Wish you find the best budget Micro ATX case for yourself.