The Different Types of Motherboards: A Guide for PC Builders

This guide provides an overview of the different types of motherboards available for PC builders, including ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX, and BTX motherboards.

Motherboards are a crucial component of any PC build, and there are several types available, each with its own set of features and capabilities. This guide explores the different types of motherboards, including their sizes, expansion slots, and other key features, to help you choose the right motherboard for your build. Whether you’re building a compact HTPC or a high-performance gaming rig, this guide will help you understand the different options available and make an informed decision.

There are several different types of motherboards, each with different features and capabilities. Some common types include:

• ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended): This is the most common type of motherboard used in desktop computers. It has a standard size of 12 inches by 9.6 inches and typically has four to six expansion slots.
• Micro-ATX: This is a smaller version of the ATX motherboard, measuring 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches. It usually has fewer expansion slots than an ATX motherboard.
• Mini-ITX: This is the smallest type of motherboard, measuring just 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches. It is commonly used in small form factor (SFF) or mini PC builds.
• E-ATX (Extended ATX): This is a larger version of the ATX motherboard, measuring 12 inches by 13 inches. It is commonly used in high-end gaming and workstation builds.
• BTX (Balanced Technology eXtended): This was a type of motherboard developed by Intel in the early 2000s, but it never became widely adopted.

Each of these motherboard types has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of motherboard will depend on the intended use case and the specific features required.

ATX Motherboards

ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) motherboards are the most common type of motherboard used in desktop computers. They have a standard size of 12 inches by 9.6 inches and typically have four to six expansion slots.
ATX motherboards usually have a range of connectors for peripheral devices such as USB, Ethernet, audio, and video, as well as slots for expansion cards such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters. They also typically have multiple RAM slots and support for multiple CPUs.
ATX motherboards are commonly used in gaming PCs, workstations, and high-end desktops, as they provide a high level of expandability and compatibility with a wide range of components. However, their larger size can make them unsuitable for small form factor builds.

Some features to look for when choosing an ATX motherboard include the number of RAM slots, the number and type of expansion slots, the availability of USB and other peripheral connectors, and the quality of the audio and networking components. Additionally, consider factors such as overclocking support and the overall build quality and reliability of the motherboard.

Micro-ATX motherboards

Micro-ATX (mATX) motherboards are a smaller version of the standard ATX motherboard. They typically measure 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches and have fewer expansion slots than an ATX motherboard, usually between two to four.
Despite their smaller size, Micro-ATX motherboards usually offer a similar range of features as ATX motherboards, including support for multiple CPUs, multiple RAM slots, and a range of peripheral connectors such as USB, Ethernet, and audio. However, due to their smaller size, they may have a more cramped layout that can make it more difficult to install or remove components.
Micro-ATX motherboards are a good choice for compact builds, such as home theater PCs (HTPCs) or small form factor (SFF) desktops, where space is at a premium. They are also a good choice for budget builds, as they are often less expensive than full-sized ATX motherboards.

When choosing a Micro-ATX motherboard, consider factors such as the number and type of expansion slots, the availability of peripheral connectors, and the quality of the audio and networking components. Additionally, consider the layout and spacing of the motherboard, as this can affect how easy it is to install and remove components.

Mini-ITX motherboards

Mini-ITX motherboards are the smallest type of motherboard, measuring just 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches. They are commonly used in small form factor (SFF) or mini PC builds, where space is at a premium.
Despite their small size, Mini-ITX motherboards typically offer a similar range of features as larger motherboards, including support for multiple CPUs, multiple RAM slots, and a range of peripheral connectors such as USB, Ethernet, and audio. However, due to their small size, they may have fewer expansion slots than larger motherboards, typically one or two.
Mini-ITX motherboards are a good choice for compact builds, such as HTPCs, home servers, or portable gaming machines. They are also a good choice for users who want a quiet and energy-efficient PC, as they often require less power and generate less heat than larger motherboards.
When choosing a Mini-ITX motherboard, consider factors such as the number and type of expansion slots, the availability of peripheral connectors, and the quality of the audio and networking components. Additionally, consider the layout and spacing of the motherboard, as this can affect how easy it is to install and remove components. Finally, ensure that the motherboard is compatible with the other components you plan to use, such as the CPU and RAM.

E-ATX motherboards

E-ATX (Extended ATX) motherboards are a larger version of the standard ATX motherboard. They typically measure 12 inches by 13 inches, which is wider than the standard ATX size of 12 inches by 9.6 inches. E-ATX motherboards are commonly used in high-end gaming and workstation builds, where expandability and high performance are a priority.
Due to their larger size, E-ATX motherboards can accommodate more expansion slots than standard ATX motherboards, typically ranging from four to seven. They also often have more RAM slots, which can be important for high-performance applications that require a large amount of memory.
E-ATX motherboards are a good choice for users who need a high level of performance and expandability, such as gamers or content creators. However, due to their larger size, they may not be suitable for compact builds or cases that are designed for standard ATX motherboards.

BTX motherboards

BTX (Balanced Technology eXtended) motherboards are a type of motherboard that was developed by Intel in the mid-2000s as an alternative to the ATX standard. The goal of BTX was to provide improved thermal performance and better overall system balance by repositioning the CPU and other components on the motherboard.
BTX motherboards have a layout that is similar to ATX motherboards, but with some key differences. The CPU is moved to the front of the motherboard, closer to the front of the computer case, which allows for better cooling and more efficient airflow. The expansion slots are also repositioned, with the PCI Express slots located closer to the front of the motherboard and the legacy PCI slots located towards the rear.
Despite its potential benefits, the BTX standard did not gain widespread adoption and has largely been replaced by other standards such as ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. This is due to a number of factors, including the higher cost of BTX motherboards and the lack of compatibility with existing computer cases.
Today, BTX motherboards are generally considered to be obsolete and are not commonly used in modern computer builds. If you are building a new computer, it is unlikely that you will need to consider a BTX motherboard.