ATX vs Mini ATX

[Turtleloverdyl]

hi everyone

please if you have the time, explain the advantages and disadvantage of having an ATX or Mini ATX motherboard

Thanks 

[TheRandomness]

Micro* ATX.

ATX:

More expansion slots

More RAM slots (depends on the motherboard)

Bigger

mATX:

Less expansions slots

Less RAM slots (most of the time it's the same amount as ATX though)

Smaller

[RollinLower]

mostly the only difference is less expansion. so less SATA ports, less PCIe slots, less fan/USB connectors, you get the idea.

im using a mATX board right now and i've kinda run out of place to plug things in. im running 4 RAM dimms, a GPU, a PCIe SSD and the thing is kinda packed already!

[treeroy]

Advantages of Full ATX:

- More expandability, e.g. more RAM slots or more PCI-e slots

 

Advantages of Mini-ATX:

- Allows for a more compact PC which can save physical space

- Cheaper

 

If you are getting a mid or full tower though, there are no advantages to getting Mini-ATX other than maybe the price difference.