There are some different types of motherboards on the market today. One of the most popular motherboards is the Mini ITX motherboard, famous for small form factor PCs. A new micro-ATX motherboard from Gigabyte may be the one you’re looking for.
Both Micro ATX vs Mini ITX motherboards are popular motherboard sizes for computers, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. Which Size Motherboard Is Right for Your PC? Read on our guide to find out.
Micro ATX
The Micro ATX motherboards look similar to the ATX motherboards. They are equipped with the correct number of RAM modules, PCIe slot slots, and decent overclocking capabilities.
You can build your gaming PC with mATX at any time. Other GPU-intensive programs should also run smoothly!
Pros
- Maximum 4 RAM slots
- Multiple PCIe slots, multiple M.2 slots
- Excellent overclocking performance
- This is an excellent choice for high-end gaming
- Available in smaller forms
- GPU-intensive applications supported
Cons
- Heating issues could be a problem for some users
- There are only a few expansion slots
- Although new models support Multi GPU, they are more expensive than the Micro-ATX motherboards.
Mini ITX
Mini ITX motherboards can only be upgraded, so they are reliable. For costly gaming rigs, you will need to consider high-end configurations.
Pros
- A small motherboard for primary usage
- Reduced power consumption
- Mini ITX cases can be carried around in a lightweight package
- High-end technology with good RAM capacity
- Compatible with processors of newer generations
Cons
- Mini ITX only has one.
- Gaming overclocking capabilities are limited
Micro ATX vs Mini ITX Comparison
Size Comparison
It is easy for the gaming CPU to get very crowded. This is why you need to make every effort to conserve space. It measures 244mm x 244mm for micro ATX.
The mini ITX is 170x170mm. Mini ITX motherboards are the clear winner when compared to micro ATX. They have one problem. Not all graphics cards fit into small-format cases.
- Standard ATX: 12.0×9.6 (inches).
- Micro-ATX 9.6 x 9.6 inches
- Mini-ITX: 6.7×6.7 (inches).
The mini ITX is the best option if you only have one requirement when choosing a motherboard. You should also understand that the mini ITX motherboard will have fewer slots and fewer hardware integration ports.
This will allow you to keep your computer small. To understand the limitations of this program, you can read the remainder of the comparison.
It is important to remember that this is false. You can’t usually put standard ATX or microATX motherboards into mini-ITX cases, or standard ATX motherboards in micro-ATX cases.
RAM slots
The number of RAM slots you have should be sufficient to run the machine. If you need to increase the RAM, later on, it is easy to do so. It supports up to four ram slots when it comes to micro ATX Motherboard. This is our top choice when it comes to the number of slots.
The mini ITX version has two slots that can hold 16GB RAM and each 32 GB. This is why the mini ITX version does not allow you to increase the RAM. These motherboards are compatible with smaller form factors than standard ATX or micro-ATX motherboards.
This is why you need to consider not only the size but also the available slots. It has the largest RAM capacity of any motherboard type, the ATX.
Modern games require 16GB RAM. This is why you have lots of options. The slots on the mini ITX motherboard might not be enough if you plan to use the CPU for a prolonged period.
This is why you need to decide whether 16GB of leeway in RAM slots is sufficient or whether you prefer to have the maximum number of RAM slots on the motherboard. You can choose which RAM slot you want, depending on your preference.
PCIe Slots
When it comes to PCIe slots, the difference between mini ITX and micro ATX motherboards is even more stark. There are four slots on the Micro ATX. A smaller motherboard has a number of PCIe slots less and the Mini ITX only has one PCIe Slot, this means that you can only run a single GPU on this motherboard. The slots are used to integrate your graphics card.
If you are thinking of installing expansion cards or a multi-GPU setup, the extra PCIe slots may be helpful. These can also be used to integrate other hardware pieces such as:
- Sound cards
- Modems for internal use
- Plus, many other things.
Mini ITX is hindered by the fact that the slot is often placed on the edge. This is why if the space available for the motherboard is limited, it might be challenging to install a high-performance graphics card. Keeping this in mind, micro ATX offer more PCIe slots.
Read also our comparison between B550 vs X570 Motherboard: https://medcpu.com/b550-vs-x570/
Price
The price has been a critical factor in determining the sales per million people. You might expect that smaller MOBOs will be more expensive. Wait! It’s the opposite. It’s not surprising that mini ITX has become more expensive.
There are many reasons for this. You can see the difference in the prices of the two discrete motherboards. ATX and Micro ATX typically start at around $50 or $60, while Mini ITX models begin at about $100. This is just absurd. It is absurd to think that something that doesn’t provide all the features and assets could cost you an arm and a leg.
Here’s an example of portability. It is a great feature that surpasses all others. The size and weight of an ITX are reduced by three folds when it’s housed in an ITX case. This means that you can now use the additional space to store other things.
Compactness can make your system lighter, making it easier to carry around. These positive features make the ITX motherboard stand out and also cost less. Although it could be a marketing trick, users want portability.
Which form factor should be chosen?
Now that you know what each form factor contains, it is time for the finale. We will break down the motherboards into three distinct categories in this session. These categories are not intended to make it easier or more authentic. You can also use these form factors to your advantage.
Let’s get started without further delay!
Check out our Best Gaming Laptop Under 1500 in 2021: https://medcpu.com/best-gaming-laptop-under-1500/
Compact working systems
Mini ITX is your only savior in this category. Although you might think my advice is a layman’s guide, I have been through it. Let’s suppose you want a minimalistic design that is ergonomically sound. You can choose between a Mini ITX or Micro ATX.
However, I would recommend mini ITX as it can meet all your gaming requirements and criteria. There are many attractive designs available for Mini ITX motherboards. Some unique coolers and fans can be used with an ITX build.
You can also use ITX MOBOs with an HTPC system. Cool, isn’t it?
Gaming system/Desktop
It is always better to choose something more extensive and more natural for gaming. We cannot use standard ATX motherboards because we are restricted to Micro ATX. Gaming is a complex niche, and it’s constantly changing. Gaming is dynamic and requires that you keep upgrading.
However, Mini ITX factors don’t allow for enough room to upgrade in the future. It leaves Micro ATX builds. Micro ATX can be described as a way to upgrade your RAM modules, add more SSDs, and possibly pitch in another GPU (if you have a limited size).
Micro ATX Motherboard is a great match for today’s aesthetics. It’s easy to slot the motherboard into an ATX or micro ATX form factor. This makes it stand out with all the colors that dance across your living room. The Micro ATX may be the best choice for you to satisfy two of the most important aspects of gaming: Performance and looks.
Servers
It is essential to keep the dependability of a system in mind when launching servers. Imagine a bank manager who needs a server/workstation to control all the desktops and by-systems. What form factor should you choose? Standard ATX motherboards are oversized and will take up space on your desk.
So what’s the bottom line? Micro ATX Motherboard is the best match for servers, as there will be occasions when you need to upgrade your system. Mini ITX, on the other hand, will not work the same way as Mini ATX. It is always better to choose the Micro ATX form factor if the integrity of the server is at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Micro ATX motherboards suitable for gaming?
Many PC gamers are looking for a more affordable alternative to ATX motherboards. Micro ATX boards are more compact, cost less, and are more efficient. A Micro ATX motherboard is appropriate for gaming if it has enough slots for expansion cards, enough USB ports, and if the CPU socket is compatible with your CPU.
Mini ITX motherboards are worth the cost?
They are worth the cost for any computer enthusiast looking to build a highly compact, powerful gaming PC.
Building a Mini ITX pc is excellent for people who want to save on space, but it has the downside of not fitting in many components such as sound and graphics cards. The advantage is that it gives you much more freedom to upgrade the system.
Read our guide on How To Build A Gaming Laptop: https://medcpu.com/how-to-build-a-gaming-laptop/
Conclusion: is Micro ATX or Mini ITX better?
When choosing between Mini ITX and Micro ATX, each system has pros and cons and deciding which one to go with depends mainly on the type of computer you want to build.
While Micro ATX Motherboard is commonly used for gaming, Mini ITX may better fit those who don’t require much power. There are advantages to both Micro ATX and Mini ITX; however, these are more related to the type of components used rather than their form factor.
Thanks for reading our blog post. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
Video:
Eyal Ephrat serves as the co-founder and CEO of medCPU.com, where technology is making significant strides in the field of medicine. Through his experience in purchasing PC and laptop equipment and various other tech products, Eyal Ephrat contributes valuable insights to medCPU’s mission.
