What is MicroATX?

Micro ATX is a standard for computer motherboards, which are the primary circuit board of your computer. With MicroATX, the motherboard has a maximum size of 9.6 inches square (244 mm by 244 mm), although some are as small as 6 3/4” square.

This represents a change from the standard ATX size, which was 12” by 9.6”. Of course, computer components are growing smaller as the years go by, MicroATX represents the decrease in size from the ATX form factor.

Micro ATX and ATX are the two most popular motherboard form factors for desktop computers, although they are larger than some form factors currently available. However, this extra size allows for greater expansion possibilities and the addition of extra features.

MicroATX was specifically designed to be compatible with the older ATX standard. Therefore, Micro ATX motherboards can be mounted in full-size ATX cases. Most also use the same power supply connectors, so power supplies made for regular ATX motherboards can be used with the Micro ATX size, as well.

Many components of ATX motherboards can also be used in Micro ATX motherboard.

The advantage of MicroATX is that it is a more powerful motherboard contained in a smaller space. While you can still use some ATX parts, they will fit in a smaller case due to the smaller motherboard. If you want to, you can purchase a micro ATX computer cases that is much smaller than typical ATX cases, increasing the portability of your system.

Because Micro ATX motherboards are, by definition, smaller than standard ATX motherboards, they can only have four PCI expansion slots, unlike ATX motherboards with five or more.   To save space, some MicroATX motherboards have graphics or sound cards built in, instead of requiring expansion slots for these components.

In addition, MicroATX cases usually have fewer expansion slots and I/O ports due to their smaller size, but on the other hand, they save space and are more portable.

Your motherboard is crucial to the performance of your computer; Micro ATX is leading the way in creating compact yet still high performance systems. Currently, MicroATX motherboards support VIA, Intel, or AMD CPUs. This is important because the board must have the socket that the CPU was designed for.