ATX Vs. Micro ATX

A current ATX motherboard

Computers are complex machines. The technology behind them is always growing and evolving with parts being changed, created, or removed to fit the current needs and standards. Motherboard standards are one of the more varied parts of a computer.

Significance

Since both ATX and mATX are motherboards, they are the core component in a PC. Without the motherboard, you only have parts.

Function

ATX motherboards are for standard desktop computers. mATX motherboards are intended for SFF, or Small Form Factor computers.

Time frame

The ATX specification was introduced formally in 1995. The micro ATX specification was introduced in 1997.

Size

An ATX motherboard can be no larger than 12" --- 9.6" or 305 mm --- 244 mm. A micro ATX motherboard can be no larger than 9.6" x 9.6" or 244 mm x 244 mm.

Similarities

The mounting hole pattern on a micro ATX motherboard matches the mounting hole pattern on an ATX motherboard, so a micro ATX motherboard can be used in an ATX case.

CPU support

Micro ATX boards support all of the same CPUs that ATX boards support, and go one step further by having boards built around VIA's (VIA stands for Very Innovative Architecture) line of low power consumption CPUs.

References

• Form Factors: mATX Spec PDF
• Form Factors: ATX Spec PDF