When it comes to building a new computer, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is choosing the right motherboard form factor. Two of the most popular options are ATX and ITX, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. But which one is better?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of motherboard form factors, exploring the differences between ATX and ITX, and examining the pros and cons of each. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a beginner, this article will help you make an informed decision about which form factor is right for your needs.
What Are ATX And ITX?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a step back and define what ATX and ITX actually are.
ATX, or Advanced Technology Extended, is a motherboard form factor developed by Intel in the mid-1990s. It’s the most widely used form factor in desktop computers, and is characterized by a rectangular shape with a width of 305mm and a length of 244mm.
ITX, or Information Technology eXtended, is a smaller motherboard form factor, originally developed by VIA Technologies in 2001. It’s designed for compact, low-power systems, and comes in three sizes: Mini-ITX, Nano-ITX, and Pico-ITX.
Size And Compatibility
One of the most significant differences between ATX and ITX is size. ATX motherboards are larger, which means they can accommodate more components, such as expansion cards, RAM, and storage devices. ITX motherboards, on the other hand, are much smaller, making them ideal for compact systems and small form factor builds.
ATX Advantages:
- Larger size allows for more expansion options
- Easier to install and upgrade components
- Wider range of component compatibility
ITX Advantages:
- Smaller size makes it ideal for compact builds and small spaces
- Lower power consumption and heat generation
- More portable and easier to transport
Expansion And Upgrade Options
ATX motherboards typically have more expansion slots, such as PCI-E x16, PCI-E x4, and PCI, allowing for more flexibility when it comes to installing graphics cards, sound cards, and other peripherals. ITX motherboards, due to their smaller size, have limited expansion options, making them less suitable for systems that require multiple expansion cards.
ATX Advantages:
- More expansion slots for peripherals and upgrades
- Easier to install and upgrade graphics cards and other components
ITX Limitations:
- Limited expansion slots
- Restrictive component compatibility due to smaller size
Power Consumption And Heat Generation
ITX motherboards are designed for low-power systems, which means they consume less power and generate less heat than ATX motherboards. This makes them ideal for systems that don’t require high-performance components or intense processing power.
ITX Advantages:
- Lower power consumption and heat generation
- Ideal for low-power systems and small form factor builds
ATX Limitations:
- Higher power consumption and heat generation
- May require more powerful power supplies and cooling systems
Cooling And Thermal Management
ATX motherboards often have more room for heat sinks and fans, making it easier to manage temperatures and keep components cool. ITX motherboards, due to their smaller size, can be more challenging to cool, especially in compact builds.
ATX Advantages:
- More room for heat sinks and fans
- Easier to manage temperatures and keep components cool
ITX Challenges:
- Limited room for heat sinks and fans
- Can be more challenging to cool compact builds
Cost And Availability
ATX motherboards are generally more widely available and affordable than ITX motherboards. This is because ATX is a more established form factor, and manufacturers produce more ATX motherboards to meet demand.
ATX Advantages:
- More widely available and affordable
- Easier to find compatible components and accessories
ITX Limitations:
- Less widely available and more expensive
- May be harder to find compatible components and accessories
Real-World Applications
So, when would you choose an ATX motherboard over an ITX motherboard, and vice versa? Here are some real-world scenarios to consider:
Gaming And High-Performance Systems
If you’re building a high-performance gaming system or a workstation that requires intense processing power, an ATX motherboard is likely the better choice. ATX motherboards can accommodate more powerful components, such as high-end graphics cards and multiple hard drives, making them ideal for demanding systems.
Compact And Low-Power Systems
If you’re building a compact system for general use, such as a home office or media center, an ITX motherboard might be the better option. ITX motherboards are designed for low-power systems, making them ideal for compact builds that don’t require high-performance components.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether ATX is better than ITX depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you’re building a high-performance system that requires multiple expansion cards and intense processing power, an ATX motherboard is likely the better choice. However, if you’re building a compact, low-power system that doesn’t require high-performance components, an ITX motherboard might be the way to go.
ATX is ideal for:
- High-performance gaming systems
- Workstations that require intense processing power
- Systems that require multiple expansion cards and components
ITX is ideal for:
- Compact, low-power systems
- Small form factor builds
- Systems that don’t require high-performance components
Ultimately, the choice between ATX and ITX comes down to your specific needs and requirements. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each form factor, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your next build.
What Is The Main Difference Between ATX And ITX Motherboards?
The main difference between ATX and ITX motherboards lies in their size and feature set. ATX motherboards are the traditional, full-sized motherboards that have been widely used in desktop computers for decades. They provide a range of features, including multiple expansion slots, USB ports, and SATA ports. On the other hand, ITX motherboards are smaller, compact versions of ATX motherboards, designed for smaller form factor systems. They have a more limited feature set and are ideal for building compact, low-power systems.
While ATX motherboards are generally more feature-rich, ITX motherboards make up for their smaller size by offering improved energy efficiency and a more compact design. This makes them ideal for building small, portable systems or home theater PCs. Ultimately, the choice between ATX and ITX comes down to the specific needs of the user and the type of system they want to build.
Is ATX Better Than ITX For Gaming?
When it comes to gaming, ATX motherboards are often the preferred choice due to their ability to support more powerful components. ATX motherboards can accommodate multiple graphics cards, high-wattage power supplies, and advanced cooling systems, making them better suited for demanding games. Additionally, ATX motherboards tend to have more PCIe slots, allowing for multiple graphics cards to be installed in SLI or Crossfire configurations.
That being said, ITX motherboards are not entirely unsuitable for gaming. Modern ITX motherboards have made significant strides in terms of performance, and many are capable of supporting powerful CPUs and single graphics cards. However, the limited size and feature set of ITX motherboards may make them less desirable for serious gamers who require the most cutting-edge performance. For casual gaming, however, ITX motherboards can be a more than adequate choice.
Can I Fit An ATX Motherboard In An ITX Case?
No, you cannot fit an ATX motherboard in an ITX case. The two types of motherboards have different mounting holes and sizes, making them incompatible with each other’s cases. ATX motherboards are designed to fit in standard ATX cases, which are typically larger and more spacious than ITX cases. Attempting to fit an ATX motherboard in an ITX case would result in a poor fit, damage to the motherboard or case, or both.
If you want to build a system using an ATX motherboard, you’ll need to choose a case that is specifically designed for ATX motherboards. Conversely, if you want to build a compact system using an ITX motherboard, you’ll need to choose an ITX case. Be sure to check the compatibility of the motherboard and case before making a purchase to avoid any potential issues.
How Much Smaller Is An ITX Motherboard Compared To An ATX Motherboard?
An ITX motherboard is significantly smaller than an ATX motherboard. While ATX motherboards typically measure around 12 inches (305mm) wide and 9.6 inches (244mm) deep, ITX motherboards measure around 6.7 inches (170mm) wide and 6.7 inches (170mm) deep. This means that ITX motherboards are roughly half the size of ATX motherboards, making them much more compact and ideal for building small systems.
The smaller size of ITX motherboards also means that they have fewer expansion options and may have limited clearance for larger components, such as CPU coolers or graphics cards. However, this smaller size also makes them more energy-efficient and suitable for building low-power systems or home theater PCs.
Can I Upgrade An ITX Motherboard To An ATX Motherboard In The Future?
If you build a system using an ITX motherboard and decide you want to upgrade to an ATX motherboard in the future, it’s not a straightforward process. ITX motherboards are designed to be compact and energy-efficient, and upgrading to an ATX motherboard would require a completely new system build.
You would need to purchase a new ATX motherboard, case, and power supply, and possibly even new RAM and CPU coolers that are compatible with the new motherboard. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, especially if you’re switching from an ITX system to an ATX system.
Are ITX Motherboards More Expensive Than ATX Motherboards?
ITX motherboards are often more expensive than ATX motherboards, especially when considering the cost per feature. This is because ITX motherboards are designed to be compact and energy-efficient, which requires more advanced engineering and manufacturing techniques. As a result, ITX motherboards tend to have a higher price point than their ATX counterparts.
However, the cost difference between ITX and ATX motherboards is not dramatic, and ITX motherboards often make up for their higher cost by offering improved energy efficiency and a more compact design. When building a system, the cost of the motherboard is just one factor to consider, and ITX motherboards can still provide a cost-effective solution for building compact, low-power systems.
Can I Build A High-performance System Using An ITX Motherboard?
Yes, it is possible to build a high-performance system using an ITX motherboard. While ITX motherboards have limitations in terms of expansion options and component size, modern ITX motherboards have made significant strides in terms of performance. Many ITX motherboards support powerful CPUs, high-performance graphics cards, and advanced storage options, making it possible to build a high-performance system in a compact form factor.
That being said, building a high-performance system using an ITX motherboard requires careful component selection and planning. You’ll need to choose components that are compatible with the ITX motherboard and fit within the limited space available. Additionally, you may need to make some compromises, such as using a smaller power supply or fewer storage drives, to fit everything within the compact ITX case.