E-atx Vs Atx Mainboards: Which One Is Right For You? [ Ultimate Guide]
What To Know
- The motherboard is the backbone of your system, and it plays a vital role in determining what components you can use and how well your system will perform.
- If you’re building a standard PC with a single graphics card and a few expansion cards, then an ATX motherboard will be a good choice.
- However, if you’re building a high-end gaming PC or a workstation with multiple graphics cards and other expansion cards, then an E-ATX motherboard will be a better option.
When building a PC, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right motherboard. The motherboard is the backbone of your system, and it plays a vital role in determining what components you can use and how well your system will perform.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at two of the most popular motherboard form factors: ATX and E-ATX. We’ll discuss the differences between these two form factors and help you decide which one is right for your build.
ATX is the most common motherboard form factor. It was introduced in 1995 and has since become the standard for most PC builds. ATX motherboards are typically 12 inches wide and 9.6 inches tall. They have a standard layout that includes a CPU socket, memory slots, expansion slots, and a variety of ports.
What is an E-ATX Motherboard?
E-ATX is a larger motherboard form factor that was introduced in 2006. E-ATX motherboards are typically 13.6 inches wide and 10.2 inches tall. They have a similar layout to ATX motherboards, but they offer more expansion slots and ports.
ATX vs E-ATX: Which One is Right for You?
The best motherboard form factor for you depends on your specific needs. If you’re building a standard PC with a single graphics card and a few expansion cards, then an ATX motherboard will be a good choice. However, if you’re building a high-end gaming PC or a workstation with multiple graphics cards and other expansion cards, then an E-ATX motherboard will be a better option.
ATX vs E-ATX: Comparison Table
Here is a table that compares the key differences between ATX and E-ATX motherboards:
| Feature | ATX | E-ATX |
| — | — | — |
| Size | 12 inches wide x 9.6 inches tall | 13.6 inches wide x 10.2 inches tall |
| Number of Expansion Slots | 7-8 | 10-12 |
| Number of SATA Ports | 6-8 | 8-10 |
| Number of M.2 Slots | 1-2 | 2-4 |
| Price | $100-$300 | $200-$500 |
Advantages of ATX Motherboards
- Smaller size: ATX motherboards are smaller than E-ATX motherboards, which makes them easier to install in smaller cases.
- Lower price: ATX motherboards are typically less expensive than E-ATX motherboards.
- More widely available: ATX motherboards are more widely available than E-ATX motherboards.
Advantages of E-ATX Motherboards
- More expansion slots: E-ATX motherboards have more expansion slots than ATX motherboards, which makes them ideal for builds with multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards.
- More SATA ports: E-ATX motherboards have more SATA ports than ATX motherboards, which makes them ideal for builds with multiple storage devices.
- More M.2 slots: E-ATX motherboards have more M.2 slots than ATX motherboards, which makes them ideal for builds with multiple NVMe SSDs.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things you should consider when choosing a motherboard:
- CPU socket: Make sure the motherboard you choose has a CPU socket that is compatible with your CPU.
- Memory slots: Make sure the motherboard you choose has enough memory slots for your needs.
- Expansion slots: Make sure the motherboard you choose has enough expansion slots for the cards you want to install.
- Ports: Make sure the motherboard you choose has the ports you need, such as USB ports, SATA ports, and Ethernet ports.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right motherboard for your build is an important decision. By taking the time to consider your needs and budget, you can choose a motherboard that will provide you with the best possible performance and features.
Key Points
Ultimately, the decision between an ATX and E-ATX motherboard depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as case size, expansion slot requirements, and budget to make an informed choice. Whether you opt for an ATX or E-ATX motherboard, ensure it aligns with your specific build requirements and provides the desired functionality and performance.
What People Want to Know
Q: What is the difference between an ATX and an E-ATX motherboard?
A: ATX motherboards are smaller and have fewer expansion slots and SATA ports than E-ATX motherboards. E-ATX motherboards are larger and have more expansion slots and SATA ports than ATX motherboards.
Q: Which motherboard form factor is better?
A: The best motherboard form factor for you depends on your specific needs. If you’re building a standard PC with a single graphics card and a few expansion cards, then an ATX motherboard will be a good choice. However, if you’re building a high-end gaming PC or a workstation with multiple graphics cards and other expansion cards, then an E-ATX motherboard will be a better option.
Q: What are the advantages of an ATX motherboard?
A: ATX motherboards are smaller, less expensive, and more widely available than E-ATX motherboards.
Q: What are the advantages of an E-ATX motherboard?
A: E-ATX motherboards have more expansion slots, SATA ports, and M.2 slots than ATX motherboards.
Q: What should I consider when choosing a motherboard?
A: When choosing a motherboard, you should consider the following factors: CPU socket, memory slots, expansion slots, ports, and budget.
