Atx Vs Eatx Mainboards: The Complete Comparison Guide For Pc Builders
What To Know
- If you are building a budget-friendly PC or a compact PC, then an ATX motherboard is a good choice.
- If you are building a high-end gaming or workstation PC, then an EATX motherboard is a better option.
- ATX and EATX motherboards both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Choosing the right motherboard is a crucial decision when building a PC. The motherboard serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all the components and allowing them to communicate with each other. In this blog post, we will compare two popular motherboard form factors: ATX and EATX. We will discuss their differences, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision about which one is the best choice for your build.
The ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) motherboard is the most common motherboard form factor used in PC builds. It was introduced in 1995 and has since become the industry standard. ATX motherboards measure 12 inches wide and 9.6 inches deep, making them compatible with most PC cases. They offer a wide range of features and expansion options, including multiple PCI-Express slots, SATA ports, and USB ports.
What is an EATX Motherboard?
The EATX (Extended ATX) motherboard is a larger and more powerful version of the ATX motherboard. It was introduced in 2006 and is primarily used in high-end gaming and workstation builds. EATX motherboards measure 13.6 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep, making them incompatible with most PC cases. They offer more features and expansion options than ATX motherboards, including additional PCI-Express slots, SATA ports, and USB ports.
ATX vs EATX: Key Differences
The following table summarizes the key differences between ATX and EATX motherboards:
| Feature | ATX | EATX |
| — | — | — |
| Size | 12 inches wide, 9.6 inches deep | 13.6 inches wide, 10.5 inches deep |
| Compatibility | Fits most PC cases | Requires a full-tower PC case |
| Features | Wide range of features and expansion options | More features and expansion options than ATX |
| Price | Typically less expensive than EATX | Typically more expensive than ATX |
ATX vs EATX: Advantages and Disadvantages
ATX Advantages:
- More compact size: Fits in most PC cases
- Wider availability: More widely available than EATX
- Lower price: Typically less expensive than EATX
ATX Disadvantages:
- Fewer features and expansion options: May not have enough expansion slots or ports for high-end builds
- Less powerful: May not be able to support high-end CPUs and GPUs
EATX Advantages:
- More features and expansion options: Supports more PCI-Express slots, SATA ports, and USB ports
- More powerful: Can support high-end CPUs and GPUs
- Better cooling: More space for larger heatsinks and fans
EATX Disadvantages:
- Larger size: Requires a full-tower PC case
- Less availability: Less widely available than ATX
- Higher price: Typically more expensive than ATX
Which One Should You Choose?
The best motherboard for your build depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you are building a budget-friendly PC or a compact PC, then an ATX motherboard is a good choice. If you are building a high-end gaming or workstation PC, then an EATX motherboard is a better option.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard
In addition to the form factor, there are several other factors to consider when choosing a motherboard:
- Socket Type: The socket type determines which CPU you can use with the motherboard.
- Chipset: The chipset determines the features and capabilities of the motherboard.
- Memory Support: Consider the type and amount of memory that the motherboard supports.
- Storage Support: Consider the number and type of storage devices that the motherboard supports.
- Expansion Options: Consider the number and type of expansion slots that the motherboard has.
- Networking: Consider the type of networking connectivity that the motherboard has.
- Form Factor: Consider the size and shape of the motherboard.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right motherboard for your build is to consider your specific needs and requirements. ATX and EATX motherboards both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Beyond ATX and EATX
In addition to ATX and EATX, there are several other motherboard form factors available, including:
- Mini-ITX: A compact form factor designed for small builds
- Micro-ATX: A smaller version of ATX that is still compatible with most PC cases
- XL-ATX: A larger version of ATX that is designed for high-end builds
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. What is the difference between ATX and EATX?
ATX is a smaller and more compact form factor than EATX. ATX motherboards measure 12 inches wide and 9.6 inches deep, while EATX motherboards measure 13.6 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep.
2. Which one is better, ATX or EATX?
The best motherboard for your build depends on your specific needs and requirements. ATX motherboards are more compact and affordable, while EATX motherboards offer more features and expansion options.
3. Can I use an ATX motherboard in an EATX case?
No, ATX motherboards are not compatible with EATX cases. EATX cases are designed for EATX motherboards, which are larger than ATX motherboards.
4. Can I use an EATX motherboard in an ATX case?
Yes, you can use an EATX motherboard in an ATX case, but you may need to remove some of the drive cages or other components to make it fit.
5. What are the advantages of an ATX motherboard?
ATX motherboards are more compact and affordable than EATX motherboards. They are also more widely available and compatible with a wider range of PC cases.
6. What are the advantages of an EATX motherboard?
EATX motherboards offer more features and expansion options than ATX motherboards. They also have more space for larger heatsinks and fans, which can improve cooling.
7. What are the disadvantages of an ATX motherboard?
ATX motherboards may not have enough expansion slots or ports for high-end builds. They may also be less powerful than EATX motherboards, which can limit their ability to support high-end CPUs and GPUs.
8. What are the disadvantages of an EATX motherboard?
EATX motherboards are larger and more expensive than ATX motherboards. They are also less widely available and compatible with a narrower range of PC cases.
