What Is Nano Itx Motherboard? The Smallest Motherboard In The World

The Nano ITX form-factor (also known as nano-ITX or nITX) is the smallest motherboard form-factor available for desktop computers. It measures 170mm x 170mm and is designed for small, compact builds. In this article, we’ll explain what a Nano ITX motherboard is, discuss its advantages and disadvantages, and show you some of the best Nano ITX motherboards currently available.

What Is Nano Itx Motherboard?

The Nano ITX motherboard is a smaller version of the ITX motherboard. It is the smallest motherboard on the market, measuring just 6.7 by 6.7 inches. The Nano ITX motherboard is perfect for small form factor builds, such as HTPCs and media centers.

The Nano ITX motherboard has many of the same features as the ITX motherboard, including support for dual-channel memory, PCI Express x16 slots, and SATA ports. However, it has fewer expansion slots and connectors, making it more compact.

The Nano ITX motherboard is also a good choice for budget builds. It is less expensive than the ITX motherboard, but still offers good performance.

Overall, the Nano ITX motherboard is a great choice for small form factor builds and budgets. It offers good performance and features, and is easy to install.

What Are The Key Benefits Of Using A Nano Itx Motherboard?

• 1. Small form factor: Nano ITX motherboards are compact, making them ideal for use in small form factor builds or where space is at a premium.
• 2. Reduced power consumption: Due to their small size, Nano ITX motherboards tend to consume less power than traditional full-sized ATX motherboards, which can help to reduce energy costs.
• 3. Flexible customization options: Nano ITX motherboards offer a wide range of customization options, including support for multiple graphics cards, storage devices, and expansion slots, allowing you to tailor your build to your specific needs.
• 4. Enhanced performance: Nano ITX motherboards often feature advanced cooling solutions, such as heat sinks and fans, which can help to improve the overall stability and performance of your system.
• 5. Compatibility with a wide range of components: Nano ITX motherboards are compatible with a wide range of components, including processors, graphics cards, storage devices, and expansion cards, making it easy to upgrade or customize your system in the future.

What Are Some Popular Nano Itx Motherboard Models In The Market?

Nano-ITX motherboards are a popular choice for compact PC builds, and there are many models available. Here are some of the most popular models in the market:

1. ASRock H110M-ITX/ac: This motherboard is based on the Intel H110 chipset and supports 7th generation Intel Core processors. It has an M.2 slot for high-speed storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.

2. ASUS Z170I Pro Gaming/Aura: This motherboard is based on the Intel Z170 chipset and supports 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. It has Aura Sync RGB lighting, an M.2 slot for high-speed storage, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

3. GIGABYTE GA-H110M-S2H: This motherboard is based on the Intel H110 chipset and supports 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. It has an M.2 slot for high-speed storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.

4. MSI B150I Pro AC: This motherboard is based on the Intel B150 chipset and supports 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. It has an M.2 slot for high-speed storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.

5. ASRock H170M-ITX/ac: This motherboard is based on the Intel H170 chipset and supports 6th and 7th generation Intel Core processors. It has an M.2 slot for high-speed storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.

How Does A Nano Itx Motherboard Compare To A Standard Atx Motherboard?

A Nano ITX motherboard is a compact version of a standard ATX motherboard. It’s about half the size of a standard ATX motherboard, measuring around 6.7 by 6.7 inches (17 by 17 cm). Despite the smaller size, it still has all the essential components, including the CPU, RAM, and storage devices.

One of the main advantages of a Nano ITX motherboard is its small form factor, which allows it to be used in small cases or builds where space is at a premium. It’s also great for building compact gaming PCs or home theater PCs.

However, the smaller form factor also means that there are fewer expansion slots and connectivity options compared to a standard ATX motherboard. This can make it less suitable for building high-end gaming PCs or workstations that require multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards.

Another consideration is that the smaller size means that there are fewer fan headers, which can make it difficult to cool the system effectively. This can be especially problematic if you plan to overclock the CPU.

Overall, a Nano ITX motherboard is ideal for small builds or compact systems where space is at a premium, but it may not be the best choice for high-end gaming or workstation builds.

What Are Some Use Cases Where A Nano Itx Motherboard Would Be Advantageous?

Nano ITX motherboards offer numerous advantages for specific use cases. Here are some situations where a Nano ITX motherboard would be advantageous:

1. Home Theater PC: Nano ITX motherboards are ideal for compact home theater PCs (HTPCs). Their small size allows you to build a powerful yet discreet HTPC that fits neatly behind your television or entertainment center.

2. Gaming Console: If you’re looking to build a powerful gaming console, a Nano ITX motherboard can be an excellent choice. It allows you to pack high-end gaming components into a compact form factor, providing a powerful and portable gaming experience.

3. LAN Party Rig: Nano ITX motherboards are ideal for LAN party rigs. Their small size makes them easy to transport, and they often feature robust connectivity options, such as multiple USB ports and built-in Wi-Fi, making them convenient to use at LAN parties.

4. Media Center: A Nano ITX motherboard can be used to create a compact media center PC. It can easily fit behind your television or entertainment center, and it offers ample connectivity options, allowing you to easily connect peripherals like storage devices, gaming controllers, and home theater devices.

What Are The Key Considerations To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Nano Itx Motherboard?

There are several key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a Nano ITX motherboard. First and foremost, consider the form factor of the motherboard. Nano ITX motherboards are designed to be compact, making them ideal for small form factor builds. However, keep in mind that Nano ITX motherboards may have limited expansion options compared to larger form factors.

Another important consideration is the number of CPU sockets and slots. Some Nano ITX motherboards may only support a single CPU socket, while others may have multiple sockets. Additionally, consider the number of RAM slots and expansion slots available. Some Nano ITX motherboards may have limited RAM slots, while others may have multiple slots for expansion cards.

Finally, consider the features of the motherboard. Some Nano ITX motherboards may have additional features such as built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or audio codecs. Consider what features you need and choose a motherboard that offers them.

Overall, when choosing a Nano ITX motherboard, consider your form factor, CPU socket and slot needs, RAM and expansion slot needs, and additional features. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can choose a motherboard that is perfect for your small form factor build.

Final Note

If you’ve been thinking about building a compact gaming PC or a small form factor workstation, the Nano ITX motherboard is the perfect choice. It’s small, powerful, and compatible with a wide range of components, making it versatile enough to meet your every need.