When buying computers, most people do not know that there are two common form factors for desktops; ATX and micro ATX, which are also commonly abbreviated as mATX or uATX. “ATX” stands for “advanced technology extended” and was an improved version of an older form factor.
Micro ATX Vs ATX:-
The main disadvantage of Micro-ATX Vs ATX is the reduced number of expansion ports located at the lower end. Whereas ATX boards normally have 5 expansion slots, micro-ATX usually has 3 with 4 being the supreme limit. It is partially offset by many board manufacturers incorporating common functions like sound, network, and even graphics. It is not uncommon to see computers that do not take advantage of the expansion ports.
Size:-
Micro ATX is one of the offshoots of ATX, and its main difference factor in main ATX is size. ATX maintains a board of rectangular size typically measuring 305mm. By 244mm. Micro ATX is even more square which maintains 244mm. Width but cuts the length up to 61mm.
Form Factor:-
Although the Micro ATX is a smaller form factor, the same width allowed it to retain most of the mounting points set by the ATX form factor. This allows micro-ATX boards to fit and mount completely within the ATX chassis. With micro ATX cases, the main focus is reduced size for a smaller footprint. This inhibits the use of the ATX board within a micro ATX chassis.
Drive Bays:-
An indirect result of the Micro ATX form factor is a reduced number of drive bays within the case. Not much of a problem if you only have one or two hard drives inside, but it can be a problem if you have a lot of hard or optical drives or you want to implement RAID. For many, more room is usually better to accommodate future extensions even if they never really do it. Because of this, micro ATX cases are still unpopular as well as if micro motherboards ATX are now more popular than full size ATX boards.
Which One Is More Preferred: Micro ATX or ATX?
In general, at the moment, micro ATX “in pieces” is already being sold much more actively than ATX. However, for all its high marginality, it cannot boast of high sales volumes. But the full-size ATX cases “hold up” well, including for new assemblies, not to mention the equipment that users have in their hands. The reasons are stated above: firstly, a long lifespan, and secondly, excellent top-down compatibility within the line.
Why do full-sized cases sell well even now, even if they are used with more compact motherboards? So it still works! At the same time, “real” micro ATX cases are usually much cheaper and generally “uninteresting” models, often unable to fully utilize the capabilities of the boards.
Key Differences:-
1. ATX is larger than micro ATX.
2. ATX boards usually have wider slots than micro ATX boards.
3. A micro ATX board can be put in an ATX chassis however not the further method around.
4. Micro ATX chassis has drive bays less than ATX chassis.
