Both mini-ITX as well as micro-ATX has small form factor mainboards used in petite PCs. As motherboards, both ATX and ITX provide basic functions that can run a computer. Let’s compare ATX Vs ITX: Which one is best fit for you?
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Form Factor:-
“Small form factor motherboard” is a general term for any motherboard under a specific size. The majority of these motherboards are used in computer devices that are minor than a laptop. Substandard PCs and computing devices are frequently the prime spot for these mainboards, which are as well used in tablets.
Besides to general PC applications, these mainboards are used in electronics like smart devices and other gears.
Affordability:-
Small size motherboards similar to micro-ATX and mini-ITX are frequently ideal since they are reasonable, simpler, effortless to deal with, and easier to build. Logically, the key drawback of any little form factor motherboard is that it occasionally does not do as proficiently as a standard sized motherboard. There are fewer electrical breadboards and computer components that can be attached to this type of motherboard.
Mini ITX Size:-
Mini ITX has a standard and fixed size of 170mm. x 170 mm. (6.7 inches by 6.7 inches). This motherboard is designed to support low-cost computers in small spaces such as cars, installation boxes, and networking devices. It is also used in thin client computers and ATX, micro-ATX, and other ATX variants.
Mini-ITX is very beneficial due to its small size, low noise and ease of maintenance.
Micro ATX Size:-
In contrast, micro-ATX was introduced in 1997. Compared to mini ITX, this motherboard is larger in specification. It comes in three sizes: standard (305mm x 244mm or 12 “x 9.6”), minimum (171.45mm x 171.45mm or 6.9 “x 6.9”), and maximum (244mm x 244 mm) or 9.6 inches x 9.6 inches.
This motherboard can also support processors (central processing units) from VIA, Intel and AMD. Micro ATX has 4 PCI & PCI Express expansion slots. Unlike mini-ITX, it also has a full range of integrated peripherals such as audio, graphics, and Ethernet.
Micro-ATX is also backward compatible with ATX motherboard. Additionally, it can be used in full size ATX chassis by the similar power connections and chipsets set up on full ATX panel.
Due to its compatibility, micro-ATX is considered to be more popular than mini-ITX.
Key Differences:-
1. Mini-ITX is significantly smaller compared to micro-ATX.
2. Micro-ATXs have 3 sizes: normal, maximum and minimum, though mini-ITX has 1 average predetermined size.
3. Micro-ATX can also be a substitute for a full-size ATX motherboard as all the parts of both motherboards are the similar.
4. Depending on the size, mini-ITX can only contain a number of functions and components, while micro-ATX comes completely with audio, graphics, BIOS, processor, memory, memory, clock generator, expansion cards, power connectors, and other components of the motherboard. This is the opposite of micro-ATX as it can contain more components and still functions like a complete motherboard.
5. Unlike micro-ATX, mini-ITX does not require special components.
