How Do I Know If My Case Is ATX or Micro ATX?
Sometimes the questions you get asked are a bit befuddling. When people say, "is this an ATX motherboard or Micro ATX" the answer is always - you can't tell just by looking at it. Well, that's not true.
What are ATX Cases?
ATX cases are the most common type of computer case.
They come in various sizes and shapes, but all have a few things in common.
Most ATX cases have a power supply built-in, which provides power to the components inside the case.
They also have several expansion slots, which are used to add new components to the system.
What are Micro ATX Cases?
Micro ATX cases are designed to fit smaller motherboards.
They're perfect for building a budget-friendly or space-saving gaming PC.
MicroATX cases are a smaller version of ATX cases.
They usually only have room for a few expansion cards and do not have a built-in power supply.
However, they can still be used with most ATX motherboards.
How to Tell Which is Which?
MicroATX and ATX are two standards for computer motherboard form factors.
The difference between the two is in size; a microATX board is smaller than a standard ATX board.
There are also a few other differences, but size is the defining factor.
If you're not sure which form factor you need for your computer case, there's an easy way to tell.
Just measure the inside of the case from front to back and from side to side.
If the measurements are 9.
6 inches by 8.
0 inches or smaller, you need a microATX motherboard.
If the measurements are 12 inches by 9.
6 inches or larger, then you need an ATX motherboard.
Some cases on the market can accommodate either size, so if you're not sure which one you have, just take a look at the case and see if it says anything about being able to hold either an ATX or microATX board.
The Sizes of Each
When looking at cases, you'll notice that they come in various sizes.
Two of the most common sizes are ATX and Micro ATX.
So, how do you know which one is right for your needs?
ATX cases are the larger of the two options and can typically accommodate more drives and expansion cards.
Micro ATX cases are smaller, making them a good option if you're limited on space or looking for a lighter case.
Ultimately, the decision of which case to choose comes down to personal preference and your specific needs.
If you need a lot of room for expansion, an ATX case is probably your best bet.
If you're limited on space or looking for a lighter case, then a Micro ATX case might be a better option.
Examples of ATX and Micro ATX Cases
If you're not sure whether your case is ATX or Micro ATX, here are some examples to help you identify which type of case you have:
ATX Cases:
- Corsair Obsidian 450D
- NZXT Phantom 820
- Thermaltake Core V71
Micro ATX Cases:
- Corsair Carbide Series 200R
- Fractal Design Node 304
- SilverStone Milo ML04
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a Micro ATX case:
- Will all of your components fit? Micro ATX cases are smaller than standard ATX cases, so make sure that all of your components will physically fit inside the case.
- Do you need extra features? Some Micro ATX cases include built-in fans or cable management systems. If you don't need these features, you can save some money by choosing a basic case.
- Do you want a specific look? Just because a case is small doesn't mean it has to be boring. There are plenty of stylish Micro ATX cases to choose from if you want your PC to look great.