When choosing a motherboard, everyone should have heard of both large and small boards. As one of the accessories in the host, the motherboard has no direct impact on the performance of the machine, but its scalability is closely related to it. Therefore, some users have certain misconceptions about the choice between large and small boards. Some users choose not to choose large boards, thinking that large boards are necessarily better than small boards. Today, the editor will talk about the differences and advantages and disadvantages between small and large motherboards.

1、 Specifications and models of large and small motherboards

I've been talking about big boards and small boards all along, so how big is the big board and how small is the small board? Motherboards are divided into the following types based on their size: E-ATX (Enhanced), ATX (Standard), M-ATX (Compact), MINI-ITX (Mini), as well as STX smaller than MINI-ITX and even some customized ultra mini motherboards.

Here we will use standard ATX and MINI-ITX motherboards as examples to teach you the differences between them and how to make a choice between large and small boards.

2、 ATX standard board type

ATX board features: The most standard ATX board size is 30.5cm x 24.4cm, which is the most common motherboard standard size for everyone. The vast majority of ordinary computer cases are compatible, with the advantages of large size, multiple interfaces, and strong expandability.

3、 MINI-ITX Mini Board Type

MINI-ITX version features: MINI-ITX, also known as ITX, has strict size control, 17.0cm x 17.0cm. It is generally used with ultra compact chassis, but can actually be installed in standard chassis, but it loses the advantage of a small motherboard and wastes this highly integrated technological artwork. The expansion capability of ITX motherboard is definitely inferior to ATX board type, which is determined by its own size.

3、 Comparison of Expansion Interfaces between Large and Small Boards

1. The ATX board type can accommodate more interfaces and stack more components due to its larger area:

Four memory slots

Rich power supply and cooling system

ATX board type is generally equipped with 6 SATA interfaces

Numerous PCIe+M.2 SSD slots

The I/O interface is quite similar

Because the size of the I/O interface is fixed, there is no significant difference in the maximum number of interfaces that ATX and ITX boards can accommodate.

4、 ITX board has fewer interfaces, but can be installed in a small chassis

Take a closer look at the difference in size again, and then——

Concentrated essence

However, in reality, the technical difficulty of developing ITX board types is much higher than that of ATX board types, because high integration requires higher requirements for component stability, process, and raw materials. Therefore, the price of ITX boards may even be higher compared to some ordinary ATX boards.

Even the space on the back has been utilized, with an M.2 SS interface

Number of I/O interfaces

The difference in expansion capability is clear at a glance, and then there is the difference in installation.

5、 For a large motherboard, choose a large chassis. A small motherboard can accommodate a small chassis

This is where the true value of ITX small computer cases lies - small steel cannon small computer cases. In fact, small and beautiful ITX small consoles are very popular in the European and American markets because they can better match with study rooms and living rooms. Moreover, there are already many high-performance ITX small graphics cards available now——

GTX1070 small truck

It's like this, a super product that combines technology and art, making small case enthusiasts tremble all over.

The beauty of simplicity

Balancing performance and a fresh and stylish appearance is something that ATX motherboards do not possess.

Of course, the ATX motherboard is suitable for more rugged and cool designs.