Pros / Cons of MicroATX Boards?

D

Ducttape

Poster Extraordinaire
Joined
Apr 23, 2008
Messages
2,473
I've built my own PC's for a while, but I've always started with a full sized ATX motherboard.

I was thinking about my next build, and maybe trying a smaller motherboard, but wasn't sure about a few things that (I think) might be important, as well as things I might not even think to think about?

Like...

Do MicroATX boards get hotter? Not just the board, but with everything being more condensed in a smaller case, will it be harder to keep cool?

Are they slower in any way, or do they just offer fewer expansion slots than a full sized board?

Are there any overclocking issues with MicroATX?

How hard is it to squeeze a full-size GPU in a MicroATX setup? It will at least be a ATI 5770, maybe a 5850.
 
mATX:

CONS:
Smaller
less expansions slots
ummm?

Pros:
Smaller
Can fit in mATX case (there are some really cool ones out there)
often cheaper
 
In some cases less powerful and can get hotter. I've used a few micro ATX motherboards in a few builds and that was just for cool cases. Like a Pyrex see through case. Also a fish tank wasn't my build was a friends. Problem being alot of times u can't find a video card to fit your case because they are so big now adays. I never go smaller then a mid size case anyway. Put it this way

Bigger the case = more airflow= cooler computer more room, more drives
 
I fit an 8800GTS in my work rig no problem, which is on an ASUS H55-pro mATX and in an Antec 300 case. The i3 runs super cool along with the rest of the components according to Everest, compared to my gaming rig listed below.
 
If I build one, I'll probably use this case:
Antec Mini P180: $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129041

I think if I remove the lower HardDrive chamber a longer GPU will fit; a little tight, but should be OK. After that, it'll hold 3 hard drives which is plenty for me.

Motherboard will probably be:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121386

Expansion slots will be populated with a TV tuner and Sound Blaster card...

Biggest problem I see right now is: the GPU is double-wide (takes up the expansion slot right below it) and that eats up one of the PCI express slots :confused1: Maybe one of the newer ATI 5xxx GPU's are single wides? ~
 
Some of the lower end 5xxx series are single slot, though these will not fair well gaming. Is a Micro ATX case a must for your build ?
 
dbee said:
Is a Micro ATX case a must for your build ?
Click to expand...

The smaller footprint was the whole reason for trying out a microATX board :)

I've always had gargantuan cases (I still have my old Cheiftec Dragon Planet Purple case). I'd like to try something smaller, maybe be able to set it on a shelf unobtrusively?
 
Here is my mATX.

http://xtreview.com/images/MSI 760GM-E51 02.jpg

I've had both and other than the extra slots, I haven't noticed any difference.

I have a huge GTX 275, and a Hyper 212+ cooling an unlocked Phenom II x3(4) overclocked to 3.4ghz.

It does look pretty small especially in a Full Tower case, but I've owned 3 in the past year and they've all worked very well.
 
Last edited:
Think about probable uses for microatx boards. Some people might consider if your making a home theater PC or for a server. I'm thinking bout making a cheap NAS server with a microatx, but it's not a for sure thing.
 
Ducttape said:
The smaller footprint was the whole reason for trying out a microATX board :)

I've always had gargantuan cases (I still have my old Cheiftec Dragon Planet Purple case). I'd like to try something smaller, maybe be able to set it on a shelf unobtrusively?
Click to expand...

the mini P180 is as big as the antec 900
 
There are some nice mATX board out there. The main reasons i see to get one would to be

1. Epic mini cases
2. slightly cheaper
 
they can be cheaper, they will save space if you use an mATX case but otherwise pointless. the only way it will have less performance is by the brand/model. you can get somewhat the same high end boards as mATX but they will have slightly less features most likely like slots etc.

if you use mATX board/case cooling will be more difficult, but can still be achieved with a decent mATX case - wire management is a necessity here
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top