Motherboards: ATX Vs. MicroATX
ATX and microATX are motherboard form factors (the physical design and layout).
Each standard has unique attributes. Both standards remain in use as of 2010.
History
The ATX form factor is the successor of the Baby-AT form factor. Intel Corp. introduced it in 1995. The microATX design was created to complement the ATX form factor, not to replace it. The microATX form factor was introduced by Intel in December 1997.
ATX
The ATX form factor was designed to improve upon the Baby AT by making it easier to use, increase support for new processors, reduce cost, and add additional support for input/output devices. Motherboards with the ATX form factor measure 12 inches wide by 9.6 inches deep (305 millimeters by 244 millimeters). The advantage that ATX motherboards have over microATX is their size. Larger motherboards allow for more RAM to be installed, as well as additional expansion slots to be utilized.
MicroATX
The microATX form factor was designed to deal with consumer trends, as well as newer computer technology. microATX motherboards come in two varieties, 9.6 inches in width by 9.6 inches in depth and 6.75 inches wide and 6.75 inches deep. Using the microATX form factor allows for reduced costs when building a computer. More specifically, it allows for a computer to built using a smaller power supply and case. The microATX form factor also reduces the input/output device capabilities of a motherboard, limiting it in certain areas.
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