What is the Difference Between Micro ATX and Mini ITX?

Micro ATX and Mini ITX are two popular motherboard form factors that differ in size, PCIe slots, RAM slots, and price. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Size: Micro ATX measures 244 x 244 mm (9.6" x 9.6"), while Mini ITX is smaller at 170 x 170 mm (6.7" x 6.7").
2. PCIe Slots: Micro ATX motherboards typically have four slots, while Mini ITX motherboards have only one PCIe slot. This difference can impact the compatibility and expandability of the system, especially for heavy-duty graphics cards.
3. RAM Slots: Micro ATX motherboards support up to 4 memory slots, while Mini ITX motherboards only support two RAM slots, with each slot capable of holding up to 16 GB RAM. This limitation can be a factor if you need more than 32 GB of RAM in the future.
4. Price: Mini ITX motherboards are generally more expensive than Micro ATX motherboards, as ITX is considered a premium market, while mATX is seen as a budget option.

In summary, if you need more expandability, RAM slots, and PCIe slots, a Micro ATX motherboard might be a better choice. However, if you prefer a smaller form factor and are willing to pay a premium for it, a Mini ITX motherboard could be the right option for you.

Comparative Table: Micro ATX vs Mini ITX

Here is a table comparing the differences between Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards:

Micro ATX motherboards are larger than Mini ITX motherboards, with dimensions of 244 x 244 mm (9.6" x 9.6") compared to 170 x 170 mm (6.7" x 6.7") for Mini ITX. Micro ATX motherboards typically have 4 PCIe slots, while Mini ITX motherboards have only 1 slot. Micro ATX motherboards also offer more RAM slots than Mini ITX motherboards. Micro ATX motherboards are generally cheaper than Mini ITX motherboards. In terms of case compatibility, Micro ATX motherboards can fit into any non-mini ITX case, while Mini ITX motherboards require smaller cases.