There are 4 motherboard sizes accessible in 2025 from main producers comparable to Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI, amongst others. These are Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, and E-ATX. Because the naming conventions suggest, the 2 smallest fashions are the mini-ITX and MicroATX choices, which measure 6.7 x 6.7 inches and 9.6 x 9.6 inches, respectively.

The most typical motherboard dimension is ATX, which measures 12 x 9.6 inches. For people who want a little bit further headroom for extra parts, E-ATX (Prolonged ATX) gives the most important quantity of area with 12 x 13 inches of fiberglass accessible. As could be evidenced from the motherboard dimension chart above, there’s fairly a dramatic distinction in scale between Mini-ITX and MicroATX, with extra of a refined distinction when evaluating ATX and EATX, usually with the latter having extra room on the right-hand facet.

When it comes to use instances, each Mini-ITX and MicroATX motherboards are favored for small type issue (SFF) work and gaming computer systems, comparable to these it’s possible you’ll use in a low-profile workplace setting or a console-sized rig for front room use. Because the smaller scales counsel, you’ll be able to count on fewer PCIe lanes for connecting parts (and a extra cramped constructing expertise) relying on the PC case you are utilizing. This additionally means restricted room for among the greatest CPU coolers (and extra restricted airflow usually), so that is one thing paramount to contemplate earlier than you make investments.

As a body of reference, Mini-ITX is round two-thirds the dimensions of an ATX motherboard. Traditionally, the previous was designed for decrease energy consumption and effectivity when in comparison with the extra widespread sizes. Nevertheless, in 2025, some producers have began catering to players and energy customers on this smaller dimension, although you (usually) pays a premium compared.

Beginning out with Mini-ITX motherboards, these fashions are usually the costlier approach of constructing a small type issue (SFF machine) when in comparison with microATX which is (usually) thought of to be a extra wallet-friendly choice. That is constant within the costs that you’re going to count on to pay between Mini-ITX and microATX, as mirrored in at the moment’s standard fashions from main producers.

Socket AM5 choices promote for extra of a premium within the Mini-ITX type issue, as could be evidenced by the ASRock A620I Lightning Wi-Fi ($139.99), Gigabyte B850I Aorus Professional ($279.99), MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi ($299.99) with a tough vary of the price range and extra premium choices. In distinction, MicroATX equivalents are (usually) extra inexpensive effectively underneath the $200 mark, together with the ASRock B650M Professional RS ($139.99), MSI Professional B650M-A Wi-Fi ($159.99), and Gigabyte B850M Gaming X Wi-Fi 6E ($179.99).

Value and dimension apart, one other main distinction between Mini-ITX and MicroATX is the variety of ports and connections accessible on the motherboard. As a result of its cramped 6.7 x 6.7 inches accessible, Mini-ITX mobos often solely have a single PCIe x16 slot for the graphics card and as much as two M.2 SSD ports. Relying on the producer, there might solely be two RAM slots as an alternative of 4, and the rear I/O may very well be extra reduce down by comparability, leading to fewer USB ports and different connections.

MicroATX, in distinction, often options 4 RAM slots, two PCIe x16 slots, as much as 4 M.2 ports, and vastly extra expansive choices for its rear I/O, since you’ve received 43% extra space on the motherboard. In idea, MicroATX appears to be a superior choice (being cheaper and providing extra); nevertheless, it is also bigger in a approach that makes sure small type issue (SFF) builds more durable to attain, being much less slick and compact consequently. You must make your selection relying in your use case; do you want greater than dual-channel RAM, two M.2 ports, a graphics card slot, and a primary rear I/O? In that case, perhaps the silicon must be bigger.

When in comparison with the 2 smaller motherboard sizes, ATX and E-ATX variants don’t appear as drastically totally different on the floor. Nevertheless, the additional area afforded by the 35% extra space could be staggering, relying on the {hardware} you are planning on utilizing. Whereas ATX motherboards historically characteristic as much as 4 PCIe x16 ports and 4 RAM slots, E-ATX variations can increase issues as much as as excessive as eight PCIe x16 ports with the potential for as a lot as eight RAM slots (although that is unlikely in 2025 in comparison with historic examples).

The main disadvantage of E-ATX motherboards is their larger price ticket when in comparison with ATX choices, in addition to extra restricted availability. Whereas nonetheless supported for at the moment’s present AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets, you are going to pay a heavy premium for the additional parts area on the motherboard itself. Some standard E-ATX choices can elipse their ATX counterparts, as could be seen with the pricing of the ASRock X670E Taichi ($449.99) and the MSI MEG X670E ACE ($499.99). In distinction, related ATX fashions are less expensive, just like the ASRock X670E Metal Legend ($259.99) and the MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk Wi-Fi ($239.99).

With that mentioned, is the additional actual property price doubtlessly paying double (or extra) when in comparison with an ATX motherboard? It would in the end rely on the use case. The facility person will get essentially the most out of the bigger board area, which could be notably necessary for those who’re considering of forging a high-end creation or gaming PC that includes a customized loop in a far bigger E-ATX suitable PC case, full with bleeding-edge parts. All of it comes again to airflow and the area required; E-ATX will afford you as a lot room as doable, supplied you’ll be able to abdomen the sticker value.

It is generally been debated that players won’t see the good thing about the additional information lanes afforded by an E-ATX motherboard. As an alternative, these planning a server rig, a deep-learning machine, or one thing extra granular would possibly discover the additional slots and connections of important significance. Do you want extra growth slots? Then E-ATX could be the answer right here, in any other case, ATX will fulfill the overwhelming majority of PC customers for almost any job conceivable whereas additionally being much more inexpensive and accessible.

We have outlined the 4 totally different motherboard sizes accessible in 2025, their use instances, value variations, and ranging options as they stand proper now. Selecting a motherboard is just not as reduce and dry as you’ll count on, and that is why it is advisable to visualize your rig earlier than placing any cash down. Think about the chipset of the board for starters. Will you employ AMD’s AM4 or AM5 platform? Equally, will you pay the premium investing in Intel’s newest LGA 1851 socket as an alternative of sticking with the older (and arguably higher) LGA 1700 platform that hosted Alder Lake and Raptor Lake?

All 4 motherboard sizes help the most recent and biggest of at the moment’s processor expertise, simply in numerous methods. Mini-ITX is expensive as you are paying further for the smooth type issue, whereas MicroATX gives a equally small (however far cheaper) expertise that often doesn’t boast the identical options by comparability. ATX is essentially the most broadly used and generally stocked motherboard, however energy customers may have the added versatility of an E-ATX board in the event that they’re constructing a server or a devoted workstation, even when players might not really feel the additional advantage.

Compatibility is a very powerful issue above all. As such, we advocate devoted instruments comparable to PCPartPicker when just about pricing and sizing up a machine; you will get to see which motherboards help your chosen CPU, GPU, RAM, M.2 SSD, and different parts effectively, in addition to get strategies for suitable instances. Constructing a PC the dimensions of a PS5 or Xbox Sequence X could also be an thrilling concept, however it’s possible you’ll want a Mini-ITX motherboard and SFF parts, which might increase the value whereas making issues cramped to construct in. The motherboard is the muse of your complete machine, in any case.