Micro-ATX MB in standard ATX Case

  • Thread starter Thread starter John A
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John A

This is my first time attempting to build a PC and I must say tha this news
group is a great way to come on board. A big thank you to all the
contributors. Now my question. Can a motherboard with a micro-ATX form
factor be easily mounted in a case that has a standard ATX form factor or
would there be difficulties with lining up mounting points, card slots, etc.
 
John A said:
Now my question. Can a motherboard with a micro-ATX form
factor be easily mounted in a case that has a standard ATX form factor
Click to expand...

Yes and it's a good idea too cuz the better mATX boards will usually come
with a couple of extra brackets that take up PCI holes for firewire, USB or
5.1 digital audio outputs. If you use those in a mATX case you will block
some PCI or AGP slots. A full sized case will give you several unused PCI
holes cuz the board is shorter than the case. Also, most mATX cases come
with a PSU and it is generally low output.

rAD
 
This is my first time attempting to build a PC and I must say tha this news
group is a great way to come on board. A big thank you to all the
contributors. Now my question. Can a motherboard with a micro-ATX form
factor be easily mounted in a case that has a standard ATX form factor or
would there be difficulties with lining up mounting points, card slots, etc.
Click to expand...

Any decent ATX case will work. The mobo comes with the matching bezel
for the back of the case. I've recently built 4 micro-ATX boxes with
no trouble. Biostar, ASUS, and Chaintech.
 
Ok, a follow-up question related to power supplies. Some cases talk about
having a micro-ATX power supply. How is this different than an ATX power
supply? Just lower wattage and different physical size or are there other
differences (connectors, etc.) that I have to be concerned about if I use a
micro-ATX motherboard in a standard case with a standard ATX power supply?
 
Ok, a follow-up question related to power supplies. Some cases talk about
having a micro-ATX power supply. How is this different than an ATX power
supply? Just lower wattage and different physical size or are there other
differences (connectors, etc.) that I have to be concerned about if I use a
micro-ATX motherboard in a standard case with a standard ATX power supply?
Click to expand...

I only use full ATX PS on my boxes. Connectors are the same. m-ATX
supplies are about 200 watts and pretty small.
 
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