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When building a custom gaming computer, there are many essential components one needs to buy. These include a great graphics card to keep up with intense gaming, a good monitorto display those awesome graphics, and asound cardfor the absolute best audio possible. But all these components mean nothing without a proper motherboard.
A motherboard is essential, as it is basically the central nervous system of a computer. It allocates your computer’s RAM,CPU, and many other elements of your setup, including the components mentioned above. It is for this reason that having the best motherboard is a must.
Two of thebest motherboards around are the ATX and Micro-ATX (also know as MATX) motherboards. These motherboards have been a staple in the computer industry since the 90s, and have been a mainstay in many gaming computer setups for years. But which of these motherboards is better, the MATX or the standard ATX?
Both of these motherboards, the MATX and the ATX, have features that make them unique, from size to cooling, ports to cost, making it hard to decide which one is better. That is why we are here today, as we get ready to explore the pros and cons of both motherboards before ultimately deciding which one will come out the victor.
Will the bigger, more powerful ATX motherboards win? Or will the more compact and efficient Micro-ATX come out on top? Let’s take a look at both and find out!
1. Nanoxia Deep Silence 4
PROS
- Can fit in both small and large cases, depending on preference
- Most everything you may need is on board, meaning there is little need to buy extra add-ons
- Very affordable motherboard, making it a great choice for those making a custom computer on a budget
- Smaller size enables the MATX to be put intosmaller cases and spaces, freeing up more room for the user
CONS
- With fewer slots, there isn’t much room for add-ons
- Sometimes cannot support more expensive, high-end graphics cards
- The smaller size makes the motherboard run at a higher temperature
The Micro-ATX Motherboard
In the opposite corner from the standard ATX motherboard is it’s smaller cousin, the MATX. Unlike the ATX, the MATX is very compact and can fit in any space you may put it. Being smaller makes the Micro-ATX easy to handle, but it does seem to lack in strength in comparison to the ATX.
The Micro-ATX is a great option for those people who are looking for convenience. The small size of the MATX allows the motherboard to fit into smaller cases, takes up less room in whichever space it may be in, and can even be fit into a larger case if the person so chooses. Making the MATX even more convenient is the fact that you don’t have to break the wallet for these motherboards, with most coming at a cheap price, and the fact that most any component you need is already on board.
On the opposite end of convenience is the fact that the MATX has a tendency to run warmer than other motherboards, as a result of the closer components on the board. And the MATX also suffers if you want to add even more to your computer, as the MATX doesn’t have much room for add-ons, and sometimes is unable to run with more expensive, high-end graphics cards.
Recommended Case For an mATX Motherboard
Our top recommended case for an mATX motherboard would have to be the Nanoxia Deep Silence 4. The case’s design makes it perfect for an mATX build. It also offers great airflow and a good amount of space. These things coupled with the great build quality, make this a steal!
- A mini tower for compact and silent performance systems, with modular drive cages and space for...
- Silent PC case with thicker than normal metalwork, dense sound dampening materials, rubber...
- Space for full size GPU (with 2 of 3 HDD cages can be removed for installation of the largest
Check Out Our Article On The Best mATX Cases
2. NXZT H500i
PROS
- Has four slots for RAM, making for a faster computer
- Keeps cool thanks to larger size and spacing out of components
- Multiple slots for various add-ons, being able to fit whatever you want
- Great for hardcore gaming, thanks to overclocking abilities and multiple graphics card support
CONS
- Generally a pricier option than the Micro-ATX
- Many people will not use the full size and all the slots
- Large size takes up more room in your unit and requires a larger case
The ATX Motherboard
The full-sized ATX motherboards are some of the most popular motherboards in all of computer gaming. This is in large part because of the many features, which include multiple slots for RAM and the ability to support high-end graphics cards, making the ATX motherboards a hands-down favorite for hardcore gamers. All of the great gaming support does come with sacrifices, however, which may turn some people away.
As you can tell, support for gaming is great with this motherboard, thanks to the amount of RAM that can be added, as well as the ability to support more add-ons and graphics cards. This ATX provides many great options for gamers. It also helps that this motherboard stays relatively cool when in operation, thanks to the spacing of the board’s components, and is easily upgradable with multiple ports for USB, PCI, and many others.
All these capabilities come at the cost of space. ATX units tend to be on the larger side, and as a result, take up more space in whatever room you may have the computer in (due to the need for a larger case), as well as in your custom build itself. And while the ATX does stay cool, when the unit is cooling, it does tend to get noisy, which can bother some. The ATX is also a tough choice for those gamers on a budget, as the ATX tends to be fairly expensive.
Recommended Case For An ATX Motherboard
Our top recommended case for someone looking for an ATX motherboard is the NXZT Source 530. Not only is this case completely loaded with an insane amount of features, which will make upgrading your PC a breeze in the future, it also has a sleek design that will make your PC stand out. The only reason to avoid this is if you can't afford to spend a lot on a case. However, we assure you the extra cost is worth it.
Looking for other cases?
Acase is just something that holds your motherboard, so if you’re looking for something else, check out our post on the best mATX cases.
Check Out Our Article On The Best ATX Cases
Winner? You Decide
Both the ATX and the Micro ATX have their benefits and drawbacks. If you are looking for something that can do more and has more gaming potential, then the ATX is the choice for you. If you are more concerned with price and size, then without a doubt you will want to go with the Micro ATX.
The issues on both the MATX and the ATX are not exactly deal breakers either. For example, while the ATX can be noisy while cooling, it rarely gets warm enough for that to be much of an issue. And while the MATX has trouble supporting high-end graphics cards and add-ons, what the MATX can do is more than adequate enough for modern gaming.
In the end, there is no clear winner, as both the MATX and ATX are great motherboards. As a result, the best choice is really up to the person building the custom unit, and which motherboard fits their needs best.
If you are in the market for either of these motherboards, there are a few particular ones that are better than others, so to help with your purchase, these are the best of both the MATX and the ATX.
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