ATX and microATX

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Guest
Can somebody please tell me what's the difference between ATX and microATX mainboard? Would microATX board fit the ATX case?

Thanks
 

BGates2B

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microATX boards are smaller than ATX board, usually only providing 4 expansion slots instead of the 7 supplied on an ATX board.

A microATX (mATX) will fit into a normal ATX case
 
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Guest

Guest
while we're on the case subject. any suggestion on a case
make. I hear going to cheap is a big mistake?
 

BGates2B

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For mATX boards, Addtronics makes a nice small case (F2901) that is about the size of those book-sized PC. It will take a normal mATX board but the add-on cards need to be "short" add-in cards. By short, I mean the metal bracket on the end of the card is not the normal height.

For inexpensive cases, I find the InWins are good and I never had a problem with their powersupplies. I also like the Palo Alto cases but they tend to be $$$$. Just stay away from those $20 cases.