Motherboard Form Factors

Summary

This video delves into the intricacies of motherboard form factors, the backbone of any computer system. It highlights ATX, the prevalent standard since 1995, alongside its predecessors like the AT form factor and its successors, including micro ATX and mini ITX, catering to varying space and power needs. The script also touches on the BTX and NLX form factors, discussing their unique designs and the reasons behind their adoption or obsolescence, providing a comprehensive guide for PC builders and enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 📦 The motherboard is the central circuit board in a computer where all components connect.
• 🔍 Motherboards come in various shapes and sizes, known as form factors, which include dimensions, power supply types, and other specifications.
• 🏷️ Form factors are standards ensuring compatibility between motherboards and other computer parts.
• 🔧 The most common form factor is ATX, which stands for Advanced Technology Extended, and is the de facto standard for PCs.
• 📏 ATX motherboards are typically 12 x 9.6 inches, featuring a 20 or 24 pin power connector and multiple expansion slots.
• 🔄 The AT form factor, used in the 1980s, was developed by IBM and is now obsolete, succeeded by ATX.
• 🔗 Micro ATX is a smaller version of ATX, measuring 9.6 x 9.6 inches, with fewer expansion slots and designed for smaller cases.
• 🌐 ITX form factors, starting with Mini ITX in 2001, were developed for smaller, space-saving computers with less power consumption.
• 🔩 Mini ITX boards are significantly smaller than ATX, with only 1 expansion slot and 2 memory slots, fitting into ATX-sized cases.
• 💨 BTX was an Intel-designed form factor to improve cooling and board design but did not replace ATX due to advancements in energy efficiency.
• 🔌 NLX, another Intel creation, is for low-profile computers using riser cards for expansion, typically found in slimline cases.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a motherboard in a computer?

The motherboard is the main component of a computer, serving as a large circuit board into which all other components connect, facilitating communication between them.

What is meant by the term 'form factor' in the context of motherboards?

Form factor refers to the physical specifications of a motherboard, including its dimensions, power supply type, power connectors, rear I/O panel, mounting holes, and other features that ensure compatibility with other components.

Why was the ATX form factor created?

The ATX form factor was created by Intel in 1995 as an advanced technology extended non-proprietary industry specification to standardize motherboard dimensions and features for better compatibility and functionality in PCs.

What are the dimensions of a standard ATX motherboard?

A standard ATX motherboard measures 12 x 9.6 inches.

How does the ATX form factor differ from the older AT form factor?

The AT form factor, used in the 1980s and developed by IBM, has dimensions of 12 x 13.8 inches, whereas the ATX form factor is more compact and has become the de facto standard due to its advanced features and improved design.

What is the difference between ATX and micro ATX motherboards in terms of size and expansion slots?

Micro ATX motherboards are smaller, measuring 9.6 x 9.6 inches, and typically have fewer expansion slots compared to standard ATX motherboards, which measure 12 x 9.6 inches and often have more slots available for expansion.

Why were ITX form factors developed?

The ITX form factors were developed by VIA Technologies in response to the increasing demand for smaller, space-saving computers that consume less power.

What is the size of a mini ITX motherboard and how does it compare to an ATX motherboard?

A mini ITX motherboard is 6.7 x 6.7 inches, which is about half the length of an ATX motherboard, and it usually has only one expansion slot due to its compact size.

What were the main improvements intended with the BTX form factor compared to ATX?

The BTX form factor aimed to improve board design for better airflow and cooling, and its structure was designed to be flexible for use in both smaller and larger tower cases.

Why did the BTX form factor not succeed in replacing the ATX form factor?

The BTX form factor did not succeed because newer components, such as CPUs and chipsets, became more energy efficient, reducing the need for the enhanced cooling that BTX offered. This eliminated one of BTX's main benefits.

What is the NLX form factor and how does it differ from other form factors in terms of expansion card installation?

The NLX form factor, created by Intel for low-profile computers, uses a riser card for expansion cards to plug in parallel with the motherboard, rather than perpendicularly as in other form factors, making it suitable for slimline computer cases.