Micro ATX

The micro ATX motherboard is a form factor motherboard. The size ranges from 6.75 inches x 6.75 inches to 9.6 inches x 9.6 inches. This form factor currently supports AMD, Intel and VIA CPUs.

ATX Full Compatibility

Compatible with the ATX is possible due to the mounting points. These are subsets of the ones used on the ATX. The power connectors and chipsets are also alike. The similar I/O panels mean this form factor can be used with ATX cases.

These similarities allow the boards to have the same features. However, some ATX cases are bigger. Bigger cases translate to more expansion slots. To cope with this limitation, the micro ATX boards have peripherals like graphics cards built-in. Numerous ATX boards have also started adding peripherals too.

Other Information

The micro ATX case has support for six SATA devices and four legacy IDE drives. The board capabilities can be supplemented by setting it on the ATX case. In terms of size comparison, the standard ATX is 305 × 244 mm. The mini ATX is 284 x 208 mm and the extended ATX (EATX) is 305 × 330 mm. The workstation ATX (WATX) measures 356 × 425 mm.

Installing a Micro ATX Motherboard

Step 1

The board will come with riser pins. Secure this to the computer case. You do not need to drill holes; they will be present in the case. The motherboard will specify where the pins should go. Remember that not all the mounting pins may be employed. Have the user guide by your side to avoid mistakes.

Step 2

Press the back plate to the case back face. The back plate should fit in the rectangular aperture of the case. These provide the openings for the I/O parts (the keyboard, mouse connectors etc).

Step 3

Place the motherboard inside the case. Position the mounting holes with the riser pins you installed.

Step 4

Insert and fasten a screw for every riser pin. The screws will fasten to the pins. This will give the motherboard a tight mount. At the same time, this will keep it away from the metal mount plate.

When you fasten the screws, make sure that it is tight enough to keep the motherboard secure. At the same time, do not make it too tight as this will stress out the motherboard.

Step 5

Hook up the computer case power. Reconnect the hard disk and other connectors to the motherboard. These connectors are linked to the power pins on the motherboard. There are labels for these pins at the bottom right of the board. Use that as reference.

Tips and Warnings

You can use an antistatic wrist wrap to protect yourself from electric discharges. Again, make sure the screws are not too tight. This may weaken or damage the board entirely.

In spite of its small size, the micro ATX motherboard has become popular among computer users. Its compatibility with the ATX and built in features make it ideal for those who want to build their own computers.