Which Is The Best? ATX vs. EATX Motherboard

Are you wondering which type of motherboard is best for your computer? It’s a common question that gets asked from time to time. You might have your reasons, but this article will help you decide which is the best for you and your needs!

What’s the Difference Between ATX and EATX Motherboard?

There are a few key differences between the ATX and EATX motherboards, which can impact your build. Here’s a look at each type:

1. Form Factor: The ATX motherboard format is more common than the EATX format. This means that more PC builders and system integrators have experience with ATX boards, making them more likely to be compatible with existing hardware and software.

EATX boards are also available in smaller form factors, like mITX, but they are not as commonly used.

2. I/O Ports: The number of ports on an ATX board can be compared to the number of slots in an American slot machine—there’s usually enough for most builds.

An EATX board has more ports (and expansion possibilities), but the layout may be less familiar to users. Some popular EATX ports include two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, four USB 3.0 Type-C ports, and two audio jacks (plus a DisplayPort).

3. Power Delivery: A major difference between the two types of motherboards is the power delivery configuration—ATx boards use traditional 8-pin and 6-pin connectors for power.

In contrast, EATx boards often use an enhanced 10-pin connector that can provide up to 65W of power per connector (for overclocking). The biggest advantage of using an EATx  board is the ability to overclock your system more easily, as more power is available from the motherboard.)

4. Slots: ATX boards have a traditional number of PCI Express slots, while EATX boards can have a variety of configurations (up to 24). This can be helpful if you want to install multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards.

5. Heat Sink: An ATX board typically has a smaller heat sink than an EATX board, which may make it difficult to cool your system with a large fan and Noctua or Corsair air cooler.

When to Buy an ATX Motherboard or EATX Motherboard

When choosing the best motherboard for your PC, there are a few things to consider. The size of your case, the type of processor you’re using, and the amount of RAM you have all factor into making the right choice.

One popular motherboard size is the ATX. This size is typically found in small to mid-sized cases and is best suited for processors with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 watts or less.

EATX motherboards are slightly larger than ATX boards and are better suited for servers and high-end PCs with multiple graphics cards or CPUs. They can also handle higher TDPs (up to 130 watts) if needed.

If you’re unsure which board size is right for your system; it’s always safest to go with an ATX board. These are generally more common and cheaper than EATX boards, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs without too much trouble.

If you’re using a high-powered processor or need extra space for memory or graphics cards, an EATX board might be better suited. Just make sure to check compatibility first!

Benefits of Using an ATX vs. EATX Motherboard

If you’re in the market for a new motherboard and want to know which one is right for your needs, you might consider using an ATX motherboard or an EATX motherboard. Here’s what you need to know about each type of motherboard:

An ATX motherboard is typically smaller than an EATX motherboard, making it more suitable for small-form-factor (SFF) computers. Additionally, ATX motherboards are often less expensive than EATX motherboards.

One big advantage of using an ATX motherboard is that it supports more features than an EATX motherboard.

This includes support for more processors and more graphics cards. Because of this, many people believe that an ATX motherboard is better suited for general-purpose computing tasks such as gaming and office work.

There are some limitations when deciding which type of motherboard is best for your needs. For example, if you plan on using many high-end graphics cards or multiple processor types, then an EATX board may be a better option.

Conversely, if you only need minimal support for additional hardware, an ATX board may be the better choice. It all comes down to what you plan on doing with your computer!

Disadvantages of Using an ATX vs. EATX Motherboard

An ATX motherboard is more common than an EATX motherboard, but there are a few disadvantages to using an ATX motherboard. An ATX motherboard is typically smaller than an EATX motherboard, so it may not fit in some cases.

Additionally, ports on an ATX motherboard may be limited compared to ports on an EATX motherboard. Lastly, some components on an ATX motherboard may not work with an ATX connector.

Features of ATX vs. EATX Motherboard

There are a few different features that define an ATX and EATX motherboard. Here’s a run-down of the key differences.

1) Larger Form Factor: The biggest difference between an ATX and EATX motherboard is the size of the board itself. An ATX motherboard is typically about 2 inches wide by 3.5 inches long, while an EATX motherboard can be up to 4 inches wide by 6 inches long.

This allows for more room on your desk or, in your case and makes installing components much easier.

2) More Slots: An ATX motherboard has eight expansion slots, while an EATX motherboard has ten. This gives you much flexibility when adding extra components or upgrading your system.

3) More Interfaces: An ATX motherboard typically has more interfaces than an EATX motherboard, including four USB 3.0 ports, two PS/2 ports, and one Ethernet port. This lets you connect more peripheral devices to your computer without multiple cables.

4) Higher Power Requirements: An ATX motherboard requires lower power requirements than an EATX motherboard, meaning it can support systems with weaker graphics cards or slower processors.

If you plan on upgrading your system, an ATX board will be better than an EATX board since you won’t need to upgrade your power supply as often.

Tips for choosing ATX vs. EATX Motherboard

When choosing the best motherboard for your PC build, there are a few things to consider. First, what type of processor do you want to put in the system? Then, what type of graphics card do you want? Finally, what size case do you have available? 

Here are a few tips for choosing the right motherboard for your build: 

If you’re planning on using a processor that supports LGA 1151 (e.g., Intel Core i7-7700K), then an ATX motherboard is your best bet.

This motherboard has a wider range of connection options, including support for more than one graphics card. Additionally, ATX motherboards usually have more onboard features and slots than EATX motherboards. 

If you’re looking to use a processor that supports LGA 2011 (e.g., Intel Core i9-7920X), then an EATX motherboard is your best bet.

EATX motherboards typically offer more onboard storage space and power connections than ATX motherboards do – making them perfect for high-end builds where space is at a premium or multiple graphics cards will be used simultaneously. 

Pros & Cons of  ATX vs. EATX Motherboard

ATX and EATX motherboards are two of the most common motherboard types on the market. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each type.

ATX Motherboard pros:

• Generally smaller than EATX boards, making them more portable.
• Easier to find replacement parts.
• More common than EATX motherboard.
• More affordable than EATX boards.
• Some ATX motherboards have more features than EATX motherboards. 
• ATX Motherboard cons:
• Not as versatile as EATX boards.
• Not as easy to upgrade.
• More difficulty finding replacement parts. 
• Less common than EATX boards. 
• More expensive than EATX boards.

Conclusion

In today’s computer world, many different motherboards are available. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it cannot be easy to decide which is right for you. This article has compared the two most popular types of motherboards: ATX and EATX. Hopefully, this information has helped you decide which motherboard fits your needs.