Knowing whether the motherboard you’re about to purchase will fit in your PC case before you buy is important.
Many people are unaware of this fact and end up buying the wrong size motherboard. In this article, we’ll show you how to find the right motherboard for your PC case, so you don’t make a mistake.
- Which PC case would be a good fit for your motherboard?
- 1. Measure the size of your motherboard.
- 2. Check the hole spacing on your motherboard.
- 3. Check whether a case has sufficient ventilation slots and fan holes.
- 4. Check the cable management capabilities of the case.
- How to identify the dimensions of your motherboard
- What Size of Motherboard Will Fit in a PC Case?
- Reason Your Motherboard No Longer Fits in a PC Case
- How to Know if a Motherboard is Compatible with your PC
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Which PC case would be a good fit for your motherboard?
Choosing the right PC case for your motherboard is important to ensure a snug fit and optimal performance.
Cases come in many different shapes and sizes, so it can be difficult to know which one will fit your motherboard. The following tips will help you choose the right case for your motherboard:
1. Measure the size of your motherboard.
First, measure the size of your motherboard using the dimensions provided by your manufacturer. This will help you decide which case size is best suited for your rig. Most cases have specifications on the inside flap or the product website.
2. Check the hole spacing on your motherboard.
The hole spacing on most motherboards is standardized, so if you have a compatible case, it should have similar hole spacing. However, if you are not sure whether a case has standardized hole spacing or not, please contact the manufacturer of your motherboard for assistance.
Some cases may have special features that require different hole spacing than regular motherboards, so check before making a purchase.
3. Check whether a case has sufficient ventilation slots and fan holes.
Most cases come with at least one ventilation slot and fan holes to allow proper airflow through the system while gaming or rendering graphics-intensive tasks.
Ensure that the slot and fan holes are large enough for your hardware components to fit through without obstruction. Install an additional fan to improve cooling performance in high-performance systems if necessary.
4. Check the cable management capabilities of the case.
Many cases come with various cable management options, such as zip ties, brackets, and Velcro straps. This will help you organize and manage your cables while keeping your system clean and tidy.
How to identify the dimensions of your motherboard
If you are purchasing a motherboard for your new PC build, it is important to know the dimensions of the board to ensure that it will fit into the case that you have chosen.
Some CPU cooler mounts may be too wide or deep for some motherboards, and other features on the motherboard may not fit in some cases. The following table provides the dimensions of popular motherboards.
- Width: 17 cm (7 inches)
- Depth: 8 cm (3¾ inches)
- Height: 2 cm (1 inch)
These dimensions should be used as a general guideline only; every motherboard is different and may have slightly different dimensions.
If you are unsure if a particular motherboard will fit in a PC case, it is best to contact the case manufacturer or specific vendor for the motherboard before making your purchase.
What Size of Motherboard Will Fit in a PC Case?
Motherboard size is one of the most important factors when purchasing a PC. Knowing the size of your motherboard will help you determine the size of your PC case. A small motherboard will not fit in a large PC case, while a large motherboard will not fit in a small PC case.
To determine the size of your motherboard, measure your case’s length, width, and height. Use these measurements to find the corresponding dimensions for your motherboard.
For example, if your case is 23 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 10 inches high, your motherboard must be at least 23x17x10 inches to fit.
Make sure your motherboard fits your case by measuring it against the cases you are considering. Bear in mind that some cases have extra room on either side of the PC board so it can be installed more easily.
Reason Your Motherboard No Longer Fits in a PC Case
If you have a newer motherboard, it likely will not fit in a PC case designed for an older motherboard. Many PC cases have changed dimensions over the years, and a newer motherboard may not fit in the case without modifications.
In addition, many modern motherboards use different types of connectors than older boards, preventing them from fitting in a certain type of case.
To check if your motherboard will fit in a particular PC case, measure the distance between the edge of the board and the inside front panel lip of the case.
If that distance exceeds the width of the case’s front panel area, your new motherboard probably won’t fit. In some cases, you might be able to force it into place by removing some of the internal components or trimming down the front panel area of the case.
However, if your new motherboard uses unusual connectors or requires special hardware to work properly, you’ll likely need to purchase a new case or upgrade your existing one.
How to Know if a Motherboard is Compatible with your PC
Motherboards come in various shapes and sizes, so it can be hard to know if one will fit inside your PC case. To make sure, check the dimensions of your case and motherboard against the specifications below. If they match, your motherboard is compatible with your PC case.
If you’re unsure if a motherboard will fit in your PC case, measure your case’s width, length, and height, including the front and top panels.
Then compare those measurements to the dimensions of a compatible motherboard on our website. If they match, your motherboard is compatible with your PC case.
Sometimes incompatible motherboards can be modified or replaced with a compatible model. If that’s not an option, you may need to modify the layout of your PC case or purchase a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motherboards size-sensitive?
No. Motherboards have standard dimensions in PC cases of the same make and model. However, some cases have extra room inside, while others are very tight. If you’re unsure if your case has enough room, check the measurements provided by the manufacturer.
What kind of power supply should I buy for my motherboard?
You don’t need to buy a separate power supply for your motherboard. Almost all modern motherboards come with a built-in power supply. However, if your motherboard doesn’t have a built-in power supply, you’ll need to purchase one. Make sure to get a power supply compatible with your motherboard and the type of graphics card you use.
Can I update my motherboard myself?
Yes, you can easily update your motherboard yourself. Follow the steps provided by your motherboard manufacturer to install the new firmware or software.
What are the different types of motherboards?
There are three main types of motherboards: desktop, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX. Each type of motherboard has its specific features and specifications. Before you purchase a motherboard, make sure you know what type of motherboard your computer needs.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of buying a new PC case, it’s important to know the dimensions of your motherboard so that you can ensure it’ll fit.
In this article, we’ve outlined the measurements of common motherboards and provided a guide on calculating them. Check our compatibility list before making your purchase so that you don’t end up with an incompatible case that will ruin your new computer.
