What To Know
- They have a different layout than ATX motherboards, with the CPU socket and memory slots located in the center of the board.
- CPU socket Located in the center of the board Located in the center of the board .
- Memory slots Located on the sides of the board Located in the center of the board .
When building a computer, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right motherboard. The motherboard is the backbone of the computer, and it determines what components you can use. Two of the most common motherboard form factors are ATX and BTX. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast ATX and BTX motherboards to help you decide which one is right for you.
What is an ATX Motherboard?
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) is a motherboard form factor that was introduced in 1995. It is the most common motherboard form factor in use today. ATX motherboards are typically rectangular in shape and measure 12 inches by 9.6 inches. They have a standard layout that includes a CPU socket, memory slots, expansion slots, and power connectors.
What is a BTX Motherboard?
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) is a motherboard form factor that was introduced in 2004. It was designed to be a more compact and efficient alternative to ATX. BTX motherboards are typically smaller than ATX motherboards, measuring 12 inches by 9.6 inches. They have a different layout than ATX motherboards, with the CPU socket and memory slots located in the center of the board.
ATX vs BTX: A Comparison
Here is a table that compares the key features of ATX and BTX motherboards:
| Feature | ATX | BTX |
| — | — | — |
| Size | 12 inches by 9.6 inches | 12 inches by 9.6 inches |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Layout | Standard | Non-standard |
| CPU socket | Located in the center of the board | Located in the center of the board |
| Memory slots | Located on the sides of the board | Located in the center of the board |
| Expansion slots | Located on the bottom of the board | Located on the sides of the board |
| Power connectors | Located on the bottom of the board | Located on the sides of the board |
Which Motherboard Form Factor is Right for You?
The best motherboard form factor for you depends on your specific needs. If you are building a standard ATX computer, then an ATX motherboard is the best choice. ATX motherboards are widely available and compatible with a wide range of components.
If you are building a compact computer, then a BTX motherboard may be a better choice. BTX motherboards are smaller than ATX motherboards, and they can help you save space in your case. However, BTX motherboards are not as widely available as ATX motherboards, and they may not be compatible with all components.
Final Note
ATX and BTX are two of the most common motherboard form factors in use today. ATX motherboards are the most popular choice for standard ATX computers, while BTX motherboards are a good option for compact computers. When choosing a motherboard form factor, it is important to consider your specific needs.
Questions You May Have
Q: What is the difference between ATX and BTX motherboards?
A: ATX and BTX motherboards are different form factors. ATX motherboards are typically larger and have a standard layout, while BTX motherboards are smaller and have a non-standard layout.
Q: Which motherboard form factor is better?
A: The best motherboard form factor for you depends on your specific needs. ATX motherboards are the most popular choice for standard ATX computers, while BTX motherboards are a good option for compact computers.
Q: Can I use an ATX motherboard in a BTX case?
A: No, ATX motherboards are not compatible with BTX cases. BTX motherboards are smaller than ATX motherboards, and they have a different mounting hole pattern.
