What To Know
- The power delivery system on a motherboard is responsible for providing power to the CPU and other components.
- When choosing a motherboard, it is essential to ensure compatibility with your other components, such as the CPU, memory, and graphics card.
- If you are building a standard or mid-range gaming or workstation PC, an ATX motherboard will likely meet your needs.
When building a custom PC, selecting the right motherboard is crucial. Two popular form factors for motherboards are ATX and AX. While both are widely used, they differ in several key aspects. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of motherboard ATX vs AX, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Form Factor and Dimensions
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) is a standard motherboard form factor measuring 12 x 9.6 inches (305 x 244 mm). It offers ample space for components and expansion slots, making it suitable for full-size gaming and workstation PCs.
AX (ATX Extended) is a newer form factor that measures 13 x 9.6 inches (330 x 244 mm). It is slightly larger than ATX, providing additional room for features such as more PCIe slots and M.2 slots.
Expansion Slots
ATX motherboards typically offer 7 PCIe expansion slots, including at least one PCIe x16 slot for graphics cards. Some ATX motherboards may also include additional PCIe x4 or x1 slots for other expansion devices.
AX motherboards offer a higher number of PCIe expansion slots, typically ranging from 8 to 12. The increased number of slots provides greater flexibility for connecting multiple graphics cards, PCIe NVMe storage devices, or other expansion cards.
M.2 Slots
M.2 slots are becoming increasingly common on motherboards for connecting high-speed storage devices such as PCIe NVMe SSDs.
ATX motherboards usually have 2 to 4 M.2 slots, depending on the model. These slots are typically located near the CPU socket and provide fast NVMe storage connectivity.
AX motherboards often offer more M.2 slots, ranging from 4 to 6 or even higher. The additional M.2 slots allow for more storage expansion and flexibility in configuring RAID arrays.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system on a motherboard is responsible for providing power to the CPU and other components.
ATX motherboards typically use a 24-pin ATX power connector and an 8-pin EPS connector for CPU power. Some high-end ATX motherboards may also include additional 4-pin or 6-pin power connectors for overclocking.
AX motherboards often have a more robust power delivery system due to their larger size. They may use a 24-pin ATX power connector, an 8-pin EPS connector, and additional 4-pin or 8-pin CPU power connectors. This enhanced power delivery allows for more stable overclocking and support for high-performance CPUs.
Connectivity and I/O
Both ATX and AX motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, including USB ports, SATA ports, Ethernet ports, and audio jacks.
ATX motherboards typically provide 6 to 8 USB ports, including a mix of USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports. They also have 4 to 6 SATA ports for storage devices.
AX motherboards may offer more USB ports, with some models featuring up to 10 or more USB ports. They also tend to have more SATA ports, ranging from 6 to 8 or higher. Additionally, AX motherboards may include newer features such as Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4.0 ports.
Compatibility
When choosing a motherboard, it is essential to ensure compatibility with your other components, such as the CPU, memory, and graphics card.
ATX motherboards are compatible with most standard ATX cases and components. They support various CPU sockets, including Intel LGA1200, LGA1700, and AMD AM4.
AX motherboards are designed for larger cases and may not fit in standard ATX cases. They typically support the latest CPU sockets and offer compatibility with high-end components.
Price and Availability
ATX motherboards are widely available and range in price from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Their popularity and compatibility make them a versatile choice for various PC builds.
AX motherboards are less common and typically more expensive than ATX motherboards. Their larger size and advanced features may appeal to enthusiasts and builders who require maximum expansion and performance.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The choice between ATX and AX motherboards depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you are building a standard or mid-range gaming or workstation PC, an ATX motherboard will likely meet your needs. It offers ample expansion slots, M.2 slots, and connectivity options at a reasonable price.
However, if you are building a high-end gaming or workstation PC with multiple graphics cards, extensive storage expansion, and the latest features, an AX motherboard may be a better choice. It provides more expansion capabilities, robust power delivery, and future-proof connectivity options.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your individual requirements and budget. Consider the factors discussed in this comparison to make an informed decision and build a PC that meets your needs.
What You Need to Know
1. What is the main difference between ATX and AX motherboards?
ATX motherboards are standard-sized motherboards measuring 12 x 9.6 inches, while AX motherboards are slightly larger, measuring 13 x 9.6 inches. AX motherboards offer more expansion slots, M.2 slots, and a more robust power delivery system.
2. Which form factor is better for gaming?
Both ATX and AX motherboards are suitable for gaming. ATX motherboards are widely available and offer ample expansion slots for graphics cards and other components. AX motherboards provide more expansion capabilities and a more robust power delivery system, making them ideal for high-end gaming PCs.
3. Can I use an ATX motherboard in an AX case?
No, ATX motherboards are not compatible with AX cases. AX cases are designed for larger AX motherboards, and ATX motherboards will not fit properly.
4. Which form factor has more M.2 slots?
AX motherboards typically offer more M.2 slots than ATX motherboards. AX motherboards may have 4 to 6 or even more M.2 slots, while ATX motherboards usually have 2 to 4 M.2 slots.
5. Are AX motherboards more expensive than ATX motherboards?
Yes, AX motherboards are generally more expensive than ATX motherboards due to their larger size, more features, and enhanced capabilities.
