Motherboard Differences? (noob question lol)

TheNoviceModder · 24 Oct 2015 at 13:39

So, despite having built my own custom rig already before (twice in fact), I still don't know a huge amount on the tech spec side of things. I know the basics, but not a whole lot more. So my question is this; apart from the sizes, what's the difference between the range of Mobo's (itx, mini itx, mini atx, micro atx, atx, eatx etc). Like, are there differences in performance? quality? upgrade-ability/future-proofing? etc

I'm asking because my current build (currently in the planning stages) is ideally going to be a small rig in a custom built case, which sits on my desk. So a smaller board would be idea. Also, it'll be built as a gaming/streaming rig.

Thanks to anyone that can help

theaterix · 24 Oct 2015 at 13:45

If you are looking at small, go for Mini ITX, they only have 1 PCI-E slot though, so no SLI/CF, or Micro ATX which some boards have 2 PCI-E slots, and a couple of x1 slots for Wireless cards etc. Then there is ATX which is the most common sized board, and E-ATX which is for workstations and bigger computers, only for much much higher end stuff. They go up in quality based on pricing, which is a good way to look, and depending on what socket you are looking at, some of the better boards that support Multi Sli/CF are quite pricey and expensive.
Hope this helps a bit

RJC · 24 Oct 2015 at 13:49

It depends on what you want out of the system, if you want expansion look at ATX or MATX boards.

Higher end boards have more features and overclocking options.

TheNoviceModder · 24 Oct 2015 at 13:50

theaterix said:
If you are looking at small, go for Mini ITX, they only have 1 PCI-E slot though, so no SLI/CF, or Micro ATX which some boards have 2 PCI-E slots, and a couple of x1 slots for Wireless cards etc. Then there is ATX which is the most common sized board, and E-ATX which is for workstations and bigger computers, only for much much higher end stuff. They go up in quality based on pricing, which is a good way to look, and depending on what socket you are looking at, some of the better boards that support Multi Sli/CF are quite pricey and expensive.
Hope this helps a bit

Thanks! I'm looking at the Asus X99M-WS, looks like a great board but it seems like it's built for a Micro ATX Workstation system. Would this be a good gaming board or not? I'm a graphics nerd, so the more performance I can get out of it the better, whilst keeping it as compact as possible!