An Overview of Motherboard Types - CompTIA A+ 220-801: 1.2

Motherboard form factors

• Physical size
• case sizing
• Basic layout
• Room for small changes
• Power
• Standard connectors
• Airflow
• Increasingly important
• Wikipedia: There are 40 different motherboard types categorized

ATX Form Factor (Advanced Technology Extended)

• Standardized by Intel in 1995
• Seen many updates over the years
• Power
• 20 pin connector
• 24 pin connection, addition 4/8 pin connectors

• Port types
• Optional I/O backplate
• Add and remove as needed
  

 MicroATX

•  Smaller than ATX motherboard
• Limited expansion slots
•  Backward compatibility
• similar mounting points
• similar power
•  Very popular form factor

ITX form factor

• A series of low-power motherboards
• Developed by VIA Technologies in 2001