3.5 Motherboard Form Factors/Compatability

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Last updated 8:49 PM on 7/22/26
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15 Terms

1
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ATX = ?


  • ATX = Advanced Technology Extended

  • Power connectors: 24-pin + 4/8-pin for CPU

  • 12” x 9.6”


<p></p><ul><li><p><strong>ATX</strong> = Advanced Technology Extended</p></li><li><p><strong>Power connectors:</strong> <strong>24-pin + 4/8-pin for CPU</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>12” x 9.6”</strong></p></li></ul><p></p>
2
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What is microATX and its key features?

  • Smaller than ATX → fewer expansion slots

  • Backward compatible → similar mounting points & power connectors

  • 9.6” x 9.6”


<ul><li><p>Smaller than ATX → fewer expansion slots</p></li><li><p>Backward compatible → similar mounting points &amp; power connectors</p></li><li><p>9.6” x 9.6”</p></li></ul><p></p>
3
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What is Mini-ITX and its key features?

  • ITX = Information Technology Extended

  • Small, low-power boards

  • Screw-compatible with ATX → fits most cases

  • Ideal for single-purpose computing (e.g., media streaming)

  • 6.7” x 6.7”


<ul><li><p><strong>ITX</strong> = Information Technology Extended</p></li><li><p>Small, low-power boards</p></li><li><p>Screw-compatible with ATX → fits most cases</p></li><li><p>Ideal for <strong>single-purpose computing</strong> (e.g., media streaming)</p></li><li><p>6.7” x 6.7”</p></li></ul><p></p>
4
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What is PCI Express (PCIe) and how does it differ from PCI?

  • PCIe = modern replacement for PCI

  • Communicates serially → unidirectional lanes

    • Slower devices don’t slow others

  • Lane counts: x1, x2, x4, x8, x16, x32 (pronounced “by 1,” “by 16”)

  • Full-duplex lanes → simultaneous send & receive


<ul><li><p><strong>PCIe</strong> = modern replacement for PCI</p></li><li><p>Communicates <strong>serially</strong> → unidirectional lanes</p><ul><li><p>Slower devices don’t slow others</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Lane counts:</strong> x1, x2, x4, x8, x16, x32 (pronounced “by 1,” “by 16”)</p></li><li><p>Full-duplex lanes → simultaneous send &amp; receive</p></li></ul><p></p>
5
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24-pin power = ?

Main motherboard power → 20-pin original, 24-pin for PCIe

<p>Main motherboard power → 20-pin original, 24-pin for PCIe</p>
6
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<p>Name</p>

Name

24-Pin Main Motherboard power connector

7
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What are PCIe 6-pin and 8-pin power connectors for?

  • Provide extra +12 V power for high-power PCIe devices (e.g., GPUs)

  • 6-pin = 75 W, 8-pin = 150 W

  • Some cables split: 6 + 2 = 8-pin → fits both connectors


<ul><li><p>Provide extra +12 V power for high-power PCIe devices (e.g., GPUs)</p></li><li><p><strong>6-pin = 75 W</strong>, <strong>8-pin = 150 W</strong></p></li><li><p>Some cables split: 6 + 2 = 8-pin → fits both connectors</p></li></ul><p></p>
8
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<p>Name</p>

Name

PCIe 6/8-Pin power connectors

9
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What is a motherboard header?


  • Used to connect internal components

  • Power connections

  • Peripherals (USB, audio)

  • Lights (LEDs)

  • Buttons


<p></p><ul><li><p>Used to connect internal components</p></li><li><p>Power connections</p></li><li><p>Peripherals (USB, audio)</p></li><li><p>Lights (LEDs)</p></li><li><p>Buttons</p></li></ul><p></p>
10
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<p>Name</p>

Name

Motherboard Header

11
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What are front panel connectors?

  • Connect the computer case to the motherboard

  • Link buttons and indicator lights

  • Power button

  • Reset button

  • Power LED

  • Drive activity LED


12
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<p>Name</p>

Name

Front Panel Connectors

13
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What should you know about Intel vs AMD compatibility?


  • CPUs require specific motherboard sockets

  • Not interchangeable between brands


14
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How do Intel and AMD generally compare?

  • AMD → often better value (cheaper)

  • Intel → often performance-focused

  • Roles can switch over time


15
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How do server motherboards differ from standard motherboards?

  • More expansion slots (various sizes)

  • Larger size → often rack-mounted systems

  • Built for scalability and performance