Author Topic: MicroATX vs ATX? (Read 318 times)

StarOfAfrica2 · « **on:** March 16, 2005, 03:36:50 PM »

Wondering, does a microATX mobo fit in a standard ATX case ok? Is there any drawback to using the microATX mobo? Just asking because I have found a kickass deal on a socket 754 microATX mobo but I dont want to use the smaller boxes.

Also wondering if anyone knows anything about it, its an AOpen MK89-L. The few reviews I have read on it seem good, but I'm not sure what kind of options the BIOS gives me for playing around.

Thanks!

Rolex · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2005, 02:38:42 AM »

I've used Aopen MOBOs in the past, but moved away from them. I had a string of bad boards that had to be replaced, but that just may have been my karma. Bios options were no less than any other. They do have an online Bios update, but I never used it. I preferred to flash updates manually.

Most ATX boxes should have alignment stabs for MicroATX, except the box you actually choose - it will not.

Siaf__csf · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2005, 08:57:53 AM »

If your box won't take microatx like 90% of the boxes around, a new one will cost $30.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2005, 10:46:05 AM »

Thanks! Found one on sale for 40 bucks, cant pass it up.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2005, 12:24:42 PM »

the only thing i dont like about micro atx boards is that they can have all the components bunched up close and the heat doesnt get extracted as easily .

for a common pc there great .. but for anything you want to get agressive with stay with the full size atx boards .

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2005, 12:55:01 PM »

Considering they marked it down to 30 bucks for the St Patricks day sale they are having, its worth the risk. I kept telling myself it wasnt worth upgrading for all the money I'd have to lay out for the motherboard and CPU.........but when they give you a mobo for 30 bucks...........well it got alot more worthwhile lol.