Can a PC Case Fit Any Motherboard Size?
As a PC builder, you may have wondered whether a PC case can fit any motherboard size. The answer to this question is, unfortunately, not a straightforward one. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it often depends on the type of motherboard and PC case that you have. To understand this in more detail, we will explore some common motherboard and PC case sizes, along with how they relate to one another.
The Basics of Motherboard Sizes
Motherboards come in various sizes, though their compatibility often depends on the case that holds them. The most common motherboard sizes include the ATX, Micro ATX (mATX), and Mini ITX categories. Let’s explore these in more detail:
ATX Motherboards
The ATX motherboard is the most common standard in the market. It measures 305 x 244 mm and comes with seven expansion slots. PCs that use ATX motherboards generally come in bigger form factors, to accommodate the motherboard’s size and additional features.
Micro ATX (mATX) Motherboards
The Micro ATX (mATX) motherboard is smaller than its ATX counterpart, measuring 244 x 244 mm. The motherboard comes with four expansion slots, making it a viable option for budget builds or users who don’t need as many expansion capabilities.
The mini ITX Motherboards
The mini ITX motherboard is the smallest variant of the three. It measures 170 x 170 mm and only comes with a single expansion slot. The size makes the mini ITX a suitable choice for anyone looking for a compact build or someone who needs a portable system.
The Basics of PC Case Sizes
PC cases also come in various sizes, and their measurements depend on the motherboard that they can accommodate. The most common PC case sizes include the Full Tower, Mid Tower, and Mini Tower categories. Let’s explore these in more detail:
Full Tower PC Cases
Full Tower PC Cases have the most space of any PC case in the market, measuring around 22 inches in height and accommodates larger ATX motherboards. They have enough space to house multiple graphics cards, large power supplies and many drives and fans.
Mid Tower PC Cases
Mid Tower PC Cases measure around 18 inches tall. They are the most popular PC case size and are suitable for multiple types of motherboards, including micro ATX and standard ATX motherboards. They can house multiple graphics cards but do not come with as much capacity as full-tower cases.
Mini Tower PC Cases
Mini Tower PC Cases are the smallest cases available in the market. They measure around eight inches in height and come with a mounting location for mini ITX motherboards. These cases are suitable for compact builds or users who need a portable computer.
Compatibility Guide: Motherboards and PC Cases
To ensure your motherboard fits in your PC case, it is important to consider the compatibility among the two. Larger motherboards require larger cases, so the ATX motherboards require the full size tower case, while the mATX motherboards require a mid or mini-tower case.
ATX Motherboard Compatibility
The ATX motherboard requires a full tower computer case. A full-tower case is larger and specifically designed to support big motherboards, like ATX motherboards. These cases come with extra space for expansion cards and drives. They are perfect for high-end builds, custom water cooling, and provide additional cooling and room for upgrades.
Micro ATX Motherboard Compatibility
Micro ATX motherboards require mid or mini-tower cases. Mid-tower cases are much more popular, and they provide enough space to install extra cards and drives. Mini-tower cases are compact and affordable, perfect for home users who want a simple and elegant case. They have a smaller footprint and take up less space than the full tower case.
Mini ITX Motherboard Compatibility
The mini ITX motherboard is smaller than the previous two motherboards, and it is compatible with mini-tower cases. Mini-tower cases are compact but may not offer sufficient space for expansion cards or drives. However, they are small and portable enough to work well in home environments, and they are ideal for small form factor builds.
When considering compatibility between your motherboard and your computer case, it is important to keep in mind that the size of your case will ultimately determine the size of your motherboard. Therefore, it is important to find a case that suits your motherboard’s dimensions and comes with enough space to accommodate other components.
Tips on choosing the best PC case for your motherboard
Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting a PC case for your motherboard:
● Look for a case that provides a good balance between size and capacity. Ensure the case you chose provides enough space to house all your PC components.
● Determine how many fans come with the case and how many you might add to control the airflow.
● Consider the kind of build you are looking for and ensure that the case’s aesthetics align with your preferences.
●Check the size of the case and ensure you have the right desk space for it.
●Ensure the PC case brand aligns with the motherboard brand for ease of compatibility.
●Budget for the cost of the case, as well as any additional expenses for cooling and other parts.
Conclusion
To sum it up, motherboard size is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a compatible computer case. It’s important to consider size as well as other features such as aesthetics, price, and the number of Fans.
It’s important to note that motherboards and PC cases come in different sizes, and it’s not easy to find a one-size-fits-all option. However, understanding the basics about PC cases and motherboards size along with through research would help users pick the best part for their build.
By understanding the compatibility of both, you can avoid the hassle that comes with returning a component and enjoy your newly built PC without any issues.
Image Credit: Pexels