ATX vs m-ATX Z77 Board

StackOfCookies

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Oct 11, 2013
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For my build, I would like to use the AsRock Z77 pro4. However, my local computer store only has the pro4-m in stock, which is the micro ATX version of the board. Are there any disadvantages to using a micro ATX board instead of a full ATX?
 

real ace

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Dec 10, 2012
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Comparing these two motherboards it can be seen that basically both are the same ,in fact the m-atx board has one more pcie 2.0x16 slot and has no pci slots .The m-atx board also has e-sata so in my opinion you should go for the m-atx board.Usually manufacturers include less number of usb ports and expansion slots in m-atx board but in this case both the boards are the same .
http://www.asrock.com/mb/compare.asp?SelectedModel=Z77+Pro4&SelectedModel=Z77+Pro4-M
With the m-atx board you only lose pci slots which doesn't amount to much since you already have 4pcie slots on your board and they have higher bandwidth then the legacy pci slots.Other than board makers cutting on features on m-atx boards,there are absolutely no disadvantages of using a m-atx board.