Micro vs. standard ATX

[toupee]

Hey, all. I'm considering a new z68 build, with a 2500k. I'm wondering this - is there any loss of performance, or any other important considerations, when building with Micro ATX instead of standard ATX? I've always used the standard size, so I just don't know what I'm dealing with.

I've been looking at this Micro mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128495

vs. this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128512

And honestly, the Micro is cheaper and even has HDMI. So what am I missing?

Thanks in advance.

 

[o1die]

Nothing. Most micro atx boards have onboard video; most atx boards don't, though there are exceptions. Choose the board that has the features and slots you need. I like micro atx even in full size cases. Their smaller size makes them easier to mount.

 

[andrewcarr]

No performance loss only difference in this case if the number of PCI ports the board has.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

No big difference really. However be careful when picking mATX cases. Many of them will not take the larger air coolers.

 

[toupee]

That reminds me ... what should I look for in a power supply for a Micro ATX?

 

[o1die]

If your case is a special form factor, then it will take a specialized power supply. But micro atx boards take the same power supplies as atx motherboards.

 

[toupee]

Good to know. Thank you.

 

[toupee]

Okay, question about Micro ATX cases. Umm... do many of them accommodate a video card interface? I'm assuming there are many out there, but I seem to have trouble finding them.

 

[o1die]

Just measure the length from the front of the case to the hardrive enclosure and allow for the drives to stick out about 3/4 of an inch. The optical drives at the top won't matter, but the hardrives may butt up against your video card if it's long. Any leads to the video card come from the power supply, not the case. You can go to the case website and get the schematic (blueprint) and newegg will give you the card dimensions. I strongly recommend you get a case with the bottom facing to the side, so the drives won't interfere with the video card placement. It's also easier to install the drives, since the cpu heatsink won't get in the way of sliding the drive into the case. Here's an example of a case with the bottom cage facing sideways: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112238

 

[toupee]

Thanks all for the responses. I decided to go full-ATX, anyway; I ended up choosing power over portability, and I wanted to install a Cooler Master Hyper 212. Thing BARELY fits in my case anyway!

Thanks again, all.