![]() Like motherboards, PSUs have some commonly accepted size standards. The power supply unit (PSU) is another decision point that correlates with PC case size. ![]() ATX or SFX: What Type of Power Supply Does My Case Need? So, as a general rule, the case you buy really should match the motherboard standard you're using. But the whole point of buying and using a smaller-than-ATX motherboard is to install it in a smaller-than-ATX case. Likewise, most MicroATX cases accept smaller Mini-ITX boards, in addition to (of course!) MicroATX ones. Most ATX cases are compatible with these smaller motherboards, as well, via alternate mounting points. MicroATX boards (middle in the photo), meanwhile, measure 9.6 inches square. Mini-ITX motherboards (on the far right in the board comparison photo above), at 6.7 inches square, are on the opposite side of the size spectrum from ATX and EATX. Most motherboards for mainstream AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors are ATX or smaller. That board size is mostly used for so-called high-end desktop (HEDT) builds, with the boards supporting Intel's Core X-Series or AMD's Ryzen Threadripper processors. Some full towers also work with the less common 12-by-13-inch Extended ATX (EATX) motherboard standard. ![]() Full towers, which are larger, feature extra bays inside for storage drives and more room for larger cooling hardware. The lion's share of ATX cases are classed as "mid-towers" or "full towers," which are inexact terms that refer to the case's exterior dimensions. Size comparison: ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX mainboards, left to right These boards typically measure 12 by 9.6 inches, and an ATX case has mounting holes in a standardized layout to match boards of that size. The most common case type is the ATX chassis, which accommodates ATX motherboards (far left in the picture below). ![]() (For a kick-start to understanding desktop mainboards, see our guide to the best motherboards, and our primer Buying a Motherboard: 20 Terms You Need to Know.) These correspond to the three main form factors of motherboard case categories follow these motherboard standards. Cases come in three major types: ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX. ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX: What Size of PC Case Should I Buy?Ĭontrary to Yoda's wisdom, size does matter with PC cases. And, of course: We've got some favorite cases we've tested and reviewed. ![]() We'll look at all aspects, including case size, expansion capabilities, aesthetics, RGB lighting, quietness, airflow, and the ease of working inside. (And yes, there's a whole murky middle between the two extremes.) Use it as your rallying point for getting your build going. This guide outlines what to look for in a tower case, a mini-PC chassis, or any type of computer case in between. ![]()
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