Types of Motherboards

Published: 9 Sep 2025

Did you know that motherboards come in a variety of sizes and designs to satisfy certain needs? From ATX to Mini-ITX, each type of motherboard serves a different purpose. Whether you are building a gaming PC, a workstation, or a small system, selecting the appropriate motherboard is critical. Let’s examine the various types of motherboards and their impact on performance.

Table of Content

What is a Motherboard?

A motherboard is the primary circuit board of a computer. It links and communicates with the CPU, memory, storage, and other components. It also includes expansion card ports and additional ports. There are numerous types of motherboards available to meet a variety of demands, including gaming and tiny PCs. Choosing the correct one guarantees compatibility and performance.

Types of Motherboard

Motherboards come in a variety of styles, each designed for a specific purpose. Whether you’re building a gaming PC, a workstation, or a small system, selecting a suitable motherboard is important. Here’s an overview of the various types of motherboards used in computers nowadays:

1. Mini-ITX Motherboard

A Mini-ITX motherboard measures 17 by 17 cm. It is designed for compact PCs, home theater systems (HTPCs), and space-saving solutions. Unlike larger motherboards, it typically has one PCIe slot and two RAM slots, which limits growth. However, it is energy-efficient, emits less heat, and fits into small cases, making it perfect for compact and portable setups.

2. ATX Motherboard

ATX motherboards, which are sized 30.5 × 24.4 cm, are commonly used in gaming, workstation, and high-performance systems. It has several PCIe slots, allowing users to add GPUs, sound cards, and expansion cards. Most ATX motherboards support up to four RAM slots, while some versions allow for more. They also offer more connectivity options and superior cooling support, making them perfect for power users seeking performance and upgrade flexibility.

👉 For gamers, choosing the right ATX motherboard is as important as selecting from different types of graphics cards to unlock maximum performance.

3. BTX Motherboard

A BTX motherboard (Balanced Technology eXtended) was developed as an alternative to ATX, with a focus on enhanced ventilation and improved thermal management. It had a revised component arrangement for better cooling efficiency. BTX came in three sizes: standard, micro, and pico.

However, it had compatibility challenges with ATX enclosures and components, resulting in limited acceptance. It was eventually taken out, and ATX continued to be the industry standard.

4. Flex-ATX Motherboards

Flex-ATX motherboards are smaller versions of Micro-ATX, measuring 22.9 × 19.1 cm. It was designed for small form factor (SFF) computers and smaller custom builds. While it allows fewer expansion slots than Micro-ATX, it is still compatible with Micro-ATX enclosures. However, it is less common nowadays due to the growing popularity of Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX motherboards.

5. LPX Motherboard

An LPX motherboard (Low Profile eXtended) was widely used in previous desktop computers, particularly in small and compact enclosures. It included a riser card that allowed expansion slots to be positioned vertically, conserving space. It lacked dedicated I/O ports; therefore, devices had to be connected via external connectors. It was eventually replaced by ATX and Micro-ATX, which provided improved design, expansion, and flexibility.

6. NLX Motherboard

The NLX (New Low Profile eXtended) motherboard was introduced as a successor to LPX, designed for ultra-slim PCs that required thinner motherboards and chassis. NLX motherboards are only 1.2 inches (30mm) tall, compared to LPX boards, which are typically 1.8 inches (45mm). Due to this design, expansion cards in NLX cases have a height limitation of 19mm.

7. Pico BTX

Pico BTX is the smallest version of the BTX motherboard, designed for small and low-power computers. It measures 20.3 × 26.7 cm, making it ideal for tiny desktops and space-saving arrangements. Pico BTX has better airflow and thermal management than ATX, but has fewer expansion slots due to its tiny size. However, it was not widely used, and BTX form factors were eventually phased out in favor of ATX-based motherboards.

How to Choose the Right Type of Motherboard

Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for building a high-performance and reliable computer. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Determine Your Purpose

Gaming: Choose an ATX or E-ATX motherboard with multiple PCIe slots for GPUs.
Office & Everyday Use: A Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboard is cost-effective and space-saving.
Workstations & High-End Tasks: Opt for a server-grade motherboard with high RAM and CPU support.

2. Check Compatibility

Ensure it supports your CPU (Intel or AMD).
Check RAM capacity and speed support.
Verify storage options (M.2, SATA).

3. Consider Expansion & Ports

More PCIe slots allow GPU, sound card, and Wi-Fi card upgrades.
USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt ports are essential for connectivity.
Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth can be useful.

4. Look at the Form Factor

ATX (standard, full features).
Micro-ATX (smaller, fewer slots).
Mini-ITX (compact, limited expansion).

5. Future Upgrade Options

Choose a newer chipset for long-term compatibility.
Get extra RAM slots for future upgrades.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Motherboard

Choosing the wrong motherboard might result in compatibility issues, poor performance, and wasted money. Avoid these typical mistakes when purchasing a motherboard:

1. Ignoring CPU Compatibility

Not all motherboards support all CPUs. Check the socket type and chipset to make sure they are compatible with your processor.

2. Choosing the Wrong Form Factor

ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX differ in size and expansion slots.
Make sure the motherboard fits your PC case and meets your upgrade needs.

3. Overlooking RAM Support

Some motherboards limit RAM capacity and speed.
Ensure your motherboard supports enough RAM slots and higher memory speeds if needed.

4. Not Checking Expansion Slots

If you plan to add multiple GPUs, sound cards, or storage controllers, ensure the motherboard has enough PCIe slots.

5. Ignoring Connectivity Options

Check for USB ports, M.2 slots, SATA connectors, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support.
Not having enough ports can limit future upgrades.

6. Buying an Outdated Chipset

Older chipsets may lack support for new CPUs, RAM, and storage technologies.
Always opt for a newer chipset to future-proof your build.

7. Neglecting Power Phases & Cooling

Low-quality VRMs and poor cooling can cause instability, especially for gaming and overclocking.
Choose a motherboard with good power delivery and heatsinks for stable performance.

8. Overspending on Unnecessary Features

High-end motherboards have premium features like RGB, extreme overclocking support, and extra slots.
Don’t pay for features you won’t use. Stick to what suits your needs.

Conclusion

So, in this essay, we covered the many types of motherboards in detail. Choosing the proper one is dependent on your arrangement. For gaming, choose ATX. Micro-ATX is a reliable choice for low-cost builds. If you enjoy small computers, Mini-ITX is the way to go. My advice? Choose a motherboard that allows you to upgrade. Got any questions? Drop them in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Have questions about motherboards? Here are some frequently asked questions with simple answers to help you clear your doubts:

What are the main types of motherboards?

The main types are ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX, BTX, LPX, NLX, and Flex-ATX. Each serves different purposes based on size, expansion, and performance needs

Which motherboard is best for gaming?

An ATX motherboard is best for gaming because it has multiple PCIe slots for GPUs, better cooling, and more expansion options.

What is the difference between ATX and Micro-ATX?

ATX is larger, supports more PCIe slots and RAM, and is ideal for high-performance PCs. Micro-ATX is smaller, has fewer expansion slots, and is great for budget-friendly builds.

What’s the best budget motherboard?

Micro-ATX motherboards offer a balance of features and affordability, making them ideal for budget builds.

Do all motherboards support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

No, only some motherboards have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Others require separate adapters or expansion cards.