Discuss Motherboard form factors.

Computer motherboard Form Factor can be defined as the basic standard for manufacturing
various components of computer system which are easily fitted in computer cases with power
supply.
Determines general layout, size and feature placement on the motherboard.
Connectors etc. Why use the same Motherboard Form Factor?
As above mentioned that you must select the proper form factor for MB, computer cases, and
power supply because of their compatibility issues may arise after purchased
1. Motherboards are easily fit inside the computer case/Cabinet
2. The Holes present in the cabinet perfectly matches with MB’s hole present on the edges
3. Power Supply can be installed perfectly as their holes matches to Cases when used same
form factor
4. Front panel connector have specific ports mentioned for Power switch ,Reset Switch
,HDD Led ,power Led, speaker, front USB and Front panel Sound.
5. Choosing correct power supply helps in the correct voltage flow required for proper
functioning of motherboard and other computer components.

1) AT (Advanced Technology):
• The oldest of the main boards, these motherboards were used in earlier 286/386 or 486
computers. The AT means the board consists of advanced technology (AT) power
connectors.
• There are two power connectors of 6 pin each mounted on the AT motherboards. The AT
motherboards were available in the early 80’s. Oldest and biggest form factor and popular
until Baby AT.
• Capable of using 386 processor.
• 12’-inch size and was difficult to install, service and upgrade.

2) Baby-AT:
• Standard in computer industries and still being used in Pentium class products.
• CPU socket is placed in such a way that it can interfere with longer bus cards.
• Limitation over peripheral card installation.
• I/O ports are connected to pin-outs near the floppy drive which results in jumbling of
ribbon cables.

3) ATX (Advanced Technology Extended):
Is a motherboard configuration specification developed by Intel in 1995 to improve on
previous de facto standards like the AT design? The ATX motherboards started in 90’s and
are still available. The ATX connector on the motherboard consists of a single connector.
These boards are used for P2/P3 or P/4 processors. The most common form factor for a
motherboard is the ATX form factor with the following features: -
• Improvement done in easy to use, support for current and future I/O, and also to current
and future technology.
• New mounting configuration for power supply.
• Processor relocated away from expansion slots to allow full length add-in cards.
• Provides air-flow through chassis and across the processor.

4) Mini ATX:
• Commonly same as ATX.
• Just change in size from ATX= 12" x 9.6" to Mini ATX= 11.2" x 8.2".

5) Micro ATX:
• Supports current and new processor technologies.
• AGP (Accelerated graphics port) to have high performance graphics.
• Smaller in size and less power supply.

6) Flex ATX:
• A subset of micro ATX.
• Gives chance to system developers to create new personal computer design.
• Enhanced flexibility to allow custom case and board design to be manufactured.
• Small motherboard size and supports current processor technology.

7) LPX (Low Profile Extension) and Mini LPX:
• Based on design by western digital.
• Usually found in desktop pc.
• Case is slim-line, low profile case with riser card arrangement for expansion cards.
• Riser card arrangement means expansion boards are parallel rather than perpendicular.
• This makes smaller case but limits number of expansion slots to two or three.
• High quality product at low cost but makes difficult to upgrade and repair.

8) NLX (New Low Profile Extended):
• Supports current and future processor technologies.
• Also supports new AGP and tall memory technology.
• Installing and upgrading the system is easy.

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Kavungya answered the question on September 1, 2021 at 04:37