MicroATX in ATX case?

[Auric]

I am wondering since I am considering these Asus P4 DDR boards and there is an M versionsfor $15-20 less which also adds LAN while dropping 3 of 6 PCI and 1 of 3 DIMM. But since the LAN saves an NIC (yes?) then 3 slots oughta be more than enough I am thinking.

 

[Peter]

mATX boards are just three expansion slots shorter, and originally allowed a weaker power supply unit.
The latter point is of course history, unless you go by the spirit of what mATX was meant for (cheap low end boxes)
and use a low end processor.

So a P4 mATX board in a standard ATX case, with a capable power supply unit, is not a problem. You'll
just have lots of empty space and three unused slot brackets at the bottom.

edit: Forgot to say that the mounting holes, connector panel position, and power supply connections are the same.

regards, Peter

 

[AndyHui]

Yep, no problem. uATX boards have absolutely no problems in ATX cases.

As Peter says, the uATX specification calls for a maximum power supply of 135watts, although full ATX power supplies are fine for uATX boards.

You will find uATX cases limited to the 135W power supplies though.

 

[Athlon4all]

Yep, no problem with a mATX in an ATX case. I know cause I've got a PC downstairs like this.

 

[exp]

I seem to recall hearing that microATX boards do not handle overclocking as well as their ATX counterparts. Is that true? I can't imagine why that would be the case since the P4S333 and the P4S333-M apparently have the same BIOS options, take PC2700 RAM, and can handle good power supplies.

 

[AndyHui]

I don't believe that to be the case, although some manufacturers like MSI tend to leave off certain overclocking features on uATX boards.

The real stigma that seems to attach to uATX boards is the lack of expansion. People want small form factors, but only 2 or 3 PCI slots really scares them away when they are used to 5 or 6 slots (and some people want even more).

 

[DieHardware]

<< You will find uATX cases limited to the 135W power supplies though. >>

Hey guys Aopen's new H340 series cases have a 180W p/s with-they say-P4 compatibility.

 

[Auric]

Cool. I like the idea of power and functionality crammed in a small package. A slim mATX case with a CD-Writer/DVD drive combo would be nice (until DVD Writers are cheap). Too bad there are no slot drives like that.

Seems it would be good for building your own case too but if I go for this it will prolly just plonk in the old ATX.

I understand FlexATX is an addendum to MicroATX. Is uATX the latest name for the same thing?

 

[AndyHui]

FlexATX is an even smaller specification for very small units. It is not the same as micro-ATX.

The FlexATX specification calls for integrated video, sound, and a maximum of 1 PCI slot. Intel recommends 0 PCI slots and EVERYTHING integrated on the motherboard.

 

[Auric]

That's two demerits for you now!

I know Flex is not the same size but as the standards go it is a subset of the Micro specs. Also, these ASUS boards I am looking at have 2 PCI and either audio or A/V for Flex.

Anyhoo, back to my query: what is uATX?

 

[gsiener]

uATX = micro ATX

That u is really supposed to be a mu (greek letter) which represents 10^-6 = micro

 

[toshiba3020]

Yes, it should be a mu. But i dont know (and I assume others) the ascii symbol for it.

 

[AndyHui]

<< I know Flex is not the same size but as the standards go it is a subset of the Micro specs. Also, these ASUS boards I am looking at have 2 PCI and either audio or A/V for Flex. >>

If you use that reasoning, FlexATX is a subset of uATX which is a subset of ATX which is a subset of WTX.