If you want to build a computer and max it out in power, you need a motherboard that will accommodate all the necessary components. If you've been doing your research, you're probably picking between ATX and EATX motherboards.
But what is the difference between the two? And which should you get? Let's look at and compare these two motherboard sizes below.
ATX vs. EATX: Size
ATX, which stands for Advanced Technology eXtended, was introduced in Intel in 1995 and measures 12 by 9.6 inches. This is the most popular motherboard format in 2022 and provides a good balance between affordability and expandability.
However, if you're an enthusiast or a professional who needs more power than usual, you'll want to go for the bigger EATX motherboard. EATX, or Extended ATX, motherboards are 12 x 13 inches in size. This adds 3.4 inches to one side, making it wider and allowing you to install more components.
Given that, EATX requires a bigger case than an ATX motherboard. However, with the bigger case, you also get more airflow. In addition, you can also get more space for tubing, making it easier to water-cool your system.
Aside from picking the right motherboard, you should also pick a suitable case for your computer. You should check out our PC Case Size Guide to ensure you're making the best choice.
ATX vs. EATX: Slots
The larger footprint of the EATX motherboard means manufacturers can physically add more slots than the ATX motherboard. For example, most ATX motherboards only have up to four RAM slots and three to four PCIe slots.
However, if you choose an EATX motherboard, you could possibly get up to eight RAM slots and up to seven PCIe slots. Some motherboards even offer two 10-gigabit LAN ports for faster speeds or better reliability.
You should note, though, that these are just the maximum capabilities of motherboards. Some models, like the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme, might use the EATX motherboard size but only have four RAM and three PCIe slots.
ATX vs. EATX: Price
EATX boards are generally more expensive than ATX motherboards. This is primarily because these boards use more materials than their smaller counterparts. Furthermore, as EATX motherboards are designed for professionals and enthusiasts who are more willing to spend, manufacturers typically price these models higher.
For example, the EATX ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme retails for more than $1,000. However, the ATX ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula is around $750. The ATX motherboard is more affordable, despite having almost similar specifications.
ATX vs. EATX: Which Motherboard Should You Get?
Even if you're looking to build a monster of a PC, you don't need to get an EATX board. After all, components are getting more and more powerful. That means you no longer need two video cards for gaming, as a single RTX 4090 would suffice for most gamers' needs.
Furthermore, most consumer-grade motherboards, whether EATX or ATX, only limit RAM to 128GB RAM. Since the maximum size of most RAM sticks is limited to 32GB, you can only use up to four RAM slots before you hit the 128GB limit.
If you're going for more than that, you'll have to get professional-grade EATX boards with more than four RAM slots.
For most gamers, 128GB of RAM and a single RTX 4090 are enough to run most games at high frame rates and ultra quality. The only reason you'd want to get an EATX board is if you want to have better airflow or need room for custom water cooling. Nevertheless, even if you don't have an EATX board, there are ways to optimize the airflow on your gaming PC.
However, if you're a professional that needs massive amounts of RAM and multiple video cards for simulation and other applications, then an EATX board makes sense. With its eight RAM slots, you can get up to 256GB of RAM. You can also easily install two, three, or even more GPUs on a single EATX motherboard—crucial for heavy rendering applications.
You Don't Need the Most Expensive Option
Even if you're building a powerful computer with an unlimited budget, you don't need to go all out on your components. Instead, you should be wise in choosing the components that will go well with each other. That way, you avoid bottlenecks in your system and ensure you get the most efficient performance for all your parts.
So, before making that purchase, ask yourself: do you really need that expensive motherboard?
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