如果您正在考虑构建一台新 PC(building a new PC)，那么您要考虑的最重要的因素之一就是您选择的主板。毕竟，这是您 PC 的中心点，将您的所有组件连接起来以创建您将用于工作、娱乐或两者结合的机器。
然而，并非所有的主板都是一样的。在您急于购买新主板之前，您需要考虑最适合您正在构建的计算机的布局。这通常归结为三个选项：ATX、Micro ATX和Mini-ITX，但哪个最好？本指南应该可以帮助您做出决定。
尺寸和设计(Size and Design)
三大主板标准（ATX、Micro ATX和Mini-ITX）在操作方式上都非常相似。与所有现代 PC 一样，它们允许您连接RAM、CPU、硬盘驱动器、外部媒体、电源连接、冷却风扇和各种其他端口和引脚（例如允许电源按钮操作的端口和引脚）。
然而，它们最大的不同在于它们的尺寸和设计，ATX主板最大，Mini-ITX 主板最小。虽然确实存在其他布局（例如 nano-ITX），但这些布局通常被认为是专业设计，通常在消费类 PC 市场上不可用。
ATX 尺寸和设计(ATX Size and Design)
正如我们所提到的，主板的最大布局是ATX标准。这是 x86 和x64台式 PC 的原始标准，提供最多的可用端口和连接。
典型的ATX主板尺寸为 305 毫米 x 244 毫米（12 英寸 x 9.6 英寸）。这意味着，如果您要购买ATX主板，则需要一个尺寸合适的ATX机箱来匹配。
作为最大的主板设计，ATX主板通常包括四个RAM插槽（目前支持 128GB+），支持多个存储驱动器，以及用于显卡和其他设备的不同数量的PCI-e扩展插槽（至少两个PCI-e x16）扩展设备，例如网卡。
Micro ATX 尺寸和设计(Micro ATX Size and Design)
顾名思义，Micro ATX (m ATX ) 布局是一个略小的设计。基于ATX设计，但尺寸缩小到 244 毫米 x 244 毫米（9.6 英寸 x 9.6 英寸），Micro ATX 主板(Micro ATX motherboard)在功能上几乎没有损失，但允许 PC 制造商使用更小的机箱进行构建。
为了适应减小的尺寸，Micro ATX设计通常减少端口和扩展槽的数量。Micro ATX主板通常配备 2-4 个RAM插槽（支持 64-128GB）、一个 x16 PCI-e 扩展插槽，并支持较少数量的驱动器和外部媒体（例如减少的USB端口）。
但是，如果您有ATX机箱，那么您很幸运 — ATX机箱通常适合Micro ATX主板，无需任何额外的调整，从而为额外的驱动器、更大的风扇或定制(Micro ATX)水冷系统(water cooling systems)腾出空间。
Mini-ITX 尺寸和设计(Mini-ITX Size and Design)
Mini-ITX设计略有不同，它不是基于原始ATX标准，而是基于2011 年为小型机顶 PC 和嵌入式系统创建的各种ITX设计。(ITX)Mini-ITX主板是三款主板中最小的一款，可让您打造功能强大且便携的小型 PC。
Mini-ITX主板的尺寸仅为 170 毫米 x 170 毫米（6.7 英寸 x 6.7 英寸），比已经缩小的Micro ATX设计小约 30%。作为小型 PC 的利基设计，Mini-ITX主板很少见，并且与(Mini-ITX)ATX和Micro ATX构建相比通常具有溢价。
Mini-ITX 支持所有主要的AMD和Intel CPU(Intel CPUs)，但预计这种布局会失去一些扩展和功能。它支持两个RAM插槽（通常最大为 32-64GB），但只有一个用于显卡的扩展插槽（一个PCI-e x16），可能还有一个额外的速度降低的(PCI-e)PCI-e插槽用于额外的扩展。
价钱(Pricing)
鉴于ATX主板的数量更多且功能最多，您可能会认为它们是最昂贵的购买，而Mini-ITX主板（提供最少的功能）是最便宜的。实际上恰恰相反，Mini-ITX主板对消费者来说成本最高。
这主要是由于它们在市场中的利基作用——制造Mini-ITX主板的制造商较少，这意味着成本更高。如果您想要最小的 PC，您需要为Mini-ITX构建支付这笔溢价。ATX和Micro ATX的构建更便宜，这（部分）归功于更便宜的外壳和更广泛的制造运行。
发布时，采用常见Intel LGA1200 CPU和AMD AM4插槽设计的(AMD AM4)ATX主板起价约为 80 美元，而 Micro - ATX主板起价略低于 60 美元。然而，Mini-ITX 主板的起价约为 100 美元，大多数主板的起价为 130-150 美元。
如果您正在寻找制造便宜的 PC，最便宜的主板设计是Micro ATX与Mini ITX的昂贵端。但是，如果您正在寻找更多的扩展端口，ATX 与 Micro ATX(ATX vs Micro ATX)主板之间的价格差异很小。
ATX vs MicroATX vs Mini-ITX：哪个是最好的？(ATX vs MicroATX vs Mini-ITX: Which Is The Best?)
在ATX与Micro ATX主板（或Mini ITX与Micro ATX）之间进行选择确实是个人选择，具体取决于您对 PC 构建的需求。您(Are)是游戏玩家，您是在寻找工作场所的 PC，还是需要小型机顶式媒体播放机？
最佳游戏主板：ATX 或 Micro ATX(Best Motherboard for Gaming: ATX or Micro ATX)
最适合游戏玩家的主板设计是ATX或Micro ATX之间的折腾。Micro ATX主板更便宜，性价比最高，具有足够的扩展和RAM支持，可以构建最高端的游戏 PC。
但是，根据您的预算，您可以使这些选项中的任何一个都适合您。Mini-ITX 版本适用于游戏玩家，尤其是当新的三明治式机箱（例如Dan A4和Ghost S1）开始流入市场时。但大多数游戏玩家可能会发现选择ATX(ATX)或Micro ATX更容易且更具成本效益。
大功率工作站的最佳主板：ATX(Best Motherboard for High-Powered Workstations: ATX)
如果您正在构建高端工作站，例如用于视频渲染、图形设计等的定制 PC，您可能会发现ATX构建是最好的。这提供了对RAM(RAM)的最大可用支持（例如 128GB+ RAM构建），以及最大数量的扩展槽和外部媒体支持。
但是，如果您的需求少一点，您可以轻松地使Micro ATX构建工作，但首先要考虑其他因素。例如，高端 PC 会很热，因此您可能希望选择允许大量排气风扇的ATX版本或专业的水冷解决方案。(ATX)
台式电脑最佳主板：Micro ATX(Best Motherboard for Desktop PCs: Micro ATX)
标准(Standard)台式电脑制造商很灵活，他们正在寻找一台可以处理基本游戏、典型互联网使用、高清媒体播放等的机器。如果这听起来像你，你可能会想要一个Micro ATX主板来匹配。
(Micro ATX)与ATX(ATX)相比，Micro ATX主板失去的功能很少，但尺寸减小了。这将允许您在不破坏银行的情况下构建一个可以放在（或下面）桌面上的高规格 PC，这要归功于三者中最便宜的价格。
小型 PC 的最佳主板：Mini-ITX(Best Motherboard for Small Form-Factor PCs: Mini-ITX)
如果您希望打造一款小巧、轻便、便携但仍可处理高端系统资源（尽管不是工作站级别）的小型 PC，您将需要Mini-ITX主板。
Mini-ITX主板越来越受欢迎，因为CPU热量减少允许构建越来越小。但是，您需要仔细研究您的选择，尤其是在涉及案例的情况下。但是，如果您想要一台便携式背包 PC 或置顶媒体中心，如果预算允许，Mini-ITX确实是三者中的最佳选择。
构建新 PC(Building a New PC)
如果您正在构建一台新 PC，请务必根据您正在寻找的 PC 的尺寸和功率选择正确的主板配置。然后，您可以考虑对RAM(overclocking your RAM)和其他组件进行超频以获得额外的功率，但前提是您必须先测试 PC 稳定性并首先安装必要的软件(installed essential software)。
如果您要从一台Windows PC 转移到另一台 PC，您可能需要转移您的 Windows 许可证(transfer your Windows license)以节省资金。您还可以使用便携式 USB 媒体传输您的设置和重要文件(transfer your settings and important files)，或将它们存储在您的云存储帐户中。
ATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX: Which Is The Best?
If you’re thinking about building a new PC, one of the most important considerations you’ll make is your choice of motherboard. After all, this is the central point of your PC, joining up all of your components to create the machine you’ll use for work, fun, or a combination of the two.
Not all motherboards are created equal, however. Before you rush to purchase a new motherboard, you’ll need to consider the layout most appropriate for the computer you’re building. This typically comes down to three options: ATX, Micro ATX and Mini-ITX, but which is best? This guide should help you decide.
Size and Design
The three major motherboard standards (ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX) are all quite similar in how they operate. Like all modern PCs, they allow you to connect RAM, a CPU, hard drives, external media, power connectivity, cooling fans, and various other ports and pins (such as those that allow the power button to operate).
Where they differ most, however, is in their size and design, with ATX motherboards the largest and Mini-ITX motherboards the smallest. While other layouts do exist (such as nano-ITX), these are generally considered to be specialist designs and aren’t typically available in the consumer PC market.
ATX Size and Design
As we’ve mentioned, the largest layout of motherboards is the ATX standard. This is the original standard for x86 and x64 desktop PCs, offering the largest number of available ports and connectivity.
Typical ATX motherboards are 305mm by 244mm (12 inches by 9.6 inches) in size. This means that, if you’re purchasing an ATX motherboard, you’ll need a suitably-sized ATX case to match.
As the largest motherboard design, ATX motherboards usually include four RAM slots (supporting 128GB+ at present), support for several storage drives, and a varied number of PCI-e expansion slots (at least two PCI-e x16) for graphics cards and other expansion devices, such as network cards.
Micro ATX Size and Design
As the name might suggest, the Micro ATX (mATX) layout is a slightly smaller design. Based on the ATX design but scaled down to 244mm by 244mm (9.6 inches by 9.6 inches) in size, Micro ATX motherboard lose little in functionality but allow PC builders to use smaller cases for their builds.
To accommodate the reduced size, the Micro ATX design typically has a reduced number of ports and expansion slots. Micro ATX motherboards usually ship with 2-4 RAM slots (supporting 64-128GB), one x16 PCI-e expansion slot, and support for a smaller number of drives and external media (such as reduced USB ports).
If you have an ATX case, however, you’re in luck—ATX cases usually fit Micro ATX motherboards without any additional tweaks required, freeing up space for additional drives, larger fans, or custom water cooling systems.
Mini-ITX Size and Design
The Mini-ITX design is slightly different in that it isn’t based on the original ATX standard, but is based on a varied ITX design created in 2011 for smaller set-top PCs and embedded systems. Mini-ITX motherboards are the smallest of the three, allowing you to create small form-factor PCs that are powerful and portable.
At just 170mm by 170mm (6.7 inches by 6.7 inches) in size, a Mini-ITX motherboard is approximately 30% smaller than the already-reduced Micro ATX design. As a niche design for smaller PCs, Mini-ITX motherboards are rarer to find and usually come with a price premium compared to ATX and Micro ATX builds.
Mini-ITX supports all major AMD and Intel CPUs, but expect to lose some expansion and functionality with this layout. It supports two RAM slots (to a usual maximum of 32-64GB), but only a single expansion slot (one PCI-e x16) for a graphics card, with perhaps an additional PCI-e slot of reduced speed for additional expansion.
Pricing
Given that ATX motherboards are greater in number and offer the most functionality, you might expect them to be the most expensive to purchase, with Mini-ITX motherboards (offering the least functionality) being the cheapest. It’s actually the reverse, with Mini-ITX motherboards costing the most for consumers.
This is largely due to their niche role in the market—fewer manufacturers build Mini-ITX motherboards, meaning costs are higher. If you want the smallest factor PCs, you’ll need to pay this premium for Mini-ITX builds. ATX and Micro ATX builds are cheaper, thanks (in part) to cheaper cases and wider manufacturing runs.
At the time of publication, prices of ATX motherboards using the common Intel LGA1200 CPU and AMD AM4 socket designs started at around $80, while Micro-ATX motherboards started at the slightly-lower $60. Mini-ITX motherboards, however, started at around $100, with most boards starting at $130-150.
If you’re looking to build a cheap PC, the cheapest motherboard design is Micro ATX vs Mini ITX at the expensive end. If you’re looking for slightly more expansion ports, however, the price difference between ATX vs Micro ATX motherboards is minimal.
ATX vs MicroATX vs Mini-ITX: Which Is The Best?
Choosing between an ATX vs Micro ATX motherboard (or Mini ITX vs Micro ATX) is really a personal choice, depending on what you’re needing from a PC build. Are you a gamer, are you looking for a workplace PC, or do you need a small set-top style media playback machine?
Best Motherboard for Gaming: ATX or Micro ATX
The best motherboard design for a gamer is a tossup between ATX or Micro ATX. Micro ATX motherboards are cheaper and offer the best value for the money, with sufficient expansion and RAM support to build the highest end gaming PC possible.
Depending on your budget, however, you could make any of these options work for you. Mini-ITX builds can work for gamers, especially as new sandwich-style cases (such as the Dan A4 and Ghost S1) begin to trickle into the market. But most gamers will probably find it easier and more cost effective to choose ATX or Micro ATX instead.
Best Motherboard for High-Powered Workstations: ATX
If you’re building a high-end workstation, such as a custom PC for video rendering, graphics design, or more, you’re probably going to find ATX builds are best. This offers the maximum available support for RAM (such as 128GB+ RAM builds), as well as the largest number of expansion slots and external media support.
If your demands are a little less, however, you could easily make a Micro ATX build work, but consider other factors first. For instance, a high-end PC is going to run hot, so you may want to go for an ATX build that allows a large number of exhaust fans or a specialist water cooling solution instead.
Best Motherboard for Desktop PCs: Micro ATX
Standard desktop PC builders are flexible, looking for a machine that can handle basic gaming, typical internet usage, HD media playback, and more. If this sounds like you, you’ll probably want a Micro ATX motherboard to match.
Micro ATX motherboards lose little functionality compared to ATX but are reduced in size. This’ll allow you to build a good-spec PC in a case that can fit on (or under) your desk without breaking the bank, thanks to the cheapest pricing of the three.
Best Motherboard for Small Form-Factor PCs: Mini-ITX
If you’re looking to build a small PC that’s small, lightweight, portable, but can still handle high-end system resources (although not workstation level), you’ll want a Mini-ITX motherboard.
Mini-ITX motherboards are growing in popularity as CPU heat reductions allow for smaller and smaller builds. You’ll need to research your options carefully, however, especially where cases are concerned. But if you want a portable backpack PC or set top media center, Mini-ITX is really the best option of the three, if budget allows.
Building a New PC
If you’re building a new PC, it’s important to choose the right motherboard configuration for the size and power of the PC you’re looking for. You can then think about overclocking your RAM and other components for extra power, but only once you’ve tested your PC stability and installed essential software first.
If you’re moving from one Windows PC to another, you may want to transfer your Windows license across to save you money. You can also transfer your settings and important files using portable USB media or by storing them in your cloud storage account.
