Form Factors of a motherboard

Form Factors of a motherboard refers to its physical shape, layout and positioning of components on it. It also determines the type of system case it will fit into. Some motherboards that have the same functionality can be packaged in different form factord. The only major difference between such motherboards will be the form factor.

1)Obselete Form Factor

Obselete form factors consists of Advanced Technology (AT) , Baby At and low profile extended (LPX) form factors.

Baby AT Form Factor

Baby AT Form Factor is very much similar to the original IBM XT motherboard structure. The baby AT form factor fits into most of the system cases. A baby AT motherboard is 8.5 inches wide and about 13 inches long.

Advanced Technology (AT) Form Factor

AT Form Factor is also known as the full size At form Factor. This form factor matches the original IBM AT motherboard in structure and layout. This type of motherboard is very much large and is about 12 inches wide and 13.8 inches long.

Low profile Extended (LPX)

LPX and mini LPX form factors are used for small slim line or low profilr cases. This form factor was developrd by western digital , who no longer produces motherboards

2 )Modern Form Factor

Modern Form Factor consists of ATX, micro ATX, flex TX, mini ATX

Advanced Technolgy Extended (ATX) Form Factor

Intel invented the ATX form factor in the year 1965. ATX and mini ATX form factors are most popular and has many of the best featured of LPX and AT form Factors. This type of form factor supports maximum 7 slots. The main advantage is the single internal power supply connector.

New Low Profile Extended (NLX) Form Factor

NLX form factor is a new addition to the motherboard form factors. It was developed by intel and is similar to the LPX form factor.

MIcro ATX form factor

Micro ATX motherboards are small motherboards that are 9.6" in length as well as width. Low end pc users generally use this form factor.This type of form factor supports maximum 4 slots.