Differences... ATX and mATX?

[map-08]

Hi, one thing I have always been confused about is which is better in general.

Assuming ATX is better, what are the benefits of ATX over mATX/uATX? Other than the extra PCI slots, of which I have only ever used 2 (1 for sound card and 1 for GFX card).

My case is mid-tower Casecome 6788 so plenty of room for ATX, but why are so many of the new boards micro? Is it simply a cheaper alternative to ATX?

Any help will be much appreciated, Mat.

 

[diduknowthat]

Like you said, ATX motherboards have 7 expansion slots while Micro-ATX motherboards only have up to 4 (some have 3). Otherwise some mATX boards only have 2 memory slots.

There are many micro boards because some people don't want big PCs. Regular workstation computers don't require many expansion slots and thus can be fit into compact micro-atx cases for more discrete placement.