Building a computer from scratch is complicated but can be pretty rewarding for the user if done systematically and successfully. The first task is to settle the foundation of your computer by matching the motherboard with the case.
To know what motherboard will fit in your case, locate and note the CPU model number and identify its form factor. Search online for a motherboard form factor that matches your CPU model number and form factor. Note the motherboard’s chipset, check its respective specs, and install it in your case afterward.
We took the time to write a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that will help you to know what motherboard will fit in your case. We’ll also discuss motherboard form factors that further aid your buying decision.
Why Is It Crucial To Match Your Case to a Motherboard?
When building a computer from square one, you need to consider every specification in great detail to get the most out of your investment in time and money. From choosing a faster CPU compatible with the motherboard to finding a case, these puzzle pieces must be perfectly aligned.
Each computer component should be compatible with the others to offer optimal functioning. When it comes to the motherboard, it should be housed in a case that is appropriate according to the size, specifications, and I/O slots.
Cases are not considered a “one size fits all”; they come in different sizes to accommodate the form factors of a motherboard!
What Motherboard Will Fit in My Case?
To know what motherboard will fit in your case, follow our step-by-step method to help you through the process quickly.
- Locate your case’s model number and specifications near or on the PSU.
- Identify the CPU form factor (i.e., Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, or E-ATX).
- Open a web browser on your computer, Android, or iOS device.
- Search for the motherboard form factor that matches your CPU’s form factor and model number.
- Note the motherboard’s chipset and check its respective specifications.
After purchasing the motherboard, install it in your computer case, and you’re done!
Motherboard Form Factors
Motherboards are a powerhouse for your computer as they connect all components and execute their functionality respectively. In addition, they come in different sizes or form factors, with extra features to suit all computer geeks.
Here are 4 common motherboard form factors.
Mini-ITX
The Mini-ITX form factor is a perfect fit for building compact computer foundations that are pocket friendly for most users.
The best part is that it holds all the basic components a user needs, consisting of multiple USB ports, DIMM Ram slots, and a 1 x PCIe lane. Mini-ITX can work with any supported CPU without a problem but has a small RAM capacity and cannot support multi-GPUs.
Micro-ATX
The Micro-ATX form factor works excellently as a compact motherboard and offers several specifications, including 1 to 4 PCIe slots and DIMM RAM slots. As a cherry on top, it can support a single GPU setup. However, they do not support extreme overclocking.
ATX
An ATX motherboard extends to a size of 30.5cm x 24.4cm and is a little large when compared to the aforementioned form factors. The extra centimeters indicate a greater number of PCIe lanes, making it a perfect fit to support multi-GPU.
ATX motherboards stand out because of their larger RAM size and capacity, which increases a computer’s performance by a notch.
Extended ATX
The E-ATX form factors are the cream of the crop and extend to a measure of 30.48cm x 33.02cm. They are a perfect fit for professional gamers, editors, and designers as they enable smooth functioning and have an even larger RAM capacity than ATX.
However, they are hard to afford by everyone.
Finding Ideal Motherboards for Your Case
When finding the ideal motherboard for a PC case, it is vital to consider its specifications and size. Here are some ideal motherboard matches for 4 types of standard cases based on their size.
Small Form Factor Cases
Small Form Factor cases or SFF cases perfectly fit Mini-ITX form factors. They are compatible with their size and can build inexpensive compact computers for everyday use.
Mini Tower Cases
Mini Tower cases are a little bigger than SFF cases. They can easily house Mini-ITX form factors and Micro-ATX form factors as well. They expand to 45cm x 24cm, making them highly portable, sturdy, and perfect for home and office use.
Mid Tower Cases
The Mid Tower cases expand to a measure of 55cm x 25cm, making them highly spacious to incorporate larger video cards. They are a perfect fit for gamers, designers, and editors and can contain Mini-ITX, Micro-ITX, and ATX form factors.
Full Tower Cases
When it comes to motherboards, Full Tower cases are a gem as they can incorporate all motherboard form factors from Mini-ITX to E-ATX. As a result, they are perfect for building workstations and to be used by professionals and gamers.
If you’ve found the perfect motherboard for your case, you can move on to the next step and start installing it with all other components of a PC, including a CPU/GPU chip, the hard disk drive, and the solid-state drive, along with more as well.
Summary
In this guide, we’ve discussed knowing what motherboard will fit in your case by matching the size and specifications of both components. We’ve also briefly discussed the motherboard form factors so that you know more about finding a case for them.
Moreover, we’ve helped you explore the different types of cases and ideal motherboards for them.
Hopefully, your question is answered, and you can now build a customized PC from the ground up without much hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, it is impossible to place any motherboard inside a PC case. Just like your phone cases differ with models, PC cases vary with motherboards. Therefore, it is important to match their specifications and size to proceed with the installation process.
