MicroATX

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The correct title of this article is microATX. The initial letter is shown capitalized due to technical restrictions.
A8N VM CSM, an Asus microATX motherboard
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A8N VM CSM, an Asus microATX motherboard

microATX (also known as µATX) is a small PC motherboard standard, with a maximum size of 9.6×9.6" (244×244 mm) (the standard ATX size is 12×9.6" maximum). microATX boards with integrated graphics are often used by motherboard manufacturers as a basis for small form factor and media center PCs.

microATX motherboards can utilize CPUs from either Intel or AMD. microATX boards often utilize the same north and southbridges as full ATX boards, allowing them to use the same components. However, since microATX towers are a lot smaller than typical ATX towers, there are fewer I/O ports. For example, an ATX motherboard usually supports up to five PCI expansion slots, while microATX boards typically have only three (four being the maximum permitted by the specification). Due to this limitation external USB hard drives, expansion cards, CD burners etc. may be necessary depending on the number of peripherals required.

microATX motherboards are often used in unusual case modding projects where form factor is of prime importance. A microATX board can fit inside the casing of a Nintendo Entertainment System, for instance.[citation needed]

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