Form Factor

Category: infrastructure

The physical dimensions and layout specification of a motherboard (e.g., ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX).

Form factor defines the "physical footprint." Choosing the wrong form factor means the motherboard physically will not fit inside the PC case. It also dictates how many expansion slots (PCI-e) and RAM slots are available for future component upgrades.

Common Examples

• Before purchasing the chassis, verify the motherboard form factor to ensure the standoffs align perfectly with the case layout.
• A Mini-ITX form factor is ideal for compact builds, but it limits your expansion options compared to a full-sized ATX motherboard.