What is an Micro-ATX motherboard?
A Micro-ATX motherboard is a motherboard that follows the Micro-ATX form factor standard. It measures 244 x 244 mm, so it is smaller than a standard ATX board but larger than Mini-ITX. This format keeps compatibility with most ATX cases because the mounting points and backplate layout match the larger standard.
Which brands make Micro-ATX motherboards in 2025?
The best Micro-ATX motherboard brands are as follows.
- GIGABYTE (Overall score: 8 points)
- ASRock (Overall score: 8 points)
- ASUS (Overall score: 7.9 points)
The chart below ranks Micro-ATX motherboard brands by average overall score.
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How much do Micro-ATX motherboards cost?
Micro-ATX motherboards cost between £60 and £170 on average.
Entry-level boards from brands like ASRock, MSI, or Gigabyte start at around £60 to £80, which usually cover basic features such as fewer PCIe slots and limited power phases. Mid-range options cost £90 to £120, and they often include stronger VRMs, better audio chips, and more connectivity. High-end Micro-ATX boards can reach £160 to £170, which usually adds features like reinforced PCIe slots, premium networking, and RGB support.
The following chart shows the price distribution of Micro-ATX motherboards.
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What CPU socket types do Micro-ATX motherboards support?
Micro-ATX motherboards support the same CPU socket types as ATX motherboards, since the form factor affects size but not compatibility with processors.
The socket type depends on the chipset and the generation of the board, not on whether it is ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX. For Intel, common sockets include LGA 1151, LGA 1200, and LGA 1700, while for AMD, options include AM4 and the newer AM5.
Which chipsets do Micro-ATX motherboards use?
Micro-ATX motherboards use the same chipsets as full-size ATX motherboards, with Intel and AMD chipsets being the primary options depending on the processor socket.
Intel Micro-ATX boards commonly use chipsets like Z790, B760, H770, and Z690 for 12th and 13th generation processors, while AMD variants utilize X670E, B650, A620, and X570 chipsets for AM4 and AM5 sockets. The chipset determines features such as PCIe lane distribution, USB port count, SATA connections, and memory support capabilities.
What memory types do Micro-ATX motherboards support?
Micro-ATX motherboards support DDR4 and DDR5 memory types as their primary RAM standards.
DDR4 remains the most common memory type across Micro-ATX boards, with speeds ranging from DDR4-2133 to DDR4-4800 and beyond, while newer Micro-ATX motherboards increasingly support DDR5 memory with speeds from DDR5-4800 to DDR5-7200 or higher.
The specific memory type compatibility depends on the motherboard's chipset and CPU socket, as Intel and AMD platforms have different memory controllers that determine which DDR generation the board can use.
How much RAM can Micro-ATX motherboards handle?
Micro-ATX motherboards can handle up to 128 GB of RAM, depending on the chipset and generation. Most models include four DIMM slots that support dual-channel memory, so the total capacity depends on how much each slot supports. Older Micro-ATX boards often support up to 32 GB or 64 GB, while newer ones designed for modern CPUs usually reach 128 GB.
The type of RAM supported also influences the maximum capacity. DDR3-based Micro-ATX motherboards usually stay limited to 32 GB or 64 GB, while DDR4 models increase this to 128 GB.
The latest DDR5-compatible Micro-ATX motherboards can also handle 128 GB, with higher speeds and bandwidth compared to previous generations.
What PCIe versions do Micro-ATX motherboards support?
Micro-ATX motherboards support PCIe versions from PCIe 2.0 up to PCIe 5.0, depending on the generation and chipset.
Older Micro-ATX boards often use PCIe 2.0 or 3.0, while most current models use PCIe 4.0, and the newest ones with the latest Intel or AMD platforms can support PCIe 5.0. The version depends on the CPU and chipset combination, not only on the form factor.
Most Micro-ATX boards include at least one full-length PCIe x16 slot for graphics cards. This slot usually supports the highest PCIe version of the board, while the secondary slots (x4 or x1) may run at lower PCIe versions.
What connectivity options do Micro-ATX motherboards have?
Micro-ATX motherboards have a wide range of connectivity options that cover both internal and external connections. Most models include multiple USB ports in different versions (USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen1, and sometimes USB 3.2 Gen2 or USB-C), HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for integrated graphics, and standard audio jacks. Ethernet ports are common, with many boards using Gigabit LAN, while some higher-end models integrate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
On the internal side, Micro-ATX motherboards include SATA ports for hard drives and SSDs, and many newer boards also have M.2 slots that support both NVMe and SATA drives. They typically feature PCIe slots for graphics cards and expansion cards, with at least one full-length PCIe x16 slot and additional PCIe x1 slots.
