They're designed for efficiency, using compact components and optimized layouts to reduce size and boost performance.
They're designed for efficiency, using compact components and optimized layouts to reduce size and boost performance.
I examine a standard ATX motherboard and notice its PCB measures 74,420 square mm—containing components like circuitry, capacitors, and chips. A mini-itx board is only 28,900 square mm, using the same materials. It seems over half of an ATX board can be trimmed while still functioning. I’ve built a mini-itx project before. The compromises included fewer RAM slots, less VRM cooling, fewer USB ports, and reduced PCIe connections. The cost increased as well. I’m considering another mini-itx build, but I’m curious—what changes were made to an ATX board to shrink it so much? Are there other trade-offs I haven’t considered? Removing RAM slots, cutting back on back-panel I/O, and limiting PCIe slots definitely help reduce the motherboard’s size.
It makes a big difference. A typical issue with ITX boards is they often contain an excessive number of PCB layers, allowing more circuitry within the same flat space. Capacitors and SMD parts still need vias connected, but that’s relatively simpler. For example, the Z790I Edge WiFi is a nicely designed ITX board; to complete wiring it needs a 12-layer board. In contrast, the ATX version uses only 6 layers.