Re: Can a Mini-ITX mobo fit an ATX case?

[kony]

Can a Mini-ITX mobo fit an ATX case **without modifications** to the ATX case?

Thanks,
Sam

"Usually", but if the mini-ITX board needs a proprietary I/O backplate
be sure you get/have it.


Dave

 

[kony]

Thank you. Yes, this is exactly what I meant. I know, of course, that
a Mini-ITX is small enough to fit an ATX case. In fact, it might be
too small and that is why I am asking:
1. Will the mounting holes fit?

If it exactly follows the spec, then yes, it'll be using (if looking
at an upright tower case for example) the top four holes making a
square.

2. Will the PCI slots in the mobo align with those in the case?

"Slots" usually means one, maybe none, or if it uses a riser then no,
it won't line up, you'll need a case that accomodates a riser, having
slots parallel to the mobo.

3. Will the I/O backplate fit?

Yes, typically it will, providing the vendor has accurately described
the motherboard as "ITX", instead of making a guess and presenting it
as fact. Remember that resellers often know less about the hardware
than the users... just depends on the reseller.

Do you know whether there is a web site that documents the various
form factors (e.g ATX, micro-ATX, ITX, Mini-ITX, etc.)?

Thanks,
Sam

The problem can be that in efforts to minimize size, they might stay a
bit from spec, especially if it's something OEM, intended for a
specific chassis. Something more generic like those Via EPIAs or some
ECS boards, drop-in to anything from ITX to mATX to ATX.

http://www.formfactors.org

 

[Silence Seeker]

What I should've wrote is, if it does have PCI slots for cards aligned
perpendicular to the plane of the otherboard, then yes, that one or
two slots should line up, work with a standard ATX case slot bracket
so long as it's a standard ITX board.

For example, take a look at the following pic:
http://www.gb.tomshardware.com/cpu/02q2/020610/images/epia-c3.jpg

The location of the PCI slot on that board, is the "highest up" on a
board that a PCI slot can be and still be accepted by most cases, as
the first slot on most cases is right next to the end of the I/O
shield, directly in-line with the two bottom horizontal mounting
studs.

Thank you, Dave. I just received a newly purchased mini-itx
motherboard, installed it in an ATX case and it... FITS PERFECTLY!

Sam