SFF 101: What's the Difference? – ITX, DTX, and Micro-ATX
Venturing into the universe of small form factor (SFF) PCs? First order of business: grasping the different motherboard sizes that determine how compact and compatible your rig is going to be. From the tiny Mini ITX to the slightly larger DTX to the comparatively roomier Micro-ATX, picking the right form factor is the key to harmonizing power, features, and your space-saving aspirations.
In this guide, we’ll unravel the secrets behind each of these SFF motherboard sizes and help you pick the perfect one for your next pint-sized powerhouse.
What is a Small Form Factor PC?
A Small Form Factor PC is like a genie in a bottle, packing potent performance into a teeny, space-saving package compared to your typical desktop systems. These mighty minis employ smaller motherboards like ITX, DTX, and Micro-ATX, helping you build sleek, tidy setups without losing much power or versatility.
Now, while all these motherboard types share the “small” badge, they each have their quirks in terms of size, expansion possibilities, and overall compatibility.
Mini ITX: The Tiniest of Them All
Mini ITX is a rockstar among SFF builds due to its itty-bitty size. Measuring a mere 170mm x 170mm, these boards are perfect for those who crave a super-small PC without skimping on crucial functionalities. Despite their modest stature, Mini ITX motherboards often boast remarkable performance, making them popular in gaming setups or home theater PCs.
Key Features of Mini ITX:
Tiny Footprint: At a compact 170mm x 170mm, Mini ITX is the smallest standard, perfect for squeezing into the tightest of spaces.
Limited Expansion: Sporting typically just one PCIe slot, these boards can cramp your style if you’re eyeing multiple graphics cards or peripherals.
Decent Performance: In their small package, they can accommodate powerful processors like Intel Core and AMD Ryzen, along with muscular graphics cards from the Nvidia GeForce RTX series.
Best Time to Choose Mini ITX:
Go for Mini ITX if you're all about having a package that’s compact and sleek, without needing a slew of expansion slots. It’s the go-to for gamers, home offices, or entertainment hubs, especially when you’re tight on elbow room. Just keep in mind, the single-slot design could feel a bit limiting for those wanting extra storage or more PCIe slots.
DTX: The Balanced Brew
DTX motherboards are a smidge larger than Mini ITX, measuring in at 203mm x 170mm. They’re a rare find compared to Mini ITX but offer a tad more wiggle room with added expansion slots. Boasting an extra PCIe slot, DTX boards hit the sweet spot between compact size and expandability, making them a solid choice for users seeking sprinkles of extra versatility without bumping up to a larger form factor.
Key Features of DTX:
Bonus PCIe Slot: Usually packing two PCIe slots, these boards let you mix things up with options like a graphics card and an additional network or sound card.
Compact but Flexible: Though a bit bigger than Mini ITX, DTX boards can still cozy up in most SFF cases, providing some extras in configuration flexibility.
More Storage Choices: They generally offer added storage connectivity, letting you stack up more M.2 SSDs or hard drives with ease.
Best Time to Choose DTX:
If you’re eyeing a small PC but want some breathing room beyond a single PCIe slot, DTX is your middleman. Ideal for budding workstations or gaming setups that need a tad more room for future growth, without overboarding on size.
Micro-ATX: The Petite Powerhouse
Micro-ATX (mATX) motherboards are like a Swiss knife – packed with features while being tinier than standard ATX boards. At 244mm x 244mm, Micro-ATX is where extra expansion slots and storage meet manageable size, making it a hot pick for users wanting more options without the bulk.
Micro-ATX motherboards can boast up to four PCIe slots, opening up a circus of possibilities for adding graphics cards, extra storage, or other neat gadgets like sound cards or Wi-Fi adapters.
Key Features of Micro-ATX:
Plentiful PCIe Slots: With up to four PCIe slots, they have room for all the extras, like dual graphics cards setups or a suite of peripherals.
Additional Storage Options: These boards usually support more SATA and M.2 SSD connections, perfect for those with storage-heavy tasks like video editing or content creation.
Still Quite Compact: Although bigger than Mini ITX and DTX, Micro-ATX can still snuggle into many mid-tower cases, mapping out a good balance between space savings and performance potential.
Best Time to Choose Micro-ATX:
Micro-ATX is a catch for those wanting a compact build but not willing to skimp on expansion or upgrade avenues. It’s tailor-made for power users, like gamers or creators, needing multiple PCIe slots and storage options yet wanting to keep things smaller than a full ATX tower.
Form Factor Face-off: ITX vs DTX vs Micro-ATX
Still puzzled? Let’s cut to the chase with a quick comparison of the standout features for each form factor:
| Form Factor | Size | Expansion Slots | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini ITX | 170mm x 170mm | 1 PCIe Slot | Perfect for ultra-compact builds like gaming or home theaters. |
| DTX | 203mm x 170mm | 2 PCIe Slots | Balance of compactness and expansion, for flexible builds. |
| Micro-ATX | 244mm x 244mm | 4 PCIe Slots | For those craving extra expansion without ATX bulk. |
Picking the Perfect SFF Form Factor for You
Armed with the right info about ITX, DTX, and Micro-ATX, your choice rests on what you specifically need and dream up for your SFF PC.
For Sleek, Tiny Builds: Mini ITX is the winner, offering stellar power in the tiniest package.
For Balance of Size and Flexibility: If a little more expandability sounds good without upsizing, DTX has your back.
For Super Versatility in a Small Form: Need extra slots for expansion, storage, or upgrades? Micro-ATX strikes the perfect balance with more oomph.
Ready to Dive Deeper into SFF Setups?
Here at SFF Setups, we're all about giving you the lowdown on small form factor PCs – from build inspirations to buying advice and performance hacks. Whatever form factor tickles your fancy, we’re here to max out your SFF experience.
Explore our freshest guides on Mini ITX wonders, DTX motherboard setups, and tips for wringing the best out of your Micro-ATX builds. Plunge into the SFF realm and build the compact PC you’ve been dreaming of!
