Are ITX and Mini-ITX Motherboards the Same Thing?

ITX and Mini-ITX motherboards are often confused for being the same thing, especially by newcomers to the world of computer hardware. While these two terms are related, they describe different aspects of a motherboard's design and form factor. Understanding the distinctions is essential for anyone looking to build a compact PC. Let's delve into the details.

ITX: A Broader Term

ITX, or Information Technology Extended, is a broader term that encompasses a variety of small-form-factor motherboards. The ITX specification is intended to support the creation of compact computing systems, including both desktops and embedded applications. Within the ITX family, you will find different form factors, such as Mini-ITX, Micro-ITX, and Nano-ITX.

Mini-ITX: A Specific Form Factor

Mini-ITX is a specific form factor within the ITX family. It is recognized globally for its standard size and design, which makes it a popular choice for small form factor (SFF) PCs. A Mini-ITX motherboard measures a precise 17 cm x 17 cm (6.7 in x 6.7 in), offering a balanced level of performance and miniaturization.

Mini-ITX vs. ITX: Understanding the Difference

While all Mini-ITX motherboards are ITX, not all ITX motherboards are Mini-ITX. ITX is a broader term that includes various sizes and designs aimed at compact systems. For example, Micro-ATX motherboards, which are slightly larger than Mini-ITX (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm), also fall under the ITX family.

Compatibility and Performance

Mini-ITX motherboards may have fewer expansion slots and connectivity options compared to larger motherboard formats. However, they excel in their ability to fit into small form factor cases (SFF) and still offer a surprisingly capable computing experience. Building a compact PC using a Mini-ITX motherboard is both feasible and often rewarding.

A Brief History of ITX and Mini-ITX

ITX's roots trace back to 2001 when VIA Technologies introduced the ITX specification as a 215x191 mm form factor. However, this form factor never gained widespread adoption. Shortly thereafter, a more compact version, Mini-ITX, was introduced. Mini-ITX, with its 170 mm square design, became a more popular choice due to its suitability for home theater PCs (HTPCs) and other small form factor applications.

Standardization and Power Supply

Mini-ITX boards adhere to ATX standards, which means they can fit into standard ATX or micro-ATX cases with only minor modifications. In terms of power supply, Mini-ITX boards are designed to use the standard 24-pin ATX power supply connector or the earlier 20-pin version, as well as the 8-pin CPU power connector or the earlier 4-pin one. This compatibility allows builders to use standard ATX-style power supplies, although there are small form factor PSUs available for those who want an even more compact system.

Conclusion

In summary, while ITX is a broader term that encompasses various compact motherboard designs, Mini-ITX is a specific form factor that is a subset of ITX. Although they are not the same, the use of the term ITX to refer to Mini-ITX is common, usually due to the confusion between the two terms.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on different motherboard forms and sizes, you can refer to the following sources:

ITX on Wikipedia Mini-ITX on Wikipedia Examples of Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX motherboards