Micro-ATX motherboards are easier to afford and can be found cheaper than other formats. They’re also suitable for most computer systems, be they casual or gaming.
If you’ve already decided, the next thing to do is to get a case. Since ITX casings are cool, you may wonder, “Can Micro-ATX fit in ITX case?”
No, micro-ATX motherboards can’t fit in the ITX cases. ITX cases only have support for ITX motherboards. The size also becomes an issue. Then there are heat and component jamming problems that you need to deal with. However, you can fit a micro-ATX motherboard by customizing an ITX case.
That was the short answer to the entire discussion. Unfortunately, this matter can’t be fully explained as it requires an elaborate discussion.
So, let’s start!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Fitting a micro-ATX motherboard in an ITX case is just not possible.
- You’ll either have to decide on a smaller motherboard or a bigger case.
- Micro-ATX cases provide better airflow.
Fitting A Micro-ATX Motherboard In An ITX Case: 5 Reasons Why It’s Not Possible
As you can see, the motherboard is directly connected to many computer parts. The moment you decide on a motherboard, other components get filtered out.
Like, a DDR4 motherboard won’t utilize DDR3 RAM. By choosing a DDR4 motherboard, you’re automatically narrowing your choices in RAM. But that’s not the main issue here. The primary concern is the PC case.
The size of a PC casing is one such factor that you must consider. And guess what? We do have different PC cases based on the motherboard size.
They’re called E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, and mini-ITX PC cases.
Each of these cases can support similar-sized motherboards as well as shorter ones. For instance, ATX PC cases can support Micro-ATX motherboards as well.
However, that’s not enough to stop human curiosity. Thus, people wonder about micro-ATX and mini-ITX case compatibility.
Unfortunately, you can’t put a micro-ATX motherboard in a mini-ITX PC case.
Sit back and go through the points one by one to understand why it’s not possible.
Reason 1: The Size Difference Between Micro-ATX & Mini-ITX
The biggest reason why you can’t fit a micro-ATX motherboard is the size difference. That’s why we’ve put this reason before anything else.
It’s because micro-ATX motherboards are simply incompatible with ITX cases. In many cases, you won’t be able to fit the micro-ATX motherboards.
That’s why understanding mini-ITX and micro-ATX case sizes are very important.
These are the sizes you’re looking for-
| Motherboard | Dimensions (Length x Width) |
| ATX | 12” x 9.6” |
| Micro-ATX | 9.6” x 9.6” |
| ITX | 6.7” x 6.7” |
As you can see, there’s a massive difference between micro-ATX and ITX motherboards.
Micro-ATX cases match the motherboard’s size when they’re made. You also have to take the spaces for other components into account too.
All things considered, micro-ATX cases are made just big enough to fit everything. Micro-ATX cases can also support ITX motherboards. It mostly depends on the PC case, and the support might cost you some extra dollars.
Likewise, mini-ITX cases are built to support only ITX motherboards. Trying to fit a micro-ATX motherboard might even be impossible, depending on the case.
Reason 2: ITX Cases Don’t Have Screw Hole Support For Micro-ATX
Screwholes are necessary to keep the motherboard hung against the case wall. That’s why all motherboards come with at least 4 screw holes.
These screw holes match the case wall so that you can hang it tightly. If the PC case has multiple motherboard support, it’ll have many different holes.
For micro-ATX motherboards, you need to have screw holes that align perfectly. But ITX cases only have screw holes at certain positions that align with ITX motherboards.
Since there’s a size difference, ITX case holes will never align with the micro-ATX cases. For that reason, you can never hook up a micro-ATX motherboard.
That also applies to instances where a micro-ATX motherboard fits inside an ITX case.
Reason 3: Less Equipment Space Means More Heat
Another problem with fitting a micro-ATX motherboard into an ITX case is the overall space. Since the micro-ATX motherboard will occupy all the space, cable management becomes a problem.
Micro-ATX motherboards have more components than an ITX motherboard. That’s why it’ll generate more heat inside the case.
On the contrary, due to the ITX motherboard size, it lacks multiple components. For example, there are fewer M.2 slots, fewer SATA slots, etc.
So, fitting a bigger motherboard with all the slots filled will generate a lot of heat. Not to mention, ITX cases have less case fan support.
Case fans function differently than CPU fans which is why both are important. But unfortunately, 1 case fan and 1 CPU fan aren’t enough for micro-ATX builds.
For these reasons, you require a micro-ATX PC case. Luckily for you, we’ve got your back! Although micro-ATX case prices are a little higher, they’re worth buying.
We have had our experts recommend some of their best and favorite picks-
| Micro-ATX PC Cases | Features | Price |
| Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Micro-ATX | Edge to edge acrylic transparent side panel Extra space for hidden cable management | Check Price on Amazon |
| Thermaltake S100 Tempered Glass Snow Edition | Full metal construction Tool free door lock design handy magnetic fan filters | Check Price on Amazon |
| Thermaltake Versa H18 | Mesh Front Panel with Built-in Blue LED Strip Ideal for AIO Solutions | Check Price on Amazon |
You can pick whichever option you want and start building your PC. All cases will support your micro-ATX builds with at least 2 case fans.
PRO-TIP:
Getting a Micro-ATX case with multiple fan/AIO options is always a big plus.
Reason 4: Component Jamming in the PC Case
It’s not just the heat and cable management that’s a problem. Micro-ATX motherboards mean more components that will jam the PC case.
Other than that, components will also remain scattered. Because, remember, ITX motherboards are also shrunk width-wise.
So when you install a micro-ATX motherboard, it’ll have more wires. In particular, the 24-pin power connector will cause the most problems when installing it.
Since there are more power inputs, cable management will be harder. In other words, the motherboard being almost the same size as the case is bad news. I don’t even want to bother explaining the GPU situation!
This leaves open areas that can be used for cable management. Also, the extra components will jam the system when installed.
Reason 5: Installing a Micro-ATX Inside an ITX Case Is a Pure Hassle
Even if you make support for the micro-ATX motherboard, installing it will be hard. Since there’s not enough space for the motherboard to sit nicely, it’ll be super complex.
Technically, if there’s support for micro-ATX motherboards, you can install them. But installing the other components and managing cables are going to be bothersome.
If you plan to install AIO, it will get even more complex. That’s why fitting a micro-ATX motherboard inside an ITX case is a bad idea.
If you’re looking for ITX cases, make sure to check their features. Some ITX cases come with a lot of support and have 2-fan radiator support.
WARNING:
Don’t go for modding if you’re not confident about your DIY skills.
Fitting A Micro-ATX Motherboard Into An ITX Case By Modding!
So far, we’ve explained why you can’t fit micro-ATX motherboards inside an ITX case. However, these reasons can be ignored if you’re willing to go the extra mile.
The only way to fit a micro-ATX motherboard inside an ITX case is modding. We’ve provided some details for you. But all of it depends on you and the case you’re modding.
Step 1: Get the Necessary Equipment
The first step is to get the items you’re going to need. Here’s a list for you to save time-
- ITX PC case.
- Cheap Micro-ATX PC case
- Driller tool kit
- Regular hand saw
- Screwdriver tool kit
Step 2: Plan the Modding Phase
The toughest part is to decide what parts you’re going to add and remove. The reason we mentioned getting a micro-ATX case is to get the screw holes.
You only need the holes, so a cheap micro-ATX PC case is fine. Measure the part you’re going to cut. Make sure the piece sits perfectly.
You also need to change and modify the IO port. For that, you’ll need to cut some parts of the ITX case. The micro-ATX case IO port will replace the ITX one.
Step 3: Execute the Plans
If you have all the measurements, then initiate the modding phase. Do the case back panel first.
After that, complete the IO port modification. By now, both parts should sit perfectly in your ITX case.
For more ideas, you can look up different ITX case mods. Since these mods are subjective due to different ITX cases, you’ll have to plan accordingly.
Modding is recommended for those who want to spend some time. For beginners, modding can be really difficult as it involves multiple trials and errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Micro-ATX the same as ITX?
No, micro-ATX isn’t the same as the ITX form factor. In fact, ITX motherboards are smaller in both length and width than micro-ATX motherboards. Micro-ATX motherboards are only smaller in length than the ATX form factor. ITX motherboards only have one PCI-E lane and miss a lot of components.
Is Micro-ATX good for gaming?
Yes, micro-ATX is really good for gaming. Micro-ATX motherboards contain 4 ram slots and multiple PCI-E lanes which are enough for gaming. If you’re a gamer under budget, micro-ATX motherboards are the best picks. However, if you have a higher budget, you should get ATX form factor motherboards.
Is ITX good for gaming?
ITX isn’t always good for gaming because of its limitations. However, most budget gamers should find ITX enough for their needs. ITX cases can’t fit 3-fan graphics cards which have the best temperature. Other than that, you’re stuck with 2 sticks of RAM, less disk space, fewer SATA ports, etc.
Conclusion
That was pretty much everything we could explain on “can micro-ATX fit in ITX case”. We hope that this discussion was helpful to you and gave you some useful insight.
If you’re still not sure what to do, go to the nearest shop and ask for advice. They’ll be able to know what you really want and give accurate feedback.
Finally, have a nice day, and happy gaming!
