Atx or MicroAtx Case? ?

Question

How do you tell whether you have a standard atx case or microatx case? I am looking on buying a new psu along with my new graphics card and I am unsure. I don't want to buy on that doesn't fit in properly. Thanks in advance. =)

Answer 1

Any standard sized ATX power supply will fit in either an ATX or micro-ATX case, except for the ones with specially made and included power supplies. Might not be a good idea to try to stuff one of those extra long kilowatt power supplies in there though.

Also, make sure your graphics card isn't too long to fit in a micro-ATX case if you want to go that route.

In a nutshell, you shouldn't need to worry about the PSU. 99% chance that it'll fit. However, make sure you have a shorter graphics card if you want a micro-ATX case.

Answer 2

Use some measuring tape

Answer 3

get a universal powersupply that works with both mini ATX and ATX boards

Answer 4

MicroATX cases are generally shaped like a box or a very short tower. The difference between MicroATX and standard ATX cases is fairly obvious, and few PCs are sold in MicroATX cases, so if you don't know which it is chances are it's a standard ATX case.

If you're planning on buying a PCIe graphics card, then you should make sure you have about 10" of clearance between the front of the PCIe slot and anything that might block the card (hard drives, cables, etc.). Also make sure you don't have any case fans or anything like that directly above the PCIe slot.

As for the power supply, just make sure the one you get doesn't have a lot of unnecessary connectors. For example, if you don't plan on installing more than one graphics card, don't get a power supply with more than one PCIe power connector. They'll just end up wasting valuable space and reducing the airflow in your case.