What Is Advanced Technology Extended (ATX)?
It's a good thing that the Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) form factor is named after technology because it's got some of the best in the biz. It was first introduced by Intel and has been in use ever since. The ATX is a motherboard form factor used for PC systems; Thanks to its standardized dimensions and components, it is much easier to upgrade and repair your PC. Most modern cases only support this one form factor, so if you're building a new system from scratch, you'll probably want to choose an ATX motherboard. With its standardized dimensions, ATX cases are often a lot cheaper than the towers designed for older motherboards. What to look for: ATX motherboards have a standard layout, so you won't have to mess around with adapters or card readers. Most have at least one PCI Express x16 slot, the fastest connection available. Most new CPUs have fast enough connections that aren't essential, but if you're upgrading an older system, it's worth checking. Most ATX motherboards also have at least one PCI Express x1 slot, which is slower but works with a broader range of cards. The ATX attribute list is getting longer and longer. ATX is a motherboard layout that has become the standard for most modern computers. It was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the older AT form factor, used from 1987 to 1995. The main advantage of ATX is that it allows for improved airflow, so you don't have to worry about your computer overheating or getting too hot. ATX also has an additional feature called "soft power" or "soft switch," which means when you turn off your computer using the power switch on the front of the case rather than turning it off through software like Windows or macOS, it will softly turn off the power instead of abruptly shutting it down—which can sometimes cause errors during reboot and put additional stress on your motherboard.
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