MicroATX
Compact PC board
MicroATX is a motherboard form factor smaller than standard ATX, measuring 9.6 by 9.6 inches.
It fits in compact computer cases while maintaining compatibility with ATX power supplies and many ATX mounting points.
MicroATX boards typically have fewer expansion slots than full ATX: I built a budget gaming PC with a MicroATX board to save space.
Container or instance
- towerTall slender edifice
- coolingLosing thermal energy
- power supplyElectrical energy delivery device
- graphics cardVisual processing hardware
CPU · RAM · SSD · fans · heatsink · thermal paste · cable management · chassis
Computer's primary circuit platform
Limited in size
- space-savingMinimizing area used
- miniaturizedReduced to tiny size
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- sleekSmooth and elegant
efficient · minimalist · unobtrusive · neat · tidy · desktop · footprint · clearance
Amateur home projects
- tinkeringCasual, unskilled adjusting
- makerOne who produces
- prototypingMaking preliminary models
- workbenchCraftsman's heavy-duty surface
home server · LAN party · beginner-friendly · benchmarking · troubleshooting · community · forums
Increase in quality
- overclockingExceeding manufacturer's speed specifications
- storage upgradeIncreasing available memory space
- firmware updateReplacement embedded software installation
- driverVehicle operator
scalability · future-proofing · performance · bottleneck · backward compatibility
case
Container or instance
- towerTall slender edifice
- coolingLosing thermal energy
- power supplyElectrical energy delivery device
graphics card · CPU · RAM · SSD · fans · heatsink · thermal paste · cable management · chassis · ventilation
motherboard
Computer's primary circuit platform
- chipsetCoordinated circuit collection
- socketHollow receiving cavity
- BIOSBoot-up initialization firmware
UEFI · backplate · standoffs · audio codec · expansion slots
small
Limited in size
- space-savingMinimizing area used
- miniaturizedReduced to tiny size
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
sleek · efficient · minimalist · unobtrusive · neat · tidy · desktop · footprint · clearance · budget-friendly
DIY
Amateur home projects
- tinkeringCasual, unskilled adjusting
- makerOne who produces
- prototypingMaking preliminary models
workbench · home server · LAN party · beginner-friendly · benchmarking · troubleshooting · community · forums
enhancement
Increase in quality
- overclockingExceeding manufacturer's speed specifications
- storage upgradeIncreasing available memory space
- firmware updateReplacement embedded software installation
driver · scalability · future-proofing · performance · bottleneck · backward compatibility
micro, microscope, microscopic, microbe, microbial, microbiology, microwave, microchip, microprocessor