computer building - Will an e-ATX motherboard fit in a large ATX form factor case?

07
2014-07
  • user912

    Is it possible (without drilling any holes or anything) to fit an e-ATX motherboard into a large computer case whose form factors are only ATX and micro-ATX? The case itself should have enough space in it to put the motherboard in, but will it have the right standoff positions?

    • Answers
  • jhstuckey

    It will depend on the case manufacturer, who may or may not have provided pre-drilled holes/positions for the different form factor.


    • Related Question

    upgrade - Upgrading a computer with a BTX form-factor motherboard
  • Keithius

    It's about time for me to upgrade my desktop and finally move into the world of true multi-core computing (the Pentium 4 with Hyperthreading I have now just isn't cutting it anymore).

    The motherboard I have won't support newer CPUs (although it uses the LGA 775 "Socket T," the BIOS doesn't support true multi-core CPUs), so I need a new motherboard along with a new CPU.

    Problem is, I've got a Dell XPS 400 which uses the BTX form-factor. So the more common ATX form-factor motherboards won't fit at all.

    I've been having a heck of a time finding ANY BTX form-factor motherboards that support "modern" CPUs (e.g., Core 2 Duo, or AMD's dual-core CPUs). And when I do find something that looks like it might work, it turns out to be either:

    • Incredibly expensive
    • Made for super-small, ultra-quiet PCs rather than just a normal desktop

    Or, more commonly, both.

    So my question then is: is the BTX form-factor basically a dead-end? Should I give up on trying to find a motherboard that will fit into my case, and just go with a barebones kit or something? I'm trying to recycle as many parts as I can for my upgrade (keep the cost down), and I'd rather not have to buy a whole new case/power supply/etc.


    • Related Answers
  • Nate

    Upgrade to a newer case. Cases are usually sub $100.

  • caliban

    There are MANY options of BTX motherboards on Amazon. Pick one.