ATX vs BTX – Difference and Comparison

What is ATX?

The most popular sleek design of motherboards in the tech world is Advance Technology eXtended or ATX. Until 1995, however, that wasn’t the situation. Advanced Technology (AT) approach was employed on the motherboard until ATX had become the legally binding size.

AT motherboards, on the other hand, lack capabilities and require upgrades. This was when Intel pounced and launched ATX, which served as a successor to AT in terms of energy efficiency, connectivity, and efficiency.

ATX was one of the most significant advancements in battery pack design, motherboard layout, and pc chassis design because it enhanced part commonality and interoperability.

The usual appearance for a comprehensive ATX motherboard is 12 x 9.6 inches. Micro-ATX, sometimes known as mATX, is a 9.6 by 9.6-inch form factor ideal for inexpensive PCs. However, PCle spaces might be few. Then there’s the EATX chipset, which allows a double and has a greater volume to disperse heat better.

The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the ATX mobo that you’d be aware of.

  • Extension – the ATX form factor’s size allows for ample spaces and connections for an extension.
  • Modifications – as there are many connections and sockets in this mobo, there is no more obstacle if and when we update the computer.
  • Exchangeable components – The large ATX motherboard allows you to swap out or add components as needed.

What is BTX?

Balanced Technology (BTX) Intel’s elongated board layout was launched in 2004. This was created to take the place of the unofficial norm, ATX.

Technology that is both fair and effective The eXtended layout was created to address critical issues with the ATX sleek design. The most severe problem at the time was ‘heating.’ Because of the ATX’s constituent configuration, airflow was restricted, resulting in less conditioning.

When BTX was introduced, the position and layout of the elements (processing chip, northside processor) were changed, making this thin and light cooler than ATX. This has become BTX’s most huge asset versus ATX.

Pros:

  1. More excellent airflow – the BTX board’s primary benefit is that it concentrates on airflow, especially in systems conditioning than ATX boards.
  2. Reduced delay – the novel design position on the board and the architecture decreases delay.
  3. Stability – This form factor’s efficient cooling ensures part longevity and system reliability.

Deny the reality that it has greater conditioning than ATX, users do not appreciate this modular design for the aforementioned purposes:

  • People who have previously committed to ATX equipment are adamant about not changing.
  • In comparison to ATX, BTX is much more costly.
  • The majority of users are unconcerned with the cooling element.
  • There might be more things that people prefer ATX to BTX. Amongst the most understandable reasons would be that Intel had stopped developing the BTX chip.

Difference Between ATX and BTX

  1. ATX stands for Advanced Technology eXtended, whereas BTX stands for Balanced Technology eXtended.
  2. ATX was created to replace ATI, whereas BTX was created to replace ATX.
  3. Unlike BTX, which is discontinued, ATX is frequently used in Desktops.
  4. Unlike ATX, BTX requires an additional cooling device.
  5. ALX has low airflow when compared to BTX.

Comparison Between ATX and BTX

Parameters of
Comparison
ATXBTX
Full formAdvanced Technology
eXtended
Balanced Technology
eXtended
PurposeCreated to replace
AT design
Created with the purpose
for replacing BTX
Air FlowLessMore
IO PortTop of ATX boardBottom of BTX board
UsageFrequently used in desktopsRarely used in desktops
AdditionalNoFor cooling purposes

References

  1. https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/InterPACK/proceedings-abstract/InterPACK2005/287/306007
  2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01395867