Difference Between AT and ATX Motherboard

The motherboard is one of the most important components of a computer. A good quality motherboard guarantees that the computer will properly work. There are many companies that make motherboards and people generally prefer them on the basis of the kind of use they will have.

When buying a motherboard, always be sure that it is as per your specifications and in case it has issues, you can get it fixed with relative ease.

AT and ATX are two kinds of motherboards that have been widely used. AT is an older version while ATX is the next generation of the motherboard.

Instructions

  • 1

    AT

    The AT stands for Advanced Technology. These motherboards were developed by IBM for their own computers. The motherboard is unable to cater to all needs of today’s advanced technology personal computers.

    The size of the motherboard is bigger than the ones that we have these days and takes a few inches more of space. The power connector on the AT motherboards has twelve pins.

    The AT motherboards do not have the sleep mode in which the essential parts of the motherboard while the power to others is suspended when the computer is not in use. Thus the power usage on the AT board is quite high. These were designed during a time when power consumption was not considered as a priority.

    The AT motherboards only offer one port for connection with peripheral devices. The port is for only a keyboard which makes it a difficult proposition in the current time to use it.

    - Image Courtesy:  escotal.com

  • 2

    ATX

    It stands for Advanced Technology Extended and was developed by Intel. The size of an ATX motherboard is quite small and makes it an even better option. The power connection of the ATX has twenty pins. It is helpful in determining whether the right amount of power is being supplied to the motherboard or not.

    The ATX also has the sleep mode which makes it a lot more energy efficient which is definitely a plus in current day and age. These were designed keeping in mind environmental considerations on saving power and performing using very limited power consumption.

    The ATX boards have multiple outlets available for peripheral devices which allow it to be more compatible with today’s needs especially when Windows are being used. This provides us with the flexibility that we need.

    - Image Courtesy:  tigerdirect.com

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