Definition of Advanced Technology Extended
Advanced Technology Extended, or ATX, is a motherboard form factor and specification designed to improve upon previous standards, such as AT and Baby-AT. Developed by Intel in the mid-1990s, ATX motherboards feature better support for I/O devices, power management, and efficient airflow with standardized screw holes for case mounting. The ATX standard has since evolved into different variations, such as microATX and mini-ITX, which cater to different system requirements and form factors.
Phonetic
The phonetics for the keyword “Advanced Technology Extended” are:- Advanced: ədˈvænst- Technology: tɛkˈnɑlədʒi- Extended: ɪkˈstɛndəd
Key Takeaways
- Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) is a widely adopted motherboard and power supply design that offers improved functionality and interchangeability compared to the previous AT (Advanced Technology) standard.
- ATX motherboards and power supplies come in a variety of sizes and form factors, allowing customization and adaptability for different computer builds and cases, including mini-ATX and micro-ATX.
- In addition to improved layout and connectivity, ATX introduced enhanced power management features, such as support for lower power states to minimize energy consumption and enable better control of system components.
Importance of Advanced Technology Extended
The technology term Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) is important because it refers to a widely-accepted motherboard specification, credited for revolutionizing the computer hardware landscape.
Introduced in 1995 by Intel, ATX not only replaced the older AT motherboard design but also provided a standard that effectively simplified system assembly, parts interchangeability, and upgrades.
It offers a more efficient layout, which in turn enhances system cooling, cable management, and expansion capabilities.
Furthermore, ATX’s support for features like soft power and Wake-on-LAN has facilitated seamless computer integration with automated power management systems, promoting energy efficiency and improving user experience.
Overall, ATX has had a lasting impact on modern personal computer design, fostering compatibility, flexibility, and ease of use.
Explanation
Advanced Technology Extended, commonly known as ATX, was introduced to primarily improve upon older motherboard designs, resolving compatibility and design limitations that restricted the expansion and performance of personal computers. The purpose of ATX is to provide a more flexible and advanced motherboard design, which subsequently allows users to easily maintain, upgrade or customize their computer systems.
The ATX motherboard standards ensure not only better power management features, but also a well-organized layout for components, thus providing maximum airflow for the cooling systems. Its purpose even extends to tackling issues like form factors, which is significant in determining the size and layout of computer components, making it easier for manufacturers and users to maintain consistency across various devices.
ATX motherboards are widely used for their reliability and support for a wide range of internal hardware. These motherboards are mainly found in desktop computers, gaming rigs, and workstations, where their ability to accommodate multiple expansion cards and peripheral ports plays a crucial role in meeting the demands of various processing tasks, high quality graphics and connecting multiple devices.
By providing a high degree of compatibility, interoperability and ease of use, ATX has grown to become one of the most popular motherboard standards in the technology industry, satisfying both casual users and enthusiasts alike.
Examples of Advanced Technology Extended
The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) is a widely used motherboard form factor and power supply standard in computer systems. Here are three real-world examples of ATX technology usage:
Custom-built PCs: Many people who build custom PCs for gaming or high-performance computing select ATX motherboards and power supplies due to their versatile design, compatibility with a wide range of PC components, and expandability. These users can take advantage of the numerous expansion slots and I/O offerings to tailor their system to specific performance needs.
Pre-built desktop computers: Several popular computer brands, such as Dell, HP, and Asus, use ATX motherboards and power supplies in their pre-built desktop computers. This enables these manufacturers to provide a feature-rich, standardized system that can be easily upgraded or modified by the end-user.
Workstations and Servers: ATX-based motherboards and power supplies are also utilized in workstation and server systems due to their reliability, scalability, and high performance. Professionals in industries such as scientific research, design, and video production can benefit from the vast number of expansion options and customizable configurations provided by this technology.
Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) FAQ
1. What is Advanced Technology Extended (ATX)?
Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) is a motherboard form factor standard introduced by Intel in 1995. It was designed to improve on the previous AT standard by offering better modularity, accessibility, and ease of use. ATX has since become the dominant standard for desktop motherboards, being used in a wide variety of computer systems.
2. What are the key differences between AT and ATX?
The primary differences between AT and ATX motherboards include their size, layout, and power supplies. ATX motherboards are typically larger, allowing for more expansion slots and I/O ports, and are designed with more efficient cable management in mind. ATX boards also use a single 20 or 24-pin power supply connector, compared to the dual 6-pin connectors found on AT boards. Additionally, ATX boards support soft power switching, which allows the computer to be turned on and off using software commands.
3. What are the various sizes of ATX motherboards?
ATX motherboards come in several sizes, including standard ATX, microATX (mATX), and mini-ITX. The standard ATX board measures 12 x 9.6 inches (305 x 244mm), while microATX boards are 9.6 x 9.6 inches (244 x 244mm) and mini-ITX boards are 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170mm). The smaller boards typically have fewer expansion slots and I/O ports, but are often more compact and suitable for small form-factor computer systems.
4. How do I identify if a motherboard is ATX?
To determine if a motherboard is ATX, check its dimensions, layout, and power supply connector. If the board measures approximately 12 x 9.6 inches and has a 20 or 24-pin power supply connector, it is likely an ATX motherboard. Another clue is the presence of standardized mounting holes and I/O panel cutouts, which enable compatibility with a wide range of cases and devices.
5. Can an ATX motherboard fit into any computer case?
While ATX motherboards are designed to fit into standard ATX cases, they may not be compatible with all computer cases. When selecting a case for your ATX motherboard, ensure it is designed to accommodate the specific dimensions of the board, as well as provide ample room for expansion slots, I/O ports, and cooling components. It is also important to verify that the case supports the specific power supply format required by the ATX motherboard.
Related Technology Terms
- Motherboard Form Factor
- Input/Output Panel
- Expansion Slots
- BIOS/UEFI Firmware
- Power Supply Compatibility
