We explain the difference between ATX and BTX with a table. The ATX and the BTX are the two versions of the motherboard that are designed to provide the best experience for users. The motherboard is like the heart of the computer, as it consists of many components that make the computer work properly.
The introduction of BTX was a breakthrough in the technology used in the ATX and overcomes the problem of heating the ATX board by maximizing the cooling process of the processors used in the computer.
What is ATX?
The ATX motherboard, or Advanced Technology eXtended, is a popular motherboard seen in desktop cases. The ATX was released by Intel in 1995 to replace the previous AT design.
The design of the motherboard components in the ATX somewhat blocks the airflow. This leads to heating problems in the device. The ATX memory modules are aligned in the vertical position that blocks airflow. Also, the input-output or IO ports of the ATX are designed to be on the top of the motherboard.
All of these arrangements help to block airflow. Despite the fact that the cooling in the ATX is not efficient, it is still a widely used motherboard as people have already bought ATX systems and do not want to switch to the newer version of ATX which is BTX. Also, Intel made changes to reduce CPU power usage, so it continued with the ATX design.
What is BTX?
BTX or Balanced Technology eXtended motherboard is the newest version of ATX or Advanced Technology eXtended motherboard. Intel introduced this change ten years after the introduction of the ATX to maximize processor cooling. It was introduced in order to reduce heating problems found in the latest processors.
The BTX is designed in such a way that it promotes the amount of airflow by reducing obstacles in the way and therefore maximizing the cooling of the processors used. The design of the components of the BTX motherboard allows air flow and for that component location it is modified.
Memory modules are arranged horizontally on BTX motherboards. A specially designed air funnel has been assigned to the front of the board instead of the processor so that you can easily take in air from the front of the case and blow the extracted air into the processor.
The positions of the IO ports and additional slots have also been changed. The input output or IO ports on the BTX motherboard are now on the top of the board and additional slots are now available on the bottom of the board. These are still in the same vein to maximize airflow in the case.
Despite the advancement in BTX motherboard, it is rarely seen on desktop computers. This is due to the fact that people have already bought ATX systems and do not want to switch to BTX. BTX is more expensive compared to ATX. In addition, Intel reduced the power use of the CPU, thus reducing the heat produced, making ATX effective.
Difference between ATX and BTX with table
The difference between ATX and BTX is that ATX is the previous version of BTX while BTX is the next version of ATX and it has a motherboard layout that maximizes cooling.
Comparison table between ATX and BTX
| Comparison parameters | ATX | BTX |
| Full form | The full form of ATX is Advanced Technology eXtended. | The complete form of BTX is Balanced Technology eXtended. |
| Definition | The ATX motherboard was introduced to replace the previous AT design. | The BTX motherboard was introduced to maximize the cooling of the processor used. |
| Air flow | It is less on ATX. | It is more in BTX. |
| IO port | The IO port is located on the top of an ATX board. | The IO port is located on the bottom of a BTX board. |
| Use | ATX is used more in desktop computers. | BTX is rarely used in desktop computers. |
Key differences between ATX and BTX
- The ATX motherboard is the predecessor to BTX designed to replace the previous AT design. On the other hand, the BTX motherboard is the newest version of ATX and is designed to maximize the cooling of the processor used.
- The full form of ATX is Advanced Technology eXtended. On the other hand, the full form of BTX is Balanced Technology eXtended.
- Airflow is less in the ATX motherboard design. On the other hand, the airflow is more in the BTX motherboard design.
- The IO port is located on the top of an ATX board. On the other hand, the IO port is located at the bottom of a BTX board.
- The use of the ATX motherboard is more on the desktops. On the other hand, the use of the BTX motherboard is rarely seen on desktop computers.
- The ATX motherboard does not require a special layout in the design of the motherboard components to maximize cooling. On the other hand, the BTX motherboard requires a special arrangement in the design of the motherboard components to maximize cooling.
Final Thought
The BTX board is an advanced version of the ATX board. The BTX board is specially designed and the motherboard components are arranged in such a way that the cooling of the processors used in the computer is maximized.
Components such as the IO port, memory modules, expansion slots, etc. have been moved to a new location to allow to maximize airflow on the motherboard and thus avoid heating problems caused On the plate.
Even after all this, the BTX board is unused and rarely seen on motherboard desks. The ATX board is still widely used in computers.
