ATX vs E-Atx Motherboards: Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing between an ATX vs E-ATX motherboard depends on your CPU platform and case size. Both boards support high-end performance, but they target different processor families. The MSI PRO Z790-P uses the LGA 1700 socket for Intel 12th through 14th Gen chips. The ASUS PRIME X399-A supports AMD Threadripper TR4 processors. This guide compares their form factors, memory types, and connectivity to help you decide which fits your build.
Key differences
| Aspect | MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard | ASUS Prime Threadripper TR4 E-ATX Motherboard |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX | E-ATX |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 | TR4 |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR4 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | not listed |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | not listed |
| Ethernet Speed | 2.5Gbps | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard if
- You need a modern Intel platform with DDR5 memory support
- You want built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- You prefer a standard ATX size for better case compatibility
Choose ASUS Prime Threadripper TR4 E-ATX Motherboard if
- You are building with an AMD Threadripper TR4 processor
- You require the larger E-ATX form factor for HEDT components
- You need support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory
Verdict: The MSI PRO Z790-P suits users building with mainstream Intel processors who want modern connectivity. The ASUS PRIME X399-A is designed for enthusiasts using Threadripper CPUs. Choose the board that matches your specific processor socket.
ATX vs E-ATX Key Specs
form factor size
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries uses the standard ATX form factor, measuring 12 inches by 9.6 inches. This size fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases without issue. The ASUS PRIME X399-A is an Extended ATX board, measuring 12 inches by 10.1 inches. The extra height provides more room for components but requires a larger case. You must check your case dimensions carefully if you choose the E-ATX option. The larger footprint allows for more robust power delivery and expansion slots on the ASUS board. However, the smaller ATX board offers greater compatibility with standard PC enclosures. If space is tight, the MSI board is the safer choice. If you have a spacious chassis, the ASUS board fits.
cpu socket platform
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries features the LGA 1700 socket. This socket supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors. It is designed for mainstream high-performance computing and gaming. The ASUS PRIME X399-A uses the TR4 socket. This socket is built for AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors. Threadripper chips are HEDT (High-End Desktop) CPUs with many cores. They are intended for professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering. You cannot swap these CPUs between the two boards. Your choice depends entirely on whether you need Intel mainstream chips or AMD Threadripper power. The MSI board suits gamers and general users. The ASUS board suits professionals needing massive multi-core performance.
memory type support
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries supports DDR5 memory. It has four slots for up to 128GB of RAM. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and efficiency than previous generations. This helps with multitasking and data-intensive applications. The ASUS PRIME X399-A supports DDR4 memory. It also supports up to 128GB of RAM. DDR4 is older technology but remains stable and widely available. If you already have DDR4 RAM, the ASUS board allows you to reuse it. If you want the latest speed and efficiency, the MSI board is better. DDR5 requires a new platform. You must buy new RAM for the MSI board. Choose based on your budget and need for future-proofing.
pcie generation speed
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries supports PCIe 5.0. This is the latest standard for fast data transfer. It benefits future graphics cards and NVMe SSDs. You get maximum bandwidth for next-gen hardware. The ASUS PRIME X399-A uses the X399 chipset. Data does not list the PCIe version for this board. It likely supports PCIe 3.0 or 4.0, which is still very fast. However, it lacks the explicit PCIe 5.0 support found on the MSI board. If you plan to use the fastest current and future storage or GPU, the MSI board has a clear advantage. The ASUS board is sufficient for current high-end peripherals. But it may not support the very latest PCIe 5.0 devices.
wireless connectivity
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi 6E provides faster speeds and less congestion on the 6GHz band. Bluetooth 5.3 offers better range and stability for peripherals. The ASUS PRIME X399-A data does not list built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You may need to buy a separate adapter or use a USB dongle. This adds cost and uses a USB port. The MSI board has these features built-in for convenience. You get seamless wireless connectivity out of the box. If you rely on wireless peripherals or fast network speeds, the MSI board is superior. The ASUS board requires extra steps to get wireless capability. Built-in modern wireless is a significant convenience factor.
Choose the right board for your build
Intel 12th to 14th Gen users
You need a board for modern Intel processors. This MSI model supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen chips on the LGA 1700 socket. It uses fast DDR5 memory and offers PCIe 5.0 for high-speed data transfer. The standard ATX size fits most cases easily.
Threadripper workstation builders
You require a platform for AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs. This ASUS board uses the TR4 socket and X399 chipset. It supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory and includes dual M.2 slots. The larger E-ATX form factor accommodates the extensive feature set for high-end desktop tasks.
Users wanting modern wireless connectivity
You value fast wireless standards. This MSI motherboard includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. It also provides 2.5Gbps Ethernet for reliable wired connections. These features ensure low-latency gaming and smooth streaming. The ASUS option lacks these specific modern wireless specifications in its data.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard | Standard ATX Intel builds with DDR5 | Check price of MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard on Amazon |
| 2 | ASUS Prime Threadripper TR4 E-ATX Motherboard | Threadripper workstations needing high storage speed | Check price of ASUS Prime Threadripper TR4 E-ATX Motherboard on Amazon |
The products compared
MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard
Best for: Standard ATX Intel builds with DDR5
- Form Factor
- ATX (what this guide is about)
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet Speed
- 2.5Gbps
View on Amazon: MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link
This is an ATX motherboard built for 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors using the LGA 1700 socket. It supports DDR5 memory with four slots for up to 128GB of capacity. The board includes PCIe 5.0 support for future expansion and features Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. It also provides 2.5Gbps Ethernet for wired networks. This setup suits users who need standard ATX dimensions with modern memory and connectivity standards.
Pros
- Supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs on LGA 1700 socket
- Four DDR5 slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM
- Includes PCIe 5.0 interface for high-speed data transfer
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
Cons
- Limited to ATX form factor, which is smaller than E-ATX options
- Only two rear USB 3.2 Gen2 ports are listed
- No mention of onboard audio specifications or microphone inputs
Good fit if
- You are building a standard mid-tower PC case
- You need DDR5 memory support for newer Intel processors
- You want built-in Wi-Fi 6E without adding a card
Skip if
- You require E-ATX dimensions for extra expansion slots
- You are using AMD Threadripper or older Intel platforms
- You need DDR4 memory compatibility for budget upgrades
Verdict: MSI PRO Z790-P ATX DDR5 offers a balanced mix of modern DDR5 support and Wi-Fi 6E for standard ATX builds. It fits users who prioritize current-gen Intel performance without needing the larger footprint of E-ATX boards.
ASUS Prime Threadripper TR4 E-ATX Motherboard
Best for: Threadripper workstations needing high storage speed
- Form Factor
- E-ATX (what this guide is about)
- CPU Socket
- TR4
- Chipset
- X399
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Series
- Ryzen Threadripper
- Dimensions
- 12 × 1 × 10.1 inches
View on Amazon: ASUS Prime Threadripper TR4 E-ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
The ASUS PRIME X399-A is an E-ATX motherboard built for AMD Threadripper TR4 processors. It supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory and includes dual NVMe M.2 slots plus a front-side U.2 port. The board measures 12 by 10.1 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds. It features Safe Slot reinforcement for heavy GPUs and 8-channel HD audio. This platform suits users needing high-end HEDT performance and extensive connectivity.
Pros
- Supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory
- Includes dual NVMe M.2 and front U.2 ports
- Safe Slot reinforces PCIe slots for heavy GPUs
- Features 8-channel HD audio with Japanese capacitors
Cons
- Large 12 x 10.1 inch E-ATX form factor
- Heavy 4.5 pound build requires sturdy case support
- Limited to DDR4 memory generation
Good fit if
- You are building a Threadripper workstation
- You need multiple high-speed storage connections
- You use heavy graphics cards
Skip if
- You require a standard ATX case
- You need DDR5 memory support
- You prefer compact desktop builds
Verdict: The ASUS PRIME X399-A E-ATX Threadripper Board delivers robust HEDT features for Threadripper users. It fits those who prioritize memory capacity and storage speed over compact size.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard | ASUS Prime Threadripper TR4 E-ATX Motherboard |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 | TR4 |
| Chipset | not stated | X399 |
| Form Factor | ATX | Extended ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR4 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | not stated |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E | not stated |
| Ethernet Speed | 2.5Gbps | not stated |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | not stated |
| Series | not stated | Ryzen Threadripper |
| Dimensions | 5.91 × 1.57 × 5.91 inches | 12 × 1 × 10.1 inches |
| Weight | 1.25 pounds | 4.5 pounds |
| Model | PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries | PRIME X399-A |
| Size | not stated | Extended ATX |
Frequently asked questions
Can an E-ATX motherboard fit in a standard ATX case?
No, an E-ATX board will not fit in a case designed for standard ATX. The ASUS PRIME X399-A measures 12 inches by 10.1 inches, which exceeds the 12 by 9.6 inch footprint of the MSI PRO Z790-P. You must verify your case supports Extended ATX form factors before purchasing a larger board to ensure proper installation and clearance.
Does E-ATX always mean better performance than ATX?
Not necessarily, as performance depends on your CPU platform. The MSI PRO Z790-P supports modern Intel 12th through 14th Gen processors with DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0. The ASUS PRIME X399-A targets Threadripper workstations with DDR4. Choose the board that matches your processor family rather than assuming the larger form factor offers superior speed for your specific needs.
What is the main difference between ATX and E-ATX form factors?
The primary difference is physical size and target use case. ATX boards like the MSI PRO Z790-P are 12 by 9.6 inches, fitting most mid-tower cases. E-ATX boards like the ASUS PRIME X399-A are larger, measuring 12 by 10.1 inches. The extra space on E-ATX boards often accommodates more expansion slots and robust power delivery for high-end desktop platforms.
Is Wi-Fi included on both ATX and E-ATX motherboards?
It depends on the specific model. The MSI PRO Z790-P includes built-in Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity. The product data for the ASUS PRIME X399-A does not list wireless capabilities. You should check the specifications of your chosen E-ATX board to see if it supports Wi-Fi or if you need to add a separate adapter.
Which motherboard supports DDR5 memory?
The MSI PRO Z790-P supports DDR5 memory, allowing for faster data transfer rates with modern Intel processors. The ASUS PRIME X399-A uses DDR4 memory, which is standard for older Threadripper platforms. If you require the latest memory technology, the ATX option is the better choice for current-generation builds.
Do I need an E-ATX board for gaming?
You likely do not need an E-ATX board for standard gaming. The MSI PRO Z790-P provides PCIe 5.0 support and 2.5GbE Ethernet, which are sufficient for high-performance gaming rigs. E-ATX boards are typically designed for workstation tasks requiring extensive storage speeds and memory capacity, such as those found in the Threadripper series, rather than typical gaming setups.