What motherboard format supports full-size expansion slots?

The ATX motherboard format is designed to accommodate full-size expansion slots, which is a key feature that distinguishes it from other motherboard formats. The ATX standard allows for a maximum size of 12 x 9.6 inches, providing ample space for multiple full-sized PCIe slots. This enables the installation of various expansion cards, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards, making it an excellent choice for gamers and professionals needing high-performance hardware.

In addition to the size, the ATX motherboard layout includes a standardized positioning of the CPU, memory slots, and power connectors, which further enhances compatibility and airflow considerations within cases designed for this form factor. This makes it ideal for building powerful desktop computers that require multiple expansion capabilities.

In contrast, while formats like Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX are designed to be more compact and may support some expansion slots, they typically offer fewer slots and a smaller overall footprint, limiting their expansion capabilities. FlexATX is even smaller, primarily focused on smaller form factor systems, further limiting the number of full-size expansion slots available. Hence, the ATX format stands out for its full-size slot support, ideal for high-performance computing.