Difference Between AT and ATX

The world of computer technology is evolving at a rapid pace. As new products and devices are being released, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the latest trends and terminology. One of the terms that you may have come across in the world of computers is AT and ATX. These two terms are related to computer hardware, specifically motherboards. In this article, we will explore the definitions of AT and ATX, discuss the differences between them, and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

What Is AT?

AT stands for Advanced Technology, and it was the first standard for motherboards in personal computers. This standard was developed by IBM in 1984 and was widely used in the late 80s and early 90s. The AT standard has a size of 12 inches by 11 inches and is characterized by its large size and weight. It uses a 20-pin power connector and has a keyboard connector and serial and parallel ports.

What Is ATX?

ATX stands for Advanced Technology Extended, and it is a newer standard for motherboards in personal computers. This standard was developed by Intel in 1995 and has become the standard for most personal computers today. The ATX standard has a size of 12 inches by 9.6 inches and is characterized by its smaller size and weight. It uses a 24-pin power connector and has a keyboard connector and various ports such as USB, Ethernet, and audio.

Definition and Meaning

Definition of AT and ATX

To help better understand the definitions of AT and ATX, here is a table highlighting their specifications:

Specification AT ATX
Size 12 inches by 11 inches 12 inches by 9.6 inches
Power Connector 20-pin 24-pin
Keyboard Connector Yes Yes
Ports Serial and Parallel USB, Ethernet, Audio

Meaning of AT and ATX

Based on the table above, we can see that AT and ATX have significant differences in terms of their size, power connector, and ports. AT is larger and uses a 20-pin power connector, while ATX is smaller and uses a 24-pin power connector. AT also has only serial and parallel ports, while ATX has various ports such as USB, Ethernet, and audio.

Differences - Relationships - Similarities

What's the Difference Between AT and ATX?

The main difference between AT and ATX is their size and power connector. AT is larger and uses a 20-pin power connector, while ATX is smaller and uses a 24-pin power connector. The difference in size allows ATX motherboards to fit into smaller computer cases, making them more popular today. Additionally, ATX motherboards also have more ports, such as USB, Ethernet, and audio, than AT motherboards.

What's the Relationship Between AT and ATX?

The relationship between AT and ATX is that ATX was developed as an extension of AT. AT was the first standard for motherboards, but it had its limitations, such as its large size and limited ports. ATX was developed as a solution to these limitations, creating a smaller size motherboard with more ports.

What Is the Similarities Between AT and ATX?

Despite their differences, AT and ATX motherboards do have some similarities. Both types of motherboards have a keyboard connector, and both can support similar hardware components, such as CPUs, memory, and storage devices.

Table of Advantages and Disadvantages

Here is a table outlining the advantages and disadvantages of AT and ATX motherboards:

Specification AT ATX
Advantages    
Larger size Allows for more expansion slots and components Smaller size can save space in computer cases
Lower power consumption Requires less power and can be used with lower wattage PSUs Higher power capacity and compatibility with newer PSUs
Disadvantages    
Limited ports Fewer connectivity options and expansion slots More ports and connectivity options can increase power consumption and complexity
Larger size Takes up more space in computer cases Smaller size can limit the number of expansion slots and components that can be added
Power connector Uses a 20-pin power connector which has limited power capacity and compatibility with newer PSUs Uses a 24-pin power connector which can handle higher wattage PSUs
Keyboard connector Requires a separate keyboard connector Has a built-in keyboard connector
Age Obsolete and difficult to find compatible parts Modern and widely available

It's worth noting that some of these advantages and disadvantages are interdependent. For example, the larger size of the AT motherboard can allow for more expansion slots and components, but it can also take up more space in computer cases. Similarly, the lower power consumption of the AT motherboard can be an advantage for some builds, but it can also limit the power capacity and compatibility with newer power supplies. Choosing the right motherboard depends on the specific needs of the computer build.

Example

To provide an example of how AT and ATX motherboards are used, let's consider a personal computer build. A computer builder might choose an AT motherboard if they need a larger size motherboard with limited ports and lower power consumption. This may be suitable for a build that does not require many expansion slots or connectivity options.

On the other hand, a computer builder might choose an ATX motherboard if they need a smaller size motherboard with more ports and higher power capacity. This may be suitable for a build that requires a lot of expansion slots, connectivity options, and higher power consumption for more demanding components.

Table of Comparison

To summarize the differences and similarities between AT and ATX, here is a comparison table:

Specification AT ATX
Size Larger Smaller
Power Connector 20-pin 24-pin
Keyboard Connector Yes Yes
Ports Serial and Parallel USB, Ethernet, Audio
Advantages Lower power consumption, larger size More ports, smaller size
Disadvantages Limited ports, larger size Higher power consumption, limited expansion options

Conclusion:

In conclusion, AT and ATX are two standards for motherboards in personal computers. AT was the first standard, developed by IBM in 1984, while ATX was developed as an extension of AT by Intel in 1995. The main differences between AT and ATX are their size, power connector, and ports. AT is larger and uses a 20-pin power connector, while ATX is smaller and uses a 24-pin power connector. AT also has limited ports, while ATX has more ports, such as USB, Ethernet, and audio. Despite their differences, both types of motherboards have advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on the specific needs of the computer build.