What is the Difference Between ATX and NLX?

The main difference between ATX and NLX motherboard form factors lies in their size, shape, and expansion slot arrangements. Here are the key differences between ATX and NLX:

• Size and Shape: ATX is a larger form factor, while NLX is designed for low-profile, low-cost, and mass-marketed retail PCs. ATX motherboards are typically found in tower and desktop systems, whereas NLX form factors are mostly employed in smaller desktop and mini towers.
• Expansion Slots: ATX allows for a maximum of 7 expansion slots, while the number of expansion slots supported in NLX varies. NLX expansion boards are parallel to the motherboard, rather than perpendicular to it as in ATX, which allows for smaller cases but may limit the number of expansion slots.
• Debut: ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) made its debut in 1995, while NLX (New Low Profile Extended) arrived on the scene in 1997.
• Processor Position: In ATX, the processor is placed at the upper middle section, while it is in the lower left section in NLX.
• Power Supplies: Both ATX and NLX are designed to use ATX power supplies and feature the same soft power function. However, some NLX cases may use the smaller SFX form factor or proprietary form factors for size reduction.

In summary, ATX is a larger form factor used in tower and desktop systems, while NLX is a smaller, low-profile form factor designed for smaller desktop and mini towers. ATX allows for more expansion slots, while NLX may have varying numbers of expansion slots depending on the specific design.

Comparative Table: ATX vs NLX

Here is a table comparing the differences between ATX and NLX form factors:

ATX is an earlier generation form factor, while NLX is a more recent form factor. ATX is commonly used in tower and desktop systems, whereas NLX is employed in smaller desktop and mini towers. Both ATX and NLX have undergone many revisions since their launch. Processor placement differs between the two form factors, with ATX placing the processor in the upper middle section and NLX placing it in the lower left section.

Please note that NLX has not been widely adopted and has been superseded by Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX form factors.