I've been gaming on a laptop for ages, and now that I've got some extra cash, I want to build a PC to handle games that would make my laptop overheat. However, I have limited space in my small apartment and I want to avoid a bulky setup. I'm looking at components for my first build, and I've mostly settled on a micro ATX (mATX) motherboard. Here's what I'm planning:
- **CPU**: Ryzen 5 7600 - ₹19.3K
- **GPU**: RX 7800 XT - ₹46.6K
- **Motherboard**: MSI B650M Gaming WiFi (mATX) - ₹10K
- **RAM**: Corsair Vengeance DDR5 5200, 2x16GB - ₹8.7K
- **SSD**: WD_Black SN7100 2TB PCIe 4.0 - ₹12K
- **PSU**: MSI MAG A750GL PCIe 5, 750W Gold - ₹8.4K
- **Case**: Lian Li A3 mATX Mini-Tower (White) - ₹6.9K
- **Monitor**: Acer Nitro VG271U M3, 27" 1440p 180Hz - ₹14.3K
It all adds up to around $1500. Is going for a micro ATX motherboard a bad idea for my first build? Any advice?
4 Answers
No worries, mATX is totally sufficient unless you're planning to pack in a bunch of expansion cards or hard drives. For most gamers, it hits the sweet spot.
Honestly, mATX is a solid choice. It's not as cramped as ITX builds, which can be tricky for beginners. Plus, manufacturing costs in your area seem reasonable for mATX. I'd suggest comparing ATX parts as well; if there's a big price jump, it might be worth reconsidering.
Starting with an mATX board is fine! It's pretty similar to a standard ATX setup but with fewer expansion slots. Just make sure to check the case specs for clearance on your CPU cooler and GPU, and you'll be good to go!
ATX offers extra slots and might have some better features, but you won't be missing anything urgent with an mATX. It's perfectly adequate for your build. Just be mindful of how many expansion cards you might need in the future!
Good to know! It's all about future-proofing a bit, right?
That's true! Just remember, mATX typically has fewer slots, which could limit future upgrades. If you're someone who might add things like a WiFi card later on, plan ahead with your board selection.