Mini

If you are interested in the world of computer cases or simply want to buy a new one, here we will show you a somewhat unknown format. You probably know ATX , micro- ATX , or mini- ITX , but the probability plummets when it comes to mini-DTX . This not so well-known format has quite small dimensions, so it will be perfect for miniature equipment.

Index of contents

Tower box sizes

When we buy a PC , a vital part of the assembly is the case or chassis of the computer.

There is a great variety on the market and with its pluses and minuses, each model allows us to assemble a more or less striking equipment. However, the dimensions of the tower we buy will depend almost entirely on the type of motherboard we buy.

Then, in each format we will find more efficient boxes , with more technologies or with more attractive designs. However, let's focus on this second component: motherboards.

As for motherboards, there is a very patterned standard between brands on where to install the screws. This means that all manufacturers reserve certain areas for the installation of the component to the chassis. However, as you can imagine, not all motherboards are designed with the same dimensions.

Taking apart the different models and ranges (for example the X299, B450 or X570 motherboards) , there is another way to classify these components: the formats. The formats do not depend on a technology or platform, but refer to the size and number of ports that we can have.

Surely they will ring a bell or you will know some formats such as ATX or micro-ATX, but you have to know that this is not related to the ranges. We can have a micro-ATX from the X299 line, as well as another from the X570 range . At the end of the day it all depends on what models manufacturers want to create.

But without further delay, let's move on to talking about mini-DTX , an increasingly unknown format that we doubt will ring a bell.

The mini-DTX format, the phantom brother

The mini-DTX format refers to specific and standardized motherboard dimensions.

It is a derivative of the almost extinct DTX and is one notch below the micro-ATX formats. On the other hand, if we compare it with the mini-ITX we can deduce that they are slightly larger, although almost identical. Here is an illustrative image of its dimensions:

As you can see, these form factors have some nuclear differences between them. With some we can have more PCIe ports, with others we have more PCB boards and, in general, each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Not surprisingly, the specific case of the mini-DTX format is a somewhat delicate one.

The case is that the form factors that you see in the image are not the only ones that exist. For example, another very famous one that is not captured here is eATX (Extended ATX) . Throughout history we have seen dozens of them appear and disappear and the case of mini-DTX seems to be from this second group.

Its predecessor, the DTX , was like a common ATX , but with less vertical travel. However, all that width continued to hinder many chassis that were intended to be small.

For this same reason, mini-DTX was born, a version that reduced the size both in height and width. However, despite being a good idea with excellent dimensions, mini-ITX was the format that was successful for a miniature computer.

As small teams would only mount one or no graphics, presenting a small board with two slots was pointless. For this and other reasons, mini-DTX is not well known today, but some brands continue to rescue them, bringing them to the present.

Mini-DTX

Be that as it may, you still have time to buy yourself one of the latest products in mini-DTX format. As we have indicated, it does not seem that many more products of this class will come out, but you can install it in a box with a larger structure.

We believe that mini-ITX is a more interesting form factor, which is why it is a more popular standard. However, having variety is something that always comes in handy, although mini-DTX doesn't seem like you're going to enjoy it for much longer.

Despite this, it is possible that in the future we will see new standards being born, developing and disappearing.

For example, most users buy ATX motherboards , but they hardly ever use more than one PCIe port. With this argument, we could predict that over the years, micro-ATX boxes and the like will gain popularity, displacing eATXs off the radar.

But as is common, the only thing we can tell you for sure is that future predictions are uncertain. We never know what will change and what users of tomorrow will like. Who knows, maybe mini-DTX kicks off and becomes ultra-popular.

For our part, this is all we had to show you about mini-DTX . We hope you were interested and now let us know: Would you prefer a mini-DTX or mini-ITX board ? What other format of motherboard would you create? Share your ideas in the comment box.

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