ATX case format

I am thinking about building a new system instead of buying one pre-built. Timing is always a issue with computers and I was wondering which case to buy. Is the ATX case close to it's end of it's life cycle and BTX the next format? Or is the BTX case/format just hype like the expensive RDRAM that never caught on was?
burnt once by hype... not looking to repeat..
denny

 

It really depends on your choice of motherboard. ATX is still the largest standard. BTX was developed by Intel to increase airflow and cooling of components. It is a different layout on the motherboard, and hence requires a different case . If you do not want to restrict your choice of motherboards in this manner, stick to ATX. If cooling is a major worry and you want a BTX board, then you have to get a BTX case


http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1541570664;pp;5;taxid;112

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;641784313;pp;8;taxid;119

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motherboard

Now things intel proposes have a fairly good probablilty of getting adopted, but on the other hand, not all of their "better ideas" along the way have been adopted.

But as they note, ATX is the most popular form factor and gives you the widest variety of options and choices of motherboards.

 

Thanks for the reply... The article from PC World was very helpful. Sounds like there could be a change of Case /Motherboard form factor in the works... but for now the ATX offers the best options. Guess I'll fall back on old habits and not buy a newer standard until it's accepted by the masses..

Quote:
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) - a newer standard proposed by Intel as an eventual successor to ATX .

denny