Motherboards and cases must be compatible in terms of size and form factor. There are various motherboard form factors, such as ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX, and more, each with different physical dimensions and mounting hole patterns.
When selecting a case for your motherboard, you need to ensure that the case supports the specific form factor of your motherboard. Most case manufacturers specify the supported form factors in the product description or specifications. Commonly, cases are designed to support multiple form factors, allowing for flexibility in motherboard selection.
For example, if you have an ATX motherboard, you will need a case that explicitly supports ATX or a larger form factor that includes ATX. Similarly, a Micro ATX motherboard would require a case that supports Micro ATX or larger form factors.
It's worth noting that some larger cases may support multiple form factors, allowing you to install smaller motherboards (e.g., Micro ATX or Mini ITX) in a larger case. However, the reverse is not true; you cannot fit a larger motherboard into a case designed for a smaller form factor.
Therefore, it is essential to verify the compatibility between your chosen motherboard's form factor and the case you intend to use before making a purchase. Checking the specifications of both the motherboard and the case and ensuring their form factors align is crucial for proper installation and compatibility.