Selecting the right motherboard for your mini PC is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and future-proofing your compact build. This guide delves into the essentials of mini PC motherboards, highlighting the importance of form factors, from Mini-ITX to Pico-ITX, which dictate the motherboard’s size, capabilities, and compatibility. Understanding these form factors is key to choosing a motherboard that fits your specific needs, whether for gaming, professional use, or everyday computing. Additionally, features like CPU socket compatibility, RAM capacity, and expansion slots are vital for tailoring your system to meet both current and future demands. Efficiency and cooling are also critical considerations, especially in compact builds, to maintain performance and longevity. By balancing these factors against your requirements and constraints, you can select a motherboard that not only fits your mini PC’s physical dimensions but also supports your computing goals, ensuring a satisfying and sustainable build.