Hello friends.
This time we will look at such an important part of the motherboard and the computer as a whole as the chipset. Let's talk about the main manufacturers, the differences between chipsets. Let's go through the price categories of chipsets of different series.
What is a chipset
Chipset (English chipset) - a set of chips located on and acting as an intermediary between various elements of a computer. It provides understanding of processor commands by RAM, video card, hard drive and other equipment connected to the motherboard.
Chipsets differ by manufacturer, number of internal chips, speed, supported sockets and their number, as well as many other things. Let's look at the differences.
Naming history
Initially, a group of control chips on a motherboard was called a chipset. These were the North Bridge and the South Bridge. Also, sometimes the chipset included a Super I / O chip connected to the south bridge and controlling low-speed connectors (PS / 2, floppy, COM, LPT).
north bridge
Northbridge or memory hub controller - coordinates the work of the Processor with memory and graphics adapter. It uses high-speed buses, allowing you to exchange information at speeds of tens of gigabits per second. Physically, it is located above the south bridge, hence the name.
south bridge
South bridge or I/O controller hub - through the north bridge, it connects the processor and steel equipment connected via SATA, USB, IDE and other connectors.
Manufacturers
Chipsets are produced by companies such as Intel, AMD. Of the companies that stopped producing chipsets, one can single out NVidia, VIA and SiS, the markings of which can still be found on motherboard chipsets. The chipsets of modern manufacturers differ mainly in the supported socket. Intel produces chipsets for their sockets, AMD for theirs.
Chipset differences
The main difference between Intel's modern chipsets is the absence of the Northbridge. Not so long ago they removed it to the processor.
Chipsets come in different classes and categories. Of the modern Intel chipsets, it is worth highlighting the 100 series chipsets:
H110- for budget home or office computers;
B150 and H170- for average computers;
Q170 and Z170- for serious gaming or work computers. Only the Z170 has the ability to overclock.
All of them have USB 3.0, SATA 3, PCI-E x16 connectors. The main difference between these chipsets is the number of supported connectors and slots. All of them are able to work with modern i-series processors (i3, i7, i5).
Modern AMD chipsets are divided into 2 categories: A series and 9 series. The main difference between the 9th series is that it can work with 8-core AMD processors. The 9 Series supports AMD OverDrive fine-tuning and socket FX support for 8-core processors. A series chipsets are currently represented by:
A58- for very budget and low-speed systems, without support for SATA 3 or USB 3.0;
A68H- for budget computers;
A78- for medium and multimedia machines;
A88X- for high-performance work or gaming PCs, with the possibility of overclocking.
AMD chipsets are priced lower than Intel chipsets, but at the same time have fewer supported slots.
Published: 26.01.2017Hello friends.
This time we will look at such an important part of the motherboard and the computer as a whole as the chipset. Let's talk about the main manufacturers, the differences between chipsets. Let's go through the price categories of chipsets of different series.
What is a chipset
Chipset (English chipset) - a set of chips located on and acting as an intermediary between various elements of a computer. It provides understanding of processor commands by RAM, video card, hard drive and other equipment connected to the motherboard.
Chipsets differ by manufacturer, number of internal chips, speed, supported sockets and their number, as well as many other things. Let's look at the differences.
Naming history
Initially, a group of control chips on a motherboard was called a chipset. These were the North Bridge and the South Bridge. Also, sometimes the chipset included a Super I / O chip connected to the south bridge and controlling low-speed connectors (PS / 2, floppy, COM, LPT).
north bridge
Northbridge or memory hub controller - coordinates the work of the Processor with memory and graphics adapter. It uses high-speed buses, allowing you to exchange information at speeds of tens of gigabits per second. Physically, it is located above the south bridge, hence the name.
south bridge
South bridge or I/O controller hub - through the north bridge, it connects the processor and steel equipment connected via SATA, USB, IDE and other connectors.
Manufacturers
Chipsets are produced by companies such as Intel, AMD. Of the companies that stopped producing chipsets, one can single out NVidia, VIA and SiS, the markings of which can still be found on motherboard chipsets. The chipsets of modern manufacturers differ mainly in the supported socket. Intel produces chipsets for their sockets, AMD for theirs.
Chipset differences
The main difference between Intel's modern chipsets is the absence of the Northbridge. Not so long ago they removed it to the processor.
Chipsets come in different classes and categories. Of the modern Intel chipsets, it is worth highlighting the 100 series chipsets:
H110- for budget home or office computers;
B150 and H170- for average computers;
Q170 and Z170- for serious gaming or work computers. Only the Z170 has the ability to overclock.
All of them have USB 3.0, SATA 3, PCI-E x16 connectors. The main difference between these chipsets is the number of supported connectors and slots. All of them are able to work with modern i-series processors (i3, i7, i5).
Modern AMD chipsets are divided into 2 categories: A series and 9 series. The main difference between the 9th series is that it can work with 8-core AMD processors. The 9 Series supports AMD OverDrive fine-tuning and socket FX support for 8-core processors. A series chipsets are currently represented by:
A58- for very budget and low-speed systems, without support for SATA 3 or USB 3.0;
A68H- for budget computers;
A78- for medium and multimedia machines;
A88X- for high-performance work or gaming PCs, with the possibility of overclocking.
AMD chipsets are priced lower than Intel chipsets, but at the same time have fewer supported slots.
The name of the chipset defines integrated circuits or their groups, motherboard or expansion card. It is the chipset that determines the speed of the computer and the transfer of information between individual devices. Any chipset consists of two elements called bridges: north and south. The most well-known chipset manufacturers include Intel, AMD, nVidia, and VIA. In this article, we will focus on the products of the first brand.
What role does the chipset play on the motherboard?
The chipset is often confused with the motherboard, but it is only one of its elements. The main task of the chipset, which has already been mentioned above, is the organization of information flows between individual components. The north bridge is responsible, in particular, for the functioning of the memory, processor and FSB bus, while the south one deals with hard drives, a DVD drive and PCI for connecting peripherals.
Intel chipsets for LGA 1150 motherboard
In May 2014, the premiere of the 9th generation of Intel chipsets took place. This family included the following models: Z97 and H97, designed mainly for use in computers designed for games, graphic works, as well as for more demanding users that support the LGA 1150 motherboard. Chipset models for home computer equipment, for example, B85 and H81 are still in the game, and 1150 models will also fit. Unlike the 8th generation chipsets, which consists of 6 bridges, the 9th generation has only two, but allows you to overclock the processor through a multiplier.
Which chipset for i3, i5 or i7 processors?
The main question is which chipset to choose for which processor? In the case of the i7-core, the answer is simple - the most powerful media communication processors of the 9th generation, i.e. H97 and Z97. In the case of an i5-core processor, the best choice would be a motherboard based on the B85 chipset, possibly with earlier versions of the Z87 and H87 models. For i3-core, a motherboard based on the H81 chipset is suitable - great for simple work.
| Model | H81 | H97 | B85 | Z97 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
| USB version | 3.0, 2.0 | 3.0, 2.0 | 3.0, 2.0 | 3.0, 2.0 |
| Number of USB | 8x2.0, 2x3.0 | 8x2.0, 6x3.0 | 8 x 2.0, 4 x 3.0 | 8x2.0, 6x3.0 |
| Number of SATA ports | 4 (including 2 x6.0 Gb/s) | 6 SATA 6.0 Gb/s | 6 (including 4 x6.0 Gb/s) | |
| Hi-tech | Intel® Smart Connect Technology | Intel® Rapid Storage Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology Intel® Smart Response Technology Intel® Rapid Start Technology | Intel® Smart Connect Technology, Intel® Small Business Advantage Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Anti-Theft Technology | Intel® Rapid Storage Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology Intel® Smart Response Technology Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Small Business Advantage |
| Overclocking | Not | Not | Yes | Yes |
| Suggested processor | i3 | i5/i7 | i3/i5 | i5/i7 (for version K) |
| Application | Equipment for home and office use | Ideal for home use, games, graphic works | Ideal for office use and for protecting small personal databases | Ideal for office work, gaming |
Which chipset to choose for home use?
If we are talking about budget solutions for home use, then a motherboard based on the B85 chipset would be an excellent solution here. It allows you to overclock the processor on a weaker logic system, thanks to which you can achieve quite attractive results.
B85, thanks to the use of additional technologies such as Small Business Advantage, is also perfect for a small office. The H81 chipset is also suitable for web browsing, less graphically complex games and office work. The advantage of the H81 and B85 over later models is cost.
What chipset for games to choose?
If we are talking about budget solutions, then for games we recommend motherboards with the B85 chipset, mainly because of the possibility of overclocking. Most motherboards with B85 allow you to play the latest games. However, the equipment for the "maniacs" of computer games will be sets that are equipped with motherboards with Z97, which gives very great opportunities paired with an i7 processor.
Which chipset to choose for overclocking?
The most promising model, offering great opportunities for overclocking the processor, as mentioned above, is the Z97. Somewhat more modest features are offered by the B85, although Intel will improve this feature in subsequent series.
All other components are connected to the motherboard, the service life and stability of the entire computer depends on it. In addition, it should allow you to connect all the necessary devices and make it possible to improve the computer in the future.
Some of the best motherboards are made by ASUS, but they are also the most expensive. Today, MSI motherboards are optimal in terms of price / quality ratio, and I will recommend them first of all. Motherboards from ASRock and Gigabyte can be considered as a more budget option; they also have successful models. Gaming motherboards have better sound and network card.
For Intel processors on socket 1151 v2
Optimal option:
Motherboard MSI B360M MORTAR
Or a gaming motherboard: MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON
Motherboard MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON
Or analog: MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING
Motherboard MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING
For AMD processors on socket AM4
Optimal option: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M
Motherboard Gigabyte B450 AORUS M
Or full size: Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO
Motherboard Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO
2. The basics of choosing the right motherboard
You should not install a powerful processor on the cheapest motherboard, as the motherboard will not withstand heavy loads for a long time. Conversely, the weakest processor does not need an expensive motherboard, as it is money thrown away.
The motherboard must be selected after all the others have been selected, since it depends on them what class the motherboard should be and what connectors should be on it for connecting the selected components.
Each motherboard has its own processor that controls all the devices connected to it and is called the chipset. The functionality of the motherboard depends on the chipset and it is selected depending on the purpose of the computer.
3.1. Chipset Developers
Chipsets for modern motherboards are developed by two companies: Intel and AMD.
If you chose an Intel processor, then the motherboard must be on an Intel chipset, if AMD, on an AMD chipset.
3.2. Intel chipsets
The main modern Intel chipsets include the following:
- B250/H270 - for office, multimedia and gaming PCs
- Q270 - for the corporate sector
- Z270 - for powerful gaming and professional PCs
- X99/X299 - for very powerful professional PCs
They are being replaced by promising chipsets with support for 8th generation processors:
- H310 - for office PCs
- B360/H370 - for multimedia and gaming PCs
- Q370 - for the corporate sector
- Z370 - for powerful gaming and professional PCs
For most computers, motherboards based on the B250 / H270 and B360 / H370 chipsets are suitable. H chipsets have more PCI-E lanes than B chipsets, which is only important when installing more than two graphics cards or multiple ultra-fast PCI-E SSDs. So for the average user there is no difference between them. Q chipsets differ from B only in support of special security features and remote management, which is used only in the corporate sector.
The Z chipsets have even more PCI-E lanes than the H chipsets, allow overclocking of processors with the “K” index, support memory over 2400 MHz, and the combination of 2 to 5 disks in a RAID array, which is not available on other chipsets. They are more suitable for powerful gaming and professional PCs.
Motherboards based on X99/X299 chipsets are needed only for heavy-duty and expensive professional PCs with processors on sockets 2011-3/2066, respectively (we will talk about this below).
3.3. AMD Chipsets
The main modern AMD chipsets include the following.
- A320 - for office and multimedia PCs
- B350 - for gaming and professional PCs
- X370 - for enthusiasts
- X399 - for very powerful professional PCs
The A320 chipset does not have the ability to overclock the processor, while the B350 does. The X370 is equipped with a large number of PCI-E lanes for installing multiple video cards. Well, X399 is designed for professional processors on the TR4 socket.
3.4. How are chipsets different?
Chipsets have a lot of differences, but we are only interested in their conditional division by purpose in order to select a motherboard that matches the purpose of the computer.
We are not interested in the rest of the chipset parameters, since we will focus on the parameters of a specific motherboard. After choosing a chipset for your needs, you can start choosing a motherboard based on its characteristics and connectors.
4. Motherboard manufacturers
The best motherboards in the above-average price range are made by ASUS, but they are also the most expensive. This company pays less attention to entry-level motherboards and in this case you should not overpay for the brand.
MSI's motherboards are distinguished by a good price / quality ratio in the entire price range.
As a more economical option, we can consider motherboards from Gigabyte and ASRock (a subsidiary of ASUS), they have a more loyal pricing policy and they also have successful models.
Separately, it is worth noting that Intel itself produces motherboards based on its chipsets. These motherboards are of stable quality but low functionality and higher price. They are in demand mainly in the corporate sector.
Motherboards from other manufacturers are not so popular, they have a more limited model range, and I consider their purchase to be inappropriate.
5. Motherboard form factor
The form factor is the physical size of the motherboard. The main motherboard form factors are: ATX, MicroATX (mATX) and Mini-ITX.
ATX(305×244 mm) – full-size format of the motherboard, is optimal for a desktop computer, has the largest number of slots, is installed in ATX cases.
MicroATX(244 × 244 mm) - a reduced format of the motherboard, has fewer slots, can be installed both in full-size (ATX) cases and in more compact cases (mATX).
Mini-ITX(170x170mm) - super compact motherboards for building very small PCs in appropriate cases. It should be taken into account that such systems have a number of limitations in terms of component size and cooling.
There are other less common motherboard form factors.
Processor socket (Socket) is a connector for connecting the processor to the motherboard. The motherboard must have the same socket as the processor.
Processor sockets are constantly undergoing changes and new modifications appear from year to year. I recommend purchasing a processor and motherboard with the most modern socket. This will ensure that both the processor and the motherboard can be replaced in the next few years.
6.1. Intel processor sockets
- Deprecated: 478, 775, 1155, 1156, 2011
- Obsolete: 1150, 2011-3
- The most modern: 1151, 1151-v2, 2066
6.2. AMD processor sockets
- Legacy: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
- Obsolete: AM3+, FM2+
- Most modern: AM4, TR4
Compact format motherboards often have 2 memory slots. Large ATX boards usually come with 4 memory slots. Free slots may be needed if you plan to add memory in the future.
8. Type and frequency of supported memory
Modern motherboards support DDR4 memory. Inexpensive motherboards are designed for a lower maximum memory frequency (2400, 2666 MHz). Medium and high-end motherboards may support higher frequency memory (3400-3600MHz).
However, memory with a frequency of 3000 MHz and higher is much more expensive, while not giving a noticeable performance boost (especially in games). In addition, there are more problems with such memory, the processor can work with it less stably. Therefore, overpaying for a motherboard and high-frequency memory is advisable only when assembling a very powerful professional PC.
Today, the most optimal in terms of price / performance ratio is DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2400 MHz, which is supported by modern motherboards.
9. Connectors for installing video cards
Modern motherboards have a PCI Express (PCI-E x16) slot of the latest version 3.0 for installing video cards.
If the motherboard has several of these connectors, then you can install several video cards to increase performance in games. But in most cases, installing one more powerful video card is the preferred solution.
Also, free PCI-E x16 slots can be used to install other expansion cards with a PCI-E x4 or x1 slot (for example, a fast SSD or a sound card).
10. Slots for expansion cards
Expansion card slots are special connectors for connecting various additional devices, such as a TV tuner, Wi-Fi adapter, etc.
Older motherboards used PCI slots to install expansion cards. You may need such a connector if you have such boards, for example, a professional sound card or a TV tuner.
Modern motherboards use PCI-E x1 slots or extra PCI-E x16 slots to install expansion cards. It is desirable that the motherboard has at least 1-2 such connectors that do not overlap with the video card.
In a modern computer, the old-style PCI connectors are not required, since any device with a new PCI-E connector can already be purchased.
The motherboard has many internal connectors for connecting various devices inside the case.
11.1. SATA connectors
Modern motherboards have universal SATA 3 connectors that are great for connecting hard drives, solid state drives (SSDs), and optical drives.
Several of these connectors can be placed in a separate block, forming a combined SATA Express connector.
This connector was previously used to connect fast SSDs, but any SATA drives can also be connected to it.
11.2. M.2 connector
Also, many modern motherboards are equipped with an M.2 connector, which is used mainly for ultra-fast SSDs.
This connector has mounts for mounting cards of various sizes, which should be considered when choosing an SSD. But now only the most common size 2280 is commonly used.
It's also good if the M.2 connector supports both SATA and PCI-E modes, as well as the NVMe specification for fast SSDs.
11.3. Motherboard power connector
Modern motherboards have a 24-pin power connector.
All power supplies are equipped with the same connector.
11.4. CPU power connector
The motherboard may have a 4 or 8 pin CPU power connector.
If the connector is 8-pin, then it is desirable that the power supply has two 4-pin connectors that are inserted into it. If the processor is not very powerful, then it can be powered by one 4-pin connector and everything will work, but the voltage drops on it will be higher, especially during overclocking.
11.5. Location of internal connectors
The picture below shows the main internal motherboard connectors we talked about.
12. Integrated devices
The motherboard, in addition to the chipset and various connectors for connecting components, has various integrated devices.
12.1. Integrated graphics
If you decide that the computer will not be used for games and do not purchase a separate video card, then the motherboard must support processors with a video core and have the appropriate connectors. Motherboards designed for processors with a video core may have VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI connectors.
It is desirable to have a DVI connector on the motherboard to connect modern monitors. An HDMI connector is required to connect a TV to a computer. Please also note that some budget monitors only have a VGA connector, which in this case should also be on the motherboard.
12.2. Integrated sound card
All modern motherboards have an HDA (High Definition Audio) class audio codec. The corresponding audio codecs (ALC8xx, ALC9xx) are installed on budget models, which, in principle, are enough for most users. Better codecs (ALC1150, ALC1220) and a headphone amplifier are installed on more expensive gaming motherboards, which give higher sound quality.
Motherboards usually have 3, 5, or 6 3.5mm jacks for connecting audio devices. An optical and sometimes coaxial digital audio output may also be present.
For connecting 2.0 or 2.1 system speakers. 3 audio outputs are enough.
If you plan to connect multi-channel acoustics, then it is desirable that the motherboard has 5-6 audio connectors. An optical audio output may be required to connect to a high quality audio system.
12.3. Integrated network card
All modern motherboards have a built-in network card with a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbps (1 Gb / s) and an RJ-45 connector for connecting to the Internet.
Budget motherboards are equipped with corresponding Realtek network cards. More expensive gaming motherboards may have higher quality Intel, Killer network cards, which has a positive effect on ping in online games. But often the work of online games depends more on the quality of the Internet than on the network card.
It is highly desirable to connect to the Internet through, which will repel network attacks and increase the protection of the motherboard from electrical breakdowns by the provider.
12.4. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Some motherboards may have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapter. Such motherboards are more expensive and are used mainly for assembling compact media centers. If you do not need such functionality now, then the necessary adapter can be purchased later if the need arises.
13. External motherboard connectors
Depending on the number of integrated devices and the class of the motherboard, it may have different connectors on the rear panel for connecting external devices.
Description of connectors from top to bottom
- USB 3.0- a connector for connecting fast flash drives and external drives, it is desirable to have at least 4 such connectors.
- PS/2- the old connector for connecting a mouse and keyboard, is no longer on all motherboards, is optional, since modern mice and keyboards are connected via USB.
- DVI– a connector for connecting a monitor in motherboards with integrated video.
- Wi-Fi Antenna Connectors- available only on some expensive boards with a Wi-Fi adapter.
- HDMI- a connector for connecting a TV in motherboards with built-in video.
- display port– a connector for connecting some monitors.
- BIOS reset button- optional, used when the computer freezes during overclocking.
- eSATA– used for external drives with the same connector, optional.
- USB 2.0- a connector for connecting a keyboard, mouse, printer and many other devices, 2 of these connectors are enough (or USB 3.0 connectors). Also on modern motherboards there may be USB 3.1 connectors (Type-A, Type-C), which are faster, but still rarely used.
- RJ-45- a connector for connecting to a local network or the Internet, is required.
- Optical audio output- for connecting high-quality acoustics (speakers).
- Sound outputs– for connecting audio speakers (2.0-5.1 system).
- Microphone- connection of a microphone or headset, there is always.
14. Electronic components
Cheap motherboards use the lowest quality electronic components: transistors, capacitors, chokes, and so on. Accordingly, the reliability and service life of such motherboards are the lowest. For example, electrolyte capacitors can swell after 2-3 years of computer operation, which leads to malfunctions and the need for repair.
Medium and high-end motherboards may use higher quality electronic components (such as Japanese solid capacitors). Manufacturers often emphasize this with some slogan: Solid Caps (solid state capacitors), Military Standard (military standard), Super Alloy Power (reliable power system). Such motherboards are more reliable and can last longer.
15. Processor power circuit
The power scheme of the processor determines how powerful the processor can be installed on a specific motherboard without the risk of overheating and premature failure, as well as power drawdown when overclocking the processor.
A mid-range motherboard with a 10-phase power scheme can handle non-extreme overclocking of a processor with a TDP of up to 120W. For more voracious stones, it is better to take a motherboard with a 12-16 phase power system.
16. Cooling system
Cheap motherboards either don't have heatsinks at all, or have small heatsinks on the chipset and sometimes mosfets (transistors) near the CPU socket. In principle, if you use such boards for their intended purpose and install the same weak processors on them, then they should not overheat.
On mid-range and high-end motherboards that are equipped with more powerful processors, it is desirable that the heatsinks be larger.
17. Motherboard firmware
Firmware is a built-in firmware that controls all the functions of the motherboard. Already, many motherboards have switched from BIOS firmware with a classic text menu to a more modern UEFI with a user-friendly graphical interface.
Gaming motherboards also come with a number of advanced features that set them apart from more budget-friendly solutions.
18. Equipment
Usually, a motherboard comes with: a user manual, a driver disk, a blank for the rear panel of the case, and several SATA cables. The complete set of the motherboard can be found on the website of the seller or manufacturer. If you are assembling a new computer, then calculate in advance how many and what kind of cables you need in order to order them immediately if necessary.
Some models of motherboards have an extended package, which can include many different cables and brackets with connectors. For example, at ASUS, such motherboards used to have the word Deluxe in the title, but now they can be some kind of Pro version. They cost more, but usually all these add-ons remain unclaimed, so it’s more expedient to buy a better motherboard for the same money.
19. How to find out the characteristics of the motherboard
All motherboard specifications, such as supported processors and memory, types and number of internal and external connectors, etc. check the manufacturer's website for the exact model number. There you can also see images of the motherboard, by which it is easy to determine the location of the connectors, the quality of the power supply and cooling system. It would also be nice to look for reviews of a particular motherboard on the Internet before buying.
20. Optimal motherboard
Now you know everything you need about motherboards and you can choose the right model for yourself. But I will still give you a few recommendations.
For a mid-range office, multimedia or gaming computer (Core i5 + GTX 1060), an inexpensive socket 1151 motherboard with an Intel B250 / H270 or B360 / H370 chipset (for 8th generation processors) is suitable.
For a powerful gaming computer (Core i7 + GTX 1070/1080), it is better to take a motherboard on socket 1151 with a powerful processor power system based on the Intel B250 / H270 or Z270 chipset (for overclocking). For 8th generation processors, respectively, you need a motherboard based on the Intel B360 / H370 or Z370 chipset (for overclocking). If you want better sound, a network card and funds allow, then take a motherboard from a gaming series (Gaming, etc.).
For professional tasks such as video rendering and other heavy applications, it is better to take an AM4 motherboard for multi-threaded AMD Ryzen processors on the B350/X370 chipset.
Format (ATX, mATX), types and number of connectors, select as needed. Manufacturer - any popular (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock) or based on our recommendations (this is more a matter of taste or budget).
21. Setting up filters in the online store
Thus, you will receive an optimal motherboard in terms of price / quality / functionality that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.
22. Links
Motherboard MSI H370 GAMING PRO CARBON
Motherboard Asus ROG Strix B360-F GAMING
Motherboard Gigabyte H370 AORUS GAMING 3 WIFI
Comparing Intel chipsets is an incredibly entertaining activity, so today we will discuss the most remarkable solutions from this manufacturer. We will also give some recommendations on choosing the best option when assembling a computer system.
Definition
So, today we are talking about Intel products. Chipsets from this manufacturer, like any other, are essentially a chipset. Such an element is installed on the motherboard. This device connects together individual components in a computer system. In addition, Intel motherboard chipsets are responsible for the system logic. Most often, such elements are tied to a specific socket, in other words, we are talking about a processor socket. We will discuss these elements in more detail below.
sandy bridge
The earliest chipsets currently produced by Intel are the sixth series chipsets. They are still available for purchase. The announcement of these solutions took place in 2011. They can install any central processor belonging to the Sunday or Evie Bridge series.
There is one feature of such Intel products. Chipsets may refuse to interact with the Ivy Bridge without first updating the BIOS. The above computing solutions are most often found with socket 1155. In addition, they are usually equipped with an integrated graphics processor. Characteristics of Intel chipsets of the sixth series have one important feature - these solutions include only one microcircuit - the "south bridge". The second is integrated into the processor. This is the North Bridge.
The most affordable solution in this series is the Intel H61 chipset. Based on it, you can create inexpensive office systems. Also, such computers can be suitable for educational purposes. A high-performance processor in a MiniATX motherboard, which has minimal functionality, looks out of place. This chipset allows you to install 2 RAM modules. There is one PCI-Express slot. The latter allows you to install an external graphics accelerator. There are 10 USB 3.0 ports. Has four SATA to interface with hard drives or CD drive. The middle segment includes chipsets Q67, B65, Q65. If we compare them with the H61, the difference comes down to the number of RAM slots. In this case, there are four. There are also more ports for connecting drives - as many as 5.
Evie Bridge
2012 gave the world another technical solution. They became the central processors "Evie Bridge". The device did not receive cardinal differences compared to the above.
However, the process has changed. A transition was made from 32 nm to 22 nm. These chips have the same socket - 1155. Entry-level systems were created based on the H61 chipset. For more productive options, H77, Q77, Q75 and B75 are used. These systems have one video card slot and four video card slots. The B75 has the most modest parameters. We are talking about 4 USB 3.0 ports and 8 - standard 2.0, the only SATA 3.0 and 5 - version 2.0. On the basis of the latter, a disk subsystem is organized.
Haswell
In 2013, socket 1150 appeared. This solution did not bring revolutionary changes with it. However, the power consumption of the chips has changed. Significant transformations made it possible to achieve a reduction in the thermal package of crystals without making changes to the technological process. Especially for this socket, chipsets were released. Their parameters have received a number of similarities with the previous generation of the seventh series.
In total, the described group includes 6 chipsets: Z87, P87, Q87, Q85, B85 and H81. The last solution in the given series has the most modest parameters. He received a couple of slots for RAM, two SATA 3.0 ports and the same number - version 2.0. There is also one compartment for a video card. As for the USB ports, there are 8 and 2 of them, respectively, 2.0 and 3.0. In motherboards, which are based on the specified set of system logic, Pentium and Celeron chips are most often installed. The B85 chipset has more RAM slots than the H81. There are 4 of them. SATA and USB ports - 4 each. Q85 has 10 universal ports.
The solutions described above can often be found in tandem with Core Ai3 computing chips. The characteristics of solutions Z87, P87, Q87 are identical. They have six SATA 3.0, the same number of USB 3.0 (8 - 2.0), as well as 4 RAM slots.
Now let's take a closer look at these Intel developments. Chipsets P87 and Q87. It should be noted that they are suitable for Kor Ai7. As for the Z87 solution, it is focused on chips that received the "K" index. Based on this solution, you can create a computer system with the ability to overclock the central processor.
Broadwell
These solutions appeared in 2014. They are manufactured using the 14 nm process technology. There are few such processors. Thus, a large-scale update of the chipsets was not noted.
The series includes two models - Z97 and H97. The second of these solutions is designed to work with a central processor that has a locked multiplier. It repeats the parameters of P87. The Z97 is a copy of the Z87 but supports the fifth generation Core processors.
