Tron for Ryzen: choosing a motherboard for new AMD processors.

The motherboard is the main connecting link within the computer system unit.

That is why it is very important when purchasing to be able to select from a large assortment of motherboards exactly the one that suits your tasks and satisfies all your requirements. In this article, we will generally look at the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing a motherboard.

For convenience and quick transition, a brief summary is provided:

Motherboard and its main components

In order to better navigate the main components and further visualize for ourselves what we will choose, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the layout of the motherboard elements using a specific example. For our sample, we took a very original Sapphire Pure Z77K motherboard (original, because Sapphire), which is also aimed at the overclocking market. In fact, for the task of visually examining the main elements of the motherboard, neither the model nor the positioning matters at all. Therefore, let's move on to considering this motherboard:

Click on the picture to enlarge

Here the main components are highlighted with numbers, but some rather specific elements inherent only to overclocking motherboards are also touched upon.

(1) CPU socket- one of the main elements of the motherboard. The processor is installed in the socket and it is very important that CPU socket which it was targeting was compatible with the socket on the motherboard.

Under the number (0) "double" was specified radiator, which is responsible for cooling the elements of the processor power converters, the integrated graphics core and the CPU VTT. Such heatsinks are often found only in motherboards for overclocking. Regular motherboards come without this cooling element.

(2) PCI-Express slots . On the printed circuit board of this motherboard we see 3 PCI-Express X16 version 3.0 slots; these connectors are designed for installing video cards (either one or several in SLI and Cross Fire modes). This also includes the number (3) - it's the same PCI-Express x16 slot, but already an older version 2.0. Between PCI-E X16 slots, numbered (14) posted PCI-E X1 slots. These expansion connectors are designed for installing devices that do not require large bus bandwidth; One X1 line is enough for them. Such devices include TV tuners, audio and network cards, various controllers and many others.

Under the number (4) we have indicated chipset(in this case Intel Z77), which is hidden under the radiator that cools it. The system logic set contains various controllers and is the connecting link between the control of some components and the processor.

(5) Connectors for installation DDR3 RAM. These connectors are painted black and blue for installing memory modules in dual-channel operating mode, which allows them to slightly increase their operating efficiency.

(6) CMOS memory battery. This battery powers the microcircuit CMOS BIOS memory so that it does not lose its settings after turning off the computer.

(8) , (12) 24-pin and 8-pin connectors respectively. 24-pin is the main 24-pin power connector through which most components of the motherboard are powered.

Under the number (9) And (10) connectors are indicated SATA 3 (6 Gb/s) and SATA 2 respectively. They are located on the edge of the motherboard and are made in the style of motherboard connectors for overclocking (connecting devices on the side for open stands). SATA interface used to connect hard drives, SSD drives and drives. In conventional motherboards, they are deployed frontally and shifted closer to the center, which allows them to be conveniently used within the system unit of “non-overclocking” systems.

Under the number (11) a rather specific element was designated, which is found only in motherboards for enthusiasts - this POST code indicator. It also displays the processor temperature, but likes to lie a little.

(13) Back panel motherboard with external connectors. A variety of peripheral devices such as a mouse, keyboard, speakers, headphones, and many others are connected to the connectors on this panel.
Now that we have gone through the layout of the components on the motherboard, we can move on to considering the individual blocks and parameters for choosing a motherboard. Since this article is introductory, everything will be described briefly and discussed much more deeply in separate articles. So, let's go.

Choosing a motherboard manufacturer

The motherboard manufacturer is not a very important factor when choosing. The situation here is absolutely identical as with manufacturer's choice for video card- everyone is good and the question here is rather “religious” - who believes in what. Therefore, you can safely choose from all the “no name” manufacturers such as Asus, Biostar, ASRock, Gigabyte, Intel and MSI. Even the motherboard from the unknown in the motherboard market, Sapphire, which we took to review the main components, is a good example. Perhaps some boards have a not very convenient layout, perhaps some manufacturer’s package is not very extensive, and some may have a box that is not as bright as we would like - but still, all this does not give us the right to single out someone. then one, as an impeccable leader and answer the question: which motherboard is better within the framework of the manufacturer’s assessment.

All motherboards will eventually come with the same chipsets from AMD and Intel, and will be functionally similar. The only thing is that before purchasing, I advise you to review reviews of motherboards and user reviews, so as not to run into a model with unsuccessful cooling or something else. We will not dwell on the choice of motherboard manufacturers for long, but rather move on.

Choosing the right form factor

Initially, the correct choice of form factor will save you from many problems in the future. At the moment, the most popular form factors of motherboards are ATX and its stripped-down version – Micro-ATX.

The fact that the form factor determines the further expandability of the system is very important. The Micro-ATX form factor usually has fewer PCI and PCI-E expansion slots for video cards and additional devices. Also, often, such motherboards have only two slots for installing memory modules, which significantly limits the expansion of RAM, both quantitatively and in terms of convenience issues. But the main advantage of Micro-ATX lies in the price. Based on the description of these two standards, it can be argued that Micro-ATX is positioned as a budget solution for compact office and home systems.

Size is also important, as it follows from the form factor. ATX boards are much larger than their “Micro” brothers, so you should take into account the size of the case in relation to the size of the motherboard.

The form factors and their features will be described in more detail in a separate article.

Choosing a motherboard socket

Once you have decided on the processor, the selection of the motherboard begins. And the first factor of choice should be the socket, which ensures compatibility between the processor and motherboard. That is, if an Intel processor with an LGA 1155 socket was selected, then the motherboard must also have an LGA 1155 socket. A list of supported sockets and processors can be found on the motherboard manufacturer’s website.

You can find out more about modern processor sockets in the article: CPU socket .

Choosing a motherboard chipset

The chipset is the connecting link between the entire system. It is the chipset that largely determines the capabilities of the motherboard. Chipset- this is initially a “set of chips” of system logic, which consists of a north and south bridge, but now this is not so simple.

Today, the latest 7-series chipsets from Intel and the 900-series from AMD are popular, and Nvidia is also joining them, but the range of chipsets there is quite small.

Chipsets of the seventh series of Intel such as Z77, H77, B75 and others have slightly distorted the concept of “chipset”, because they do not consist of several chips, but only of a north bridge. This in no way reduces the functionality of the motherboard, because some of the controllers were simply transferred to the processor. Such controllers include a PCI-Express 3.0 bus controller and a DDR3 memory controller. The North Bridge was given control of USB, SATA, PCI-Express, etc. What is connected to what and on what buses is clearly visible in the block diagram of the Z77 chipset:

Indices Z, H, B - mean the positioning of a particular chipset for different market segments. Z77 was classified as a chipset for overclocking enthusiasts. H77 is a regular mainstream chipset with advanced functionality. B75 is a slightly trimmed H77 in terms of capabilities, but for budget and office systems. There are other letter indices, but we will not dwell on them in detail.

Chipsets from AMD continue the tradition of dual-chip chipsets and the latest 900 series is no exception. Motherboards with this set of system logic are equipped with 990FX, 990X 970 north bridges, as well as SB950 south bridge.

When choosing a northbridge for an AMD motherboard, you should also take into account its capabilities.

The 990FX is a northbridge designed for the enthusiast market. The main feature of the chipset with this northbridge is its support for 42 PCI-Express lanes. Therefore, on the 32 lines allocated for video adapters, you can connect up to 4 video cards in a Cross Fire combination. From this we conclude that only a few users need such capabilities, so the functionality of motherboards with this chipset will be redundant for most users.

990X and 970 are versions with slightly reduced capabilities. The main difference, again, is in the PCI-Express lines. Both of these north bridges support 26 lines, but this is unlikely to be a problem for anyone. It is worth noting that the 970 does not have support for SLI and Cross Fire, as a result of which it will not be of interest to users who plan to combine more than one video card in the system, but due to its reasonable price, the 970 will look very tasty for a wide audience of users limited to one video card.

The capabilities of AMD and Intel chipsets will be discussed in more detail in a separate article.

Memory slots and PCI-Express

The number of connectors for installing memory and PCI-Express expansion slots is an important factor when choosing a motherboard. As we said above, the number of these same connectors is often determined by the form factor. Therefore, if you are counting on seriously and conveniently scaling the amount of RAM, then it is better to take a closer look at motherboards with 4 and 6 slots for installing RAM. This also applies to PCI-Express slots: it is stupid to take a Micro-ATX form factor motherboard if you are counting on installing three video cards in SLI or Cross Fire.

Also, it is very important to pay attention to the type of RAM that the motherboard supports. Nowadays you can still find motherboards with supported DDR2 memory types on sale. When assembling a new system from scratch, it is better not to go back to the past and take a motherboard with DDR3 memory type.

The version of the PCI-Express bus is not an important factor, so you shouldn't be too keen on PCI-Express 3.0 support. For modern video cards, version 2.0 is sufficient. Yes and backwards compatible No one has canceled the various versions of this interface.

External connectors

The presence of certain connectors on the rear panel of the motherboard is quite important. Their number is also important. If we take into account the USB ports, then there should be, let’s say, quite a few of them, since, in most cases, a mouse, keyboard, webcam, printer, scanner and a large variety of other devices are connected there.

You should pay attention to the audio connectors of the integrated sound card: there can be either three or six. Three connectors are enough for a standard circuit: microphone, headphones and subwoofer. If you plan to use multi-channel acoustics, then you need to look towards motherboards with 6 connectors. But even if you are not currently planning to purchase such acoustics, the connectors will not hurt, and they may be very useful in the future. And for office and budget systems, 3 audio connectors are more than enough.

In addition, two LAN connectors may be useful; for this, two network controllers must be soldered on the board. But for most users, one network connector will be enough.

Additional features

Additional features include functionality that is not in demand for the average user, but for some can be very useful:

• ESATA is an interface for connecting removable drives; it is not present in all motherboards and can be a very useful feature for owners of external drives.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module - integrated wireless network and data transfer modules can significantly improve the functionality of the motherboard.
• Thunderbolt is a new interface for connecting peripheral devices and provides data transfer at speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, which is 20 times faster than the now popular USB 2.0, and 2 times faster than USB 3.0.

A very specific interface that only a few people will need today, but which promises to gain great popularity in the future.

• This also includes special buttons and indicators on motherboards for overclocking. It can also be various branded elements and technologies from the manufacturer.

conclusions

Choosing a motherboard is not such an easy task. It is necessary, based on all the parameters, to select an option that will be satisfactory both in functional terms and in terms of cost. You need to be able to catch that fine line of the price/performance ratio. It should be remembered that everything is very individual and the best motherboard for your friend may be the worst option for your needs.

But if you focus on the basic parameters and approach the issue comprehensively, then the choice will be correct and will fully satisfy all your expectations.

P.S. We will try to answer your questions like “which motherboard should I buy?”, “which motherboard is better?” etc., in the comments to the article or on our forum.

Thank you for your attention. Good luck with your choice!

What should you pay attention to when buying motherboards? The first is its size. Currently, the most common form factors are Mini-ITX (17 x 17 cm), Micro-ATX (24.4 x 24.4 cm) and ATX (30.5 x 24.4 cm). In the optimal case, the form factor of the motherboard should match the dimensions of the case, but quite often larger cases are used to provide better cooling of the components.

The second thing to keep in mind when choosing a motherboard is compatibility with your CPU. For chips manufactured by Intel and AMD, as well as for different generations of these processors, there are different connectors (sockets) into which they are inserted.

For current Intel chips, two sockets are currently used - LGA 1151 and LGA 2011-v3, for AMD - FM2+ and AM3+. It should be borne in mind that this is not only about the fact that the processor must be physically compatible with the socket. Before purchasing, be sure to make sure that the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI also supports the processor you have chosen.

If you want to equip your PC with more RAM, pay attention to the number of corresponding slots - there should be four of them on the motherboard. There are models in which you cannot insert more than two slats. Other important technical characteristics that you should pay attention to include the presence of USB 3.0 ports, an M.2 slot for SSD drives, and RAID support. CHIP editors have selected some great motherboards for Intel and AMD processors.

Asus ROG Maximus VIII Extreme Gaming: Luxury equipment at an appropriate price.

LGA 1151: motherboards for Skylake

For processors of the Skylake family, Intel has assigned the LGA 1151 socket. On motherboards it is combined with various chipsets. Cheap models - with the B150 chipset or an even more “stripped-down” H110. In this case, functionality such as USB 3.1 and RAID are missing.

In addition, you will have to make do with only two RAM slots. However, the basic equipment of the board with these sockets offers quite solid - SATA 6 Gb/s, USB 3.0 and a Gigabit LAN port. Examples of such motherboards are or ASUS B150I-Pro Gaming.

Another thing is the Z170 chipset, which is the recommended choice for gamers, enthusiasts and Skylake processor overclockers. He can be found on ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Extreme Gaming. The cost of this motherboard is extremely high, but the list of equipment includes everything that can currently be found: 4 USB 3.1 ports, RAID SATA 6 Gb/s, support for M.2 SSD and 4 slots for DDR4 RAM.

Motherboards with LGA 1151 socket:

ASRock X99M Extreme4: motherboards with the X99 chipset are relatively expensive, but very well equipped.

LGA 2011-v3: motherboards for Haswell-E

The LGA 2011-v3 socket belongs to the top segment and is compatible with powerful, expensive processors of the Haswell-E family manufactured by Intel. It can work with both Core desktop processors, which have up to 8 cores, and Xeon server processors, which can have up to 18 cores. At the same time, Intel gives you the opportunity to choose between two chipsets - X99 and C612.

For those who do not plan to build a server based on Xeon processors, it would be better to choose the X99 chipset. But be careful: these things are expensive. A model like ASRock X99M Extreme4 costs about 15,000 rubles, but its equipment is quite generous. In particular, you can install up to 128 GB of RAM in your computer.

In addition, there are 10 SATA 6 Gb/s interfaces, RAID and a fast M.2 slot for SSD drives. You will get even more opportunities with ASUS X99-E: in particular, we note the presence of 2 USB 3.1 ports, 14 USB 3.0 ports, 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 8 slots for RAM.

Motherboards with LGA 2011-v3 socket:

MSI H81M-P33 Plus: A very affordable motherboard.

LGA 1150: motherboards for Broadwell and Haswell

The LGA 1150 socket for Intel processors of the Haswell and Broadwell generations (4th and 5th generation Core) is no longer relevant. Its official successor is LGA 1151 for Skylake processors. However, it’s still worth looking at motherboards with this connector, since there are currently very good offers, an example of which is MSI H81M-P33 Plus, costing less than 4,000 rubles. Of course, such a profitable purchase entails compromises: there are only 2 slots for RAM and the number of USB and SATA ports is very limited.

Caution is always necessary when choosing a chipset. For example, C222 is intended for server solutions and is used in GigaByte GA-6LASL. The top socket for desktop computers is Z97, which is installed in MSI Z97A Gaming 6. Among the main equipment characteristics of this motherboard are USB 3.1 and Typ-C ports, M.2 slots and RAID support.

Motherboards with LGA 1150 socket:

ASRock FM2A68M-HD+: AMD systems are well suited primarily for low-cost projects.

Motherboards with FM2+ and AM3+ sockets

Intel dominates the processor market, but AMD should never be written off either. The rival of sockets 1150 and 1151 from the AMD camp is FM2+. At the same time, in technical terms, the AMD representative is not in the most advantageous position: for example, only DDR3 standard RAM is supported, the processor can have no more than 4 cores, and the maximum USB port standard is 3.0. But the integrated graphics are good, and a motherboard with such a chipset is very attractive in terms of price. One example is ASRock FM2A68M-HD+.

Another option from AMD is the AM3+ socket. It should be replaced soon so that we can talk about the same level as Intel. Available purchases with AM3+ may currently be ASUS M5A97 Evo R2.0 or ASUS M5A78L-M. It is important to remember that the PCI Express 2.0 bus is used here, which can be compared to a brake integrated into the system.

A motherboard, system board, or in common parlance a “board” is a complex and basic component when assembling a computer, used to house all the elements to run the system. The main materials used are textolite and getinaks, created using special printing technologies. Motherboards are available in several main form factors:

• Micro-ATX
• Mini-ATX

Mini-ATX are used to build entry-level systems or mini-assemblies to save space and budget. Their main disadvantage is the lack of enough space for upgrades and installation of powerful components. Micro-ATX are installed in mid-range systems and allow you to accommodate both low-budget and some high-end components. ATX is used when assembling top-end systems that require not only a lot of space for the component base (for example, a video card or cooling system), but also high-quality materials of the board itself to withstand heavy loads.

We have selected the top 15 best motherboards for assembling gaming computers on the most popular and current sockets in 2019.

The best motherboards for AM4

AM4 is designed to replace the obsolete platform on AM3+, depriving it of its shortcomings and at the same time compete with the now popular LGA1151. Its main innovations include:

• Support for the new DDR4 RAM format and frequency up to 3200 MHz;
• Stable operation with multi-threaded Ryzen processors with and without integrated graphics;
• Reduced heat dissipation, average 65 W;
• Supports USB1 and 3.0 gen 2 at speeds of 5 and 10 Gbps.

The main drawback was the partial incompatibility of the boards with previous sockets - only a few models support them.

4 ASRock B450M Pro4

Best cheap board on the market for AM4
Country: China
Average price: 6237 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The board has 3 reinforced power phases and 3 regular ones, albeit in the lower arm and containing a pair of mosfets. Both VRM zones are covered with modestly sized heatsinks, but thanks to the cuts, they have an increased dissipation area for better heat dissipation. 6 cores will keep up with overclocking, but you won’t be able to drive it on the bus, since not a single “board” on the 450 chipset has such functions.

Traditionally, the board has a curve for ASRock BIOS. Buyers praise many ports in their reviews. By default, there are 5 slots for connecting coolers or water cooling systems. In order not to overheat and burn the system, it is recommended to have a well-ventilated case or purchase additional turntables. Considering the price, it turned out to be an excellent product, with the exception of the randomness with the oils, which varies from delivery to delivery.

3 MSI B450 TOMAHAWK

The coldest motherboard
Country: China
Average price: 9000 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The power supply system firmly supports the overclocking of any six-core processor and is quite capable of pushing the Ryzen 2700 to 4 GHz without any overhead. This is the coolest B450 board on the market thanks to a strong power supply and a horse-sized heatsink.

The only hot spot is the controller. There is no offset here, but there is the possibility of autonomous BIOS flashing. "Tomahawk" has 4 slots for high-frequency RAM with a maximum of 3466 MHz. Supports first and second generation Ryzen processors. MSI tried hard, and if it was still possible to get to the bottom of the B350 chipset, then TOMAHAWK will withstand any criticism and give a big head start to competitors, despite not the best sound and network, which is justified by the manufacturer’s desire to stuff the power supply to the maximum.

2 MSI X470 GAMING PLUS

Excellent VRM equipment
Country: China
Average price: 11,800 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The board has 4+2 reinforced power phases, each of which has a double set of components. In the last generation, MSI surrendered under a barrage of criticism and stopped purchasing second-rate elements, catching up with ASUS in quality. For its money it has the best VRM equipment, even taking into account the lower number of phases than the famous ASUS Prime. In general, it heats up just as well, but costs less.

The disadvantages include the inability to overclock on the bus and the traditionally good overclocking potential of the memory. There is no clock generator and voltage offset. The ability to overclock the integrated APU graphics has also been removed. Thus, the board became an example of how you can save on minor things for the sake of more important things. Mediocre sound and network are compensated by a high-efficiency power supply, which is also not without heating under load.

Motherboards for office or school

Motherboards for work purposes are much cheaper than their gaming counterparts. They have a weak component base, they may lack protection against voltage surges, and there will be few power circuits at all. They can also be limited by the frequencies of the supported RAM and its volume. BIOS is very limited in functionality.

Gaming motherboards

This is the complete opposite. For a good gaming board you need 4 slots for RAM with a capacity of 16 GB or more. It is recommended to use RAM with frequencies of 1866 MHz and higher. An excellent option would be a model with powerful cooling radiators and at least 5 power circuits, so that in case of overclocking the “board” does not burn out. It is worth noting that there are gaming boards on sale without overclocking, but they must be used with extreme caution. The BIOS of a good board will have an interface for overclocking the bus and other PC components.

1 MSI X470 GAMING PRO CARBON

The best combination of characteristics
Country: China
Average price: 16106 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The Gaming PRO version has 1 more power phase, which has a positive effect on temperatures and the behavior of the board as a whole. As a result, MSI engineers managed to make a top power supply among pre-top motherboards. It is characterized by excellent memory overclocking, a simple and clear BIOS with fast navigation. A conveniently located reset button on the I/O panel will also please the owner who decides to play with the settings.

This board opened a new era for MSI, stopping the voltage drop during overclocking. This feature does not have the best effect on temperatures and power consumption when idle, but oddly enough, it fully complies with AMD specifications. Not suitable for overclocking APU due to missing settings in BIOS. The maximum amount of supported RAM is 64 GB with a frequency of up to 3466 MHz.

The best motherboards for the Intel LGA1150 socket

The LGA 1150 socket replaces the LGA 1155 and is designed for most modern processors. If you don't care about overclocking, go for boards from MSI or GIGYBITE. Want to save money on an external sound card? Then pay attention to “boards” with built-in at least Realtek 1150. The combination of all of the above will give you a high-quality base for assembling an inexpensive computer for both work and games.

4 Esonic H81-BTC-KING

Choice of buyers and miners
Country: China
Average price: 3430 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.1

Lost among the famous competitors is a board from Esonic. This is a rather modest “board”, created exclusively for office purposes and for playing simple browser games without any hint of serious games or leveling up.

2 slots for DDR3 RAM, only 4 power phases and an abundance of USB slots indicate that this board has a place only in the office - printing documents or just watching movies. On the plus side, there are Japanese capacitors. There are 4 SATA extensions, which will allow miners to attach 6 video cards to the board at once.

3 ASUS B85M-G

Best price. One of the best-selling motherboards for socket 1150
Country: China
Average price: 4940 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Third place rightfully went to the ASUS B85M-G motherboard. It can be classified as one of the best-selling models that are equipped with an Intel LGA1150 socket. The cost of the device is quite low, so it is very popular. An ideal option for those who want to save money and at the same time assemble a good multimedia system for a home or office computer.

All external interfaces have reliable protection; the panel is made of steel, which is not subject to corrosion. The model is especially relevant for the office, as the manufacturer has equipped it with COM and LTP ports. In the presented motherboard, the cooling system is based on high-quality solid capacitors, which guarantee durability even at critical temperature conditions (up to 105 degrees).

USB 3.0 interfaces accelerate up to 170% when interacting with any compatible peripheral devices, as they support the UASP protocol. As for management and settings, even a beginner can figure it out. Al Suite 3 software is distinguished by its simplicity and wide functionality.

2 ASRock H81 Pro BTC R2.0

For entry level overclocking
Country: China
Average price: 5879 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

With the latest BIOS versions, the board is capable of delivering up to 1.35 Volts to the processor, although this is not the maximum that is needed. However, these indicators are quite enough for most users who want to have an overclock of 4.6-4.7 GHz.

Outwardly, it seems quite simple and has only 2 external USB 3.0 ports, plus two regular ones - laughter, and that’s all. The built-in sound card also does not stand out in any way. However, the abundance of PCIe slots is captivating. There are only 2 slots for RAM with a total capacity of no more than 16 GB and a frequency of 1866 MHz. Buyers in their reviews note that this model can be safely used for mining, it has excellent compatibility with GTX1080 Ti video cards and is characterized by a good cooling system. Please note that there is another port above the video card slot, which makes it possible to install any large cooler to provide vertical airflow.

Despite ASUS's unconditional leadership in the board-building market, their products for socket 1150 are simply overpaid. They are not distinguished by textolite, overclocking capabilities, or components, but the manufacturer asks on average more for his creations than others. Even very controversial motherboards from MSI look more solid than ASUS with a circle.

1 GIGABYTE GA-B85M-D3H-A (rev. 1.0)

No overclocking restrictions
Country: China
Average price: 5925 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The board has no restrictions on overclocking, which is why it has become one of the most popular and relatively inexpensive options. It supports many processors, the list of which is as follows:

• Intel Core i7;
• Core i5;
• Core i3;
• Pentium;
• Celeron.

The BIOS has built-in protection and an emergency recovery system in case of overheating or critical errors. The maximum amount of supported RAM is 32 GB DDR3 format with a frequency of no more than 1600 MHz. There is support for the CrossFire system.

The best motherboards for the Intel LGA1151 socket

The LGA 1150 socket replaces the LGA 1155 and is designed for most modern processors. If you don't care about overclocking, go for boards from MSI or GIGYBITE. Want to save money on an external sound card? Then pay attention to “boards” with built-in no lower than Realtek 1150 and no worse. The combination of all of the above will give you a high-quality basis for assembling an inexpensive computer for both work and play.

4 MSI H110M PRO-VD

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 3400 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This model, unlike ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO, allows you to deploy a full-fledged gaming system with a relatively modest investment. The main advantage of the H110M PRO-VD is the large number of connectors: there are 8 of them for devices supporting USB 3.1, and as many as 6 for SATA (each bandwidth is up to 6 Gbps). It is possible to install DDR4 RAM with frequencies from 2133 to 3600 MHz. There are 4 slots for this, which makes it possible to equip your PC with up to 64 GB of high-speed and energy-efficient RAM.

The built-in sound chip from Realtek can also be added to the list of advantages - many manufacturers of expensive motherboards do not consider it necessary to add it to their solutions. In general, the H110M PRO-VD is not much inferior in hardware capabilities to the ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO, giving the latter a 30 percent head start in price. The reason for this is passive cooling: at maximum loads of a PC based on ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO, the performance drop will be more noticeable.

3 ASRock Z370 Pro4

Excellent choice of ATX format
Country: China
Average price: 7949 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Not everyone will like the fact that the heatsinks here are only on the left side and there are only 6 standard external USBs. But in this case, taking into account the fact that the case will be for ATX and 7 expansion slots, it is possible to install memory sticks with external USB ports. There is a Z370M Pro4 variant on the market - the same thing, only Micro ATX and with the same problems. Although, in games it makes no difference whether there are heatsinks around the socket or not - the 5 GHz frequency will remain stable.

The maximum supported amount of RAM is 64 GB, a total of 4 slots are available with support for DDR4 up to high-frequency 4266 MHz. Buyers in their reviews praise the convenient BIOS, good overclocking capabilities and the lack of ready-made profiles for overclocking. And advice: do not buy identical models on the H chipset - they are more expensive and there are no heatsinks on the socket. Be careful when purchasing - many manufacturers indicate SLI support, but this function is available only on a few variants.

2 MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING

Cool board with great features
Country: China
Average price: 12690 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Powerful radiators, a cool sound card, the ability to print additional accessories on a 3D printer - these are just a small part of all the possibilities that the Z370 KRAIT GAMING can provide you with. For those who like a pleasant appearance, backlighting is available. There is also SLI, but memory is officially supported only at 4000 MHz. Therefore, there may be a feeling that everything is cool, but what is missing. Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic 2+ technology will help you enjoy high-quality sound. It will help give your headset a studio-quality touch without noise or interference.

In case of problems, the built-in EZ Debug debugging system will help you, and of course the convenient Click BIOS 5. 2 slots for M.2 will help you easily install a couple of additional modules to expand the functionality. The only catch is a small overpayment for a strange design, which you can easily do without.

1 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII RANGER

For overclocking to 4.9 GHz via bus
Country: China
Average price: 6740 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The board is perfect for those who want to build a computer with high processor frequencies. With it, you can overclock the i7-6700 processor to 4.9 GHz on the bus or up to 5 GHz on the multiplier in the case of the i7-7700K. 4 slots for RAM with a frequency of 3400 MHz and a capacity of up to 64 GB - an excellent indicator for its category. What's nice is the simultaneous support for SLI and CrossFireX technologies.

The board has a simple and effective design without frills, the cooling of the power phases is simply excellent. New drivers are released on the site approximately every 1-2 months. It’s better not to use the CPU Installation Tool, but to install the processor the old fashioned way, so as not to break anything. The BIOS has many settings and the average user will have to read the manual and watch guides to get comfortable with the controls.

Best motherboards FOR AM3+

Socket AM2+ was AMD's response to the creation of Intel LGA1150. These solutions combine two features: versatility and affordability of motherboards based on them. A bonus for buyers was the AMD AM1 module, which ensures compatibility with subsequent generations of processors. The next step for AMD was the more powerful AM3+, created specifically for the FX line of processors and designed for overclocking top-end systems. Its characteristic features are the absence of integrated graphics, a “hot” north bridge and good overclocking potential. At the same time, the matter is not limited to setting the multiplier - you need to “drive” along the bus, forgetting about the voltage and RAM, the frequency of which for effective operation should not be less than 1866 MHz.

After the unexpected disclosure, as tech bloggers say, the “danced” AM3+, AMD significantly pushed Intel, finishing off its competitor with a line of budget “stones” of the A4-A10 series.

3 ASUS M5A78L-M LE/USB3

The optimal choice for office systems and gaming PCs without overclocking
Country: China
Average price: 4173 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This is an entry-level board that is not intended for overclocking due to the 760G chipset, a relatively weak cooling system and a small number of power circuits. It is capable of running RAM with frequencies up to 1866 MHz, but there are only 2 slots for RAM and one dual-channel mode. The maximum amount of RAM is only 16 GB and it is not capable of seeing more.

It is simply not recommended to drive the processor above 4.1 GHz, otherwise you will see reboots and blue screens of death. Solid-state capacitors do not swell under load and are made very well. It often comes from the factory with the latest or penultimate version of the BIOS, but it itself is already obsolete. It is not recommended to install processors with a TPD higher than 95 Watt, otherwise the power circuits will heat up and the circuits themselves will melt. Sometimes you come across defective versions with a humming sound system at more than 50% volume.

2 GYGABITE GA970-DS3P (rev. 2.x)

Ideal for mid-range builds
Country: China
Average price: 5074 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Meet the people's favorite, chosen by the majority of buyers. Using this plan is comparable to playing the violin by Paganini - it is very difficult, but if you delve into the nuances, it can give the most vivid sensations from the gameplay. The optimal frequencies for FX are from 4.0 to 4.2 GHz, which increases heat dissipation to 125 Watts; accordingly, the north bridge and power circuits can no longer cope with such a load and require the placement of additional coolers with a diameter of 40 mm, otherwise overheating will occur in 10-15 minutes.

The new BIOS performs well, now configurable not only using the keyboard but also the mouse. The board has a slot for connecting USB 3.0, as well as 8 ports on the rear panel, 6 of which are USB 2.0. Realtek 7.1 is responsible for the sound, and the maximum supported RAM frequency reaches 2000 MHz with a capacity of up to 32 GB. Users in their reviews recommend not to get carried away with overclocking without additional airflow, otherwise you can safely warm your hands on the system unit.

1 ASUS M5A99FX PRO R.2.0

The best overclocking board for AM3+
Country: China
Average price: 10,770 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

This is the best and most affordable motherboard for FX, Phenom, Athlon 2, Sempron 100 processors today. And at the same time the most expensive. It is not distinguished by the number of slots for RAM - there are 4 of them according to the classics. But the main trump card is the increased frequency of the OP - up to 2133 MHz. The maximum volume is 32 GB, which is enough for all possible operations. Powerful bridge radiators for passive cooling with heat pipes are installed along the periphery of the case.

An important element is the many 4-pin connectors for connecting fans, since additional fans are often required to improve air circulation. It’s also nice that there are 8 power phases at once, so you don’t have to worry about protecting the board from “burning out.” With a complete and correct upgrade, the board can handle the 5.1 GHz FX8300 processor without any problems. The main material used is strong hardboard for increased loads and heavy “tower” cooling systems.

How to choose a motherboard?

When choosing motherboards, rely on the following aspects:

1. Compatibility is an important parameter when choosing a motherboard. Any element and external device must be compatible physically and software with the board. An excellent option would be a board that allows you to switch to another processor in case of improvement.
2. The required number for ports, slots and socket (socket is a connector or “pocket” for connecting a processor). It is integrated into all boards, but as for USB ports and other elements, they may vary depending on the modifications. This is especially important when building a foundation for an upgrade in the future.
3. Availability of cooling systems (cooling radiators) on the chipset. Chipset is a set of microcircuits mounted on the motherboard. Most often, all logic is tied to the north and south bridges. There are boards that do not have bridges, but there is a different logic organization scheme.
4. Other components: built-in sound controller (connecting speakers), video adapter (analogous to an external video card), network controller (internet connection), CMOS battery, Russified BIOS (optional), built-in recovery software.

Assembling any computer begins with selecting a motherboard. This is the main connecting element that ensures the interaction of all systems on your PC at the proper level. If the mother card is weak or outdated, other elements will not work as they should. We will learn below how to choose the right motherboard for your computer.

A motherboard is a device that contains a variety of connectors and ports that provide connections for devices necessary for the proper operation of a PC. Each Motherboard contains the following items:

• USB – ports that allow you to connect external devices that are not included in the standard package of the system unit. These include: printers, removable disk drives, cameras and other equipment;
• Socket – connector used to connect the processor;
• Connectors for connecting RAM cards;
• Video card connector;
• Chipset is a specific set of chips that perform the function of a coordination center that unites and coordinates the work of the processor, video card, external devices, system disk and memory cards;
• Connectors that provide connection to the motherboard of storage devices and a disk drive;
• Connectors used for connecting power and installing a network card;
• Built-in video card with monitor connector;

Thus, the motherboard acts as a kind of coordination center to which almost all systems of your computer are connected.

Motherboards differ in various parameters:

1. Size;
2. A socket installed on the board;
3. Chipset;

Depending on the installed socket, MPs are:

• MPs designed to support AMD processors;
• MP supporting Intel processors;
• Specialized sockets supporting processors from smaller companies;

Note! In most cases, an MP is only compatible with one socket that supports a specific set of processors. You won't be able to buy a cheap MP built to support a weak processor and install powerful hardware on it.

The MP chipset, unlike the socket, does not affect the performance of the MP - it determines its functionality. Chipsets are:

1. Initial rank. They are equipped with MPs developed for budget systems;
2. Middle rank. Standard models that allow the connection of modern devices;
3. Senior rank. Allows you to overclock the system to the maximum. Used in top-end PCs;

If you do not plan to overclock your system and connect many different devices to your computer, you can choose entry-level and mid-level chipsets.

Choosing motherboard size

Depending on the size, the following are distinguished:

• Mini – STX. The smallest version of the motherboard (MP), which measures 14x14 centimeters. They are used to work with miniature PCs and embedded systems. They allow you to implement specific PC assembly options, but have a limited set of functionality and a high price;
• Mini - ITX. The size of the MP is 17x17 centimeters and is used for assembling laptop computers or various multimedia systems packaged in a separate case. Possessing an almost standard set of functions and small dimensions, such boards allow you to save on system assembly;
• Micro - ATX. The standard size is 24.4 x 24.4 centimeters, but models of other sizes are available. A good choice for budget systems, with all the necessary set of functions;
• Standard - ATX. Typical size 30.4 x 24.4 centimeters. The reference version used in almost all modern PCs. There are many different variations of this type of MP, differing in functionality and price;
• E – ATX. The boards measure 30.5 x 33 centimeters and represent the top segment of motherboards that support the latest modules and software shells. When purchasing them, it is worth considering that standard cases do not support boards of such dimensions and you will have to buy exclusive options for the system unit;

The main parameters that you need to pay attention to when buying a motherboard include:

1. Chipset. The speed of your computer will depend on your choice. Experts advise considering motherboards from Intel or AMD. They will allow you to achieve maximum results from your PC and will fully justify their price. Intel is considered a higher priority acquisition, but AMD's products are not far behind in general characteristics, and in some components they even surpass Intel's capabilities;
2. The size of the MP is also of great importance. The larger the board, the wider its capabilities;
3. Socket. Determines the brands of processor that are compatible with the MP you purchased. You should not buy MPs whose sockets support too old processor models; in the future you will not be able to strengthen your PC;
4. Another parameter that directly affects the power of the computer and the possibility of improving it is the presence of slots for RAM. The more slots on the board, and the more advanced memory cards they support, the better. It is advisable to purchase an MP that supports DDR4;
5. Connectors for video card. Their number is important primarily for gaming computers, but it would not hurt the average user to have at least 1 additional connector per MP. You can connect to it: TV tuner, sound card, modem and much more;
6. Other connectors. They do not play the most key role, however, the more devices that can be connected to the computer, the better;

Which motherboard is better to choose?

Many factors influence how to choose the right motherboard. General tips that are suitable for everyone who wants to purchase a new PC will look like this:

• To build a budget PC, motherboards with the following set of characteristics are suitable for you: operating frequency of the processor is 2,600 MHz, B150 chipset for “Intel” motherboards and A320 for “amdash” ones;
• For a good PC, you need to choose B350 boards from AMD or B250 from Intel. Slots for DDR4 RAM. You should not purchase boards with built-in audio and video modules, with the exception of a network card;
• Gaming computers or PCs for complex work that require a lot of power must support a processor operating frequency of at least 3000 MHz. Board model no lower than X379 from AMD or Z270 from Intel;

Note! Experts advise purchasing the most modern PC hardware possible. This is due to the fact that this industry is developing by leaps and bounds and in order to be able to use new programs it is better to choose more modern hardware.

The best boards for a computer

To determine a suitable MP in more detail, it is necessary to determine the scope of application of the PC:

1. For study;
2. For graphics programs;
3. For a budget gaming computer;
4. For the office;
5. For a powerful gaming PC;

Each area has its own nuances, which we will consider in more detail.

For study

• From Intel – MSI H110M PRO – VH;

They are a great combination of performance and price that will be affordable for most parents. Your child will be able to run almost any program on it and will be able to play comfortably in his free time from school.

For graphics programs

Graphics processing requires a lot of PC resources. This means that the motherboard must support the latest modules and software. General requirements for MP will look like this:

1. The board must support connecting at least 4 RAM modules;
2. One video card may not be able to handle serious projects, or the processing speed will be too low. From this follows the fact that it is desirable to have at least 1 additional slot for a video card on the board;
3. Support for processors of at least generation AM 3+ or Socket 1151;

For a budget gaming computer

A gaming computer requires no less power from the PC than graphics programs. If you are not going to play super-sophisticated games of the latest generation, then you can choose from 2 motherboards:

• For 4 thousand rubles you can afford the MSI A78M-E45 board. It will run most modern computer games on minimal and even medium system settings. Additionally, the board has good room for improvement;
• A motherboard from Intel, model ASROCK B150M PRO4S/D3, will cost you 5 thousand and provide similar capabilities;

For office

An office PC does not require a lot of power and the criteria are shifted towards reliability and efficiency. Most office PCs have a minimum set of built-in modules. In this case, choosing a motherboard will not be too difficult for you, and you can safely purchase any budget model sold on the computer market.

The maximum price of MP for an office PC is 3 thousand rubles. You can buy Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-DS2 or MSI H81M-E33. Both of them are perfect for solving everyday tasks in the office.

For a powerful gaming PC

Personal computers purchased for streaming or simply playing games at maximum settings require serious financial investments from the owner, especially when purchasing a motherboard. It must be taken with the utmost seriousness for the following reasons:

1. A large number of modules, both built-in and external, are connected to a gaming PC. Because of this, the board receives a large load, reaching up to 1 thousand W. A weak MP may not withstand such stress;
2. The minimum number of RAM slots must be 4;
3. Support for SSD hard drives is desirable;
4. Several additional slots for a video card;

The best solution would be to purchase an ASROCK Fatal1TY 970 Performance/3.1 MP for 10,000 rubles. It will allow you to enjoy the game at maximum resolution, without lags or glitches. In addition, such a card is suitable for all of the above PC options, if you have the money to buy it.

Motherboard cost

The cost of motherboards varies widely and can reach 77,000 rubles. Usually these are exclusive series that support all possible functionality at the maximum level. The average price for a normal motherboard ranges from 3.5 to 10 thousand rubles. It is worth considering that the model range is constantly being updated and prices can change quickly. And remember - it’s not enough to buy one MP; you need to correctly select the remaining modules for it. For example, in accordance with the assigned tasks, choose the right video card for the motherboard so that its power is used 100%. If you don’t know how to choose a video card for your computer correctly, turn to specialists for help.

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