Hello friends! If you do not often have to choose a motherboard in a store and you are interested in how to do it correctly, then read our detailed instructions, written in a fun way.
From our article you will learn literally everything about existing motherboards, and most importantly, a lot of things that even the sellers themselves do not know, and maybe even worse, they know, but they are silent!
At the beginning of the article, we publish an interesting letter from our reader who made a number of mistakes when choosing a motherboard. Learning from the mistakes of others!
How to choose a motherboard
Hi admin! tell how to choose a motherboard and which manufacturer, I do not want to be mistaken, because the motherboard is the main board on the computer and we will connect all the other components to it. In my life, I bought a computer three times, and despite the fact that I myself have an education and in the field of information technology, I was wrong all three times with the choice of a motherboard. I will briefly tell my story, you can laugh, I will not be offended!
The first time (it was 11 years ago) I spared money and decided choose motherboard without a SATA connector, and after a year I realized that my computer was old, as the IDE interface was rapidly becoming obsolete, and new SATA hard drives could not be connected to it. In addition, I chose the wrong motherboard manufacturer, now it has disappeared altogether, and the motherboard failed a year and a half after the purchase.
I bought the second computer in 2005, I was advised to buy it with a motherboard, on which there was a connector for connecting AGP 8x video cards (so they say, it is cheaper and more practical), and again after about a year I realized that I had made a mistake, video cards with the AGP interface began to disappear and they were soon replaced by PCI Express video cards. My AGP video card burned out after two years and I had to find and buy one at exorbitant prices.
When choosing a third computer, I was also mistaken, because, besides, I chose a motherboard with two PCI slots located so unsuccessfully that it did not work to connect a discrete sound card and a TV tuner to them over time, a discrete video card interfered all the time. In addition, when choosing a motherboard, I completely forgot about my old IDE hard drives and bought a motherboard without an IDE connector, and on these old hard drives half of my life, I then had to buy such a special one, which I also had to throw out, since it was not inserted into an inconveniently located PCI slot, I still found a way out.
And just recently I had to choose a motherboard for the fourth time in my life, the first thing that was offered to me in a computer supermarket was the ASUS P8Z77-V PRO motherboard, but I'm in no hurry to buy, I want to consult with you.
First, the price is 7,000 rubles, but for what! For three PCI Express slots, but I don't need all of them, because I have one video card.
And most importantly, my powerful 2 gig video card cannot be installed in the first dark blue PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot; a beautiful aluminum heatsink cooling the Intel Z77 Express chip on the motherboard interferes.
It is in the first dark blue PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot that all 16 lines from the processor will be available. I have to install the video card in the second light PCI Express 3.0 x8 slot, and there are only 8 processor lanes available in it.
No, I understand that if I insert a video card into the middle PCI Express 3.0 x8 slot, the performance loss will be only 5%, but still there is this loss. About the third black PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot I generally keep quiet, only 4 lines from the processor are available to him, the question arises why he is needed at all, if only there is nothing to rip off money from me.
See what the GPU-Z.0.7.7 utility shows if you install a GeForce GTX 560 PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics card in the first slot of the PCI Express 3.0 x16 specification.
If you install a video card into the second slot of the PCI Express 3.0 x8 specification, then the video card starts working according to a completely old specification. PCI-E 16x 1.1. I won't even experiment with the third PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot, since everything is clear anyway.
Administrator's note: I am familiar with the ASUS P8Z77-V PRO motherboard and I want to say that everything that our reader says is true, only now I doubt that it was impossible to install a video card in the first PCI Express x16 slot. I often installed various video cards on this motherboard and there were no problems. I would like to know the model of our reader's video card.
Secondly, the presence of USB 3.0 ports, up to 4 ports, but again I can get by with two.
Thirdly, 2 SATA 6.0 Gb / s connectors, but again I don't need two, since I have one 3TB hard drive.
There are also 4 SATA 3.0 Gb / s ports, but why do I need so many, I only have one hard drive and then, as I have already noticed, it has a SATA 6.0 Gb / s interface. In addition, all SATA connectors are inconveniently placed on the motherboard, but this is my personal opinion.
Fourthly, the presence of a proprietary Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n adapter, but I don't need it either, since I have a router.
Conclusion: most likely I don't need such a motherboard, or am I still arguing incorrectly and missing something and misunderstanding?
The second motherboard suggested to me is P8Z77-V LX2... Inexpensive price of 2900 rubles, everything that is needed on the motherboard is present: SATA 6 Gb / s and SATA 3 Gb / s connectors, many USB 3.0 ports, USB 2.0 and so on, but again, this is what confuses, firstly, there is no enough video output DVI, there is only VGA.
Additional power to the processor is presented in the form of a 4-pin ATX12V power connector instead of an 8-pin one, which is rather strange, because the socket (seat for the processor) on the motherboard is LGA1155 and, accordingly, my processor is Intel Core i7! Will this cut off food be enough for him? Googled about this question, people say it's not scary, well, okay.
And there is another snag with the PCI Express slot! The first PCI Express x16 corresponds to specification 3.0, but my video card again does not fit into it because of the radiator of the south bridge, and the second specification is 2.0 and only 4 lines from the processor are available in it, well, this is not enough for my powerful video card. I think this is an obvious loss of performance.
The video card is not included in the PCI Express slot, the latch does not snap into place, the radiator of the south bridge interferes.
Administrator's note: in fact, not every video card can be installed into the first PCI Express x16 slot on this motherboard; the radiator of the south bridge will interfere with you.
In short, I feel the admin that you got a headache from me, like the consultants with whom I spoke in the store, but I still hope for your help.
As friends can see, it is relatively difficult to choose a motherboard for your computer, since you need to know many nuances.
Therefore, I choose the motherboard at the very end, when the configuration of the computer is already known. To make this easier, let's divide the selection process into a number of specific questions.
Motherboard developers
Developers of motherboards, or, to put it correctly, chipsets or chipsets, are all the same corporations known to all that develop processors. These are Intel and AMD. You can find old motherboards based on NVidia, VIA, SiS, Ali chipsets. But they are not used in new motherboards, since the NVidia chipset development department was acquired by AMD and now produces chipsets under its own trademark, and the VIA, SiS, Ali chipsets were not very successful and could not withstand the competition.
On the chipset of which developer (Intel or AMD) to choose a motherboard depends solely on which processor you have chosen.
What is a chipset (logic set)
A chipset or set of logic is called the main integrated circuit of a motherboard. It is a kind of processor that connects and controls all devices on the board: the central processor, memory, video card, hard drives, expansion cards, external and internal connectors, etc. The performance of the motherboard and, accordingly, the entire computer depends on how powerful and modern the chipset is.
Previously, the motherboard chipset had a classic layout in the form of the so-called north and south bridges. These were two separate integrated circuits that got their name from their location on the board.
North bridge was located higher on the board, like the north on the geographical map of the world, and was responsible for the fastest components of the system: processor, memory and video card, with which it is connected by the so-called buses (copper tracks) of the motherboard. The Northbridge is the fastest, heaviest and hottest component on the motherboard. It requires some cooling.
South bridge located below the north, closer to such slower devices as: a hard drive, slots for expansion cards, USB connectors, the work of which was regulated by means of buses connected to them on the motherboard. The south bridge is not as powerful as the north one, usually it was not very hot and had no or had weaker cooling.
Over time, technologies developed and the developers came to combine these two microcircuits into one, which was responsible for everything at once and was traditionally called the north bridge, as more important. This made it possible to save on the production of chipsets and, accordingly, motherboards, but found application mainly in cheaper motherboards, and in more powerful and expensive ones, two full-fledged bridges were still used.
Chipsets of powerful modern motherboards, thanks to advanced technologies and a more delicate manufacturing process, have only a northbridge. However, in some models, you can still find the classic separation.
Chipset classification
Motherboard chipsets, like other system components, are divided into classes depending on power and functionality, which is reflected in the price.
They are installed on the same inexpensive motherboards, have low performance and are designed for weak office or home computers.
Mid-range chipsets are installed on mid-range motherboards and are designed for more powerful office or home computers.
High end chipsets are installed on more expensive motherboards and are intended for home multimedia or professional computers.
Top-end, most powerful chipsets run on very expensive motherboards and are designed for high-end gaming PCs, wealthy enthusiasts, and professional and scientific PCs.
Chipsets of modern motherboards
Like many components, motherboard chipsets are labeled according to the principle: the higher the digital value of the marking, the higher the class it belongs to.
Modern motherboards have the following series (or line) of chipsets.
Modern Intel chipsets
B, Q- business series of chipsets with support for special security technologies and remote control for the corporate sector
H, P, Z- consumer chipset series for office and home PCs
X- top series of chipsets for powerful gaming and professional PCs
Modern AMD chipsets
760 - old series of entry-level chipsets
970 - old series of high-end chipsets
990 - old series of top chipsets
A55- new series of entry-level chipsets
A75, A78- a new series of mid-range chipsets
A85, A88- a new series of high-end chipsets
By the chipset, you can roughly determine the class of the motherboard and whether it is suitable for its intended purpose for your PC, but the choice can only be made according to the characteristics of a particular motherboard.
What is the difference between chipsets
All chipsets, regardless of the manufacturer, differ in such parameters as:
Supported processors
Supported memory type and frequency
Bus frequency and bandwidth
Built-in sound (audio codec)
Built-in network card
Type and number of connectors supported for connecting drives (SATA, IDE)
Type and number of supported video card slots (PCI-E)
Type and number of expansion card slots (PCI) supported
Type and number of connectors supported for connecting USB devices
Other parameters and technologies
You can find out information about any chipset on the developer's website or by entering its marking on Google, but I repeat that usually this is not required to select a motherboard, since firstly all important parameters are indicated in the characteristics of the motherboard on the manufacturer's website, and firstly second, a particular motherboard may not use all the capabilities of a particular chipset, or, conversely, correct its shortcomings with its own solutions.
The figure below shows an example of a chipset diagram that reflects the technologies it supports and the buses by which it is connected to the system components.
Motherboard manufacturers
Motherboards are made by many manufacturers. In doing so, they use chipsets from two main developers - Intel and AMD. In practice, there are several well-established manufacturers. Reliable motherboard manufacturers include ASUS, Gigabyte, Intel, MSI. Brands such as AsRock and Biostar can be viewed as a compromise in terms of price / quality ratio.
For example, AsRock was acquired by ASUS and is its division initially positioned as a budget brand, but has now acquired all lines of motherboards from budget to powerful gaming. Moreover, with more affordable prices. I would not recommend purchasing motherboards of little known and presented in our country by only a few brands: 3Q, EliteGroup (ECS), Fujitsu, Supermicro, Tyan, Zotac.
Guarantee
Keep in mind that the motherboard is not the most reliable component of the system and, unlike a video card, it can be problematic to replace it, since they quickly become outdated and it can be difficult to find a replacement, and purchasing a more modern model can lead to the replacement of other system components (processor, memory). Therefore, the motherboard should be as reliable as possible and it is desirable to have a sufficient warranty of 24-36 months.
The first signs of an imminent failure of the motherboard - the computer turns on every other time, reboots or turns itself off, slows down, capacitors swell.
Purpose of motherboards
By purpose, motherboards can be divided into:
For office- the most inexpensive models for simple tasks, on which the appropriate components are installed (weak processors with integrated video, small amount of memory).
For home multimedia PCs- the most popular models of the middle price range, on which processors and video cards of the middle class are installed.
For games- fast motherboards on which powerful processors and video cards are installed (from 1 to 4).
For the corporate segment- with support for special security technologies, remote control, with an extended set of ports, etc.
For professionals and enthusiasts- top-end very expensive motherboards, on which you can install the most powerful components (top processor, 4 video cards, 32-64 GB of RAM, 6-12 drives, etc.).
It is imperative to consider how powerful components will be installed on the motherboard. If you install a powerful processor and / or video card on a cheap motherboard, then, firstly, they will not be able to work at full capacity, since the performance of the chipset will not be enough, and secondly, this motherboard will not withstand such a load for a long time and will fail. And vice versa, if you install a weak processor and / or video card on a fast motherboard, then this will be wasted money.
Processor socket (slot)
Processor connectors on motherboards correspond to processor connectors. The processor socket, or as it is also called the Socket (slot), is the place where the processor and the motherboard are connected. Processor connectors for each manufacturer and processor line are different and they are labeled either by the number of feet in the socket or by the marking of the processor line.
The technological process is currently progressing very quickly, processors are changing, processor sockets are changing. If you are assembling a new computer, do not use motherboards and processors with obsolete connectors, since if you have problems or want to improve these components in a year or two, it will be difficult for you to find a replacement.
Legacy Intel processor slots are labeled LGA 775
Modern Intel processor slots are labeled: LGA 1150, LGA 1155, LGA 2011
Obsolete AMD processor slots are labeled: AM3, AM3 +, FM1
Modern AMD processor slots are labeled: FM2, FM2 +, FX
All you need to know about slots is that they must be the same on the processor and motherboard, otherwise the processor will simply not install.
In addition, I will quote one of the readers of our site that you can install processors with sockets AM2 +, AM3, AM3 + into the AM2 processor socket. Thanks to this, you can significantly increase the performance of your PC by installing a more powerful processor without replacing the motherboard.
Supported processors
The cpu socket and the supported cpu are not the same thing. Each motherboard is designed for specific processor models. However, after the release of the motherboard into production, new processor models appear, for which it was not originally designed. In most cases, a processor with the same socket as the motherboard will work on it, but not always.
On the website of each manufacturer there is a list of processors supported by a particular motherboard. After the release of the motherboard, this list has been supplemented for some time with new models of supported processors, which turned out to be compatible and verified through testing by the motherboard manufacturer. Often, compatibility issues are resolved by releasing a new version of the motherboard firmware (BIOS). Before buying a motherboard, make sure your processor is on this list, otherwise there is no guarantee that the system will work properly.
If you replace a processor on an old motherboard, the required model may not appear on the list of compatible processors. However, this processor will probably work on this board. Try to search the Internet for reviews of those who have already tried to install this processor on the same motherboard. Agree with the seller to take the processor for a trial, or bring the system unit to it. Be sure to flash the latest BIOS from the motherboard manufacturer's website. But keep in mind one important nuance: the processor may not be on the compatibility list for the reason that the motherboard power circuit cannot provide the power required by the processor. In this case, there is a risk of imminent failure of the motherboard. Thermal package "TDP" of the processor should not exceed that of the motherboard.
Memory slots
Inexpensive motherboards often have only 2 slots for installing memory modules. In principle, this may be sufficient for the configurations in which they are used. However, if you install two memory modules on such a motherboard, then in order to increase its volume in the future, you will have to make a complete replacement, since there will be nowhere to insert additional modules. If you install one module during assembly, then in the future it will be possible to add another one to the remaining free slot. But when using one module, memory performance is lost due to the fact that it will not work in dual-channel mode.
Mid-range and higher-end motherboards usually have 4 memory slots. This not only allows you to install more of it, but also add memory without problems in the future without sacrificing performance due to the use of dual-channel mode.
The most expensive (for example, gaming) motherboards can have 6 slots for installing memory modules and support a three-channel mode of operation.
Type, size and frequency of supported memory
Older motherboards used DDR, DDR2 and older types of memory. DDR2 memory can still be found in computer stores and used to expand memory in older PCs. DDR memory is only available for purchase. The most popular memory type today is DDR3, and DDR4 memory is about to hit the markets. The same principle applies here as with processor slots - buy motherboards that support the most modern type of memory in order to ensure the expandability and maintainability of the system in the next few years. Today it is still DDR3.
Each motherboard has a limit on the maximum amount of memory modules that can be installed in a slot. Plus there is a limit on the total supported memory size.
The motherboard can support different frequencies of RAM. The most common memory frequencies for today are: 1333, 1666, 1800, 2000 MHz, there are also higher. But here it already rests on the processor, since modern processors in the bulk support memory up to 1666 MHz. Memory modules with this frequency are now optimal in terms of price / performance ratio. The letters "OC" after the memory frequency in the motherboard marking means that it supports the specified frequency in the overclocking mode (for example, DDR3 2000 MHz (OC)).
Connectors (slots) for installing video cards
Old motherboards had an AGP connector for installing video cards, but they are completely and hopelessly outdated and have long since disappeared from the market.
All modern motherboards have a PCI Express (PCI-E) slot for installing video cards. This connector has 3 revisions (PCI-E v.1, v.2 and v.3), which differ in bus bandwidth (data transfer rate between the motherboard and the video card). All these revisions are compatible, and I do not focus on them. In addition, depending on the bandwidth, the connectors are also labeled as x4, x8, x16. All motherboards on the market today have a PCI-E v3 x16 slot.
Mid-range and high-end motherboards can have from 1 to 4 PCI-E slots and, accordingly, they can accommodate multiple video cards in SLI mode (for NVidia video cards) or CrossFire (for AMD video cards). In this case, cheaper motherboards can only support multiple video cards at a reduced bus speed (for example: x8 + x8 or x4 + x4 + x4). Expensive gaming graphics cards can support dual mode x16 + x16 or x8 + x8 + x8 + x8, which can improve video performance when installing multiple powerful graphics cards.
Older motherboards can support either SLI or CrossFire. But already many modern models can work in both modes.
Also pay attention to the distance between the PCI-E slots. This may determine what form factor of the video card you can install (dual-slot or single-slot). In addition, in a configuration with several video cards, they may overlap the slots for expansion cards, in which you might want to install a good sound card or a Wi-Fi adapter card. If you do not plan to install multiple video cards, you may not need a motherboard with 4 PCI-E slots.
Main system bus
The bandwidth of the main system bus HT (Hyper Transport), and earlier FSB (Front System Bus), is characterized mainly by the speed of data exchange between the processor and RAM. Usually, the system performance does not rest on the motherboard bus, since it is designed for the fastest processor and the fastest RAM available at the time of its development, with a margin. However, if you want to save now by buying a not the most expensive processor so that in a year or two, when prices fall, change it to a more powerful one, then it is advisable not to take a motherboard with a bus of the outgoing generation. This parameter is not so relevant today, therefore it is rarely mentioned in price lists and product catalogs. This can be found on the motherboard manufacturer's website. Modern motherboards have a bus bandwidth of 5200 Mb / s (5.2 Gb / s) and higher; their generation has already had a bus of 1000-2000 Mb / s (1-2 Gb / s).
Embedded (integrated) video
In older motherboards with an integrated video card, the video chip was soldered on the board itself. Modern motherboards do not have this chip, since many modern processors already have a video core. In any case, the built-in video does not have its own separate memory and uses the computer's RAM for its work. Motherboards with an integrated video card have connectors for connecting a monitor and / or TV. On older motherboards, this is a VGA connector, on newer ones - DVI and HDMI.
The description of a motherboard with integrated video usually contains either a video chip model (in older models) or an “int. video "(for new ones), which means that it supports processors with a video core and has the corresponding connectors.
An integrated video card is optional for a computer with a separate (discrete) video card and in this case, usually they do not pay attention to it, but it can help out in the event of a failure of the main video card, especially if it goes to a service center in another city to conduct a warranty examination ...
A modern video card integrated into the processor is enough for all office, multimedia tasks and simple games. But if you plan to install modern games, then you need a full-fledged discrete graphics card.
Built-in (integrated) sound
Old motherboards had a built-in sound card (audio codec) AC'97, which, like the integrated video, was soldered directly on the motherboard in the form of a separate microcircuit and used computer resources, such as a processor and RAM, for its work. At the same time, the sound quality left much to be desired and cut the ear so much that not even music lovers preferred to purchase a separate discrete sound card (for example, from the very popular manufacturer Creative Sound).
All modern motherboards have an HDA (High Definition Audio) class audio codec, which is already in the chipset. Such an audio codec produces sound quality comparable to budget discrete sound cards and its sound depends more on the quality of the connected speaker system (s). But if you want to purchase a multi-channel hi-fi audio system, then it is better to get a professional sound card.
Motherboards usually have 3 or 6 3.5 mm jacks for connecting audio devices, one of which is always used for connecting a microphone. If the motherboard has only 3 3.5 mm jacks, then only a 2.0 (stereo) or 2.1 speaker system (2 channels and a subwoofer) can be connected to it. If 6 jacks - speaker system from 2.0 to 7.1 (7 channels and a subwoofer).
Also, the motherboard can have digital audio signal outputs - coaxial (in old boards) and optical (in new ones). More expensive speakers may support these connections. At the same time, there are practically no sound distortions during signal transmission from the sound card to the speakers. Such systems are preferred by music lovers or professional musicians.
Built-in (integrated) network card
The network card is also soldered to separate chips (on old boards) or are part of a chipset (on new ones) and use the resources of the computer. Almost all modern motherboards have a 1000 Mb / s (1 Gb / s) network card. If on an old or cheap motherboard the network card has a speed of 100 Mb / s, then this is quite enough even for the fastest Internet, but not enough for the frequent exchange of large amounts of data (10 GB or more) between home computers.
In any case, when buying a computer, it is better to purchase a separate network card. It is not expensive ($ 5-10) and will save your motherboard in the event of a high-voltage breakdown from the provider. This often happens in a thunderstorm.
The motherboard with an integrated network card has an RJ-45 connector. There are motherboards with two network cards. In this case, they have two such connectors.
Support for various media
Modern motherboards are fully compatible SATA2 (3Gb / s) and SATA3 (6Gb / s) connectors for connecting various storage media: hard drives (HDD), optical drives (ODD), fast solid-state drives (SSD).
IDE connector for connecting drives of the old type is morally outdated and is not available on all modern motherboards. You may only need it if you have a good large disc or are very limited in funds and want to install an old DVD drive.
Modern HDD and ODD have interface connectors SATA2 or SATA3 and for them it is not important, since their speed is limited by mechanics (up to 150 Mb / s), while the interface allows data transfer at a speed that is an order of magnitude higher.
Modern SSD drives have a SATA3 interface and can connect to SATA2 connectors, but sometimes there are compatibility problems and slowdowns. In this case, it is still desirable to have SATA3 connectors on the motherboard.
Modern HDD 3 GB or more are not supported on motherboards with classic BIOS. In this case, the system simply does not see the entire volume of the disk. If you plan to use hard drives of this size, then your motherboard must support the UEFI interface.
Expansion card slots
Older motherboards used PCI slots to install expansion cards. You may need such a connector if you have such cards, for example, a professional sound card or TV tuner.
On modern motherboards, PCI Express slots are used to install expansion cards: PCI-E 1x, 2x, 4x, and PCI slots have almost become history.
If you plan to use expansion cards (sound, network card, etc.), then pay attention to the presence of connectors of the required type on the motherboard and that they do not overlap when installing video cards.
External connectors
The picture below shows the external connectors of an old unpretentious motherboard.
The picture below shows the external connectors of a modern motherboard.
Internal connectors
The image below shows the main internal connectors and elements of the motherboard that you need to pay attention to when choosing it.
Wireless technology
Some modern motherboards may have built-in wireless adapters: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. They may be needed if this motherboard is planned to be used to assemble a multimedia center in a compact case. In other cases, you can use a separate wireless controller card, since this functionality out of the box greatly affects the price.
Form factor (size) of the motherboard
Motherboards come in the following standard form factors (dimensions):
ATX- the most common full-size motherboard format (305 × 244 mm), is optimal for a stationary computer, since the dimensions of the motherboard do not allow much economy and it is convenient to separate and place all the elements on it, it is installed in most cases for stationary PCs.
Mini-ATX- a very common stripped-down motherboard format (284 × 208 mm), typical for budget motherboards, usually has fewer connectors (for example, only 2 memory slots), installed in most cases for stationary PCs and smaller cases of the same format.
Micro-ATX- a slightly less common reduced format of the motherboard (244 × 244 mm), is used mainly for assembling multimedia centers and may have built-in wireless adapters, installed in special cases for multimedia centers.
There are other less common formats: Mini-ITX, EATX, XL-ATX, Thin Mini-ITX. They all differ in size and are usually matched to an already specific case.
Electronic components
On cheap motherboards, the corresponding element base is always used (for example, Chinese electrolyte capacitors).
More expensive boards may have higher quality electronic components (for example, Japanese solid capacitors). If so, the manufacturer always tries to emphasize this with a marketing slogan such as: Solid Caps (solid capacitors), Super Alloy Power (reliable power system), Military Standard (military standard), etc. In any case, such motherboards are more reliable and durable.
Processor power circuit
How much powerful processor the motherboard can power depends on the processor power scheme. Cheap motherboards have 3-4 phase processor power supply, middle class - 5-6 phases, gaming motherboards - 8 or more processor phases. This information can be found on the website of the motherboard manufacturer.
Cooling system
Inexpensive motherboards usually have a small aluminum heatsink on the mosfets (transistors) of the processor power circuit and a small heatsink on the northbridge. And, with a little ventilation of the case, this is usually enough for them, since such systems do not use powerful processors and video cards.
Older motherboards often had a small, high-speed fan on the northbridge heatsink, which eventually began to whine a lot.
Mid-range motherboards usually have either larger heatsinks or heatpipe cooling systems, which are preferable, but still require air circulation inside the case.
Cooling systems for powerful motherboards are usually based on heat pipes and have even higher requirements for the organization of case ventilation.
Pay attention to the size and location of these heatsinks, because if they are too high and close to the motherboard slots, they can interfere with the installation of a long video card or a powerful processor cooler.
Additional equipment
An additional package for any motherboard includes: a cover for the rear panel of connectors, 2-4 interface SATA cables, a disk with drivers and a user's manual. This is usually enough, but not always. There are times when I bought everything, brought it in, started assembling it and suddenly discovered that it was missing some kind of cable or adapter. Check the complete set of the motherboard on the manufacturer's website.
Complete with more expensive motherboards and so-called Deluxe versions of cheaper ones, there is a lot of junk: 6 SATA cables, brackets with external Wire Fire connectors, USB, etc. Usually all this is lying around and it is better to overpay for a good motherboard than for such a "generous" add-on.
Motherboard firmware (BIOS and UEFI)
Gradually, all motherboards are moving from the classic BIOS type firmware to the UEFI interface, which has many additional functions, in particular, support for disks over 2 TB, installing many operating systems on one disk, etc. It is better not to pull the cat by the tail and immediately take the motherboard from UEFI support, so that later there would be no problems with new devices and operating systems.
Supported operating systems and drivers
Modern motherboards usually support all popular operating systems (OS). For any motherboard to work, a set of special firmware, called drivers, is required, which are required for the chipset and all electronic components integrated into it. Newer models often no longer have drivers for older operating systems (Windows XP, 7). In addition, after some time (1-2 years) the release of drivers for newly emerging operating systems is discontinued. For cheaper motherboards this support period is very short (about 1 year), for more expensive motherboards it is longer (up to 3 years). In addition, the same applies to firmware updates (BIOS or UEFI) and after a while you may not be able to install on such a motherboard, for example, a new processor or drive.
Additional software
Popular motherboard manufacturers (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte) have many special programs that enhance their functionality. For example, they change the power consumption modes, the speed of the fans, allow you to monitor various parameters of the system, make the sound better, etc. Although I do not often use such utilities, I really like ASUS programs and only thanks to them I would once again purchase a motherboard from this company, but otherwise the quality of their motherboards in the middle and higher price range is very good, although they are also a little more expensive. If we are talking about purchasing a cheap motherboard for an office computer, then this is all useless and I would advise not to overpay for the brand in this case.
3. Sort the remaining motherboards by price.
4. Browse through all the items in order, starting with the cheapest ones.
5. When you reach a position suitable for all the main parameters, go to the manufacturer's website and specify all the other parameters.
6. Carefully examine the photo of the motherboard on the manufacturer's website from all available angles. Pay attention to the number and location of various connectors, the size and location of the radiators (so that they do not interfere with the installation of other components: a video card and a processor cooler).
7. Check out a few other motherboards that are similar and suitable for the price, maybe they will have a better configuration.
Thus, you will choose the motherboard that is optimal in terms of price / quality / functionality ratio.
Summary
Summarizing all the information from this article, I want to summarize what you need to pay attention to when choosing a motherboard for both a new and an old PC.
15. Availability of wireless technologies (if necessary).
16. The warranty period for the motherboard.
17. Additional equipment (to buy in addition, if something is missing).
The motherboard is the main link within the system unit of the computer.
That is why it is very important when buying 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 outline in general terms the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing a motherboard.
For convenience and quick transition, a summary is given:
Motherboard and its main components
In order to better navigate the main components and in the future to visualize for ourselves directly what we will choose, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the layout of the motherboard elements using a specific example. For the sample, we took a very original Sapphire Pure Z77K motherboard (original because Sapphire), which is also focused on the overclocking market. In fact, for the task of visual examination of the main elements of the motherboard, neither model nor positioning matters at all. Therefore, we turn to the consideration of this motherboard:
Click on the picture to enlarge
Here, the numbers highlight the main components, but some rather specific elements inherent only in overclocking motherboards are touched upon.
(1) Processor socket- one of the main elements of the motherboard. A processor is installed in the socket and it is very important that processor socket which it is targeting was socket compatible on the motherboard.
Under the number (0) was specified "double" radiator, which is responsible for cooling the elements of the power converters of the processor, the integrated graphics core and the CPU VTT. Such heatsinks are often found only in overclocking motherboards. Regular motherboards are shipped without this cooling element.
(2) PCI-Express slots ... On the printed circuit board of this motherboard, we see 3 slots PCI-Express X16 version 3.0, these connectors are intended for installing video cards (either one or several in SLI and Cross Fire modes). This can also include the number (3) - it's the same PCI-Express x16 slot, but already older version 2.0. Between slots PCI-E X16, numbered (14) posted PCI-E X1 slots... These expansion slots are intended for installing devices that do not require a large bus bandwidth; one line X1 is enough for them. Such devices include TV tuners, audio and network cards, various controllers and many others.
Under the number (4) we have specified chipset(in this case Intel Z77), which is hidden under the cooling heatsink. The set of system logic contains various controllers and is a connecting link between the control of a part of the components and the processor.
(5) Installation connectors RAM DDR3... These connectors are colored black and blue for installing memory modules in dual-channel operation, which allows them to slightly increase their efficiency.
(6) Battery CMOS-memory... This battery powers the microcircuit BIOS CMOS Memory so that it does not lose its settings after turning off the computer.
(8) , (12) 24-pin and 8-pin connectors respectively. The 24-pin is the main 24-pin power connector that powers most of the motherboard components.
Under the number (9) and (10) connectors are indicated SATA 3 (6Gb / s) and SATA 2 respectively. They are placed on the edge of the motherboard and are made in the style of motherboard connectors for overclocking (connecting devices from the side for open stands). SATA interface serves to connect hard drives, SSD-drives and drives. In ordinary motherboards, they are frontally deployed and shifted closer to the center, which makes it convenient to use them within the system unit of "non-overclocking" systems.
Under the number (11) a rather specific element was identified, which is found only in motherboards for enthusiasts - this POST indicator... He also displays the temperature of the processor, but he likes to lie a little.
(13)
Rear 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 proceed to the consideration of individual blocks and parameters for choosing a motherboard. Since this article is introductory, everything will be described briefly and already considered much deeper in separate articles. So let's go.
Choosing a motherboard manufacturer
The motherboard manufacturer is not a very important factor when choosing. Here the situation is absolutely identical, as with the choice of the manufacturer for the video card- all are good and the question here is rather "religious" - who believes in what. Therefore, you can safely choose from all non-"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 motherboards have a layout that is not very convenient, perhaps some manufacturer does not have a very extensive package of delivery, and someone 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 in terms 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, before buying, I advise you to review the reviews of motherboards and user reviews, so as not to run into a model with poor cooling, or something else. We will not dwell on the choice of motherboard manufacturers for a long time, but rather we will move on.
Choosing the right form factor
Initially, the correct choice of form factor will save you, in the future, from many problems. At the moment, the most popular motherboard form factors are ATX and its stripped-down version - Micro-ATX.
It is very important that the form factor determines the further expandability of the system. The Micro-ATX form factor is usually equipped with fewer PCI and PCI-E expansion slots for graphics cards and additional devices. Also, often, such motherboards have at their disposal only two slots for installing memory modules, which significantly limits the increase in RAM, both quantitatively and in terms of issues related to convenience. But the main advantage of Micro-ATX lies in the price. Coming from 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.
The size is also important, which just 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.
More details on form factors and their features will be described in a separate article.
Choosing a motherboard socket
After you have decided on the processor, the selection of the motherboard begins. And the first choice factor should be exactly the socket, which ensures the compatibility of the processor and motherboard. That is, if an Intel processor with an LGA 1155 socket was chosen, then the motherboard must also have an LGA 1155 socket. The list of supported sockets and processors can be found on the motherboard manufacturer's website.
For more details on modern processor slots, see the article: processor socket .
Choosing a motherboard chipset
The chipset is the link in the interaction of the entire system. It is the chipset that largely determines the capabilities of the motherboard. Chipset- this is originally 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 chipsets of the 7th series from Intel and the 900th series from AMD are popular, Nvidia also adjoins them, but the range in the field of chipsets is quite small there.
Chipsets of the seventh Intel series, such as Z77, H77, B75 and others, slightly distorted the concept of "chipset", because they do not consist of several chips, but only of the north bridge. This does not in any way curtail the functionality of the motherboard, because some of the controllers were simply transferred to the processor. These controllers include a PCI-Express 3.0 bus controller and a DDR3 memory controller. The North Bridge was given control over USB, SATA, PCI-Express, etc. What is tied to what and on what buses can be clearly seen on the block diagram of the Z77 chipset:
Indices Z, H, B - indicate the positioning of one or another chipset for different market segments. The Z77 has been classified as a chipset for overclocking enthusiasts. The H77 is a regular mainstream chipset with advanced features. The B75 is a little undercut in terms of the capabilities of the H77, 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 two-chip chipsets and the latest 900 series is no exception. Motherboards with this set of system logic are equipped with 990FX, 990X 970 northbridge and SB950 southbridge.
When choosing a north bridge for an AMD motherboard, you should also build on its capabilities.
The 990FX is a northbridge designed for the enthusiast market. The main curiosity of the chipset with this northbridge is support for 42 PCI-Express lanes. Therefore, on 32 lines allocated for video adapters, you can connect up to 4 video cards in a Cross Fire bundle. From this we conclude that a few users need such capabilities, so the functionality of motherboards with this chipset will be redundant for most users.
The 990X and 970 are slightly trimmed versions. The main difference, again, is in the PCI-Express lanes. Both of these north bridges are supported by 26 lines, but this is unlikely to be a disaster for anyone. It should be noted 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.
More details about the capabilities of AMD and Intel chipsets will be discussed in a separate article.
Memory slots and PCI-Express
The number of memory slots 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 expect to seriously and conveniently scale the amount of RAM, then it is better to look closely at motherboards with 4 and 6 slots for installing RAM. This also applies to PCI-Express slots: it is foolish to take a Micro-ATX motherboard if you expect to install 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. Now you can still find on sale motherboards with a supported type of DDR2 memory. When assembling a new system from scratch, it is better not to go back in time and take a motherboard with a DDR3 memory type.
The PCI-Express bus version is not an important factor, so you shouldn't chase PCI-Express 3.0 support so much. Version 2.0 is enough for modern video cards. Yes and backward compatibility no one has canceled 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, a lot, since, in most cases, a mouse, keyboard, webcam, printer, scanner and many 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 of them. Three connectors are enough for a standard setup: microphone, headphone and subwoofer. If you plan to use multichannel acoustics, then you need to look towards motherboards with 6 connectors. But even if at the moment you are not planning to purchase such acoustics, the connectors will not interfere, and in the future they can be very useful. And for office and budget systems, 3 audio jacks are enough for your head.
In addition, two LAN connectors can 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 it can be very useful:
- ESATA is an interface for connecting removable drives, it is not present in all motherboards and for owners of external drives, it can be a very useful feature.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module - integrated wireless network and data transmission modules can significantly increase the functionality of the motherboard.
- Thunderbolt is a new interface for connecting peripherals and provides data transfer speeds 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 units will need today, but promises to gain great popularity in the future.
- This also includes special buttons and indicators on motherboards for overclocking. Also, it can be various branded elements and technologies from the manufacturer.
conclusions
Choosing a motherboard is not an easy task. It is necessary, on the basis of all the parameters, to choose 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 price / performance ratio. Keep in mind that everything is very individual here and the best motherboard for your mate is probably the worst option for your needs.
But if you navigate 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 to buy?", "Which motherboard is better?" etc., in the comments to the article or on our forum.
Thank you for your attention. Happy choice!
Relevance: April 2019
Assembling a computer of any level begins with choosing a motherboard. It is the link that ensures the interaction of all components. Most users are guided by the final cost, choosing the optimal parameters of the components.
Among the main factors of choice are support for the latest generation of processor and RAM, as well as the presence of connectors for connecting high-speed SSD-drives. However, some consumers focus on sound quality and a wide range of interfaces, including graphical ones. It can be quite difficult for beginners to understand all the subtleties and technologies provided by specific models.
We have compiled a list of the best motherboards based on expert opinions and feedback from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the world market for equipment, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend that you pay special attention to them:
- Asrock
- GIGABYTE
- Advantech
* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.
Motherboards: For Ryzen
AMD / Crossfire Support / AM4 / For Ryzen / Gaming
The main advantages
- Proprietary parameter optimization system to increase performance, reduce energy consumption, improve fan efficiency, improve sound and bandwidth of the network controller
- SLI HB Bridge lets you install two graphics cards and combine them into one efficient system for increased gaming performance
- A USB Type-C connector is provided for connecting external devices, providing a maximum data transfer rate of 10 Gb / s. Supports legacy USB interfaces
- Convenient hardware configuration is carried out using the modern UEFI BIOS with extended expert mode. Among the main features are S.M.A.R.T for hard drives and EZ Flash 3 for secure firmware
- A special 4-pin connector allows you to connect LED strips and configure parameters using the proprietary ASUS Aura utility
AM4 / AMD / For Ryzen
The main advantages
- Motherboard Supports AMD Ryzen 2000 Series Processors with Free BIOS Update from Official Website
- SmartFan 5 support guarantees correct operation of any modern cooling systems and the creation of a favorable temperature regime that does not degrade performance
- Proprietary dual-lock brackets with reinforced solder points provide overall reliability and stability for PCIe expansion slots
- The resistors used in the motherboard are resistant to the aggressive effects of sulfur oxides, which reduces the risk of short circuits
- Glass Fabric PCB technology predetermines increased product moisture protection
AM4 / AMD / For Ryzen
The main advantages
- Core Boost is guaranteed to deliver full power to the latest generation AMD multi-core processors
- The motherboard works correctly with DDR4 RAM with frequencies of 3466+ due to high-quality electrical isolation of the modules and optimized isolated wiring
- X-Boost software technology accelerates data exchange between external USB memory and internal storage
- Comprehensive, quiet yet efficient cooling provided by the ability to connect three PWM controlled air fans with PWM / voltage regulation
- The reliability of the component base is guaranteed by the use of solid capacitors and Dark Choke chokes
AM4 / AMD / For Ryzen
The main advantages
- Ultra M.2 slot supports standard SerialATA 3 modules and PCIe Gen3 x4 SSDs, compatible with ASRock U.2 Kit
- Basic structural fibers of the printed circuit board predetermine a high degree of protection of products against electrical short-circuits caused by high humidity.
- Triple Monitor technology supports simultaneous use of three video interfaces from the rear panel without the need to install an additional video card
- Used ELNA solid capacitors extend the life of the motherboard due to less sensitivity to heat in case of insufficient cooling
- Full Spike Protection technology protects product components from the negative effects of excessive currents and voltage surges
Show All Products In Category "For Ryzen"
Motherboards: AMD
AMD / Crossfire Support
The main advantages
- All electrolytic capacitors are replaced with solid-state ones, ensuring stable operation at high temperatures for a long period of time
- RAID technology allows you to create reliable data storage with mirroring / redundancy. Quick replacement of the hard disk is possible - Hot Plug technology
- Provides a set of measures to protect all components from power surges, electrostatic discharges - ASRock Full Spike Protection technology
- ELNA capacitor-based audio chip delivers powerful, clean 7.1 output
- Implemented support for 8-core AM3 / AM3 + processors and DDR3 RAM up to 2400 MHz
Show all products in the category "AMD"
Motherboards: Gaming
The main advantages
- Crystal Sound 3 audio module, equipped with a built-in amplifier, additional shielding, separate audio routing and Japanese capacitors, generates high-quality sound for any playback device
- EPU chip optimizes power consumption by automatically temporarily disabling controllers of unused peripherals
- TPU-module, regulated by Al Suite 3 software, controls the supply voltage during forced overclocking of the computer
- Fan Xpert 4 utility with a set of profiles ensures correct integrated operation of air and water cooling
- Dedicated heatsink for M.2 slot ensures stable operation of SSDs or other devices with identical connection interface
AM4 / AMD / For Ryzen / Gaming
The main advantages
- Front USB 3.0 interfaces allow you to bring two high-speed ports to the front panel of the PC case at once for easy connection of any compatible external devices
- TVS diodes installed on key elements protect products from electrostatic interaction
- The DIGI + electronic system stabilizes voltage surges in real time, and built-in physical fuses guarantee further operability of the components installed in the board in case of short circuit and other extreme abnormal situations
- Ease of installation of RAM, video card and other components is ensured by special ergonomic latches, as well as safe areas near the mounting holes, which reduce the risk of damaging the motherboard when it is installed in the case
- Stainless steel back panel with additional chrome plating extends product life and protects against corrosion
AM4 / AMD / For Ryzen / Gaming / Crossfire Support
The main advantages
- The intelligent Aura backlighting system not only creates a beautiful external effect, but also through individual settings acts as a visual means of monitoring a number of hardware processes - from the current processor load to the fullness of RAM
- Q-LED indicators allow you to quickly identify a non-working component or interface on the motherboard
- Solid capacitors can withstand significant voltage surges and extreme temperatures in a variety of abnormal situations
- Second generation RamCache technology provides intelligent, automatic caching of frequently accessed data from the drive
- The proprietary Sonic software package provides visualization of sound sources in games and full audio compatibility with VR applications in the case of using a headset / virtual reality glasses
AM4 / AMD / For Ryzen / Gaming / Crossfire Support
The main advantages
- Pro Clock Technology Powered by TPU Chip Provides Powerful and Safe Overclocking for AM4 Processors
- Stable and fast LAN connection is provided by Intel's ultra-reliable Ethernet controller, which is additionally protected from static electrical drives by a Languard chip
- Branded bundled software GameFirst, after installation and activation, automatically redistributes traffic with priority to multiplayer game applications
- M.2 interface ensures stable and correct operation of modern SSD drives
- Convenient location of the dedicated USB Type-C 3.1 port on the motherboard allows you to bring the interface to the front panel of most modern system case cases
Show all products in the category "Gaming"
Motherboards: 775
The main advantages
- Intel X4500 integrated graphics eliminate discrete graphics for simple office tasks
- The motherboard supports dual channel mode for DDR3 type RAM
- XFast LAN software mode adjusts the priority of applications with Internet traffic, reduces high ping in online games and performs general data analysis
- XFast RAM technology optimizes memory bandwidth when using 32-bit operating systems
- Full Spike Protection protects the elements and outputs of the motherboard from sudden power surges that the power supply cannot handle
The main advantages
- The integrated video adapter Intel GMA X4500 predetermines the ability of the system unit to work with this motherboard, regardless of the presence of a discrete video card
- Two slots for RAM work with DDR3 models in dual channel mode up to frequencies of 1333 MHz
- Hybrid Booster technology with U-COP, BootFG components and smooth control of the process frequency predetermines the possibility of regular overclocking of the CPU and memory, and the DNA function allows you to share its parameters with friends and acquaintances
- Intelligent Energy Saver system automatically adjusts the motherboard behavior, making it more energy efficient
- APP Charger technology speeds up the charging speed of mobile devices by 40 percent via USB interface
Show all products in the category "775"
Motherboards: 1151
1151
The main advantages
- A budget model with good potential for creating a productive office, home or gaming PC based on Intel Celeron, Pentium processors and the entire Core iX family with socket 1151
- Equipped with DVI digital video output for high resolution and high quality display
- Supports Gen4 RAM (DDR4) with a maximum clock speed of 2133 MHz, significantly accelerating program processing and enabling multitasking. The maximum capacity is 32 GB
- The board is equipped with high-speed SATA III 6Gb / s and USB 3.0 interfaces, which allows you to read / write large amounts of information in a few minutes
- Efficient cooling of the chipset is guaranteed by a needle heatsink. Additional VRM cooling module provided
1151 / Crossfire Support
The main advantages
- Pre-installed rear panel physically protects incoming and outgoing ports from overload, punching
- Aura proprietary lighting system is personalized with a pair of RGB headers, a bus for addressable LED strips and a separate controller controlled through its own Sync software
- The Node connector allows you to connect a secondary power supply to the motherboard, additionally regulating the input / output voltages, rotation speeds of all fans, including those on the main power supply
- SupremeFX audio system, which includes two physical amplifiers, provides professional detailed sound in the entire available frequency range
- Beyond VR Ready Specification Ensures Correct Performance of Any Virtual Reality Connected System
The main advantages
- Supports 2-Way CrossFire technology for professional graphics scalability by correlating multiple discrete graphics cards
- Reinforced pins for the main power connector of the motherboard ensure stable power supply during extreme CPU / memory overclocking
- Branded passive radiators for cooling key system components effectively remove excess heat, providing a comfortable temperature range even under severe computer loads
- RAM-module with four slots for RAM supports dual-channel mode and DDR4 operation at frequencies up to 4000 MHz
- Ultra Durable stainless steel shields reliably protect PCIe and memory pads from wear and tear, and prevent the base PCB from being pushed through
1151 / Gaming / Crossfire Support
The main advantages
- VRM power supply module with additional protection provides adaptive throttling of the processor core
- Base LGA socket supports 8/9 Gen Intel Core process installation and correct operation
- Motherboard with two BIOS chips guarantees duplication of the functions of the base system and its backup recovery in any extreme situations
- Two PCI Express 3.0 x4 slots with additional thermal protection allow overclocking installed video cards in SLI / CrossFireX modes
- Microphone input, thanks to its extended dynamic range, allows clear speech recognition even in challenging gaming environments
- The built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to get rid of the extra wires of the provider and the binding to the specific location of the play area in the apartment
Selecting a motherboard for an already purchased processor requires certain knowledge. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to the characteristics of already purchased components, because it makes no sense to buy a cheap motherboard for a TOP processor and vice versa.
Initially, it is better to buy such basic components as a system unit (case), a central processor, a power supply unit, a video card. If you decide to first purchase a motherboard, then you should know exactly what you want to expect from an already assembled computer.
Initially, you need to understand which brands are leading in this market and whether you can trust them. Here is a list of recommended motherboard manufacturers:
If you have already bought powerful and expensive PC components, then by no means buy a cheap motherboard. In the best case, the components will not work at full capacity, lowering all performance to the level of budget PCs. At worst, they will not work at all and will have to buy another motherboard.
Before assembling a computer, you need to decide what you want to get in the end, because it will be easier to choose a board without purchasing all the main components for the computer in advance. It is better to buy a high-quality central board (you should not skimp on this purchase if the possibilities allow it) and then, based on its capabilities, select the rest of the components.
Chipsets for motherboards
The chipset directly depends on how many components you can connect to the motherboard, whether they can work with 100% efficiency, which processor is better to choose. In fact, a chipset is something similar to an already built-in processor in a board, but which is responsible only for the most basic functions, for example, working in the BIOS.
Almost all motherboards are equipped with chipsets from two manufacturers - Intel and AMD. Depending on which processor you have chosen, you also need to choose a board with a chipset from the manufacturer of the selected CPU. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the devices will be incompatible and will not work normally.
About Intel chipsets
Compared to the "red" competitor, the "blue" do not have so many models and varieties of chipsets. Here is a list of the most common ones:
- H110- suitable for those who do not pursue performance and require from the computer only correct operation in office programs and browsers.
- B150 and H170- there are no major differences between them. Both are great for mid-range computers.
- Z170- a motherboard based on such a chipset supports overclocking of many components, making it an excellent solution for gaming computers.
- X99- is in demand in a professional environment that requires a lot of resources from the system (3D modeling, video processing, game creation). Also suitable for gaming machines.
- Q170- This is a chipset from the corporate sector, not very popular among ordinary users. The main focus is on security and stability.
- C232 and C236- is used in data centers, allows you to process a huge amount of information. Works best with Xenon processors.
About AMD chipsets
They are conditionally divided into two series - A and FX. The first is suitable for A-series processors with integrated video adapters. The second is for the FX-series CPUs, which do not have an integrated graphics adapter, but make up for this with high performance and overclocking potential.
Here is a list of the main AMD chipsets:
- A58 and A68H- very similar chipsets, which are suitable for a regular office PC. Work best with AMD A4 and A6 processors.
- A78- for multimedia computers (work in office applications, simple manipulations with graphics and video, launching "light" games, surfing the Internet). Most compatible with A6 and A8 CPUs.
- 760G- suitable for those who need a computer as a "typewriter with Internet access". Compatible with FX-4.
- 970 - its capabilities are enough to run modern games at minimal and medium settings, professional work with graphics and simple manipulations with video and 3D objects. Compatible with processors FX-4, Fx-6, FX-8 and FX-9. The most popular chipset for AMD processors.
- 990X and 990FX- an excellent solution for powerful gaming and semi-professional machines. Best compatible with FX-8 and FX-9 CPUs.
About guarantees
When buying a motherboard, be sure to pay attention to the warranty provided by the seller. On average, the warranty period can vary from 12 to 36 months. If it is less than the specified range, then it is better to refuse to purchase in this store.
The thing is that the motherboard is one of the most fragile components of a computer. And any breakdown of it will certainly lead, at least, to the replacement of this component, at the most, you will have to think about a complete replacement of a part or all components that were installed on it. This is tantamount to replacing almost the entire computer. Therefore, in no case should you save on guarantees.
About dimensions
This is also a very important parameter, especially if you are buying a motherboard for a small case. Here is a list and specifications of the main form factors:
In addition to these form factors, there are others, but they are practically not found in the market for components for home computers.
CPU socket
This is the most important parameter when choosing both a motherboard and a processor. If the sockets of the processor and motherboard are incompatible with each other, then you will not be able to install the CPU. Sockets are constantly undergoing various modifications and changes, therefore it is recommended to buy models only with the most current modifications so that in the future you can easily replace them.
Sockets from Intel:
- 1151 and 2011-3 - these are the most modern types. If you prefer Intel, then try to buy a processor and motherboard with exactly these sockets.
- 1150 and 2011 - they are still in wide circulation on the market, but have already begun to become obsolete.
- 1155 , 1156 , 775 and 478 Are legacy socket models that are still in use. Recommended for purchase only if there are no more alternatives.
Sockets from AMD:
- AM3 + and FM2 +- these are the most modern sockets from "red".
- AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1 and EM2- are considered either completely obsolete, or are already beginning to become obsolete.
About RAM
On motherboards from the budget segment and / or small form factors, there are only two slots for installing RAM modules. On boards of standard sizes for stationary computers, there are 4-6 connectors. Motherboards for small cases or laptops have less than 4 slots. For the latter, such a solution is more common - a certain amount of RAM is already soldered into the board, and there is one slot nearby in case the user wants to expand the amount of RAM.
Random access memory is classified into several types, which are referred to as "DDR". The most popular and recommended ones today are DDR3 and DDR4. The latter ensures the fastest possible computer operation. Before choosing a motherboard, make sure that it supports these types of RAM.
It is also recommended to take into account the possibility of increasing the amount of RAM by adding new modules. In this case, pay attention not only to the number of slots, but also to the maximum volume in GB. So you can buy a board with 6 slots, but it won't support that much GB of RAM.
It is recommended to pay attention to the range of supported operating frequencies. DDR3 operating at frequencies from 1333 MHz, and DDR4 2133-2400 MHz. Motherboards almost always support these frequencies. It is also important to pay attention to whether they are supported by the central processor.
If the CPU does not support these frequencies, then buy a card with XMP memory profiles. Otherwise, you can seriously lose in RAM performance.
Place for installing video cards
In middle and high-end motherboards, there can be up to 4 connectors for graphics adapters. On budget models, there are usually 1-2 slots. In most cases, PCI-E x16 connectors are used. They allow for maximum compatibility and performance between installed video adapters. The connector has several versions - 2.0, 2.1 and 3.0. The higher the version, the better the characteristics, but the price is correspondingly higher.
PCI-E x16 slots can also support other expansion cards (eg Wi-Fi adapter).
About additional boards
Expansion cards are additional devices that can be connected to the motherboard, but which are not critical for the operation of the system. For example, Wi-Fi receiver, TV tuner. For these devices, PCI and PCI-Express slots are used, in more detail about each:
- The first type is rapidly becoming obsolete, but is still used in models of the budget and middle class. It costs significantly less than its newer counterpart, but device compatibility can suffer. For example, the newest and most powerful Wi-Fi adapter will work worse or not work at all on this connector. However, this connector has excellent compatibility with many sound cards.
- The second type is newer and has excellent compatibility with other components. They have two connector variations X1 and X4. The latter is newer. Connector types have almost no effect.
Information about internal connectors
They serve to connect important components to the motherboard inside the case. For example, to power the processor and the board itself, the installation, the drive.
As for the power supply of the motherboard, the old models work from a 20-pin power connector, and newer ones from a 24-pin one. Based on this, it is advisable to choose a power supply unit or select a motherboard for the desired contact. However, it will not be critical if the 24-pin connector is powered by a 20-pin power supply.
The processor is powered according to a similar scheme, only 4 and 8-pin connectors are used together with 20-24-pin connectors. If you have a powerful processor that requires a lot of energy, then it is recommended to buy a board and a power supply with 8-pin connectors. If the processor is not too powerful, then 4-pin connectors can be completely dispensed with.
As for connecting SSD and HDD drives, for this, almost all motherboards use SATA connectors. It is subdivided into two versions - SATA2 and SATA3. If an SSD is connected to the main board, then it is better to buy a model with a SATA3 connector. Otherwise, you won't see good performance from an SSD. Provided that you do not plan to connect an SSD, you can purchase a model with a SATA2 connector, thereby saving a little on the purchase.
Integrated devices
Motherboards can come with pre-integrated components. For example, some laptop boards come with soldered video cards and RAM modules. All motherboards have integrated network and sound cards by default.
If you decide to purchase a processor with an integrated graphics adapter, then make sure that the board supports their connection (usually it is written in the specifications). It is also important that external VGA or DVI connectors are integrated into the design, which are needed to connect a monitor.
Pay attention to the built-in sound card. For most users, standard codecs such as ALC8xxx will suffice. If you are planning to do video editing and / or sound processing, then it is better to pay attention to the boards where the adapter with the ALC1150 codec is built in, because it delivers great sound, but it also costs a lot more than the standard solution.
A sound card usually has 3 to 6 3.5 mm jacks for connecting audio devices. Sometimes you come across models where an optical or coaxial digital audio output is installed, but they are also more expensive. This output is used for professional audio equipment. For normal computer use (connecting speakers and headphones), only 3 jacks are enough.
Another component that is integrated into the motherboard by default is the network card, which is responsible for connecting the computer to the Internet. The standard parameters of the network board on many motherboards are the data transfer rate of about 1000 Mb / s and the network output of the RJ-45 type.
The main manufacturers of network cards are Realtek, Intel and Killer. I use the first products in the budget and middle price category. The latter are more often used in expensive gaming machines, because provide excellent online gaming experience even with poor network connection.
The number and types of external sockets depend on the internal configuration of the board itself and its price. more expensive models have additional outputs. A list of the most common connectors:
- USB 3.0 - it is desirable to have at least two such outputs. A flash drive, mouse and keyboard (more or less modern models) can be connected through it.
- DVI or VGA is included in all cards, since it can be used to connect a computer to a monitor.
- RJ-45 is a required design element. It is used to connect to the Internet. If the computer does not have a Wi-Fi adapter, then this is the only way to connect the machine to the network.
- HDMI - needed to connect a computer to a TV or modern monitor. Alternative to DVI.
- Audio jacks - required to connect speakers and headphones.
- Output for a microphone or additional headset. Always provided in the design.
- Wi-Fi antennas - available only in models with an integrated Wi-Fi module.
- BIOS Reset Button - Allows you to quickly reset BIOS settings to factory state without disassembling the computer case. Available only on expensive boards.
Power circuits and electronic components
When choosing a motherboard, be sure to pay attention to electronic components, because the life of the computer depends on them. The cheaper models are equipped with conventional electronic capacitors and transistors, without any additional protection. After 2-3 years of service, they may well oxidize and render the entire system unusable. It is better to choose more expensive models, for example, where Japanese or Korean-made solid capacitors are used. Even if they fail, the consequences will not be so catastrophic.
It is very important to pay attention to the processor power supply. Distribution of power schemes:
- Low power - used in budget motherboards, have a power of no more than 90 W and no more than 4 power phases. Only low-power processors with low overclocking potential are suitable for them.
- Average power - have no more than 6 phases and a power not exceeding 120 watts. This is enough for all processors in the mid-range and some of the high-end ones.
- High power - have more than 8 phases, work great with all processors.
When choosing a motherboard for a processor, it is important to pay attention not only to whether the processor is suitable for sockets, but also to the voltage. On the motherboard manufacturer's website, you can immediately see a list of all processors that are compatible with a particular motherboard.
Low-end models do not have this system at all, or they have one small radiator, which can only cope with cooling low-power processors and video cards. Oddly enough, these cards are the least likely to overheat (unless, of course, you overclock the processor too much).
If you are planning to build a good gaming computer, then look for motherboards with massive copper heat sink pipes. However, there is a problem with the size of the cooling system. Sometimes, due to too thick and high pipes, it is difficult to connect a long video card and / or processor with a cooler. Therefore, you need to check everything in advance.
When choosing a motherboard, you need to take into account all the information that was indicated in the article. Otherwise, you may face various inconveniences and unnecessary expenses (for example, the board does not support a certain component).
