Choosing a motherboard for a home PC for Intel processors. How to choose a motherboard and which company to give preference to

Choosing a motherboard for a computer will require some knowledge of its characteristics and an exact understanding of what you expect from a finished computer. Initially, it is recommended to select the main components - processor, video card, case and power supply. the system card is easier to select according to the requirements of already purchased components.

Those who first buy a motherboard, and then all the necessary components, must have a clear understanding of what characteristics the future computer should have.

Let's study the list of the most popular manufacturers, whose products have earned the trust of users of the world market. These companies are:

Provided that you have already purchased the components for a gaming computer, do not choose a cheap motherboard from an unreliable manufacturer. In the best case, the components will not work at full capacity. At worst, they may not work at all, break themselves, or damage the motherboard. For a gaming computer, you need to buy an appropriate board of suitable dimensions.

If you decide to initially purchase a motherboard, and then, based on its capabilities, buy other components, then do not skimp on this purchase. More expensive cards allow you to install the best equipment on them and remain relevant for a long time, while cheaper models become obsolete in 1-2 years.

Chipsets on motherboards

You need to pay attention to the chipset first of all, because it depends on how powerful the processor and cooling system you can determine whether other components can work stably and with 100% efficiency. The chipset partially replaces the main processor if it fails and / or is removed. Its capacity is sufficient to support the basic operation of some PC components and work in the BIOS.

Chipsets for motherboards are made by AMD and Intel, but chipsets from the motherboard manufacturer are rarely found. It is worth choosing a motherboard with a chipset from the manufacturer that released the CPU of your choice. If you install an Intel processor in an AMD chipset, the CPU will not work properly.

Intel Chipsets

The list of the most popular Blue chipsets and their characteristics are as follows:

• H110 - Suitable for regular office typewriters. Able to ensure correct operation in the browser, office programs and mini-games;
• B150 and H170 are two chipsets with the same characteristics. Great for mid-range computers and home media centers;
• Z170 - not much behind the previous models in terms of characteristics, but it has great overclocking capabilities, which makes it an attractive solution for inexpensive gaming machines;
• X99 is a motherboard based on this chipset that is very popular among gamers, video editors and 3D designers. capable of supporting high-performance components;
• Q170 - the main focus of this chip is on security, convenience and stability of the entire system, which made it popular in the corporate sector. However, motherboards with this chipset are expensive and do not have high performance, which makes them unattractive for home use;
• C232 and C236 are suitable for processing large data streams, which has made them a popular solution for data centers. Best Xenon processor compatibility.

AMD Chipsets

Subdivided into two series - A and FX. In the first case, the greatest compatibility is with A-series processors, in which weak graphics adapters are integrated. In the second - better compatibility with FX-series processors, which come without integrated graphics adapters, but are more productive and better overclocked.

Here is a list of all the sockets from AMD:

• A58 and A68H - chipsets from the budget segment, cope with work in a browser, office applications and mini-games. Highest compatibility with A4 and A6 processors;
• A78 - for the mid-budget segment and home multimedia centers. Better compatibility with A6 and A8;
• The 760G is a budget socket suitable for use with FX series processors. Most compatible with FX-4;
• 970 is AMD's most popular chipset. Its resources are sufficient for mid-range machines and inexpensive gaming centers. The processor and other components running on this socket can be well overclocked. Better compatibility with FX-4, Fx-6, FX-8 and FX-9;
• 990X and 990FX are used in motherboards for expensive gaming and professional computers. The FX-8 and FX-9 processors are the most suitable for this socket.

Existing varieties of dimensions

Consumer motherboards come in three main form factors. In addition to them, there are others, but very rarely. The most common board sizes are:

Processor socket

A socket is a special connector for mounting a CPU and a cooling system. When choosing a motherboard, you need to take into account that processors of a certain series have different socket requirements. If you try to install a processor on a socket that it does not support, you will fail. Processor manufacturers write which sockets their product is compatible with, and motherboard manufacturers provide a list of processors with which their motherboard works best.

Sockets are also manufactured by Intel and AMD.

AMD sockets:

• AM3 + and FM2 + are the most modern models for AMD processors. Recommended for purchase if you plan to upgrade your computer later. Boards with such sockets are expensive;
• AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, and EM2 are obsolete sockets that are still in use today. Most modern processors are not compatible with them, but the price is much lower.

Intel sockets:

• 1151 and 2011-3 - system cards with such sockets entered the market relatively recently, so they will not become obsolete soon. Recommended for purchase if an iron upgrade is planned in the future;
• 1150 and 2011 - are gradually beginning to become obsolete, but are still in demand;
• 1155, 1156, 775 and 478 are the cheapest and rapidly aging sockets.

RAM

Full-size motherboards have 4-6 ports for RAM modules. There are also models where the number of slots can reach 8 pieces. Budget and / or small-sized samples have only two connectors for installing RAM. Small motherboards have no more than 4 slots for RAM. In the case of small boards, sometimes there may be such a variant of the location of slots for RAM - a certain amount is soldered into the board itself, and next to it there is a slot for an additional strap. This option is more commonly seen on laptops.

RAM strips may have such designations as "DDR". The most popular series are DDR3 and DDR4. The speed and quality of RAM in conjunction with the rest of the computer components (processor and motherboard) depends on which number is at the end. For example, DDR4 offers better performance than DDR3. When choosing both the motherboard and the processor, see what types of RAM are supported.

If you are planning to assemble a gaming computer, then see how many RAM slots on the motherboard and how many GB are supported. Not always a large number of connectors for brackets means that the motherboard supports a lot of memory, sometimes it happens that motherboards with 4 slots are able to work with larger capacities than their counterparts with 6.

Modern motherboards now support all major RAM operating frequencies - from 1333 MHz for DDR3 and 2133-2400 MHz for DDR4. But it is still recommended to check the supported frequencies when choosing a motherboard and processor, especially if you are choosing budget options. Provided that the motherboard supports all the required RAM frequencies, but the central processor does not, then pay attention to motherboards with built-in XMP memory profiles. These profiles can significantly reduce the loss in RAM performance if there are any incompatibilities.

Video card connectors

All motherboards have room for graphics adapters. Budget and / or small-sized models have no more than 2 slots for inserting a video card, and more expensive and large analogs can have up to 4 connectors. All modern motherboards are equipped with PCI-E x16 connectors, which allow for maximum compatibility between all installed adapters and other PC components. In total, there are several versions of this type - 2.0, 2.1 and 3.0. Higher versions provide better compatibility and improve overall system performance, but are more expensive.

In the PCI-E x16 slot, in addition to the video card, you can install other additional expansion cards (for example, a Wi-Fi module) if they have a suitable connector for connection.

Additional boards

Add-on cards are components without which a computer can function quite well, but which improve the quality of work behind it. In certain configurations, some expansion cards can be an important component for the operation of the entire system (for example, on laptop motherboards, it is desirable to have a Wi-Fi adapter). An example of additional boards is a Wi-Fi adapter, a TV tuner, etc.

Installation takes place using PCI and PCI-Express connectors. Let's consider the characteristics of both in more detail:

• PCI is an obsolete type of connector that is still used in older and / or cheap motherboards. The quality of work of modern add-on modules and their compatibility can suffer greatly if they work on this connector. In addition to being cheap, this connector has one more advantage - excellent compatibility with all sound cards, incl. and newer;
• PCI-Express is a more modern and high-quality connector that provides excellent device compatibility with the motherboard. The connector has two subtypes - X1 and X4 (the latter is more modern). The subtype has little or no effect on the quality of work.

Internal connectors

They connect important components inside the chassis that are required for the computer to function properly. They provide power to the motherboard, processor, and serve as connectors for installing HDDs, SSDs and DVD drives.

Motherboards for home use can work with only two types of power connectors - 20-pin and 24-pin. The last connector is newer and allows you to provide enough power to powerful computers. It is advisable to select a motherboard and a power supply with the same connectors for connection. But if you connect a motherboard with a 24-pin header to a 20-pin power supply, you will not experience any major changes in the system operation.

The processor is connected to the power supply network in a similar way, only the number of pins in the connectors is less - 4 and 8. For powerful processors, it is recommended to purchase a motherboard and a power supply that support an 8-pin processor connection to the network. Medium and low power processors can function normally even at low powers, which are provided by a 4-pin connector.

SATA connectors are required to connect modern HDDs and SSDs. These connectors are found on almost all motherboards, except for the oldest models. The most popular versions are SATA2 and SATA3. SSDs provide high performance and significantly increase performance if an operating system is installed on them, but for this they must be installed in a SATA3 slot, otherwise you will not see high performance. If you plan to install a regular HDD without an SSD, then you can purchase a board with only SATA2 connectors. These boards are much cheaper.

Integrated devices

All home motherboards come with components already integrated. The card itself has sound and network cards installed by default. Also on motherboards of laptops there are soldered RAM modules, graphics and Wi-Fi adapters.

Provided that you purchase a board with an integrated graphics adapter, you need to make sure that it will work normally with the processor (especially if it also has its own integrated graphics adapter) and find out if this motherboard has the ability to connect additional video cards. If so, find out how compatible the built-in graphics adapter is with third-party ones (written in the specifications). Be sure to pay attention to the presence in the design of VGA or DVI connectors, which are required to connect the monitor (one of them must be installed in the design).

If you are engaged in professional sound processing, be sure to pay attention to the codecs of the built-in sound card. Many sound cards have standard codecs for common use - ALC8xxx. But their capabilities may not be enough for professional audio work. For professional audio and video editing, it is recommended to choose cards with the ALC1150 codec, because it is capable of transmitting sound of the highest quality, but the price for motherboards with such a sound card is very high.

The sound card has 3-6 inputs on 3.5 mm by default for connecting third-party audio devices. Many professional models come with optical or coaxial digital audio outputs, but they are also more expensive. For ordinary users, only 3 slots will be enough.

The network card is another component that is built into the motherboard by default. It is not worth paying too much attention to this point, because almost all cards have the same data transfer rate of about 1000 Mb / s and an RJ-45 network output.

The only thing that is recommended to pay attention to are manufacturers. The main manufacturers are Realtek, Intel and Killer. Realtek cards are used in the budget and mid-budget segment, but despite this they are able to provide a high-quality connection to the network. Intel and Killer NICs are capable of providing excellent network connectivity and minimizing online gaming problems if the connection is unstable.

The number of outputs for connecting external devices directly depends on the size and price of the motherboard. A list of the most common connectors:

• USB - present on all motherboards. For comfortable work, the number of USB-outputs should be 2 or more, because with their help flash drives, keyboard and mouse are connected;
• DVI or VGA are also installed by default. only with their help you will be able to connect the monitor to the computer. If several monitors are required for work, then see that there are more than one of these connectors on the motherboard;
• RJ-45 - required to connect to the Internet;
• HDMI - somewhat similar to DVI and VGA connectors, with the exception that it is used to connect to a TV. Some monitors can also be connected to it. This connector is not available on all boards;
• Audio jacks - required to connect speakers, headphones and other audio equipment;
• 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;
• Button for resetting BIOS settings - you can use it to reset the BIOS settings to the factory state. Not present on all maps.

Electronic components and power circuits

The service life of the board depends very much on the quality of the electronic components. Budget motherboards are equipped with transistors and capacitors without additional protection. Because of this, in the event of oxidation, they greatly swell and can completely disable the motherboard. The average service life of such a board will not exceed 5 years. Therefore, pay attention to those boards where the capacitors are of Japanese or Korean production, because they have special protection against oxidation. Thanks to this protection, it will be enough to replace only the damaged capacitor.

Also on the motherboard there are power schemes on which it depends on how powerful components can be installed in the PC case. The power distribution looks like this:

• Low power. More often found on budget cards. The total power does not exceed 90 W, and the number of power supply phases is 4. Works normally only with low-power processors that cannot be overclocked too much;
• Average power. They are used in the mid-budget and partly in the expensive segment. The number of phases is limited to 6, and the power is 120 W;
• High power. More than 8 phases can be, better interoperability with demanding processors.

When choosing a motherboard for a processor, pay attention not only to compatibility with sockets and chipsets, but also to the operating voltage of the card and processor. Motherboard manufacturers post on their websites a list of processors that work best with a particular motherboard.

Inexpensive motherboards do not have a cooling system at all, or it is very primitive. The socket of such motherboards is capable of supporting only the most compact and lightweight coolers, which do not differ in high-quality cooling.

Those who require maximum performance from a computer are advised to pay attention to motherboards where it is possible to install a massive cooler. It's even better if this motherboard has its own copper pipes for heatsink by default. Also, make sure the motherboard is strong enough, otherwise it will sag under a heavy cooling system and fail. This problem can be solved by purchasing special reinforcements.

When buying a motherboard, be sure to look at the length of the warranty period and warranty obligations of the seller / manufacturer. The average term is 12-36 months. A motherboard is a very fragile component, and if it breaks down, you may need to replace not only it, but also a certain part of the components that were installed on it.

I think everyone knows that the motherboard is considered the connecting link in the design of the system unit. Therefore, you need to consider some criteria. How to choose the right inexpensive and good motherboard can be found in this article. Or watch a special video that I have selected for you. Here is a summary of the article below:

• Main components
• How to choose a motherboard manufacturer
• Choosing a form factor
• Chipset selection
• PCI-Express and memory slot
• External connectors
• Assistive capabilities

Video instruction on how to choose a motherboard

Main components

To better understand its structure, I propose to consider its structure with a specific example. Let's take one of the highest quality models - Sapphire Pure Z77K as a sample. Of course, in order to consider in detail the main elements of the part, you can take any model. But we will focus on this one.

In the picture, the numbers indicate not only the main components of the motherboard, but the elements that are characteristic only of overclocking options.

• The number (1) is the processor socket, which is the main element of the device. It is important to ensure that the processor socket is absolutely socket compatible. The number (0) indicates a "double" heatsink responsible for the elements of the power converters of the integrated graphics core, processor and CPU VTT, namely, for their cooling. Such heatsinks are found only in overclocking motherboards. No cooling element is needed on conventional ones.
• Number (2) indicates PCI-Express slots. The printed circuit board contains three such X16 slots version 3.0. These connectors are needed to install one or more video cards. The older version of the slot - 2.0 is numbered (3).
• Number (14) indicates PCI-E X1 slots. They are intended for installation of devices that require high bus bandwidth. One line X1 is enough for this. An example of such devices are TV tuners, various controllers, audio and others.
• The number (4) is the chipset. It is located behind the cooling radiator. Slots numbered (5) are required to install DDR3 RAM. They are usually colored black or blue. Slots are intended for installing memory modules, which significantly increases operating efficiency. Number (6) is the CMOS battery that powers the BIOS CMOS chip. So the microcircuit does not lose its settings after the computer is turned off.
• (8) and (12) are 24-pin and 8-pin connectors. The first is the main 24-pin power connector. It is through it that most of the components are powered.
• Numbers (9) and (10) indicate the SATA 3 (6 Gb / s) and SATA 2 connectors. They are located on the edge of the connector and are intended for connecting devices to the side for stands. Made in the style of an overclocking connector. A SATA 2 connector is needed to connect a hard drive, drives, and various SSD drives. Regular models have connectors that are front-facing and off-center. Therefore, it is convenient to use them within the system unit of a "non-overclocking" system.
• Number (11) indicates a non-standard element - an indicator of POST codes. It shows the temperature of the processor, but with minor inaccuracies.

• The rear panel with external connectors is shown at (13). This panel has connectors that are needed to connect various peripherals, keyboard, mouse, headphones, speakers and many other add-ons.

So we figured out the main components, now we will analyze the individual blocks, and also consider the parameters that must be taken into account when buying.

Which company to choose a motherboard

With this choice, oddly enough, it is not necessary to take into account its performance. You need to rely on the trust in the manufacturer. The most famous companies are MSI, Gigabyte, Biostar, Intel, ASRock and Asus. And the sample that we are considering today is also worthy of attention. It happens that some models have an awkward layout or the supplied kit from a manufacturer is not wide enough. All the same, flaws come across that some users would not like to see. But such shortcomings do not give reason to write off motherboard manufacturers from the accounts. Ultimately, all manufacturers' equipment is not always the same, so it is impossible to say which company to choose or which is the best.

Take my advice to you:

• which suits you for the price
• convenient location
• with good reviews on major portals

Chipsets come from AMD and Intel, so the features are very similar. The only things to notice are real customer reviews and detailed reviews of motherboards. So you can at least somehow determine the variety of products.

Choosing a form factor

The right form factor will help you avoid many problems in the future. Most popular form factors:

• ATX - full size
• Micro-ATX - a stripped-down option

The form factor determines the future expandability of the system. Micro-ATX usually has a small number of PCI-E and PCI expansion slots for graphics cards and other devices. Often these models are equipped with only two slots for installing memory modules. This fact severely limits the expandability of RAM. And not only in quantitative terms, but also in terms of convenience. The main advantage of Micro-ATX is its low price. Choosing from two standards, we can safely say that Micro-ATX is a budget option for office and home systems.

The size of the board is also very important. The ATX form factor is larger. It is imperative to take into account the compatibility of the case and the motherboard in size!

How to determine the motherboard socket

After choosing a processor, you need to choose the right motherboard. The first step is to pay attention to the socket. It is he who ensures the compatibility of the motherboard and processor. So, for a processor with an LGA 1155 socket, only an LGA 1155 motherboard is suitable. Supported sockets and a processor can be viewed on the manufacturers' official websites, but for AMD it is AM3 or AM3 +.

Chipset selection

The chipset is the link in the interaction of the entire system. This component largely determines the capabilities of the motherboard. It has always been thought that a chipset is a set of system logic chips consisting of a south and north bridge. But now the views are slightly different.

Particularly popular chipsets are the 7th Intel series and the AMD 900th. Nvidia is famous for its small assortment of chipsets, but not less popular.

Intel's 7th series differs from the standard representation of chipsets because they only consist of a northbridge. But this does not affect the functionality of the motherboard in any way, because some controllers have been transferred to the processor. This can be understood by the example of a PCI-Express 3.0 bus controller and a DDR3 memory controller. In this case, the North Bridge received SATA, USB, PCI-Express control. The block diagram of the Z77 chipset clearly shows what the elements are attached to and on which buses:

Z, H and B represent the positioning of the chipset for market segments.

Chipsets from AMD have two microcircuits, it has north bridges 990X, 990FX and 970 and north bridge SB950.

The 990FX gives the chipset support for 42 PCI-Express lanes. Therefore, four video cards can be connected to the lines in the Cross Fire bundle. But not everyone needs such opportunities. The other two north bridges support 26 lines, but this loss is not noticeable.

Assistive capabilities

Additional functions include those that are not always necessary. For the average user, they are not very much in demand:

• ESATA - in some models there is an interface for connecting removable drives. Very useful for owners of external drives.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module for wireless networking and data transmission. They greatly enhance the functionality of the motherboard.
• Thunderbolt - Provides 10 Gb / s data transfer and peripheral connectivity. Transfers data several times faster than USB 2.0, USB 3.0. Today it is needed by units, but in the future it will become more popular.
• Additional buttons and indicators for overclocking, proprietary technologies and manufacturer elements.

Rating of the best motherboards of the year

As you can see, choosing a motherboard is not an easy task. Based on the listed parameters, you need to choose an option that would suit you both in cost and in functionality. Of course, the parameters of the motherboard are individual for each user. But still, for more convenience, you can see the rating of the best motherboards for 2015-2016. Guided by the basic parameters and the best models, you can make a truly right choice. Below is a video on this difficult topic for a better understanding.

Best motherboard socket 1150 (2016)

• MSI Z87 XPOWER
• MSI B85-G43 GAMING is the best buy
• ASUS B85M-E is an inexpensive and good motherboard for a mid-range computer
• MSI B85-G43 - price-quality
• ASUS VANGUARD B85
• GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-Gaming GT - Recommended for Gamers

Best motherboard socket 1155 (2016)

• ASRock B75 Pro3-M Best Buy of the Year
• GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2PV (rev. 2.2
• ASUS H61M-G
• ASRock H61M-VG4
• MSI H61M-P20 (G3)
• GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2PV (rev. 2.0)

Best motherboard socket 2011 (2016)

• ASUS P9X79-E WS (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16) - the coolest buy
• Asus Rampage IV Extreme (s2011, X79, PCI-Ex 16)
• ASUS P9X79 WS (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16) - the best price-performance ratio
• MSI X79A-GD65 (8D) (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16)

Best Motherboard 2011-3 (2016)

• ASUS RAMPAGE V EXTREME / U3.1 Best Buy
• Asus X99-Deluxe
• MSI X99A SLI PLUS - the best choice for quality and price
• GIGABYTE GA-X99-UD3 (rev. 1.0)
• ASRock X99 Extreme4

The most powerful motherboard for a gamer with two processors - Asus Z9PE-D8 WS (2 x LGA2011, Intel C602, PCI-Ex16)

All other components are connected to the motherboard; the service life and stability of the entire computer depend on it. In addition, it should allow you to connect all the necessary devices and make it possible to improve your computer in the future.

Some of the best motherboards are manufactured by ASUS, but they are also the most expensive. Today, MSI motherboards are optimal in terms of price / quality ratio, and I will recommend them first of all. As a more budgetary option, you can consider motherboards from ASRock and Gigabyte, they also have successful models. Gaming motherboards have better sound and network card.

For Intel processors on socket 1151 v2

The best option:
Motherboard MSI B360M MORTAR

Or a game motherboard: MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON
MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard

Or an analogue: MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING
Motherboard MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING

For AMD Socket AM4 Processors

The best option: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M
Motherboard Gigabyte B450 AORUS M

Or full-size: Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO
Motherboard Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO

2. The basics of choosing the right motherboard

You should not install a powerful processor on the cheapest motherboard, as the motherboard will not withstand heavy loads for a long time. Conversely, the weakest processor does not need an expensive motherboard, since this is money wasted.

The motherboard must be selected after all the others have been selected, since it depends on which class the motherboard should be and what connectors should be on it for connecting the selected components.

Each motherboard has its own processor that controls all the devices connected to it and is called a chipset. The functionality of the motherboard depends on the chipset and it is selected depending on the purpose of the computer.

3.1. Chipset Developers

Chipsets for modern motherboards are being developed by two companies: Intel and AMD.

If you chose an Intel processor, then the motherboard must be on an Intel chipset, if AMD - on an AMD chipset.

3.2. Intel Chipsets

The main modern Intel chipsets include the following:

• B250 / H270 - for office, multimedia and gaming PCs
• Q270 - for the corporate sector
• Z270 - for powerful gaming and professional PCs
• X99 / X299 - for very powerful professional PCs

They are being replaced by promising chipsets with support for 8th generation processors:

• H310 - for office PCs
• B360 / H370 - for multimedia and gaming PCs
• Q370 - for the corporate sector
• Z370 - for powerful gaming and professional PCs

For most computers, motherboards based on B250 / H270 and B360 / H370 chipsets are suitable. H chipsets have more PCI-E lanes than B chipsets, which is only important when installing more than two graphics cards or multiple ultra-fast PCI-E SSDs. So for the average user, there is no difference between the two. Chipsets Q differ from B only in support of special security functions and remote control, which are used only in the corporate sector.

Z chipsets have even more PCI-E lanes than H chipsets, they allow overclocking processors with the "K" index, support memory with a frequency higher than 2400 MHz and combining from 2 to 5 disks in a RAID array, which is not available on other chipsets. They are more suitable for high-end gaming and professional PCs.

Motherboards based on X99 / X299 chipsets are needed only for ultra-powerful and expensive professional PCs with processors on sockets 2011-3 / 2066, respectively (we will talk about this below).

3.3. AMD Chipsets

The main modern AMD chipsets include the following.

• A320 - for office and multimedia PCs
• B350 - for gaming and professional PCs
• X370 - for enthusiasts
• X399 - for very powerful professional PCs

The A320 chipset has no CPU overclocking capability, while the B350 does. The X370 is also equipped with a large number of PCI-E lanes for installing multiple graphics cards. Well, the X399 is intended for professional processors on the TR4 socket.

3.4. What is the difference between chipsets

Chipsets have a lot of differences, but we are only interested in their conditional division by purpose in order to choose a motherboard that matches the purpose of the computer.

The rest of the parameters of the chipsets are not of interest to us, since we will focus on the parameters of a specific motherboard. After choosing a chipset for your needs, you can start choosing a motherboard based on its characteristics and connectors.

4. Manufacturers of motherboards

The best motherboards in the above-average price range are produced by ASUS, but they are also the most expensive. This company pays less attention to entry-level motherboards and in this case it is not worth overpaying for the brand.

MSI motherboards offer a good price / performance ratio across the entire price range.

As a more economical option, you can consider motherboards from Gigabyte and ASRock (a subsidiary of ASUS), they differ in a more loyal pricing policy and they also have successful models.

Separately, it should be noted that Intel itself produces motherboards based on its chipsets. These motherboards are of consistent quality, but low functionality and a higher price tag. They are in demand mainly in the corporate sector.

Motherboards from other manufacturers are not so popular, they have a more limited model range, and I think their purchase is not advisable.

5. Form factor of the motherboard

Form factor refers to the physical size of the motherboard. The main form factors of motherboards are: ATX, MicroATX (mATX) and Mini-ITX.

ATX(305 × 244 mm) - full-size motherboard format, optimal for a stationary computer, has the largest number of slots, is installed in ATX cases.

MicroATX(244 × 244 mm) - a smaller format of the motherboard, has fewer slots, is installed both in full-size (ATX) cases, and in more compact cases (mATX).

Mini-ITX(170 × 170 mm) - ultra-compact motherboards for assembling very small PCs in appropriate cases. Please note that such systems have a number of limitations in terms of component size and cooling.

There are other less common motherboard form factors.

Processor socket (Socket) is a connector for connecting the processor to the motherboard. The motherboard must have the same socket as the processor.

Processor sockets are constantly undergoing changes and new modifications appear from year to year. I recommend purchasing a processor and motherboard with the most up-to-date socket. This will ensure that both the processor and the motherboard can be replaced in the next few years.

6.1. Intel processor sockets

• Obsolete: 478, 775, 1155, 1156, 2011
• Obsolete: 1150, 2011-3
• Most recent: 1151, 1151-v2, 2066

6.2. AMD processor sockets

• Obsolete: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
• Obsolete: AM3 +, FM2 +
• Most modern: AM4, TR4

Compact motherboards often have 2 slots for installing memory modules. Large ATX motherboards are usually equipped with 4 memory slots. Free slots may be needed if you plan to add memory in the future.

8. Type and frequency of supported memory

Modern motherboards support DDR4 memory. Inexpensive motherboards are designed for a lower maximum memory frequency (2400, 2666 MHz). Mid-range and high-end motherboards can support higher memory frequencies (3400-3600 MHz).

However, memory with a frequency of 3000 MHz and higher costs much more, while not giving a tangible performance boost (especially in games). In addition, there are more problems with such memory, the processor may work with it less stable. Therefore, it is advisable to overpay for the motherboard and high-frequency memory only when assembling a very powerful professional PC.

Today, the most optimal price / performance ratio is DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2400 MHz, which is supported by modern motherboards.

9. Connectors for installing video cards

Modern motherboards have the latest version 3.0 PCI Express (PCI-E x16) slot for installing video cards.

If the motherboard has several of these connectors, then you can install multiple video cards to improve performance in games. But in most cases, installing one more powerful video card is the preferred solution.

Also, the free PCI-E x16 slots can be used to install other expansion cards with a PCI-E x4 or x1 slot (for example, a fast SSD or a sound card).

10. Slots for expansion cards

Expansion card slots are special connectors for connecting various additional devices, such as a TV tuner, Wi-Fi adapter, etc.

Older motherboards used PCI slots to install expansion cards. You may need such a connector if you have such cards, for example, a professional sound card or TV tuner.

On modern motherboards, PCI-E x1 slots or extra PCI-E x16 slots are used to install expansion cards. It is desirable that the motherboard has at least 1-2 such connectors that do not overlap with the video card.

In a modern computer, old-style PCI slots are not required, since you can already purchase any device with a new PCI-E slot.

The motherboard has many internal connectors for connecting various devices inside the case.

11.1. SATA connectors

Modern motherboards have universal SATA 3 connectors that are great for connecting hard drives, solid state drives (SSDs), and optical drives.

Several of these connectors can be placed in a separate unit, forming a combined SATA Express connector.

This connector was previously used to connect fast SSDs, but you can also connect any SATA drives to it.

11.2. M.2 Slot

Also, many modern motherboards are equipped with an M.2 connector, which is mainly used for ultra-fast SSDs.

This connector has fasteners for mounting boards of various sizes, which should be taken into account when choosing an SSD. But now only the most common size 2280 is usually used.

It's also good if the M.2 connector can support both SATA and PCI-E modes, as well as the NVMe specification for fast SSDs.

11.3. Motherboard power connector

Modern motherboards have a 24-pin power connector.

All power supplies are equipped with the same connector.

11.4. Processor power connector

The motherboard can have a 4 or 8 pin processor power connector.

If the connector is 8-pin, then it is desirable that the power supply has two 4-pin connectors, which are inserted into it. If the processor is not very powerful, then it can be powered by one 4-pin connector and everything will work, but the voltage drops on it will be higher, especially in overclocking.

11.5. Location of internal connectors

The picture below shows the main internal motherboard connectors that we talked about.

12. Integrated devices

The motherboard, in addition to the chipset and various connectors for connecting components, has various integrated devices.

12.1. Integrated graphics

If you decide that the computer will not be used for games and do not purchase a separate video card, then the motherboard must support processors with a video core and have the appropriate connectors. Motherboards designed for processors with a video core can have VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI connectors.

It is desirable to have a DVI connector on the motherboard for connecting modern monitors. An HDMI connector is required to connect a TV to a computer. Note also that some budget monitors only have a VGA connector, which in this case should be on the motherboard.

12.2. Integrated sound card

All modern motherboards have an HDA (High Definition Audio) audio codec. The budget models are equipped with appropriate audio codecs (ALC8xx, ALC9xx), which, in principle, are sufficient for most users. More expensive gaming motherboards are equipped with better codecs (ALC1150, ALC1220) and a headphone amplifier, which give higher sound quality.

Motherboards usually have 3, 5 or 6 3.5 mm jacks for connecting audio devices. Optical and sometimes coaxial digital audio output may also be present.

For connecting speakers of the system 2.0 or 2.1. 3 audio outputs are quite enough.
If you plan to connect multichannel acoustics, then it is desirable that the motherboard has 5-6 audio connectors. An optical audio output may be required to connect a high quality audio system.

12.3. Integrated network card

All modern motherboards have a built-in network card with a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbps (1 Gb / s) and an RJ-45 connector for connecting to the Internet.

Budget motherboards are equipped with corresponding network cards from Realtek. More expensive gaming motherboards can have better Intel, Killer network cards, which has a positive effect on ping in online games. But often the operation of online games depends more on the quality of the Internet than on the network card.

It is highly desirable to connect to the Internet through, which will reflect network attacks and increase the protection of the motherboard from electrical breakdowns from the provider.

12.4. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Some motherboards may have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. Such motherboards are more expensive and are mainly used for assembling compact media centers. If now you do not need such functionality, then the necessary adapter can be purchased later if the need arises.

13. External connectors of the motherboard

Depending on the number of integrated devices and the class of the motherboard, it can have different connectors on the rear panel for connecting external devices.

Description of connectors from top to bottom

• USB 3.0- connector for connecting fast flash drives and external drives, it is desirable to have at least 4 such connectors.
• PS / 2- the old connector for connecting a mouse and keyboard, which is no longer on all motherboards, is optional, since modern mice and keyboards are connected via USB.
• DVI- connector for connecting a monitor in motherboards with integrated video.
• Wi-Fi antenna connectors- available only on some expensive boards with a Wi-Fi adapter.
• HDMI- a connector for connecting a TV in motherboards with integrated video.
• DisplayPort- connector for connecting some monitors.
• BIOS reset button- not required, it is used when the computer freezes during the overclocking process.
• eSATA- used for external drives with the same connector, optional.
• USB 2.0- a connector for connecting a keyboard, mouse, printer and many other devices, 2 such connectors (or USB 3.0 connectors) are enough. Also on modern motherboards there may be USB 3.1 connectors (Type-A, Type-C), which are faster, but are still rarely used.
• RJ-45- a connector for connecting to a local network or the Internet is required.
• Optical audio output- to connect high-quality acoustics (speakers).
• Audio outputs- for connecting audio speakers (system 2.0-5.1).
• Microphone- connection of a microphone or headset is always there.

14. Electronic components

Cheap motherboards use the lowest quality electronic components: transistors, capacitors, chokes, etc. Accordingly, the reliability and service life of such motherboards are the lowest. For example, electrolyte capacitors can swell after 2-3 years of computer operation, which leads to malfunctions and the need for repairs.

Mid-range and high-end motherboards may use higher quality electronic components (such as Japanese solid capacitors). Manufacturers often emphasize this with some kind of slogan: Solid Caps (solid-state capacitors), Military Standard (military standard), Super Alloy Power (reliable power system). These motherboards are more reliable and can last longer.

15. Processor power circuit

The processor power scheme determines how powerful the processor can be installed on a particular motherboard without the risk of overheating and premature failure, as well as power drawdown when overclocking the processor.

A mid-range motherboard with a 10-phase power scheme can handle non-extreme CPU overclocking with a TDP of up to 120W. For more voracious stones, it is better to take a motherboard with a 12-16 phase power supply system.

16. Cooling system

Cheap motherboards either do not have heatsinks at all, or they have a small heatsink on the chipset and sometimes on mosfets (transistors) near the processor socket. In principle, if you use such motherboards for their intended purpose and install the same weak processors on them, then they should not overheat.

On mid-range and high-end motherboards with more powerful processors, it is desirable to have larger heatsinks.

17. Firmware of the motherboard

Firmware is built-in firmware that controls all of the functions on the motherboard. Already many motherboards have switched from BIOS firmware with a classic text menu to a more modern UEFI with a convenient graphical interface.

In addition, gaming mothers' chambers have a number of advanced features that distinguish them favorably from more budget solutions.

18. Package Contents

Usually, a motherboard comes with: a user manual, a driver disc, a cover for the rear panel of the case, and several SATA cables. The complete set of the motherboard can be found on the website of the seller or manufacturer. If you are assembling a new computer, then calculate in advance how many and what loops you need in order to order them immediately if necessary.

Some models of motherboards have an extended configuration, which may contain many different cables and brackets with connectors. For example, ASUS motherboards used to have the word Deluxe in the name, but now they may be some kind of Pro version. They are more expensive, but usually all these add-ons remain unclaimed, so it is more advisable to buy the best motherboard for the same money.

19. How to find out the characteristics of the motherboard

All characteristics of the motherboard, such as supported processors and memory, types and number of internal and external connectors, etc. check on the manufacturer's website for the exact model number. There you can also see the images of the motherboard, by which it is easy to determine the location of the connectors, the quality of the power supply and cooling system. It would also be nice to look for reviews of a particular motherboard on the Internet before buying.

20. Optimal motherboard

Now you know everything you need to know about motherboards and can choose the right model yourself. But I will still give you a few recommendations.

For a mid-range office, multimedia or gaming computer (Core i5 + GTX 1060), an inexpensive socket 1151 motherboard with an Intel B250 / H270 or B360 / H370 chipset (for 8th generation processors) is suitable.

For a powerful gaming computer (Core i7 + GTX 1070/1080), it is better to take a motherboard on socket 1151 with a powerful processor power system on the Intel B250 / H270 or Z270 chipset (for overclocking). For 8th generation processors, respectively, you need a motherboard on the Intel B360 / H370 or Z370 chipset (for overclocking). If you want better sound, a network card and the means allow, then take a motherboard from the gaming series (Gaming, etc.).

For professional tasks, such as video rendering and other heavy applications, it is better to take a motherboard on socket AM4 for multi-threaded AMD Ryzen processors on the B350 / X370 chipset.

Select the format (ATX, mATX), types and number of connectors as needed. Manufacturer - any popular (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock) or based on our recommendations (this is more a matter of taste or budget).

21. Setting up filters in the online store

Thus, you will receive a motherboard that is optimal in terms of price / quality / functionality ratio that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

22. Links

Motherboard MSI H370 GAMING PRO CARBON
Asus ROG Strix B360-F GAMING motherboard
Gigabyte H370 AORUS GAMING 3 WIFI motherboard

The motherboard is an irreplaceable multifunctional "basis" of a personal computer, which ensures the operability of the rest of the system components: RAM, video card, processor, hard drives. The choice of the motherboard depends on the compatibility of the future assembly, and the overall performance, and even potential savings. For example, if you buy a processor with no chance of overclocking, why take an expensive "base" with a gaming chipset? The same is the case with RAM - if the strips are already limited in frequency, why pay more? Therefore, it is important to feel the balance and understand the details even before contacting the online store for a purchase.

Choosing the right hardware often starts with sorting by price, motherboard manufacturer, and gaming segment. But, as practice suggests, neither the first, nor the second, nor even the third indicator determines the level of quality, does not guarantee stable operation for ten years and does not increase performance (still, the rest of the details are responsible for this - the processor, video cards, RAM). It is worth starting your acquaintance with the segment with completely different characteristics and parameters:

• Form Factor The classic of the genre is ATX. The size of the board is 305x244 mm. From the offered interfaces, slots and connectors, office computers capable of working with documents and a browser can be easily assembled, as well as powerful professional PCs that can cope with any workload - from graphics processing to games in 4K resolution. Of the advantages of ATX - an impressive variety, the presence of both expensive and cheap models, compatibility with almost any equipment. Of the minuses - dimensions. For multimedia platforms, ATX is definitely not suitable. But Micro-ATX - with ease. The dimensions are noticeably smaller - 244x244 mm, the interfaces are practically the same, and there is no need to allocate a lot of space under the table. The E-ATX solution deserves a special mention - flagship models with advanced technologies and focus on premium markets. Size - 305x330 mm. Attention! The size of the case also depends on the choice of the form factor, and if there is not enough space in the room, it is worth stopping at the Micro-ATX option.
• Socket. The "socket" responsible for the health of the processor. It is more important not to find the characteristics of the motherboard with a strong desire. Before buying the "base" directly, you will have to figure out what process will be used in the assembly (it is important to know the manufacturer - AMD or INTEL and the model name), and for what purposes. If you first choose a motherboard with a specific socket, then the further choice of processors will be limited, and therefore you need to act exactly the opposite - first the processor, then studying the characteristics, and after selecting the platform. It is important to remember that sometimes you can save on the current purchase, but with a reserve for the future.
• Chipset. A parameter indicating the number and type of supported interfaces (for connecting hard drives, USB ports), and at the same time suggesting whether overclocking is possible (this characteristic is especially important on Intel processors, where the necessary settings are made directly into the BIOS, greatly simplifying life for beginners, is not yet familiar with the abnormal increase in equipment power). Chipsets also divide the motherboards available on the shelves by cost. The initial options do not allow overclocking the processor, connecting a dozen SSD drives, and sometimes prohibiting the operation of RAM in dual-channel mode. But the older chipsets and Wi-Fi adapters are equipped, and the Bluetooth signal is received, and with two or three video cards in the SLI and Crossfire format it works without any problems. Which chipset should I use when buying? Depends on the wallet and the desired functionality. Most likely, it is worth stopping at some averaged version, but with the support of official overclocking - in fact, this is how the groundwork for the near future appears, right?
• Memory slots. RAM helps the central processor not to process the same actions ten thousand times a day, but to take the result of the work done directly from RAM. This approach saves a lot of time and greatly reduces the CPU load. Therefore, it is important to get enough RAM in advance. As practice suggests, 4 slots capable of operating in dual-channel mode are the standard of the 2018/2019 season.
• Interfaces and connectors. It is important to understand the SATA connectors (support for the version operating at 6 Gb / s is required) and SATA Express, the presence of USB 3.0 and PCI-e x16. The rest of the elements already belong to either pampering or the premium segment. Such as Wi-Fi adapters, HDMI (and why, if the same interface is available on a video card?).

Choosing for office and study

Which motherboards are best for office and study? Those based on cheap chipsets for Intel and AMD work on common sockets, to which it is easy to find both cheap and expensive processors "for growth" and are assembled in the mATX or ATX form factor for a standard case. If you also choose a company, then you should pay attention to ASROCK and ASUS - you will definitely not be able to miscalculate.

How to choose a motherboard for games

The situation in the gaming segment is simpler - AM4 and LGA 1151_v2 (not to be confused with the standard 1151!) Are suitable sockets, the chipset must support overclocking, and the memory slots must reach the number “4”, and even work in dual-channel mode. You no longer have to choose the rest of the motherboard indicators - manufacturers will match the parameters described above with the necessary interfaces and technologies.

Which motherboard company to choose

ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI are the top three. The listed brands represent models both in the "basic configuration" for office assemblies, and in the "maximum" for gaming PCs with a bunch of additional functions. Most likely, it is worth keeping somewhere close, not forgetting to look at the characteristics of competitors, such as ASROCK (a subsidiary of ASUS), Zotac and Biostar.

You can also look at articles on topics and

How to choose a motherboard is the question most often asked by users when assembling a new computer.

Sometimes it is chosen for a ready-made PC, intending to improve its performance and increase its capabilities.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to buy a new board if the previous one breaks down. In this case, if funds allow, this situation should be used for a small modernization.

You should choose carefully: when assembling a computer, the "motherboard" is a system-forming factor of the computer ecosystem, on which all other components will depend.

Where to begin?

Before buying a motherboard, you should know that it is one of the most important elements of a computer.

And the purchase of other components will depend on its choice - from the case, which must match in size, to the processor, memory modules and video cards.

Therefore, you should select a motherboard only complete with the rest of the parts - or at least know their approximate characteristics.

In addition, the buyer should have an idea for what purpose he will need the board - for office work, for high-performance games, or as a home multimedia center.

Board functionality

The capabilities of a motherboard are primarily related to its price - the more expensive the device, the higher its functionality.

New and expensive "motherboards" provide the ability to simultaneously install multiple graphics processors - for working with drawings and 3D-objects, or for connecting 2-3 monitors.

Budget boards provide a maximum of one video card and are often equipped with integrated graphics that are not compatible with most games, but quite suitable for working with documents, surfing the Internet, and sometimes even for watching movies in FullHD (if there is enough memory).

Choosing the size of the "motherboard"

Having started choosing a motherboard, they immediately pay attention to its dimensions. This nuance is especially important if the part is purchased for an existing system unit.

A large case can accommodate a board of any size, in which case it is worth choosing an ATX form factor, which allows you to install more peripherals.

For a compact office computer or nettop, micro-ATX and mini-ITX formats are suitable, although such devices are unlikely to be able to install even one powerful video card.

Processor Compatibility

Each motherboard supports a different type of processor. It is important that both of these components are compatible.

To do this, the characteristics of the board indicate the compatibility of its socket (slot for installing a processor) with one or more types of chipsets.

Slots for memory and peripherals

Another nuance that people pay attention to when buying a motherboard is slots for memory modules and support for certain types of RAM.

A high-performance computer definitely requires the ability to work with GDDR5, providing high-speed operation.

It is also desirable that the number of slots for memory strips be more than 2 - four for a gaming PC (which will allow expanding RAM without changing modules, but buying new ones), eight for a server or workstation.

An equally important nuance is the presence and number of connectors for peripheral devices:

• USB slots. For a modern PC, it is recommended to choose a board with USB 3.0 connectors, which accelerate the process of reading and writing media. Their number is usually 4, but on ATX motherboards it can be increased;
• PCI Express slots required for connecting video cards. Moreover, for each type of GPU it is better to use its own connector. For example, new video processors improve performance when installed in a PCI Express (PCIe) x16 slot;

• ATA and IDE, connectors for connecting hard drives. The latter option is no longer used, and the number of the former depends on how many built-in storage devices can be installed on a given PC;
• PCI, the slot into which sound cards and other peripheral devices are connected.

Gaming motherboard

You can choose the right gaming motherboard knowing the following features:

• support for the latest versions of RAM;
• compatibility with the processor chosen for games (Intel Core i5 and i7, Socket AM 3+);
• the ability to install a powerful video card (it is necessary to have 1-2 PCI-E x16 slots and support for this technology in the BIOS of the motherboard).

Other characteristics of the board are not so important when choosing a device for gaming. Although it should be borne in mind that an increase in its functionality also affects the increase in cost.

The best motherboards for a computer in 2017

When deciding on the purchase of a "motherboard", many are wondering whether there is a better universal motherboard capable of performing any task.

There are such options, but their cost will not suit every user.

Therefore, it is worth choosing a specific model depending on the intended use of the computer:

• for study;
• for work;
• to run serious graphics applications;
• for modern games;
• for high-performance games running at maximum settings (board for an avid gamer's computer).

For study

It is not easy to determine which board is suitable for the computer of a pupil and a student.

Moreover, the user's goal may be not only to work with office programs, but also to play in their free time.

In this case, you should choose such models as MSI H110M PRO-VH (for Intel processors) or Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-DS2 (for AMD).

Their capabilities are enough for launching, for example, AutoCAD, and for gaming applications, and the cost is quite low - within 4000 rubles.

For office

The main characteristics of an office board are energy efficiency, small size, affordable price, and reliability.

It is possible that such a device will be installed on a nettop - a computer with minimum performance characteristics and, most often, with a small hard drive (or without it at all).

Today, choosing a motherboard for an office is not particularly difficult - just buy any budget model.

For example, GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XM-DS2, working with processors from AMD or MSI H81M-E33 for Intel. The price of each option is at the level of 3000 rubles.

For graphics programs

Working with graphics requires a more powerful hardware component. Therefore, serious requirements are imposed on the board:

• at least 4 RAM slots;
• 2 slots for a video card;
• support for AM3 + and Socket 1151 (Intel) processors.

A possible option for using AMD chipsets is the MSI 970A-G43 board, which is distinguished by functionality and a relatively affordable price (from 4500 rubles).

For Intel processors, the same manufacturer MSI can offer the B150M PRO-VDH model, the cost of which starts from 5000 rubles.

For a budget gaming PC

Buying a gaming computer is most often associated with more serious expenses than choosing an office option - this technique will require more memory, a powerful processor, and a discrete graphics card.

However, if you want to save money, you can try to reduce the total cost of the computer, starting with the motherboard.

Model MSI A78M-E45 (about 4000 rubles) is quite enough to run modern gaming applications with minimal or medium settings.

The board has an integrated graphics card, which in the future can be supplemented with a discrete one (even two), supports FM2 + processors and the installation of up to 64 GB of DDR3 RAM (more favorable in price than the latest generations of RAM).

The ASROCK B150M PRO4S / D3 model (for Intel), which can be bought for 5300 rubles, has about the same capabilities.

For a powerful gaming PC

A motherboard that meets fairly stringent requirements will help to achieve maximum performance.

The first of them is a high load, reaching almost 1000 W when all gaming devices are connected (manipulators, several video cards and monitors, a powerful processor and a productive cooling system).

In addition, such a board requires at least 4 memory slots and an M.2 slot for SSD hard drives.

All these characteristics are available in the ASROCK FATAL1TY 970 PERFORMANCE / 3.1 (support for AMD FX 9590 and 9370 processors), which can be called the best for gaming.

Although it is also suitable for any other tasks - just not every user will agree to overpay for it almost twice. The average price of such a board is in the range of 8.5-10 thousand rubles.

Fig. 8. Motherboard FATAL1TY 970 PERFORMANCE / 3.1