“Build the Perfect Motherboard”
Every computer build needs a great foundation, the motherboard. It serves as the backbone of the entire computer. As the most important component of any computer build, choosing the right motherboard can be daunting. But we’re here to help. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, creating a workstation, or simply upgrading your current setup, this guide will help you choose the best motherboard that fits your needs.
To make the best decision, it’s important to understand the anatomy of a motherboard, what’s available on the market, and which features to look for. In this guide, we’ll show you how to evaluate your build requirements and choose the best motherboard for you.
What Is a Motherboard?
At its most basic, a motherboard is a printed circuit board inside a computer that contains electrical pathways for components to connect to and communicate with one another. Essentially, the motherboard is a large network switch, hubs, and routers. It provides the necessary connections to allow all of the components such as the CPU, GPU, USB ports, storage, RAM, and other components to communicate.
Motherboard Anatomy
Now that we understand the basic purpose of a motherboard, let’s take a more detailed look at what the physical components are and what they do.
Chipset
The chipset is the component that is responsible for enabling communication between the processor and the other components on the motherboard. It is a collection of integrated circuits (ICs) that control basic system functions such as memory, input/output, and system management.
Socket
The Socket connects the Central Processing Unit (CPU) to the motherboard. It is one of the main factors that determine which type of processor the motherboard can take.
Power Connectors
These connectors provide power to the motherboard, as well as any components connected to it.
RAM slots
Random Access Memory (RAM) can be thought of as the computer’s workspace, it’s used to store temporary information such as what you see on the screen. Without RAM, the CPU would attempt to store every task it’s asked to do in its own memory, leading to a painfully slow computer. RAM slots allow you to add extra RAM to your system if needed.
PCI Slots
A PCI, or Peripheral Component Interconnect, slot is used to expand the system. It is the connection by which peripheral components such as graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, and other I/O devices can be added to the system.
Storage Connectors
These are specific slots that are used to link a hard drive or an optical drive to the motherboard.
Other Connectors
This includes various connectors such as fan connectors and USB ports.
Types of Motherboards
Now that we understand the anatomy of a motherboard, let’s look at the types of motherboards on the market today and the type best for specific builds.
ATX Motherboard
The ATX form factor has been standard for a long time. Usually, these motherboards are relatively large, ranging from 12x 9.6 inches in size, with the most popular size being 12x 9 inches. The ATX form factor supports the most memory, PCI and PCI Express slots, and the best cooling capabilities. Because of the larger size, these boards are the popular choice for gaming builds and workstations.
MicroATX Motherboard
MicroATX is a smaller version of the ATX motherboard in terms of size, coming in at 9.6x 9.4 inches. Since it’s smaller than the ATX, it supports fewer components, as well as fewer PCI slots, but still provides plenty of performance for everyday computing.
Mini-ITX Motherboard
Mini-ITX is the smallest form factor motherboard available, measuring 6.7x 6.7 inches. The board supports the fewest memory, storage, and PCI slots so it’s best for builds where size and space is at a premium such as touch-screen PCs and HTPCs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard
When it comes to choosing a motherboard, size is only one of the factors to consider. Here are a few other considerations that you should keep in mind.
Compatibility With Your Existing Components
It’s important to make sure that your chosen motherboard is compatible with your existing components such as your CPU and graphics card. This ensures that the components will be able to properly communicate and work together.
Cost
Cost is always a factor when it comes to building a computer, so you should make sure to find a cost-friendly motherboard that meets your needs.
Overclockability
Overclocking is when you increase the speed of your processor through manipulating the appropriate settings in the BIOS. Not all motherboards support overclocking, so if this is important to you, make sure to get one that does.
Cooling Solutions
If you plan on overclocking or doing a lot of intensive tasks, you should make sure that your motherboard can accommodate extra cooling solutions if necessary.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motherboard can seem overwhelming at first, but with a better understanding of the different types of motherboards, their anatomy, and the considerations you should keep in mind, the process becomes much easier.
Whether you’re building a gaming rig, home theater PC, or simply upgrading your current setup, keeping these factors in mind will assist you in choosing the best motherboard for your needs.
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