Motherboards: Understanding the Basics
What is a motherboard? It is an integral part of your computer system—the central circuit board that connects almost every other component of your system together. Simply put, it’s the brain of the computer, and it’s where the majority of the computing power comes from.
These days, it can be difficult to know what kind of motherboard to buy, with all the various models, sizes, and technologies available on the market. That’s why, before you make the purchase, it’s important to understand the basics of how motherboards work and what type of hardware you need for your specific needs.
What is a Motherboard?
A motherboard is essentially a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that contains, either directly or indirectly, most of the core components—microprocessor, memory, ports and other controllers—required for a functioning computer. It also often has space for expansion cards, such as video cards, wireless networking cards, and sound cards. It is the main ingredient of a computer system, hence its name.
Types of Motherboards
Motherboards come in different sizes and form factors, determined by the size of the printed circuit board they’re made from. This affects the way you build computers, as some components aren’t compatible with certain types of motherboards. Nonetheless, the basic idea is the same: the motherboard acts as a hub for all the components of the computer, including ports for various peripherals, such as external storage devices, printers, and other peripherals.
Below are the most common form factors you will come across:
- ATX: One of the most popular form factors. The ATX motherboards are generally larger than the other types, providing slots for better customization. The Standard ATX measures 12×9.6 inches (30.5×24.4 cm) and is the most common form factor available.
- Micro-ATX: This is a smaller version of the ATX. It is used due to its lower cost and greater flexibility, but is still compatible with the majority of existing components. The Standard Micro-ATX stands at 9.6×9.6 inches (24.4×24.4 cm).
- Mini-ITX: Mini-ITX motherboards are even smaller than Micro-ATX, and measure as little as 6.7×6.7 inches (17×17 cm). Most Mini-ITX motherboards are used in small form factor (SFF) cases, such as ultra-slim desktops. They offer great customizability, but at the expense of having fewer upgrade options.
- 2-in-1-Motherboards: Also known as mATX boards, these are essentially hybrid boards that merge the two most popular form factors: ATX and Mini-ITX. These boards come in two variants, with perfect compatibility for Mini-ITX cases and ATX cases, meaning that you get the best of both worlds. The typical size for mATX motherboards is 9.6×9.6 inches (24.4×24.4 cm).
Components to Look For When Buying a Motherboard
Besides the form factor, there are several other essential components that you should consider when selecting a motherboard:
- Socket Type: One of the most important pieces of information to consider when selecting a motherboard is the socket type. This is the part of the motherboard that will accept the processor, and it’s important to ensure that you purchase a motherboard and processor that are compatible with each other.
- Chipset: The chipset is a group of integrated circuits that control the data flow between the processor and other connected components. Generally speaking, the higher end the chipset, the more features that the motherboard will offer.
- Memory: This refers to the memory slots present on the motherboard—specifically, the type and number of RAM slots. It’s important to determine the type and amount of RAM that your processor supports and select a compatible motherboard.
- Ports: The ports available on a motherboard will determine which types of peripherals and devices you can use with your system. To get the most use out of your system, it’s important to check for the type and number of ports, such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.
- Power Connectors: The type and number of power connectors are also important to look at. Some motherboards require external power sources, while others don’t. Make sure you choose the right type for your system.
- Expansion Slots: The expansion slots, or PCI slots, are where you can add additional cards and components, such as sound cards, video cards, and RAID cards. Knowing the type and number of expansion slots on a motherboard is important to be able to upgrade your system in the future.
How to Choose a Motherboard
Once you understand the basics of a motherboard and the components to look for, you can start looking for the right model to suit your needs. It’s important to remember that the most expensive motherboard isn’t necessarily the best one, as there are other factors to consider such as the size, form factor, and the ports and expansion slots available.
It’s also important to consider the processor you’re going to use since some processors require specific types of motherboards. Take your time to research different brands, models, and price ranges, and don’t forget to ask for assistance from the professionals if needed.
In the end, your choice of motherboard should reflect the type of computer that you want to build, what you plan to do with it, and most importantly, the budget you can afford. With the right information and the right selection, you can make a smart choice that will serve you well in the long run.
Choosing the right motherboard can be daunting, but with a little bit of research, you can make sure that you get the right one for your needs. Understanding the basics, knowing the different types and components, and having a clear idea of what you’re looking for can help you make the right choice.
It’s time to take a closer look at what’s available on the market, and find the perfect motherboard for your computer system. Build it up, and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
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