When building a budget gaming PC, the motherboard is one of the most crucial components you should pay attention to. It serves as the backbone of your computer, connecting all the other parts together and allowing them to communicate with each other. However, with so many different motherboards available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one that doesn’t compromise performance while staying within your budget. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the best motherboard for your budget gaming PC and share some of the top options available in the market for under 5000 INR.
Let’s Start with the Basics
Before we dive into the specifics of motherboard selection, it’s essential to understand what role a motherboard plays in your computer.
First and foremost, the motherboard is responsible for holding and connecting all the other components of your PC. It serves as the base for your CPU, RAM, and storage devices. The motherboard also contains certain ports, known as expansion slots, which enable you to add extra functionalities to your computer, such as a discrete graphics card, additional storage devices, or dedicated sound cards.
Most importantly, the motherboard determines the level of performance and features that your budget gaming PC can accommodate. It will define the type of CPU socket you require, the number and type of RAM slots available, the number of expansion slots present, among other features.
Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Budget Gaming PC
When it comes to selecting a motherboard for your budget gaming PC, you’ll need to consider several key factors, such as compatibility with your other parts, power delivery, the number of expansion slots available, and other features such as networking capabilities and RGB lighting. Let’s dive into each factor in more detail:
Compatibility with Other Parts
Compatibility with other components, such as your CPU and RAM, should be the first thing you confirm when choosing a motherboard. Your CPU’s socket type should match your motherboard’s socket type. For example, if you choose an Intel CPU, you’ll require a motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket, whereas an AMD CPU will require an AM4 socket.
The amount of RAM that a motherboard can handle is also crucial to ensuring smooth performance. Make sure your motherboard supports sufficient RAM capacity and type. For gaming purposes, 8GB to 16GB of RAM is generally sufficient, but you might want to opt for a motherboard that can accommodate higher amounts of RAM if you’re planning to use your PC for content creation or other intensive applications.
Power Delivery
The motherboard’s power delivery system determines the power it can supply to the CPU and other components. Better power delivery results in better performance, and this is particularly crucial when it comes to gaming.
Ensure that your motherboard has a robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) that ensures stable power delivery to the CPU. The number of VRM phases (also known as power phases) a motherboard has is one way to determine its performance capabilities. More VRM phases generally result in better overclocking performance and stability. However, for a budget gaming PC, four to six VRM phases should be sufficient.
Amps per VRM phase is another factor you should consider. This value corresponds to the amount of current each VRM phase can deliver to the CPU. A higher value means better power delivery. Aim for a motherboard with at least 10A per VRM phase.
Expansion Slots and Other Features
The number of expansion slots a motherboard has determines how much you can expand your computer’s functionality down the line. PCI express slots enable you to add graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, or additional storage devices. The more PCI express slots available, the better.
Other features, such as built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or RGB lighting, can add to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your budget gaming PC. However, keep in mind that these features usually come at a premium price.
Top Motherboards Under 5000 INR
Now that we’ve gone through the essential factors to consider when choosing a budget gaming PC motherboard let’s explore some of the top options available in the market for under 5000 INR.
1. ASUS PRIME A320M-K
The ASUS Prime A320M-K is an entry-level motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen CPUs. It has a Micro-ATX form factor, making it a suitable option for small form factor builds. The motherboard supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, two PCI express slots, and four SATA 3.0 ports.
While it doesn’t come with advanced features such as Wi-Fi or RGB lighting, the ASUS Prime A320M-K offers excellent value for its price point and is an ideal choice for gamers who want a reliable motherboard with stable power delivery.
2. GIGABYTE GA-A320M-S2H
Another budget option for AMD Ryzen users is the Gigabyte GA-A320M-S2H. This is a Micro-ATX motherboard that features two DDR4 RAM slots capable of supporting up to 32GB of memory. It also has four SATA III ports and a single PCI-Express x16 slot.
The GA-A320M-S2H supports a range of features, including USB 3.1 ports, M.2 slots for storage devices, and Gigabit LAN for network connectivity. Overall, it’s an excellent budget option for gamers who want a lot of versatility from their motherboard.
3. MSI H310M PRO-VD
The MSI H310M PRO-VD is an Intel-based motherboard that features two DDR4 RAM slots capable of supporting up to 32GB of memory. It also has support for USB 3.1 and offers four SATA ports. The motherboard also has a single PCI Express x16 slot, which is enough to accommodate a mid-range graphics card. It’s an excellent micro-ATX option for those on a tight budget.
4. ASROCK H410M-HDV/M.2
The ASRock H410M-HDV/M.2 is another great mid-range option that supports Intel-based CPUs. It features two DDR4 RAM slots, two PCI express slots, and support for up to eight USB ports. The motherboard also has an M.2 slot for SSD storage, making it an excellent option for PC builders who want fast storage processing speeds.
The ASRock H410M-HDV/M.2 also features an HDMI port, allowing users to connect to an HDTV or larger display with ease. It’s an excellent budget option for those looking for versatility and functionality.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a motherboard for your budget gaming PC, it’s essential to consider compatibility, power delivery, expansion slots, and other features that can enhance your computer’s performance and functionality. With the options presented above, you can select a motherboard that offers excellent value for its price without compromising on performance.
So, which motherboard would you choose for your budget gaming PC? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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