When new users build a PC, they often get confused by motherboard specifications. Aside from compatibility with specific CPUs, important components like memory, hard drives, and even the case are all closely related to it. In other words, choosing a motherboard is the start of building a PC, but since motherboards involve so many parameters, many people find them confusing. Today, we’ll sort it out for you.
01
CPU Sockets on the Motherboard
The CPU socket on the motherboard determines which CPUs can be installed on it. For example, Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation desktop processors are only compatible with Intel’s LGA 1700 socket. Similarly, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 CPUs are only compatible with AMD’s AM5 socket.
Although the CPU socket is the most basic identifier of a motherboard, users typically search for motherboards using the chipset type. The chipset connects all the components of the computer and determines the data transfer speeds and the number of ports and connectors on the motherboard. Each generation of Intel and AMD chipsets is designed by the CPU manufacturers and produced by third-party motherboard manufacturers.
Chipsets supported by the LGA 1700 socket currently include the entry-level H610, which has two memory slots and does not support PCIe 4.0; mainstream chipsets B660 and B760, which have up to four memory slots and support memory overclocking and PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0; the H670 and H770, which are similar to the B series but support up to 128GB of memory; and high-end chipsets Z690 and Z790, which have CPU overclocking capabilities and the most PCIe lanes and ports.
Chipsets supported by the AM5 socket include the entry-level A620 and A620A, which support PCIe 5.0 and memory overclocking; mainstream chipsets B650 and B650E, which have more USB ports, CPU overclocking, PCIe 5.0 NVMe, and PCIe 4.0 graphics; and high-end chipsets X670 and X670E, which have the most PCIe lanes and ports, PCIe 5.0 NVMe, and PCIe 5.0 graphics.
Additionally, some motherboard manufacturers offer unofficial features on entry-level motherboards that are not approved by Intel or AMD on specific chipsets.
02
Motherboard Form Factors
The next key specification to understand when purchasing a motherboard is its form factor. Desktop motherboards typically come in three main sizes: ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX. The choice of motherboard form factor is primarily determined by the size of the case and the number of components to be installed. Installing a smaller motherboard in a larger case may look strange and waste space, and it will be limited by the fewer expansion slots and ports on the smaller motherboard.
ATX motherboards are the largest of the three options, allowing for additional memory slots, hard drive interfaces, PCIe slots, fan headers, and better VRM multiplier designs. They are generally more suited for cooling compared to the other two sizes. Micro-ATX or mATX motherboards are scaled-down ATX boards with most of the same features but fewer ports and weaker VRM designs. Lastly, mini-ITX motherboards are ideal for small builds, offering only the most basic ports and connectors.
03
Memory Slots on the Motherboard
The type of memory that can be used depends on the motherboard. Currently, DDR4 and DDR5 are the most common memory types on the market, with DDR5 being the latest standard. If you’re buying an Intel motherboard, you can choose between DDR4 and DDR5 versions of the same board, as Intel CPUs support both types of memory. However, AMD’s latest motherboards with AM5 sockets only support DDR5 memory, while DDR4 is only available on the previous generation AM4 motherboards.
You also need to consider the number of memory slots on the motherboard. If you want to expand your memory in the future, two slots may not be enough, and four slots offer more scalability. Finally, the maximum memory speed varies by motherboard. For example, high-end motherboards may support memory rated at 8000MT/s, while budget motherboards may limit it to 6400MT/s.
Since DDR4 memory and previous-generation processors are cheaper, building a system based on DDR4 means you don’t have to spend as much, but you will miss out on some features and future upgrades will be limited. On the other hand, building based on DDR5 will allow you to seamlessly insert next-generation CPUs on the same motherboard, saving the cost and hassle of buying a new motherboard during upgrades.
04
Hard Drive Channels on the Motherboard
Another important specification of the motherboard is its PCIe support. While it may not matter much for graphics cards that still run well on PCIe 3.0 slots, it is crucial for the type of hard drive you want to install. PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs are already fast for most people, allowing for faster load times in games and quick OS boot times compared to traditional HDDs.
However, PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs are the sweet spot for most users now, as their read/write speeds are significantly higher, and the price difference compared to PCIe 3.0 is not too large. As for the latest PCIe 5.0 SSDs, they are only worthwhile for users who can utilize their extremely fast sequential read/write speeds, such as when copying large files or using productivity applications.
Moreover, the number of M.2 slots on the motherboard will determine how many SSDs you can install. Also, note the number of PCIe lanes available on each M.2 slot, as not all slots on the motherboard have the same maximum speed.
05
PCIe Slots on the Motherboard
PCIe slots on the motherboard can be used for graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, and other components that need a direct high-speed connection to the CPU. While sound cards and network cards may not be common today, many people may want to install a discrete graphics card on the motherboard. This makes the type of PCIe slots on the motherboard important.
Today’s graphics cards run well on PCIe 3.0 slots, but those who want a more future-proof motherboard will value PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0 slots. Also, pay attention to the number of PCIe slots (if multiple graphics cards are needed) and the number and configuration of PCIe lanes available on the motherboard. This determines how many high-speed components such as graphics cards, SSDs, and other expansion cards can run at full speed simultaneously.
06
I/O Ports on the Motherboard
The number of I/O ports on the motherboard may not be considered by many, but they determine the number and performance of peripherals. Entry-level motherboards have minimal USB ports, SATA ports, audio/video ports, and Ethernet ports. Mid-range and high-end motherboards have more and higher-spec ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2.5Gb Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, etc.
Some motherboards also have Wi-Fi capabilities, with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E being common on many mid-range motherboards. Similarly, having a built-in Bluetooth module on the motherboard is also helpful if you don’t want to buy a separate Bluetooth adapter.
07
VRM Design on the Motherboard
The VRM on the motherboard is responsible for routing the correct voltage to the PC components. It consists of chokes, capacitors, and MOSFETs and determines the stability and quality of power delivered to the CPU and other components. While every motherboard has a VRM solution, only mid-range and high-end motherboards have VRM designs that can sustain CPU overclocking and run high-end CPUs and GPUs.
Motherboard VRMs are usually represented by their phases (4, 8, 12, 16, 18, etc.), with a higher number indicating a better VRM design. Stable power delivery involves many other factors, including the type of capacitors and chokes on the VRM, the VRM cooling solution, and the thickness of the PCB. If you’re installing a Core i9 or Ryzen 9 CPU on the motherboard or want a reliable motherboard for overclocking the CPU, it’s best to choose a motherboard with a high-quality VRM design.
08
Additional Features of the Motherboard
There are also some additional motherboard features that, while not essential, can improve the overall experience. This could be an onboard debug LED that displays error codes when the motherboard has issues, saving time in diagnosing the root cause. Or it could be a BIOS reset button that allows you to update the BIOS without installing the CPU.
Other noticeable features on the motherboard include enough fan and ARGB headers to accommodate all components without additional hubs or controllers; tool-less M.2 slots for easy SSD installation; pre-installed M.2 heatsinks for high-speed SSDs; integrated I/O shields; and RGB lighting effects to make the case look cooler.
09
Summary
Choosing a motherboard for a new PC should be a careful process that considers current and future needs. The choice you make will determine the device’s lifespan, expansion limitations, connection options, overclocking headroom, and overall aesthetics. Replacing a motherboard is not easy and shouldn’t be done frequently, so understand its specifications before making a final decision.
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