How to Choose Your Computer Motherboard

Contents

 – Motherboard: the nervous system of the computer

 – Motherboard: compare and choose with criteria

 – Price of a motherboard: from $100

The central processing unit is the heart of the computer. It comprises several components: the RAM, the graphics card, the sound card, the hard drive, the DVD drive, the processor, and the motherboard.

Motherboard: the computer’s nervous system

The motherboard is a large printed circuit with connection ports.

It supports many elements such as:

 – the processor

 – the memory,

 – the graphics card,

 – the input and output connectors.

The motherboard also integrates components such as:

 – Bios, battery, chipset,

 – CMOS, bus system.

Some motherboards also have an integrated network card, graphics card, and sound card.

It is also possible that a motherboard can support multiple processors managed symmetrically or asymmetrically.

The main manufacturers of motherboards are the following:

 – NVIDIA,

 – ATI,

 – MSI,

 – ASUS.

Motherboard: compare and choose with criteria

When you decide to assemble your computer yourself or buy a computer from an assembler, you can choose the configuration and components of your computer.

So, here is a table gathering the essential points of comparison to choosing your motherboard:

Criteria for choosing a motherboard
Motherboard format	– The choice of the motherboard format will affect the choice of the case. – The most common format is the ATX format, which is a size corresponding to standard towers. ◦ This motherboard format offers good heat dissipation and optimal connection of peripherals. ◦ However, the ATX format is also declined in micro ATX and mini ATX for small cases or even mini computers. – There is also the BTX format, designed by Intel, which exists in standard, micro, and pico sizes for small cases and mini PCs.
Chipset	– The chipset is the part of the motherboard that manages the data exchange between the different components. – The more recent you choose a chipset, the greater the possibilities to upgrade your computer. – The chipset may or may not integrate a graphics card and a sound card. ◦ This way you won’t have to buy additional cards. ◦ However, for high-performance sound and graphics, better to buy independent cards. – If your motherboard has a chipset with a sound and graphic card, it will be possible to disable them to add independent cards.
Processor support	The motherboard can have 2 different types of processor support: – Slot: the processor is attached vertically, with a rectangular connector. – Socket: the processor is connected to the motherboard in a square connector composed of small connectors into which the processor is inserted.
Input / output connectors	– The number of connectors and the types of connectors vary from one motherboard to another: it is, therefore, essential to check if the motherboard offers all the connectors you will need. – All motherboards will offer inputs/outputs of the type: ◦ mouse, ◦ keyboard, ◦ USB, ◦ audio, ◦ Ethernet, ◦ parallel, ◦ serial, ◦ VGA. – The number of USB ports is important because most of the time, several USB ports are used at the same time.

Price of a motherboard: from $100

The price you will put into your motherboard depends on the type of computer you need.

Prices will vary depending on whether you’re looking for a first computer, an intermediate computer or an advanced computer.

You’ll find entry-level motherboards for under $100.

Otherwise, you’ll need to spend between $150 and $350 for a mid-range card, and over $600 for high-end cards.

Hope this article helps you to choose your computer motherboard. Remember to write your comments below.