It’s also a good idea to get a motherboard with some USB-C ports since that’s where the future is headed. Keep in mind that at least two of these ports will be taken up by a keyboard and mouse. How many ports you need depends on the devices and peripherals that you use. Most people still want a motherboard to have a good amount of standard (Type-A) USB ports-preferably with some ports at USB 3.1 or higher. If you can identify the various ports by sight, then it’s as simple as looking at pictures on your favorite online retailer to see what each model offers. It’s a very good idea to consider the ports that a motherboard is offering. Now, let’s dig into the flashier parts of the motherboard. Ports, Wi-Fi, and RAM Slots The MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge ATX motherboard for Intel processors. The best way to find out about a motherboard’s VRM is to check out reviews online. In general, a higher number of VRM phases means cleaner power supplied to the CPU, thereby improving performance. In addition, pay some attention to the VRM or voltage regulator module, which converts the voltage being supplied to the CPU. To overclock an Intel processor, you need a Z-series motherboard that’s compatible with your CPU. Motherboard model numbers are usually defined by their chipsets.
For more information, read our primer on what a chipset is. That is beyond the scope of this article, so we won’t cover that here.Īs for Intel, you can only overclock Intel CPUs that have a specific designation (a “K” or an “F” at the end of the product number), and the same goes for Intel chipsets. AMD Ryzen desktop CPUs and motherboards are overclock-friendly, but how much extra you can squeeze out of them varies greatly between generations. If you plan on overclocking your CPU, then you must consider this when buying a motherboard, at least if you’re buying Intel. There are many different motherboard sizes for different uses, but most people will be looking at standard ATX boards for traditional desktop PCs. The motherboard not only has to be compatible with either AMD or Intel, but also, with the specific generation of processor that you’re using.Īnother important consideration is motherboard size. If you buy an Intel CPU, you need an Intel-compatible motherboard. But, in short: If you buy an AMD processor, you need an AMD-compatible motherboard. We won’t cover anything so basic as socket type in detail here-you need a motherboard with a socket type that matches your chosen CPU, of course. Let’s take a look at some of the key considerations to make when purchasing a motherboard. This can come down to its overall quality as well as the specs you need for your build.
A motherboard, however, can also make a big difference. Since the CPU and GPU have the most substantial impact on the performance of the PC, it makes sense to start with them.