Motherboard chipset - what is it and where is it located? How to choose a motherboard? Step by step instructions.

Motherboard chipset- these are blocks of microcircuits (literally chip set, that is, a set of chips) that are responsible for the operation of all other computer components. The performance and speed of your PC also depends on it.

As you understand, in addition, close attention should be paid to the chipset placed on it, especially when we are talking about modern powerful home or gaming computers.

They are easy to identify visually on the motherboard - these are large black microcircuits, which are sometimes covered with cooling radiators.

In the already outdated design of the motherboard, the chipset chips were divided into two blocks - the north and south bridge according to their location on the diagram.

The functions of the north bridge are to ensure the operation of the processor with RAM (RAM controller) and video card (PCI-E x16 controller). The southern one is responsible for connecting the processor with other computer devices - hard drives, optical drives, expansion cards, etc. via SATA, IDE, PCI-E x1, PCI, USB, sound controllers.

The main performance characteristic of the chipset in this architecture is the data bus (System Bus), designed to exchange information between the various parts that make up the computer. All components work with the chipset through buses, each at its own speed. This is clearly visible in the chipset diagram.

The performance of the entire PC depends precisely on the speed of the bus that connects it to the chipset itself. In Intel chipset terminology, this bus is referred to as FSB (Front Side Bus).

In the description of the motherboard, this is referred to as “bus frequency” or “bus bandwidth”.
Let's take a closer look at these characteristics of the data bus. It is determined by two indicators - frequency and width.

Frequency is the data transfer rate, which is measured in megahertz (MHz, MHz) or gigahertz (GHz, GHz). The higher this indicator, the higher the performance of the entire system as a whole (for example, 3 GHz).
Width- the number of bytes that the bus has the ability to transfer at a time in bytes (for example, 2 Bt). The greater the width, the more information the bus can transmit in a certain period of time.

When multiplying these two values, we get a third, which is precisely indicated on the diagrams - throughput, which is measured in gigabytes per second (Gb/s, Gb/s). From our example, we multiply 3 GHz by 2 Bytes and get 6 Gb/s.

In the picture below, the bus bandwidth is 8.5 gigabytes per second.

The north bridge communicates with the RAM using a built-in two-channel controller via the RAM Bus, which has 128 contacts (x128). When working with memory in single-channel mode, only 64 tracks are used, so for maximum performance it is recommended to use 2 memory modules connected to different channels.

Architecture without northbridge

In the latest generation processors, the north bridge is already built into the processor chip itself, which significantly increases its performance. Therefore, on new motherboards it is completely absent - only the south bridge remains.

In the example below, the chipset does not have a north bridge, since its function is taken over by a processor with a built-in video core, but from it we also see the designation of the data bus speed.

Modern processors use the QPI (QuickPath Interconnect) bus, as well as the PCI-e x16 graphics controller, which used to be in the northbridge and is now built into the processor. As a result of them becoming embedded, the characteristics of the main data bus are not as important as they were in the previous generation of two-bridge architectures.

In modern chipsets on new boards, there is another bus operation parameter - transfers per second, which indicates the number of data transfer operations per second. For example, 3200 MT/s (megatransfers per second) or 3.2 GT/s (gigatransfers).

The same characteristic is indicated in the descriptions of processors. Moreover, if the chipset has a bus speed of 3.2 GT/s, and the processor, for example, has 2 GT/s, then this combination will operate at a lower value.

Chipset manufacturers

The main players in the market of chipset manufacturers are the companies already familiar to us from Intel and AMD, as well as NVidea, which is better known to users for its video cards, and Asus.

Since the main manufacturers today are the first two, let's take a look at modern and already outdated models.

Intel chipsets

Modern- 8x, 7x and 6x series.
Outdated- 5x, 4x and 3x, as well as NVidea.

Marking a chipset with a letter before a number indicates the power of the chipset within one line.

X- maximum performance for gaming computers
R— high performance for powerful computers for mass use
G- for a regular home or office computer
B, Q- for business. The characteristics are the same as “G”, but have additional functions, such as remote maintenance and access monitoring for administrators of large offices and enterprises.

Recently, several more new series have been introduced for the new LGA 1155 chipset:

N- for ordinary users
R 67— for enthusiasts who are planning further upgrades and overclocking of the system
Z— a universal option, combines the characteristics of the two previous ones

From the chipset diagram you can easily understand what built-in and external functions it supports. For example, let's look at the diagram of the modern high-performance Intel Z77 chipset.

The first thing that attracts attention is the absence of a north bridge. As we can see, this chipset works with processors with integrated graphics core (Processor Graphics) of the Intel Core series. For a home computer, the built-in core will be enough to work with documents and watch videos. However, if greater performance is required, for example when installing modern games, then the chipset supports the installation of several video cards in the PCI Express 3 slot. Moreover, when installing 1 video card, it will use 16 lines, two - each with 8 lines, or one 8, the other 4 , and the remaining 4 lines will be used to work with devices using Thunderbolt technology.

The chipset is also ready for further upgrades and system overclocking (Intel Extreme Tuning Support).

For comparison, let's look at another chipset - Intel P67, which is shown below. Its main difference from the Z77 is that it does not support working with the processor’s built-in video core.

This means that a motherboard equipped with a P67 will not be able to work with the integrated graphics core of the processor and you will definitely have to buy a discrete (separate) video card for it.

AMD chipsets

Modern— Axx series (for processors with a built-in video core), 9xx and 8xx.
Outdated— 7хх, nForce and GeForce, with the exception of some models.

The weakest in terms of performance are those models whose names contain only numbers.

Letters G or V in the model name indicates the presence of a built-in video card in the chipset.
X or GX— support for two separate (discrete) video cards, but not at full capacity (8 lines each).
FX are the most powerful chipsets that fully support multiple video cards.

The bus that connects the processor and the chipset is called Hyper Transport (HT) by AMD. In modern chipsets working with sockets AM2+, AM3, AM3+ it is version 3.0, in AM2 it is 2.0.

HT 2.0: max frequency - 1400 MHz, width 4 bytes, bandwidth 2.8 GT/s
HT 3.0: max frequency 2600 MHz, width 4 bytes, bandwidth 5.3 GT/s

Let's look at an example of a motherboard description on the website and determine which chipset is installed on it.

In this picture we have the MSI Z77A-G43 model - from the name itself it is clear that it is equipped with an Intel Z77 chipset, which is also confirmed in the detailed description.

And here is the ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0 board with a powerful chipset from AMD 990FX, which is also evident both from the name and from the detailed description.

What is the best motherboard chipset?

Let's summarize - which chipset is better to choose for your computer?

It all depends on what purpose you are building your PC for. If this is an office or home computer on which you do not plan to install games, then it is advisable to choose a chipset that works with processors with an integrated graphics core. By purchasing such a board and, accordingly, a processor with built-in video, you will receive a kit that is quite suitable for working with documents and even watching videos in good quality.

If you require more in-depth work with graphics, for example, for average video games or graphics applications, then you will use a separate video card, which means there is no point in overpaying for a graphics chipset that supports work with the built-in video processor - it is better if it provides maximum performance video cards.

For the most powerful gaming computers, and to a lesser extent for those that will run graphics-intensive professional programs, choose the most powerful models that fully support multiple graphics cards.

I hope this article has opened the curtain a little for you on the mystery of motherboard chipsets and now you can more correctly choose these components for your computer! Well, to consolidate your knowledge, watch the video tutorial posted at the beginning of the article.

The word “Chipset” comes from the English “Chip Set”, which translated into Russian sounds like “Set of chips” or, more correctly, “Set of chips”. In other words, a Chipset is a special chip designed to work together to perform a set of specific functions, combined into one set, usually structurally designed in one package. On the motherboard of a computer or laptop, the Chipset acts as a connecting link that combines RAM, processor (CPU), hard drive, input/output devices, etc. into one single “organism”, and also ensures the joint functioning of PC subsystems . Chipsets are used not only in computer equipment, but also in tablets, smartphones, TVs, game consoles, etc.

On a modern motherboard, the chipset consists of two main parts.

Chipset logical device:

Input/Output Controller Hub (ICH)— I/O controller that provides interaction between the hard drive, IDE, SATA, USB interfaces, PCI and PCIExpress cards with the CPU. It is also called “South Bridge”.

Memory Controller Hub (MCH)- memory controller. This chip provides communication between the processor and RAM and video card using a special FSB or HyperTransport bus. Its second name is “Northern Bridge”. In the latest versions of modern processors, it may already be integrated directly into the CPU.

Moreover, in recent years, you may encounter the fact that on some motherboards MCH and ICH are combined into one chip - System Controller Hub or for short SCH.

Main manufacturers chips for motherboards:

1. Intel 2. ATI/AMD 3. nVidia 4. Viva 5. Sis

How to determine the chipset model on a computer or laptop?

You won’t be able to just look at the brand and model of the chipset on the motherboard in Windows 8 or Windows 10. To do this, you will additionally need to install a special program that displays basic information about the components of the computer. For example, Aida64 or Everest. In it we open information about the motherboard - “Motherboard”:

Find the line Motherboard Chipset. For example, in my example the chip is used X58 families Intel Chipset Family.

The motherboard is the brain and heart of the computer, connecting all the key elements of the system together. This is done using a chipset that regulates all incoming and outgoing signals, distributing them along the necessary routes. What is a chipset and how to find it on the motherboard, we will look into it below.

Chipset is a set of chips assembled together to interface the computer processor with other modules. Without it, such interaction is impossible, since the processor is not able to transmit commands to other elements directly. Thus, the chipset acts as a regulator. It provides direction, but does not affect performance. When choosing a motherboard for your computer, pay attention not only to the socket, but also to the chipset.

Chipset features

The main function is control and redistribution of signals. Depending on the model of the chip unit, the following characteristics are determined:

Number of slots for memory cards;
Number of processors that can be installed on the motherboard (MP);
Possible number of graphic elements for connection;
Determines the possibility of improving the system by increasing the operating frequency of the processor;
Modern models support the operation of such technological innovations as: joint operation of several graphic data processing devices (video cards), technology for dual operation of memory elements, the use of solid-state drives, creating a clipboard for hard drives;
Support for working with outdated modifications of controllers, or with their specialized models;

Summarizing the above, we conclude that the chipset allows the system to work:

Fast;
Without crashing;
Leaves it possible to overclock MP components and the entire PC as a whole;

So, in general terms, we figured out what a motherboard is and why it needs a chipset. But how it works is still unclear. Let's correct this oversight. When starting a conversation about the design of the chipset, first of all decide which model we are talking about - old or new. This is of fundamental importance.

Old models are built on the interaction of two separate blocks of microcircuits. They were called the North and South Bridges. The name reflects their location on the MP, relative to other elements. The North Bridge performs the following functions:

Ensuring interaction between the processor and the graphics device;
Ensuring interaction between RAM and processor elements;

In turn, the South Bridge allows you to:

Transmit signals from the central processor to the storage disks of a personal computer;
Coordinate the operation of the sound card;
Manage optical drives;
Work with other peripheral devices via controllers: USB, PCI, SATA and IDE;

Pay attention! Work with various elements of each bridge is implemented through system buses with different bandwidths.

The new models are built on a different architecture, in which the North Bridge is integrated into the processor and only the South Bridge remains as an independent element. This technology allows you to increase the speed of processing and transferring information, increasing performance. In addition, the use of integrated bridge technology makes it possible to:

Reduce the cost of MP production;
Free up space occupied by the Northbridge for other components;
CPU cooling elements help maintain the operating temperature of the chipset in a comfortable range, which affects performance and durability;
By integrating the bridge into the processor, overall energy consumption is reduced;

Where is

The location of the chipset is easy to determine by the name of its bridges. The North Bridge is located at the top of the MP, in close proximity to the processor. It looks like a large chip equipped with a cooling system in the form of a radiator, or a radiator and a cooler. This is necessary due to constant overheating. New MP models may not have a separate Northbridge, since it is integrated into the processor.

The southbridge is located at the bottom of the motherboard, and its chip is also equipped with a cooling system. The load on the southbridge is not so significant, so in most models one radiator acts as cooling. Some manufacturers do not equip the microcircuit with personal cooling elements at all.

Temperature

Due to increased loads on the chipset, especially its North Bridge, the chips constantly overheat. To maintain the operating temperature of the chipset, as well as prevent overheating, a cooling system is installed on the chipset. When working intensively on a PC, the user is recommended to check the temperature of key components from time to time to prevent force majeure situations.

Normal temperature

The normal temperature range is considered to be 55 – 70°. Individual indicators for each motherboard are different and it all depends on the manufacturer. If you need to know the operating temperature, contact the official manufacturer for help. The information you are interested in is on its website, in the device description section. As a last resort, contact technical support.

Users who are wondering how to find out the chipset temperature can find out in the following ways:

Using special utilities that show the current temperature of the processor and other elements;
Using devices that measure the temperature of the surface they come into contact with;

The following programs are suitable:

EVEREST;
Speed Fan;
Speccy;

They read the data received by the device's temperature sensor and display it on the screen. The disadvantage of this method is that the programs do not work with all sensors.

Manual verification algorithm:

We take a device that reads the surface temperature;
We apply the device detector to the bottom of the radiator grille located on the chipset;
Add 5° to the result obtained;
We go to the manufacturer’s website and compare our indicators with the acceptable ones;
If the temperature is higher than expected, change the thermal paste that is located between the radiator and the device;

Important! Actions are performed after the system is de-energized. Do not reach into the microcircuits with a probe if the PC is connected to a power outlet.

After replacing the thermal paste, take repeated measurements. If the temperature has not dropped, install additional cooling in the form of a cooler on the radiator.

Cooling

Cooling is implemented by two devices:

A radiator grille, which is fixed on the surface of the microcircuit using thermal paste;
Cooler installed on top of the radiator;

The North Bridge is equipped with both devices, and the South Bridge only with a radiator.

How to find out the motherboard chipset on a laptop

Determining the classification of the motherboard chipset on a laptop is as follows:

Using Device Manager. To do this, go to the system devices tab. The line that includes the word Chipset contains the required information;
Install the AIDA64 program on your laptop. With its help it is easy to find out all the necessary information;
AIDA64 is distributed for a fee and if you don’t want to spend money, CPU-Z will come to the rescue. It is freely available and easy to learn;
Information with a list of technical characteristics of the device should be stored on the official website of the laptop manufacturer;

All other components are connected to the motherboard; the service life and stability of the entire computer depend on it. In addition, it should allow you to connect all the necessary devices and provide the opportunity to improve your computer in the future.

Some of the best motherboards are made by ASUS, but they are also the most expensive. Today, MSI motherboards are the best in terms of price/quality ratio, and I will recommend them first. As a more budget-friendly option, you can consider motherboards from ASRock and Gigabyte; they also have successful models. Gaming motherboards have better sound and network cards.

For Intel processors on socket 1151 v2

Best option:
MSI B360M MORTAR motherboard

Or a gaming motherboard: MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON
MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard

Or an analogue: MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING
MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING motherboard

For AMD processors on socket AM4

Best option: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M
Gigabyte B450 AORUS M motherboard

Or full size: Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO
Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO motherboard

2. Basics of choosing the right motherboard

You should not install a powerful processor on the cheapest motherboard, as the motherboard will not withstand heavy load for a long time. And vice versa, the weakest processor does not need an expensive motherboard, since it is money thrown away.

The motherboard must be selected after all the others have been selected, since it determines what class the motherboard should be and what connectors it should have for connecting the selected components.

Each motherboard has its own processor that controls all the devices connected to it and is called a chipset. The functionality of the motherboard depends on the chipset and is selected depending on the purpose of the computer.

3.1. Chipset developers

Chipsets for modern motherboards are developed by two companies: Intel and AMD.

If you chose an Intel processor, then the motherboard must be on an Intel chipset, if AMD - on an AMD chipset.

3.2. Intel chipsets

The main modern Intel chipsets include the following:

B250/H270 – for office, multimedia and gaming PCs
Q270 – for the corporate sector
Z270 – for powerful gaming and professional PCs
X99/X299 – for very powerful professional PCs

They are being replaced by promising chipsets with support for 8th generation processors:

H310 – for office PCs
B360/H370 – for multimedia and gaming PCs
Q370 – for the corporate sector
Z370 – for powerful gaming and professional PCs

For most computers, motherboards with B250/H270 and B360/H370 chipsets are suitable. H chipsets have more PCI-E lanes than B chipsets, which is only important when installing more than two video cards or several ultra-fast PCI-E SSDs. So for the average user there is no difference between them. Q chipsets differ from B only in support of special security functions and remote management, which is used only in the corporate sector.

Z chipsets have even more PCI-E lanes than H chipsets, allow overclocking of processors with the “K” index, support memory with frequencies above 2400 MHz and combining from 2 to 5 disks into a RAID array, which is not available on other chipsets. They are more suitable for powerful gaming and professional PCs.

Motherboards based on X99/X299 chipsets are needed only for heavy-duty and expensive professional PCs with processors on sockets 2011-3/2066, respectively (we'll talk about this below).

3.3. AMD chipsets

The main modern AMD chipsets include the following.

A320 – for office and multimedia PCs
B350 – for gaming and professional PCs
X370 – for enthusiasts
X399 – for very powerful professional PCs

The A320 chipset does not have the ability to overclock the processor, while the B350 has such functionality. The X370 is also equipped with a large number of PCI-E lanes for installing multiple video cards. Well, X399 is designed for professional processors on the TR4 socket.

3.4. How do chipsets differ?

Chipsets have a lot of differences, but we are only interested in their conditional division by purpose in order to select a motherboard that matches the purpose of the computer.

We are not interested in the remaining parameters of the chipsets, since we will focus on the parameters of a specific motherboard. After choosing a chipset to suit your needs, you can start choosing a motherboard based on its characteristics and connectors.

4. Motherboard manufacturers

The best motherboards in the above-average price range are made by ASUS, but they are also the most expensive. This company pays less attention to entry-level motherboards and in this case it is not worth overpaying for the brand.

MSI motherboards across the entire price range have a good price/quality ratio.

As a more economical option, you can consider motherboards from Gigabyte and ASRock (a subsidiary of ASUS); they have a more loyal pricing policy and they also have successful models.

It is also worth noting that Intel itself produces motherboards based on its chipsets. These motherboards have consistent quality, but low functionality and a higher price. They are in demand mainly in the corporate sector.

Motherboards from other manufacturers are not so popular, they have a more limited range of models and I consider their purchase not advisable.

5. Motherboard form factor

The form factor is the physical size of the motherboard. The main form factors of motherboards are: ATX, MicroATX (mATX) and Mini-ITX.

ATX(305×244 mm) – full-size motherboard format, is optimal for a desktop computer, has the largest number of slots, and is installed in ATX cases.

MicroATX(244×244 mm) – a smaller motherboard format, has fewer slots, can be installed in both full-size (ATX) cases and more compact cases (mATX).

Mini-ITX(170x170 mm) – ultra-compact motherboards for assembling very small PCs in appropriate cases. It should be taken into account that such systems have a number of restrictions on the size of components and cooling.

There are other less common motherboard form factors.

A processor socket is a connector for connecting the processor to the motherboard. The motherboard must have the same socket as the processor.

Processor sockets are constantly undergoing changes and new modifications appear from year to year. I recommend purchasing a processor and motherboard with the most modern socket. This will ensure that both the processor and motherboard can be replaced in the next few years.

6.1. Intel processor sockets

Obsolete: 478, 775, 1155, 1156, 2011
Obsolete: 1150, 2011-3
The most modern: 1151, 1151-v2, 2066

6.2. AMD processor sockets

Obsolete: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
Obsolete: AM3+, FM2+
The most modern: AM4, TR4

Compact motherboards often have 2 slots for installing memory modules. Large ATX boards are usually equipped with 4 memory slots. Free slots may be needed if you plan to add memory in the future.

8. Memory type and frequency supported

Modern motherboards support DDR4 memory. Inexpensive motherboards are designed for a lower maximum memory frequency (2400, 2666 MHz). Mid-range and high-end motherboards can support higher frequency memory (3400-3600 MHz).

However, memory with a frequency of 3000 MHz and higher is much more expensive, but does not provide a noticeable performance increase (especially in games). In addition, there are more problems with such memory; the processor may work with it less stably. Therefore, it is advisable to overpay for a motherboard and high-frequency memory only when assembling a very powerful professional PC.

Today, the most optimal price/performance ratio is DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2400 MHz, which is supported by modern motherboards.

9. Connectors for installing video cards

Modern motherboards have a PCI Express (PCI-E x16) slot of the latest version 3.0 for installing video cards.

If your motherboard has several of these connectors, you can install multiple video cards to improve gaming performance. But in most cases, installing one more powerful video card is a better solution.

Also, free PCI-E x16 slots can be used to install other expansion cards with a PCI-E x4 or x1 slot (for example, a fast SSD or sound card).

10. Slots for expansion cards

Slots for expansion cards are special connectors for connecting various additional devices, such as a TV tuner, Wi-Fi adapter, etc.

Older motherboards used PCI slots to accommodate expansion cards. This connector may be needed if you have such cards, for example, a professional sound card or TV tuner.

Modern motherboards use PCI-E x1 slots or extra PCI-E x16 slots to install expansion cards. It is desirable that the motherboard have at least 1-2 such connectors that are not overlapped by the video card.

In a modern computer, old-type PCI connectors are not necessary, since you can already purchase any device with a new PCI-E connector.

The motherboard has many internal connectors to connect various devices inside the case.

11.1. SATA connectors

Modern motherboards have universal SATA 3 connectors, which are perfect for connecting hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs) and optical drives.

Several of these connectors can be placed in a separate block, forming a combined SATA Express connector.

This connector was previously used to connect fast SSDs, but you can also connect any SATA drives to it.

11.2. M.2 connector

Also, many modern motherboards are equipped with an M.2 connector, which is used primarily for ultra-fast SSDs.

This connector has mounts for installing cards of various sizes, which must be taken into account when choosing an SSD. But now only the most common size 2280 is usually used.

It would also be good if the M.2 connector supports both SATA and PCI-E modes, as well as the NVMe specification for fast SSDs.

11.3. Motherboard power connector

Modern motherboards have a 24-pin power connector.

All power supplies are equipped with a similar connector.

11.4. CPU power connector

The motherboard may have a 4 or 8 pin processor power connector.

If the connector is 8-pin, then it is desirable that the power supply has two 4-pin connectors, which are inserted into it. If the processor is not very powerful, then it can be powered by one 4-pin connector and everything will work, but the voltage drops on it will be higher, especially during overclocking.

11.5. Location of internal connectors

The picture below shows the main internal motherboard connectors that we talked about.

12. Integrated devices

In addition to the chipset and various connectors for connecting components, the motherboard has various integrated devices.

12.1. Integrated graphics card

If you decide that the computer will not be used for games and do not purchase a separate video card, then the motherboard must support processors with a video core and have the appropriate connectors. Motherboards designed for processors with a video core may have VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI connectors.

It is desirable to have a DVI connector on the motherboard for connecting modern monitors. To connect your TV to your computer, you need an HDMI connector. Please also note that some budget monitors only have a VGA connector, which in this case should also be on the motherboard.

12.2. Integrated sound card

All modern motherboards have an HDA (High Definition Audio) class audio codec. Budget models are equipped with the appropriate audio codecs (ALC8xx, ALC9xx), which, in principle, are sufficient for most users. More expensive gaming motherboards have better codecs (ALC1150, ALC1220) and a headphone amplifier that provide higher sound quality.

Motherboards usually have 3, 5 or 6 3.5mm jacks for connecting audio devices. An optical and sometimes coaxial digital audio output may also be present.

For connecting speakers of a 2.0 or 2.1 system. 3 audio outputs are quite enough.
If you plan to connect multi-channel speakers, then it is advisable that the motherboard have 5-6 audio connectors. An optical audio output may be required to connect a high-quality audio system.

12.3. Integrated network card

All modern motherboards have a built-in network card with a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbit/s (1 Gb/s) and an RJ-45 connector for connecting to the Internet.

Budget motherboards are equipped with appropriate network cards manufactured by Realtek. More expensive gaming motherboards may have higher quality Intel, Killer network cards, which has a positive effect on ping in online games. But often the operation of online games depends more on the quality of the Internet than on the network card.

It is highly advisable to connect to the Internet through, which will repel network attacks and increase the motherboard’s protection from electrical breakdowns on the part of the provider.

12.4. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Some motherboards may have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapter. Such motherboards are more expensive and are used mainly for assembling compact media centers. If you don’t need this functionality now, you can purchase the necessary adapter later if the need arises.

13. External motherboard connectors

Depending on the number of integrated devices and the class of the motherboard, it may have different connectors on the rear panel for connecting external devices.

Description of connectors from top to bottom

USB 3.0– a connector for connecting fast flash drives and external drives, it is desirable to have at least 4 such connectors.
PS/2– the old connector for connecting a mouse and keyboard, which is no longer available on all motherboards, is optional, since modern mice and keyboards are connected via USB.
DVI– connector for connecting a monitor on motherboards with built-in video.
Wi-Fi antenna connectors– available only on some expensive boards with a Wi-Fi adapter.
HDMI– connector for connecting a TV on motherboards with built-in video.
DisplayPort– connector for connecting some monitors.
BIOS reset button– optional, used when the computer freezes during overclocking.
eSATA– used for external drives with a similar connector, optional.
USB 2.0– a connector for connecting a keyboard, mouse, printer and many other devices; 2 of these connectors (or USB 3.0 connectors) are enough. Also, modern motherboards may have USB 3.1 connectors (Type-A, Type-C), which are faster, but still rarely used.
RJ-45– a connector for connecting to a local network or the Internet is required.
Optical audio output– for connecting high-quality acoustics (speakers).
Audio outputs– for connecting audio speakers (2.0-5.1 system).
Microphone– connection of a microphone or headset is always available.

14. Electronic components

Cheap motherboards use the lowest quality electronic components: transistors, capacitors, chokes, etc. Accordingly, the reliability and service life of such motherboards are the lowest. For example, electrolytic capacitors can swell after 2-3 years of computer operation, which leads to malfunctions and the need for repairs.

Mid- and high-end motherboards may use higher quality electronic components (such as Japanese solid capacitors). Manufacturers often emphasize this with some kind of slogan: Solid Caps (solid-state capacitors), Military Standard (military standard), Super Alloy Power (reliable power system). These motherboards are more reliable and can last longer.

15. Processor power supply circuit

The power supply circuit of the processor determines how powerful a processor can be installed on a specific motherboard without the risk of overheating and premature failure, as well as power loss when overclocking the processor.

A mid-range motherboard with a 10-phase power supply can handle non-extreme overclocking of a processor with a TDP of up to 120 W. For more voracious stones, it is better to take a motherboard with a 12-16 phase power system.

16. Cooling system

Cheap motherboards either have no heatsinks at all, or have a small heatsink on the chipset and sometimes on the mosfets (transistors) near the processor socket. In principle, if you use such boards for their intended purpose and install the same weak processors on them, then they should not overheat.

On mid- and high-end motherboards that are equipped with more powerful processors, it is advisable to have larger radiators.

17. Motherboard firmware

Firmware is the built-in firmware that controls all functions of the motherboard. Many motherboards have already switched from BIOS firmware with a classic text menu to a more modern UEFI with a convenient graphical interface.

In addition, gaming motherboards have a number of advanced features, which distinguishes them from more budget solutions.

18. Equipment

Typically, the motherboard comes with: a user manual, a disk with drivers, a plug for the rear panel of the case and several SATA cables. The complete set of the motherboard can be found on the website of the seller or manufacturer. If you are assembling a new computer, then calculate in advance how many and what kind of cables you need, so that if necessary, you can order them immediately.

Some motherboard models have an extended configuration, which may contain many different cables and brackets with connectors. For example, ASUS motherboards used to have the word Deluxe in their names, but now they may be some kind of Pro versions. They cost more, but usually all these add-ons remain unclaimed, so it makes more sense to buy a better motherboard for the same money.

19. How to find out the characteristics of the motherboard

All characteristics of the motherboard, such as supported processors and memory, types and number of internal and external connectors, etc. Check the manufacturer's website for the exact model number. There you can also see images of the motherboard, from which you can easily determine the location of the connectors, the quality of the power supply and cooling system. It would also be a good idea to look for reviews of a specific motherboard on the Internet before purchasing.

20. Optimal motherboard

Now you know everything you need about motherboards and can choose the right model yourself. But I will still give you some recommendations.

For a mid-class office, multimedia or gaming computer (Core i5 + GTX 1060), an inexpensive motherboard on socket 1151 with an Intel B250/H270 or B360/H370 chipset (for 8th generation processors) is suitable.

For a powerful gaming computer (Core i7 + GTX 1070/1080), it is better to take a motherboard on socket 1151 with a powerful processor power supply based on the Intel B250/H270 or Z270 chipset (for overclocking). For 8th generation processors, you respectively need a motherboard with an Intel B360/H370 or Z370 chipset (for overclocking). If you want better sound, a network card and the funds allow, then take a motherboard from the gaming series (Gaming, etc.).

For professional tasks, such as video rendering and other heavy applications, it is better to take a motherboard on socket AM4 for multi-threaded AMD Ryzen processors on the B350/X370 chipset.

Select the format (ATX, mATX), types and number of connectors as needed. Manufacturer - any popular one (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock) or based on our recommendations (this is more a matter of taste or budget).

21. Setting up filters in the online store

Thus, you will receive a motherboard with the optimal price/quality/functionality ratio that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

22. Links

MSI H370 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard
Asus ROG Strix B360-F GAMING motherboard
Gigabyte H370 AORUS GAMING 3 WIFI motherboard