Choosing a Motherboard 1150. What is the motherboard chipset and what better to choose? Choosing a motherboard socket


The question is, it is very acute, considering that professional electrical workers recommend building a system unit around it.

The motherboard is the most important component of any computer. The stability of the entire computer as a whole depends on its quality and stable operation. Do not forget that all other components join it in one way or another, and the motherboard coordinates their work. And if you compare the system unit with the house, then the motherboard is advisable to compare with its foundation.

In total, there are three dozen parameters that can be characterized by this fee, but this article will talk about the most significant of them, which really affect the performance and stability of the computer device.

Manufacturer of components.

Despite the fact that in the world there is enough number of manufacturers of computer components, decent motherboard makes only a few of them. And so the question what firm is better buy motherboard Reply enough simple. You should stop your choice on the following four manufacturers:

  • ASUS.
  • ASRock (subsidiary of ASUS. The developments of this company with minor changes are used.).
  • Gigabyte.
  • MSI.

At such exotic manufacturers as ZOTAC and the biopurear, it is better not to pay attention, as they are inferior to major companies and as, in functionality. If you need to assemble the server or workstation, then you can look at the production of Intel. There is nothing superfluous in such fees and they are optimally suitable for long-term and uninterrupted operation in 24/7 mode.

Important! By and large there is no difference between the four main producers, and at home the difference is imperceptible completely. For server and work best selection Products companiesIntel.

Processor connector.

Each motherboard has an installation connector central processorcalled Socket. This is the most important selection criterion, since only the processor of the same type can be installed in the selected socket.

How to choose how to choose a processor to the motherboard? First of all, it is necessary to determine the manufacturer of the processor. Only two companies in the world produce decent processors: this is Intel and AMD. The sockets of these companies are incompatible in principle.

  • Intel sockets.

Leading processor and chipset manufacturer. It holds about 75% of the market and only new AMD processors were able to slightly improve the situation. Intel socket models are relevant:

  1. LGA 2066.

The newest and most modern socket of the American company. Supports the most productive processors and will be in demand for a long time. The only minus of the motherboard at such a socket is a high price.

  1. LGA 2011-3.

The platform of the previous generation, but still the performance of such processors is more than enough to solve all homework.

  1. LGA 1151-V2.

Mass segment of processors, perfectly combining the available price and acceptable speed. Perfect choice for a modern home computer. It is impossible to be confused with the previous platform LGA 1151, as their sockets are incompatible.

Important! If you need to collect the computer of the middle price range for the house, it is worth stopping your choice on a motherboard with a socketLGA 1151-v2. This is the best option in all respects.

  • AMD sockets.

The Canadian manufacturer manufactures accessible, but not so powerful processors as an intel's no listening competitor. However, thanks to the affordable price and extensive acceleration, AMD processors are quite popular.

The following sockets enjoy the greatest distribution:

  1. Socket TR4.

This socket built the most powerful processors of the company. Supported to 16 (!!) nuclei and four-channel memory controller. Perfectly fits in the quality of an extremely productive home computer, and for the workstation.

  1. Socket AM3 +.

Socket for budget mothers. Low performance and very low price. Something is suitable for office computer.

  1. Socket AM1.

Mass segment of sockets from the company AMD. Direct competitor LGA 1151-V2 from Intel. Possesses similar characteristics. Perfect for assembling home system unit.

Important! If it is decided to collect a computer based on processorsAMD, then the question as pick up the motherboard processor Solving very simple. The ideal choice will be the fee with AM1 socket.

Chipsets motherboards.

The chipset is called a set of microcircuits, which ensures the functionality of the motherboard as a whole. How much does it depends hard disks Or video cards can be connected and how fast they will work. Socket and chipset by 80% determine the final value of the motherboard.

By and large, chipsets differ from each other only by the type and number of supported interfaces. Everything existing sets Circuits can be divided into three large groups:

  • First level.

Motherboards on such a set of chips can be used only in office computers or in extremely cheap engine blocks of the entry level. AMD to such chipsets can be attributed to AMD 760G or NVIDIA 7025. Intel can be distinguished by the H110 or H170 chipset (270).

  • Average level.

Golden mean. Fully suitable for the formation of home system units. Allows you to connect the required number of hard drives and USB devices. How to choose a motherboardAMD.with sufficient functionality? Just choose devices with chipset and B350 or X370. For mothers on Intel processors, Intel B350 or Intel Z350 will be such chipsets.

  • High-performance chipsets.

Maximum functionality for big money. A practically unlimited number of hard drives, USB devices and at least 2 video cards can be connected to such a motherboard. Some models contain Wi-Fi Syl Bluetooth modules.

For mothers on Intel, this chipset is X299. For AMD, the maximum functionality can be obtained on AMD X399.

Important! For a computer worth up to a thousand dollars (about 60 000 rubles) more than enough chipsetZ350 (Intel) orX370 (AMD).

Dimensions of the motherboard.

Modern motherboards differ from each other not only with functionality, but also the size. It is also worth considering collecting computers. There are five sizes:

  • E-Ah.

The largest products. As a rule, this size is used for the most advanced mothers with flagship processors and elite chipsets. Size - 30.5 * 33 centimeters. For the assembly, an expensive large body is necessary.

  • ATX.

Classic size, most motherboards have it. Sizes 30.5 * 24.4 centimeters. The most reasonable choice for assembling a computer, as most buildings are available in this size.

  • Micro-yourself.

Reduced Mother Ahh. In most cases, it has a reduced functionality and is created on simplified medium-level chipsets. Dimensions 24.4 * 24.4 centimeters. It is considered a budget option.

  • MINI -ATH.

Such a mother is intended to build compact systems with small video cards or at all without them. The functional of the chipset is trimmed. Most budget system blocks are built on mothers of this size. The physical size of the board is 17 * 17 centimeters.

  • Mini -stx.

Very miniature printed circuit boardhaving a size of 14 * 14 centimeters. Designed specifically to create multimedia centers and over compact computers to play video. Used where the greatest compactness is necessary.

Important! ATH I.Micro -ATX - the most suitable sizes of motherboards for a universal home computer.

Number of slots for RAM.

In most cases, in the motherboard or 2, or 4 slots for RAM. There is an extremely small group of elite mothers, which can boast 8 slots under the memory plank, but they are very expensive such devices.

Important! It is most profitable to buy fees with 4 memory slots. This will give the opportunity to quickly add the RAM and do not change the device entirely.

Connection interfaces on the rear panel.

A wide variety of connectors can be located on the rear panel, including such unusual as S / PDIF or antenna for Wi-Fi. Modern fees Equipped with multiple USB ports, audio connectors and PS / 2 port, which serves to connect the keyboard or mouse. In mandatory, there are RJ-45 for connecting the Internet.

Important! NumberUSB ports on the rear panel should not be less than 6, and 2 of them should beUSB 3.0. In addition, it will not be superfluousUSB -C (they are equipped with all modern phones) andHDMI (it will be convenient to connect a TV or monitor).

Special attention should be paid to audio connectors. It is best if the motherboard will initially support sound 5.1 or 7.1. It will save from the need to buy an additional audio card.

Connecting hard drives (HDD and SS.D).

To date, even budget parents have in their composition at least 4 SATA, where anyone can connect any hard drives (Including solid-state) and DVD drives, if they still have a need.

The average budget device can have 8-10 SATA-situations that will not be superfluous if you plan to store a large amount of information.

Important! Not excessive connectorSATA Express required for connectingSSD drives and allowing them to work with full speed.

Connectors for extension boards.

The motherboard must have at least one PCI -X16 connector for connecting a modern video card. Several PCI -X1 connectors will be useful, where you can connect additional audio cards, capture video cards, TV tuners and much more.

Important! If you plan a lot and actively play games, it is worth thinking about the purchase of a device with twoPCI -x16 connectors. This will allow you to connect two video cards immediately.

Results of choice.

Summarizing all of the above can be summarized.

For an office computer, there will be quite a rather motherboard with an AMD AM3 + socket with a built-in video card, two ranges of RAM and a minimum number of connectors and interfaces.

In the event that you need a universal home computer, the best choice will be a fee with an LGA 1151-V2 socket, with four RAM line and with all generally accepted interfaces.

If there is a desire to play with maximum performance or processing video, it is worth paying close attention to the LGA 2066 socket, which will ensure maximum performance and functionality.

In one of the past articles we talked about. And that the basis of any gaming assembly is a bunch of a processor + video card. However, that these devices really formed a bundle and disclosed their entire potential, their company should have a third worthy participant - the motherboard.

To continue the topic, let's talk how to choose a motherboard for a stationary computer. You may have reread a dozen articles on this topic and have already formed the idea of \u200b\u200bwhich your new "Mother" should be. I will not retell banal truths, and make an emphasis on the fact that users are often missing from the view, because the inattention to some things lead to disappointment in the purchase or excessive cash spending.

Chipset

The first thing to watch when choosing a new motherboard is what chipset is.

H Ipset (system logic), speaking simple words - This is the motherboard brain, a set of chips that provides all its main functionality and interacting connected devices. On the old "moms", it consisted of two large chips - the northern and southern bridges. With advent intel processors Nehalem In 2009, the need for a two-chip layout of the chipset disappeared. This happened because the memory controller and integrated graphics are what used to be the northern bridge, moved to the processor. The remaining chip is now called not a southern bridge, but a hub platform or abbreviated Phc. (Intel), FCH (AMD) or MCP. (NVIDIA) depending on the manufacturer.
Structural diagram of motherboard on a two-phase chipset.

What is part of a modern platform hub:

  • Controller of peripheral devices (sound, networks and other), interrupt controllers and direct access to memory, RAID controller.
  • USB, SATA, PCI, PCI, Express, LPC, FDI tire controller (VGA), SPI, etc. Support for a number of outdated interfaces, in particular, PCI and FDI, there are no longer any new chipsets.
  • Real-time clock (RTC).
  • ME controller (only in Intel hubs).

But this is generally. Each individual version of the chipset is characterized by a set of technologies, as well as the type and number of supported interfaces for connecting devices. In addition, some of them implemented the possibility of overclocking the processor on the factor.

Depending on the functionality, the chipsets are divided into classes or segments. In modern models from Intel, the class belongs to the class is determined by five letters in the title:

  • H is a mass consumer segment of chipset for multimedia and home systems. These are installed on motherboards of lower and medium price categories.
  • Q is a business segment. Technologies implemented here remote administration, trusted loading, security protection at the hardware level and other functions necessary to the corporate sector. Used in medium-valued and expensive motherboard.
  • B - Budget class of chipset for office "printed machines" with the support of some possibilities of the segment Q.
  • Z - for overclockers. Supports the acceleration of the Intel K series processors.
  • X - top-level chipsets for powerful gaming machines. They are based on the most expensive platforms.

Mastering the bulk of the mass of AMD chipsets is also beginning with the letter, which means:

  • A - mass segment.
  • B - for business.
  • X - for high-performance gaming systems.

Marking numbers are generation and index of the chipset model inside one series. For example, Intel B150 - Representative of the 100 series, Intel H270 - Representative of the 200 series 200. 50 and 70 - index values. The greater the index, the wider the capabilities of the chipset in comparison with other representatives of the same segment.

Modern Intel and AMD chipsets

Those younger generation chipset, the longer (conditional) the motherboard will meet modern requirements.

At the beginning of 2018, the Intel chipsets are relevant models of 100, 200 for Skylake and Kaby Lake processors, as well as 300 for the latest microarchitecture Coffee Lake. Among AMD - representatives of the series 300 and 400 (the latter promise to release in the spring of this year) for aMD processors Ryzen, Athlon X4 and Hybrids A-Series 7 generation.

Type of socket

Make sure the socket supports the processor you need.

A type of motherboard socket is understood to configure the sockets located on it to install the processor. The list of CPU compatible with the board and, accordingly, the socket is defined by the version of the chipset. But be careful, since there are nuances here. For example, fees recent generations On the basis of the Intel chipsets, the 100, 200 and 300 are equipped with an LGA 1151 socket. Physically, this socket is compatible with Skylake, Kaby Lake and Coffee Lake processors, but the latter does not start on the board designed for the first two. And vice versa.

In fact, the motherboard for CFU Coffee Lake uses the second audit of the LGA 1151 socket, but this is not always reflected in the descriptions on the sites of stores.

If the motherboard is released before, the next generation of processors with the same type of socket saw, the likelihood is that devices are incompatible. At best, the compatibility problem will decide the BIOS update, but the will of manufacturers should be. At worst, one of the devices will have to be changed to a more suitable.

To find out which processors support the model of the motherboard, often "rain" google or Yandex search query « name_modelCPU.support" or " name_modelprocessor.support" Lists of compatible CPU are often stored in secluded corners on boards manufacturers sites and on some profile resources.

CPU power system

Do not be fooled by marketing tricks.

About how it is arranged and how the processor power system is functioning, which otherwise is called the VRM module (or VRD, more correctly), not all buyers of component PCs have the representation. This is used by cunning marketers, issuing separate schemes for progressive innovations. Thanks to their efforts in the consciousness of people, confidence settled that the larger the processor phase phases, the better. And that the board with the 8th phases of the VRM module is definitely worse than from the 16th.
CPU power system around socket

The share of truth in this is, since multiphase CPU power systems are used to smooth the voltage ripples, and the greater it is greater, the higher its quality. The more phases, the less ripples and the lower the current load on the items. However, it lies the trick here, because marketers and engineers call the power phases of the CPU different things.

In fact, the number of phases of processors in charges from the example above may be the same. On the second there may be even less than on the first. If you do not go into technical details, I will explain: the true number of processor power phases is equal to the number of phases of a shimconaller, which "conducts" throughout this system. If an 8-phase PWM is installed on the first motherboard, and on the second - 4-phase, then the number of phases on them, respectively, will be 8 and 4. Where did the second come from 16? Simply to one phase of the shimkontroller can be connected to several power channels, in particular, 4. And together they are obtained 16.

The difference between the channels from the true phases of the CPU in the fact that they do not smooth the pulsations, but only distribute the current load. I admit that such solutions are technologically acquitted, but to give them for what they are not, and even cheat for it, I consider it wrong.

Set, models, versions and location of integrated devices

Not only the set is important, but also placement of devices on the board.

To the ORDER NUMAL RAM, the network controller, the sound codec brand, the number, generation and location of USB sockets, as well as other interfaces and devices that are present on the "board" of the motherboard are what the attention is sharpened, perhaps all users. And it is right. However, it is important to watch not only for the presence and number of devices, but also on their location.
Network controller REALTEK.

For example, you plan to overclock the processor and purchased a cooler with a massive radiator for this. If you choose a "mother" on which the RAM slots are close to the socket, the cooler will block some of them, and you will not be able to install the entire supportable memory on the computer.

If the system block housing is long and high, the basket for drives is located at the top, and the SATA ports are at the very bottom of the motherboard, the length of standard loops may not be enough.

These are only 2 possible situations, in the reality of the nuances in terms of mutual placement of devices much more.

Cooling system

Adequate cooling is a security deposit.

The asiatics for cooling large chips and high-loaded power supply elements each modern motherboard is equipped, but some models are cooled efficiently, and others are not very. On many gaming raids, radiators cover a significant surface area. At the economy class representatives, nothing outstanding, as a rule, is not, except that one small aluminum "Hedgehog" on the chipset.

According to some manufacturers of motherboards, good cooling is a luxury, which only top models are worthy. And why not save?

The problems of long-term operation in excess heating and weak heat sink will be made to know itself, most likely, not in the first year of operation of the computer, and after the end of the warranty period at the "Mom". In short, if you want your motherboard "lived" a long healthy life, choose models with good passive cooling.

BIOS (UEFI)

If the board with the top chipset is suspiciously cheap, some of its functions are most likely disabled inBIOS.

If you know from the descriptions, what functions and technologies support the BIOS of a specific motherboard, perhaps not always. But if you manage to find such information, consider lucky. Availability For the user of the chipset functions is implemented via the BIOS interface (UEFI). And than from their set you can take advantage of you, solves the manufacturer of the fee in its "highest favor."

Such nuances are especially important to find out if you collect a computer for overclocking, games or use in the corporate sector. In addition, you should not lose the support of technology.

Form factor

Size is important but not decisive.

The ormphactor or standard size of the motherboard matters when choosing only in one case - if you have already acquired the system unit with the housing and select the components based on its capacity. Principle the bigger, the better, not applicable when choosing a motherboard. Among them are small and remote, and large, but brakes.

Manufacturer

Famous brand is an insurance.

What is concerned about brands, then choosing the motherboard is still better from the well-known. Large manufacturers, such as ASUS, ASRock, Gigabyte, MSI can afford expensive development, so their products are usually more technologically, and more predictable. Having bought the product to anyone who is not a well-known brand, you may save, but at the same time risk to face the lack of warranty, BIOS updates, documentation for the device and technical support. Or documents and support will be available only in Chinese, which will create extra difficulties.

Hello, dear public. In this article we will try to figure out than the game motherboard is different from the usual. Consider how textolite with all the key elements looks like, for which the power supply subsystem is used and what tasks are imposed on Gamer MP.

Immediately, we want to say that the presence of LED-backlight and the huge inscription "Gaming Ultra Speed \u200b\u200bPower" does not make a game board, but to the final value, such loud nameplates are added substantially. In most cases, it is cost-effective to purchase a conventional office mother, since the functionality will be almost the same, and the price is much lower.

What fee can be considered game

In order not to confuse confusion in the future, any MP initially does not affect the performance of the installed iron. If it works in normal mode, then it will be equally on any system board. But if you strive to dispersed iron - it is already quite another matter. The purpose of the article is to show how the computer fee.

Of course, we can offer you to familiarize yourself with the list of the best gamers of 2018, but I would like to convey the essence.

As it was written above, the performance fee does not affect, but it will depend on its capabilities as the possibility of components and their working potential. In other words: you have a hypothetical Intel Core I7 8700K and 2 MP:

  • MSI H310M Gaming Plus;
  • MSI Z370 Gaming M5.

In the first case, we have the most budget mother, where something is impossible to disperse, due to the characteristics of the chipset. What is chipset read here. Yes, it is pretty, made in red-black design, and even with an enhanced PCI-E slot, but on this all the advantages of H310 end.
In contrast, it costs the top chipset Z370, capable of overclocking any component of the system (processor, memory, video card). Additionally, the power subsystem is enhanced here, many ports for connecting coolers, periphery, high-speed solid storage devices and not only.

Is it possible to call this device to gaming? Yes, since it squeezes all iron juices, which is critical to achieving the optimal frame.

Criteria for the choice of game boards

Always check the proposed product for compliance with the following parameters:

Socket (Processor connector) - Only the current decision at the current time. In our case, it is S1151V2, 2066, AM4 and TR4. For these sockets, stable updates represented in the face of new processors will be published over the coming years. The remaining connectors are already considered morally outdated.

Chipset - Here the algorithm is the same as in the previous case. Actual Platform - Actual Sets system logic (B350, X370, X470, X399, Z370, Z299).

Oz - Only DDR4 operating in 2-channel mode. Contemporary game fee Must possess at least 4 slots for the RAM, since the requirements for its number grows regularly, and add a couple of additional planks will not be superfluous over time. And you have a place.

Interfaces - SATA 3, M.2 or SATA Express slots. Without solid-state SSD drives nowhere nowhere, and to ensure their speed, you need to have modern iron.
Video card - Mandatory attribute of the gameim machine, and therefore the presence of at least one PCI-E X16 3.0 is required. The bigger, the better.

Cooling - the most important element of the game PC. Accessories are warm very noticeable, and under acceleration - especially since. Modern MPs allow you to stick 5 or more fans with the possibility of frequency adjustment. More comb for connecting coolers - below temperature. Office models allow you to install no more than 3-4 turntables, which is critical.

Form factor - Another feature of gaming motherboards. Indeed, an ATX or E-ATX card is considered to be an ATX or E-ATX card, in which the connectors are completely overlapping each other.

Ports expansion - There is already the logic "more - it means better" fully justifies itself. Do not want to sacrifice the second video card in favor of the Capture board? With Gamer MP such problems and will not arise. Yes, and the shortage of SATA ports does not threaten you. Want to know what the motherboard connectors look and are called? You.

Elements of modding

Practice shows that Gamers PC are increasingly becoming visually more interesting. Users regularly try to choose components in each other's color, bother with backlight, acquire housings with a transparent side lid. It seems to be an insignificant detail, but aesthetics adds decently.

Therefore, manufacturers are added to their motherboards or decorative plastic and aluminum lining, radiators of interesting forms, additional visual distinctive signs, backlight and not only. Increasingly, you can see how the component connections ports are located on the board in such a way that the cable can be used as much as possible when assembly.
Now it makes no sense to pull the wire through the entire MP, which is not only spoil appearance System block, but also often interferes with the installation of components.

Constructive features

And now let's talk about the moments that probably not taken into account in any motherboard aimed at office use. The first point is the cooling system, or rather support for super-coolers of a tower type, whose height can reach 170 mm, and the fan is able to close one, or even several slots for RAM.

Gamers' solutions are deprived of such drawbacks in most cases, unless DDR-memory radiators have an exemplary height. Every millimeter is clearly extinced here. Extra moment - an amplifier plate with back side MP, which does not allow textolitis to argue under the heaviness of the radiator, the mass of which can exceed 1 kg.

Once it affected the strengthening, it is worth paying attention to the reinforcing elements around the PCI-E X16 slots. Some video cards weigh about 1.3-1.5 kg, while in the literal sense "hang" on the textolite of the motherboard, although fixed by partially screws on the housing.

Repair workshops know a lot of cases when the PCI-E ports were literally doried with the root due to the unnecessarily heavy gaming gland.

In principle, this is all that we wanted to say about gaming motherboards. But you should not be kept on the loud words from the cover of the box for components. The phrase "Gaming" does not always reflect the essence of what is happening. I have everything for this, share in social networks, until.

For self-assembly PC few people think abouthow to choose a motherboard. This component, along with the power supply, does not affect the performance of the system. Therefore, many users do not take into account the main nuances. IN ready-made solutionsSubmitted by various collectors (domestic and world) - no one is in no hurry to pay attention to this module. Wanting to attract a low price client, such computers often install budget "motherboards" equipped with a minimal interface set.

How to choose a motherboard for a computerTo get the highest possible performance, leave a reserve of potential for the future, but not overpay - and our material will tell. So that the selection process did not cause difficulties even for a novice, which with iron "on you", all the nuances are painted in stages.

Motherboard for computer: how to choose

Stage 1: Form-factor

Standardization is a great benefit in the modern world. Those times when each manufacturer of computer technicians developed its standards and interfaces, the modern user will seem wildness and gray antiquity. For about 20 years in the PC market reigns standard ATXwhich strictly describes the principles of computers, adjusts the power schemes and defines the format of this technique.

Before, how to choose a motherboardYou need to decide: it is selected for a specific body, or it will be bought already following the choice of fees. In the latter case, there are no special restrictions, and this subtitle can not read.

Selection of the format taking into account the type of hull

If I liked a certain body model, or the motherboard is purchased for the upgrade of an existing PC, then the "tower" imposes some restrictions. Big Tower and Full Tower enclosures (such are some gamers) support all formats of system boards for conventional (non-server) computers. MIDI Tower (in this format most of the home PC) are compatible with the Maternity Size ATX, there are also no problems with them.

Mini Tower, as well as HTPC and other compact computers that designed to save space on the desktop or the playing of the home multimedia center - require the use of compact system boards. What motherboard to choose for them - depends on the manufacturer. As a rule, Mini-ATX fees differ from full-size height (28.4 cm against 30.5) and width (24.4 versus 20,8).

How to choose Motherboard Micro-ATX

Micro-ATX Materials are components suitable for a compact system system, but when they are selected, you need to show special attention. Often, sellers label with this designation two completely different in dimensions of the type: Micro-ATX and FLEX-ATX. Both are almost the same height (24.4 and 22.9 cm), but differ in width (24.4 versus 19.1 cm). Most Flex format cards are designated by sellers as "micro", while, square fees are often incompatible with small PCs!

There is also an ITX format that differs from ATX a little different location of external connectors and a smaller size.What motherboard choose (ITX or ATX) - depends on the housing. With the upgrade of the media center, it is desirable to arm a ruler and measure the values, comparing them with the standards on the same "Wikipedia "To not guess.

Step 2: Processor Socket

4 SATA ports - minimum for modern PC. One of them will be busy system SSD, the second - hard disk To store files. Another socket may be required when installing an optical drive ( DVD discs Gradually remain in the past, but completely relevant, they have not yet lost). The fourth connector is advisable to leave about the reserve, in case of upgrade, if you need another HDD.

Stage 5: Expansion Slots

Almost all modern motherboards are equipped with a full-size PCI-E X16 slot designed to set the video card. Only ultracompact ITX fees It may be deprived of it, since it is designed to use the CPU with embedded graphics (for example, Intel Atom or AMD A-series).

If in the future it is planned to build a configuration of two video cards - the corresponding slots should also be 2. From the MP chipset in this case, hardware support for SLI or CrossFire technology is required (depending on the manufacturer of the graphics card).

Read more about this: and

In addition to video cards, PCI-E slots (reduced to size x1 or x4) can be used for TV tuners, audio cards, high-speed SSDs with the appropriate interface, as well as other extension boards. More than old PCI, though it comes out of use, but the devices on this bus are also still found.

From left to right: PCI-E x16, pci-e x1, pci, pci-e x16, 2 pci and again PCI-E x16

If you plan to install a video card with a two-sheet cooling system (and such in most game models) - it is important to take into account that the expansion slots can be inaccessible to the PCI-E X16.

Stage 6: USB

USB B. Interface everyday life It is the most demanded of all wired data standards. It is used to connect keypads, mice and other periphery, removable drives, photo cameras, smartphones, tablets, webcams and many other devices. USB ports are equipped with all motherboards for home PCs, the difference lies only in the supported generation of this protocol and the number of connectors. On the rear panel can be found from 2 to 10 (and even 12) such nests, but most of them belong to the outdated generation 2.0. More modern USB 3 is different in blue or red (instead of black), and are in the minority.

4 USB 2.0 are black, USB 3.0 - blue

External uSB ports They are clearly visible in the photo, and they will not count them. Another thing is internal connectors designed to output ports to the front panel PC. And those may be from 2 to 12 or more (on specialized boards). If there is a USB3 socket on the PC on the front, then beforehow to choose a motherboardYou need to make sure the inner pads of the contacts on the board are available. And if it is also planned to use an additional panel to them, which is installed in the drive slot - then the USB3 pads on the MP should be at least two.

2 USB3 pads on the board

Stage 7: Cooling and compatibility with coolers

To improve heat removal from the power chains, the southern bridge and other responsible nodes, manufacturers use compact (and sometimes - and not very) radiators. Their presence is good, especially if experiments with acceleration are planned, or intensive operation of the computer is supposed. Preferences when choosing should be given to models with cooled elements.

There are also cases when benefit in the form of additional radiators turns into unpleasant nuances. If a massive tower cooler is installed on the PC, like NOctua NH-D14, then full system Cooling MP (in particular, the elements protruding) may interfere with the radiator mounting. The same applies to video cards or memory schedules on closerly condated Flex-ATX boards.

Before, how to choose a motherboardIt is necessary to take into account and the need for additional cooling. The housings equipped with illumination, transparent walls and other elements of modding, are often equipped with auxiliary fans. They require connections to 3-pin connectors on the board, so if fans are needed - the MP should have a stock of 2-4 such connectors.

Fan connector on the board

What motherboard choose in 2016

The question of Tom What motherboard choose in 2016 year, unambiguous answer can not be in principle. It is largely individual, and the choice is determined on the basis of the needs of a particular user. For the game PC, it will be one, for office - others, for the multimedia - third. Can only be general features Mark what should bemotherboard how to choose Its under its budget and tasks not to guess.

  • Do not chase for cheap. Saving a few hundred rubles to the price of refusal necessary functions - The choice is neral. It is advisable to determine all the described parameters (socket, memory type, and the number of slots, the list of interfaces), and then, from the options suitable for the criteria, look for an acceptable for budget.
  • For a new PC - first functionality, and then sizes. When assembling a new PC - you need to pick up immediately optimal option Mother and then look for a compatible body. Attempt to collect gaming system The chassis of a compact media center will lead to the fact that the reliability of such an assembly will be low (due to the close layout and constant overheating).
  • You should not overpay either.Choose a motherboard with "Game", "Ultra," Top "," Super "," Ultimate ", etc., designed for" Gicks ", for a multimedia or office PC - is just as irrational as to buy cheap Flex -ATX MP under Intel Core i7-6700K, which is planned to overclock. Performance increases If they manifest themselves at the level of interest pair, and the money will be paid for unused functionality, such as 3 PCI-E X16 slots or extended overclocking options for CPU.

What motherboard choose: a selection of 10 models

To make a motherboard's choice easier, we have collected a number of good motherboards for you to specific goals:

For playing PC It is necessary to consider full-size ATX cards equipped with full functionality. If the budget does not limit the Intel to build on Intel, you can choose Gigabyte GA-X99-UD4 (under processors on Socket 2011) or MSI Z170A Gaming M7 (1151). If the amount is limited - Gigabyte GA-B150-HD3 DDR3 is suitable for an inexpensive game PC.

On AMD, if performance is most important, it is worth looking towards ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0. If you want to save, without hiding as - Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P. Both boards are equipped with AM3 + socket and support FX series processors. But it is not necessary to bypass and FM2 +, the top models of the APU under which also claim to the rank of gaming. For A-series processors, Gigabyte GA-F2A88X-D3H can be called the optimal choice.

For office PCgaming opportunities are not so important as accessibility, stability and silence. Therefore, the optimal choice here will be Micro-ATX and FLEX-ATX fees, as the rule "the fewer nodes in the system - the higher its reliability" here is also relevant. For office computer on Intel optimal choice motherboard - MSI H170M Pro-VDH D3. From her "Trump" it is worth noting 4 USB3 ports on the rear panel, supporting the new Core 6000 series processors, as well as 4 slots for memory and the presence of all three (VGA, DVI and HDMI) connectors for connecting the monitor. At AMD, a successful for office will be the fee on the FM2 + ASUS A88XM-A socket, which possesses similar features.

Multimedia PC It is often used with a TV and / or home cinema, so it requires a compact case. To avoid noise - you need to use energy-efficient components that do not require powerful cooling. Intel for this purpose will fit