How to choose a gaming motherboard. What motherboards are better. Choose your motherboard for Intel processors

The assembly or upgrade of the computer is a solution to a problem with several inputs, and the result must satisfy all the "Wishlist" and meet all the "mogulics" in order to not exist the family budget. Well, a conversation about parts from which any computer consists, we will start with the basics, from the basis, from our mother's systems. As you understood, we will talk about how to choose a motherboard, which model can become an optimal purchase, which can be saved, without overpaying for unnecessary functions. Today is the first part, and consider the lower and average price range, leaving the "under acceleration" model and the next time.

Criterias of choice

As always, we dance from the traditional object of Russian life, "from the stove", which will choose a "folk" socket 1151, for which manufacturers have released a huge amount of motherboards. With such a choice, sometimes really "eyes scatter". It is necessary to understand what the fees differ, and for which the manufacturer wants to take one or another amount from us, and what to give for this amount.

Armed with knowledge, distribute all fees in several classes. Naturally, this separation is conditional, and does not mean at all that from the motherboard from the budget segment can be expected only with dull performance, suitable only for office use.

By no means. Even ready-made system blocks from eminent producers, and positionable as gamers, often completed, it would seem, little suitable for this motherboards on the H110 chipset.

And yet, according to the functionality and, most importantly, the possibilities of expansion, motherboards differ. As they differ and depending on what purpose they are selected. If you are interested in the possibility of overclocking the processor and memory is one class of devices. If a collected computer should work in normal mode to its replacement / upgrade in the form, in which it is bought - what is the point of overpaying for excess functions?

I will not limit both by the form factor. ATX, MATX, MINI-ITX, MINI-STX and others - will leave everything and will consider. The only thing that will be left behind the brackets is the preferences of a brand, the quality of service.

Budget parents

This section includes models not so much at a price as in their capabilities. Agree, the H110 chipset to the top solutions can not be attributed. This is a typical budget option for building systems with rather limited expansion and configuration capabilities.

At the same time, such motherboards perform their work at no worse than more expensive models, and in the boundaries of the possibilities work as it should. So, let's see what can be found on sale. Let's go ascending prices.

ASRock H110M-DGS R3.0

One of the cheapest models, the price of which is located in the area of \u200b\u200b3000 rubles. It has PCI-E X16 connectors, 1 PCI-E X1, 4 SATA3 connector, 2 connector under memory DDR4-2133. A typical budget option with, however, a radiator is used for cooling.

R3.0 means that this is the 3rd revision of the board, and it already "from the box" must support the 7th generation of Kaby Lake processors. If the fee came earlier - it is also nothing terrible. In the extreme case, you will have to update the BIOS.

The board has a MICROATX form factor. The 8-pin CPU power connector is located close to the socket, which may entail problems when installing bulky coolers. Qualitatively and gently lay the cable may not work. Naturally, no use of two video cards speech does not go. Moreover, there is only a DVI for connecting the monitor.

MSI H110M PRO-D

In fact, direct analogue of the previous one, the cost, if different, then rubles 100-200 in one direction or another depending on the store. Of the differences - 2 PCI-E X1 connections, 6 power phases, 2 USB connector 3.1 and, perhaps, everything. A slightly larger size allowed the board more traditionally, placing the connectors for connecting drives at the bottom edge.

In general, more than a worthy choice for a minimum of money, and the fee shows excellent performance. If you are ready to put up with the presence of only DVI, the absence of M.2, only two memory slots, and do not plan to install a large number of additional devices, then this board is definitely a profitable purchase.

ASUS H110M-R / C / SI

At a price of about 3300 rubles. It differs from the listed, perhaps, only the presence of HDMI. There are no advantages. So, if only DVI is not enough to connect the monitor, then in this case there is a whole "zoo" - VGA, DVI, HDMI. The overpayment of a couple of hundred rubles for the wide possibility of connecting the monitor is quite justified.

Of the features it is worth mentioning the unsuccessful location of the contacts to connect the front audio connections. They are accurate in front of the PCI-E X16 connector, and the video card installed overlaps these contacts. Yes, and one of the SATA is knocked out from a row, being in a little deep in the board.

MSI H110M Pro-VD (Plus)

Unremarkable "Moms" for a price of just over 3300 rubles. In this case, the PLUS version differs from the usual smaller number of USB ports on the rear wall (4 against 6) and the presence of two full PS / 2 together one combined. This is such a plus.

Used USB version 3.1. DVI and VGA are used to connect the monitor. There are 4 SATA, 2 slots for memory, 1 pCi-E x16 and 2 PCI-E X1.

Otherwise - Normal fees, if there are no cheaper alternatives, then you can take.

ASUS H110M-CS

The incomprehensible fee, or rather, the price of it. For 3800 rubles. It is proposed to all the same as in the case of the cheapest ASRock H110M-DGS R3.0. The difference is in the presence of the second PCI-E X1 connector and replacing the DVI on the already archaic VGA. What to overpay, for the brand?

MSI H110M ECO.

Price - just over 3,800 rubles. It seems overshadowed, although compared to the previous one, it is somewhat compensated by the presence of VGA, DVI, HDMI, as well as using a network controller on an Intel chip, which is a little faster than solutions on the chips from Realtek.

The fee provides ample opportunities for energy saving. It is possible to manually disable unused elements (fans, backlight, etc.). There is an automatic mode in which you can set up to 3 profiles of energy saving. It uses a high-quality element base.

In the rest of the obvious arguments in favor of this board, there are no refund. There are no advantages over cheaper alternatives.

MSI H110m Gaming

For the beautiful name, belonging to game cards and for red connectors, the manufacturer wants 700 rubles more than the previous, "eco-friendly" option. For the external appeal will have to pay.

True, there will be no 4 USB connector on the rear panel (which is not enough for our times), and 6, and 4 of them are versions 3.1. Otherwise, an analogue of the previous one, which is no longer any advantages.

MSI H110M GRENADE.

Price - about 4700 rubles. It differs from most of the previous presence of an Intel network chip, M.2 connector on the PCI-E and USB Type-C bus. Is it worth it all overpayments - to solve you. Availability M.2 for sets SSD. under operating system It may be useful when assembling compact computers.

ASRock H110M-STX

MINI-STX form factor board for the assembly of very compact systems. Cost - about 5,200 rubles. The layout is specific, in which the connectors are located not only in the rear edge of the board, but also on the front. Of the features - support processors with TDP up to 65 watts, using the Intel network chip, SO-DIMM DDR4 memory modules. There are USB Type-C, 2 SATA3. You can use VGA, HDMI or DisplayPort to connect the monitor.

Installed 2 M.2 connector:

• KEY E (Socket 1) - to install Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules.
• Key M (Socket 3) - To install SSD drives on the PCIe Gen3 x4 2280 bus.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that this fee does not support M.2 drives operating on the SATA bus, only PCIE!

Used external power supply at 19 V.

ASUS H110T.

Form factor - Thin Mini-ITX. Price - about 5,300 rubles. Of the differences from the previous model - the presence of two gigabit network interfaces (on Intel and Realtek chips), the absence of USB Type-C, support for SSD drives M.2 sizes of 2242/2260. The lack of support for the most popular SSD-drives 2280 can be reduced to the ability to use this connector.

You can use HDMI, DisplayPort to connect the monitor. Memory - laptop, SO-DIMM.

Other options

Naturally, this is not all models. I only listed those that, in my opinion, can interest something. For about the same cost, you can find other options that do not differ practically. So, the competition is the cheapest models can be, for example, Gigabyte GA-H110M-S2, but with the same or slightly more (50-100 rubles) no advantages. The whole difference is reduced to the number of phases of nutrition and layout.

MSI H110M Pro-VH - typical competitor mSI models H110M PRO-VD (PLUS), and only the presence of HDMI is distinguished, for which it will have to pay about 60 rubles.

You can pay extra 100 hundred rubles if you really have a need for HDMI connector, M.2, or you have equipment connected by outdated COM or LPT interfaces.

Many models of boards, in fact, have several modifications that differ in the established interfaces, first of all - to connect the monitor. So, ASRock is the simplest H110M-DGS R3.0 has only DVI, and H110M-DVS R3.0 is also a VGA. True, it is already rubles for 400 more expensive. ASRock H110M-HDV is already equipped with HDMI, and for it will have to pay another 100 rubles compared to the previous option.

There are several mansions such fees as Gigabyte GA-H110-D3A, ASRock H110 Pro BTC + and the like. Their cost is 7500 for the first and about 12,700 per second. Both of them - full ATX, and the scope of application says such a characteristic as the number of PCI-E X1 ports. Gigabyte has 5 of them, and Asrock - 12. Probably it is already clear that these boards are designed specifically for mining cryptocurrency.

If you generalize, there is no fundamental difference between the boards. You can take any at the lowest price with the desired set of installed interfaces, the choice of which, in other matters, is not so wide. They differ in the presence and number of USB 3.0 / 3.1, USB Type-C, connector M.2. There are differences in the method of connecting the monitor. DVI can be connected even to the cheapest motherboard. Yes, and with HDMI, the model is only 300 rubles more expensive.

I would not pay special attention to the difference in the processor power system. Someone has only 4 phases, someone has 6 of them. It is clear that what they are more, the better. Especially the company ASRock likes to save on the number of phases of nutrition. On the other hand, only she has radiators for cooling these chains. Given that the acceleration of processors is impossible, this is quite enough.

It is perhaps its specificity models of MINI-ITX form factor, mini-stx, but, choosing such motherboards, you most likely know why you need these options.

Maternity Motherboards

Here, payments on chipsets B150 / 250, H170 / 270, Q170 / 270 will be taken to consideration. Let's remind you that they differ from H110 with a large number of PCI-E lines, using the 3rd generation of this interface, in contrast to the 2nd in the 110th chipset, a large number of USB ports, as well as the possibility of using already 4 DIMM connectors instead of two .

The 2xx generation is not much different from the generation of 1xx chipsets. One of the main differences is to support drives. Acceleration on these chipsets is not provided. This can only be done by increasing the frequency of the processor or memory. The use of processors with an unlocked multiplier (with the letter "K" in marking) is not justified, since it will not be possible to use this feature.

The fame of office solutions was entrusted to the B150 / 250 chipsets, although the number of models proposed Veliko, Q170 / 270 are specific products, more oriented to the corporate segment, and the number of models of boards on them very small. The most "running" - H170 / 270, exhausted except that only the possibilities of overclocking the processor multiplier. Otherwise - one of the most functional options.

Consider all the proposed models - the case is ungrateful. They are quite a lot, and most of them differ little from each other. I will focus on the most attractive versions.

ASRock B150M-HDS

In fact, the full analogue of the ASRock B110M-HDS board, which differs only by another chipset (B150) and at about 250-300 rubles higher than 250-300 rubles. I do not see much sense in buying, given the minimum of connectors, the absence of M.2, and not quite a good location of SATA connectors. Beautiful and gently lay cables will be difficult.

Gigabyte GA-B150M-D2V

One of the cheapest, in which there are already 6 SATA connectors. Cost - about 4200 rubles. In the pluses - 4 USB 3.0 on the rear wall, the presence of VGA and DVI for connecting the monitor. Of the minuses - only 2 DIMM DDR4, no HDMI and M.2 (although this minus is rather controversial).

For your money - a good option.

Gigabyte GA-H170M-HD3 DDR3

Pretty contradiction model. Chipset - H170. On the one hand, the price is about 4200 rubles, which includes 6 SATA3, 2 SATA EXPRESS (lowactive connector), support for RAID 0,1,5,10, the presence of PCI-E M.2, VGA, DVI, HDMI. On the other hand, it works with the memory of the already outacious generation DDR3, and only 2 such modules can be installed. At our times, it is rather minus, although if other characteristics are arranged, you can take it. There will be no difference between DDR3 and DDR4. The problem is in the further upgrade. Upon the next replacement of the motherboard, this memory will not be used.

If the memory modules remained this generation, it is possible to save, and use them by updating the motherboard and processor, postponing the transition to a new generation of memory for another time.

The presence of the PCI connector is also controversial. It would be better for another PCI-E. In general, I would not take this motherboard, precisely because of the futility of memory.

MSI B250M PRO-VD

Motherboard on a fresh chipset B250 for 4400 rubles, and one of the cheapest on it. In the asset - PCIE M.2, 4 USB 3.1 connector on the back wall, the ability to connect 6 SATA drives. May face no HDMI (there is only VGA and DVI), and the memory connectors are only two. Otherwise - a good option at an attractive price on a good chipset.

ASRock B250M-HDV

Direct competitor of the previous model. It is distinguished by a little greater price (approximately 4500 rubles), the presence of an HDMI and a gigabit network card based on the Intel chip. True, USB only version 3.0, no 3.1 and Type-C. In my opinion, the option is slightly preferable than the model from MSI, if there are no complaints about the absence of a new-water Type-C and quite enough USB 3.0.

For little money quite a decent motherboard.

ASUS H170M-E D3

An even more controversial option than the Gigabyte GA-H170M-HD3 DDR3. Cost - about 4600 rubles. The same memory DDR3, though there are 4 connector for installing RAM modules. In this case, only 4 SATA3, although with support for RAID 0,1,5,10, is M.2.

I have no arguments in favor of this model. If you certainly need a RAID, that is, a slightly cheaper Gigabyte, in which you can also connect more to 2 drives. The only, though controversial, plus - 4 memory connector, and that, there is a Gigabyte GA-H170M-D3H DDR3, in which also 4 DIMM and the same cost. The model has been talked and not interesting for purchase.

ASUS B150M-A / M.2

Pretty controversial version, first of all, due to the most fresh chipset. Judge for yourself. After all, 4800 rubles. Here and 4 connectors for DDR4, and HDMI, and 6 SATA, and M.2, and USB 3.1 Type-C. In minuses - lack of RAID, memory frequency limit at 2133 MHz. If M.2 is needed and Type-C is useful, that is, it makes sense to include this fee in the list of purchase candidates. It is inexpensive, but there is everything you need. At the same time, something else can be found on the more recent chipset and for about the same money.

Alternative - Gigabyte GA-B250M-DS3H, which costs about 200 rubles. More, offers a more recent chipset, but no type-c. Approximately the same amount is the ASUS Prime B250M-A with the same characteristics and the same price.

There are already mentioned ASRock B250M-HDV, where there is everything in this model, but with a more fresh chipset. True, this Asus-A has 4 connector for installing memory, unlike B250M-HDV, but also the price is slightly higher.

Another alternative is the MSI B250M Pro-VDH, where there is all the same as this Asus, but the chipset is more recently.

MSI B250M BAZOOKA (PRO)

Cost - about 5,300 rubles, chipset - B250. What are the advantages of it before ASUS Prime B250M-A? No. All the same. In this case, the determining factor is the cost per one or another model at the moment. What is cheaper - then take.

The Pro version differs from the conventional radiator installed on the processor power supply elements.

MSI B150M NIGHT ELF

Cost - about 5500 rubles. Similarly, equipped with a fee can be cheaper. Why then overpay? Backlit, Intel Network Map and beautiful radiators.

With characteristics, however, everything is in order. There are 6 SATA, 4 slots for memory modules, and 2 PCI-E X16, and an Intellian network chip. DVI is installed for connecting the monitor.

For aesthetics, if the glass wall is in the housing, a very good option. For those who are more important than the board looks like, but how it works, the waste of funds is not justified.

ASUS Strix B250G Gaming

Cook 6200 rubles. For what? For beautiful radiators, an Intel network card, 2 M.2, HDMI connector, SUPREMEFX audio care, which is used in more advanced motherboards of this manufacturer. Is the sound better than in the case of an audio account from Realtek? I do not think.

Otherwise, it is much more attractive than the previous model, at least thanks to a newer chipset, the presence of M.2.

ASRock H270M Pro4.

One of the cheapest boards on the H270 chipset. Cost - about 6200 rubles. In stock 6 SATA3 with support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 2 connector M.2, both operate on the PCIE bus, and one M.2 supports the SSD of this form factor operating on the SATA bus. The second M.2 is only PCIE drives.

There is also a HDMI C DVI, USB Type-C is also installed. Power processor - 6-phase. In general, a very "packaged" model on the fresh chipset and for the sane money. It is possible to compare with the previous model. Although there are no beautiful radiators and the words "Gaming" in the title, the characteristics are not worse, and even better.

I advise you to look at. If you do not need a multiplier overclocking, perhaps it is one of the best options. Similar to the characteristics of MSI H270M BAZOOKA about 300 rubles. more expensive. At the same time only one M.2.

There is a modification of this card with a slightly different layout - model H270 PRO4, although it is more expensive for about 400 rubles. But there is also ASRock B250M Pro4, a slightly simplified version on a simpler chipset, devoid of RAID. But it costs 800-1000 rubles. Cheaper.

ASROKK FATAL1TY B250M PERFORMANCE

Cost - about 6350 rubles. The board is beautiful, made in red-black colors in which the memory slots and radiators are painted. Metal connector for video card.

There is everything that should be in such boards - HDMI, Type-C, M.2, network card from Intel, 6 SATA, DVI-D, HDMI, VGA, 4 slots for memory modules.

Well, a loud name in the title. Whether all this overpayments is worth - to solve you. (Hint: All the same, but without beautiful, there is ASRock B250M Pro4 for, approximately 5200 rubles).

MSI B250M Mortar Arctic

Cost of about 6600 rubles. The fee is interesting primarily for modes collecting a system unit in white tones. According to the characteristics - no difference with cheaper competitors.

Gigabyte GA-H270-HD3

A full-fledged ATX board with three PCI-E x16 connectors, two PCI-E X1 and two PCI, the benefit of the chipset has a sufficient number of lines to install such a number of expansion slots. And for all this will have to pay about 6700 rubles.

Among other characteristics is 4 slots under DDR4, 6 SATA, which can be combined into RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, there is a PCI-E M.2, an Intel network controller. You can use VGA, DVI or HDMI to connect the monitor. No, except, Type-c. Otherwise, a very tricked model. It is useful to those who really need all these possibilities.

On her background, the ASUS H170-Plus D3 Chamber is strange, which at the same cost has DDR3 memory, only 4 SATA, USB 3.0 instead of version 3.1 at Gigabyte. Do you have arguments in favor of this asus? I do not have.

ASUS B150 Pro Gaming / Aura

Cost of about 7500 rubles. Compared to Gigabyte GA-H270-HD3 does not offer anything new. Moreover, it is devoid of support for RAID, no USB 3.1, and the chipset of the old series.

True, beautiful illumination and painted radiators. The SUPREMEFX sound subsystem is used, there are 6 SATA, M.2, an Intelligent network controller, presents USB Type-C. For modders - the most it is, and the AURA highlighting system only to help. For boring pragmatists - unnecessary buns for which it is incomprehensible why you have to pay.

Gigabyte GA-H270-Gaming 3

Approximate price - about 9000 rubles. It belongs to the game series of boards, which, in fact, follows from the name. It has everything that should be for the construction of a very productive game computer.

Here and 6 SATA3 with support for RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, and 2 connectors M.2, and 4 slots for DDR4-2400 memory, and USB 3.1, and Type-C, and DVI with HDMI. By the way, there is also support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 10. Among the features - the use of a network gigabit controller KILLER E2500 Rivet Networks. Naturally, everything is in the new-fashioned backlight. Form factor - full ATX.

MSI H270 Gaming Pro Carbon

This is one of the most expensive boards. Its cost is about 9300 rubles. The H270 chipset provides support for DDR4-2400 memory, the slots for memory 4 pieces, 6 SATA3 is installed, there are 2 connections M.2. There are all modern interface connectors, including USB Type-C. Used network card based on Intel chip.

Naturally, it was not without customizable illumination, the installation of the metal connector for the first PCI-E X16. Logos and inscriptions are applied to radiators.

This board is not fundamentally different from cheaper analogues. In this case, the choice is more based on the aesthetic qualities of the product, rather than on the characteristics that can be found in the motherboards at the price below.

MSI B250M PRO OPT BOOST

Features of the board are practically no different from the MSI B250M Bazooka described above, and, unlike the latter, there is no TYPE-C port, and the combined PS / 2 is installed. At the same time, the price of the board is about 7900 rubles. Difference with a base of about 2500 rubles. For what? And for the Intel Optane module of 16 GB, which comes in the kit (OPT letters in the title are not just like this).

Moreover, the cost of such a caching module, if you buy it separately, approximately 1000 more than the difference in the cost of these two boards. What is not the reason for "one shot" to buy a motherboard and in addition to it completely fresh Intel Optane, which will make it without acquiring SSD, but get speed hard work Disc is almost like solid?

Other options

As in the case of budget parents, "behind the frame" there remained a large number of other models, which are literally no different from those listed, but have the price above. Surely there is a whole range of motherboards, which will comply with the required characteristics, and choose from which follows that simply cheaper.

For example, ASRock B250M-HDV has an HDMI, which is not similar in the characteristics of ASUS Prime B250M-K, while it is also slightly cheaper. The point is then to buy this ASUS model?

Thus, the above MSI H270 Gaming Pro Carbon is far from the only one-oriented use in game computers. Moreover, it is one of the most expensive in this segment. There is ASRock B250 Gaming K4 (8200 rubles.), ASUS ROG STRIX B250I GAMING (8200 (rub.), Asus Strix H270F Gaming (9100 rubles) and a number of others. What to choose is a matter of taste and financial opportunities.

On the other hand, if you compare the top (in this selection) MSI H270 Gaming Pro Carbon and the cheapest on the same ASRock H270M Pro4 chipset, which is about 3000 rubles. Cheaper, then we will see what, in fact, enters this difference. According to the functionality of the board is identical, except for the lack of RAID in MSI and the presence of 2 USB 3.0 more on the back wall, as well as the exit S / PDIF.

But MSI is equipped with backlight (where now without it), beautiful radiators, in general, quite spectacular appearance, well, and gilded audio connections. It turns out, the increase in cost includes exclusively all this beauty. Is it worth it?

Conclusion. How to choose a motherboard exactly the one that needs

How did the variety of proposals choose the best option? Definitely the right answer to give is unlikely to succeed. To begin with - I would not "bother" about the manufacturer. The release is engaged in only a few companies that deserve confidence and, frankly, the products of which differ little from each other. Exotic type Biostar or Colorful I would not consider.

The next step should be to determine the main characteristics. What processor is planned to be used? If from the last (at the moment) of the generation of Kaby Lake, then I see no reason to save and consider models on the 100th family chipsets. With the exception of H110, if going budget system And the goal is the maximum savings. The 200 chipset family supports the memory of the DDR4-2400, has more PCI-Express lines, which gives more possibilities By expanding the system.

Moreover, the savings may be minimal, and the prospects for the chosen mother on the old chipset can no longer be any. Similarly, with memory. Even if the DDR3 strips remained, it is not quite reasonable to save and continue to use them with a new system board. Since we are talking about the upgrade, you will have to part with honestly served your DDR3 and go to DDR4.

Naturally, when buying a motherboard on chipsets without the letter "z", i.e., without the possibility of overclocking due to the change of the multiplier, the use of processors with a unlocked multiplier (for example, i7-7700k) is implied. To work such a bundle, of course, will, but why overpay for the "divided" processor, if you can not use it?

As can be seen, there are models that may differ from each other by the presence or absence of only one connector, for example, HDMI. Do you need you, plan to use it? If so, there is no questions if your monitor works great from DVI, then it's already important, there is also an HDMI on the chosen "mother"?

Now about connecting interfaces external devices. USB 2.0 and 3.0 are all models, someone has more connectors with old version USB, someone has more USB 3.0. Many offer USB 3.1, and sometimes Type-c is present. You need you - look for a model with such a connector, no - well, do not pay attention.

Having determined the list of necessary characteristics, select suitable models. Should I take the most expensive? Well, if only for the presence of backlight, the unusual color of the textolite, metal connectors under memory / video card or any similar "buns". It will work as too, like a cheaper analogue.

If it went, then it is better to pay attention to the power supply of the processor, how many phases are used in the selected board model, whether they have radiators. This is especially true if you are not going to be exchanged on trifles and plan to install a powerful processor.

The main thing is that choose from what, and there is something to choose. As usual, in the whole set of motherboards there are those that will fully meet your requirements, and among them it is quite possible to choose the most accessible.

Next time we look at the motherboards, which imply acceleration and which the place in the game computers.

The game motherboard is a device, no less important for PC than a processor, or a video card, which are considered to a decisive degree affect computer performance. Which of the models of the appropriate type of devices can be attributed to the category of the most functional, and at the same time affordable?

What are the latest solutions with the support of Intel and AMD chips?

The best game motherboards for modern PCs are more likely to be found, considering solutions that are equipped with chips from leading global manufacturers of the corresponding type of electronic components - Intel and AMD brands. If we talk about the latest chips from Intel, such chipsets, such as H97 / Z97, as well as x99, deserve attention to the attention. Regarding competing products from AMD - you can consider the A85 / A88X ruler chips.

In turn, solutions from both brands can be installed in the products of the widest spectrum of world manufacturers. Gaming motherboards produce such largest companies as, asus, Gigabyte, MSI, as well as ASRock. Consider the features of the use of AMD chips in the most popular motherboard modifications, which are manufactured by marked brands - in those price ranges that are acceptable to most users, as well as key opportunities for relevant solutions.

ASUS gaming solutions based on the AMD chipset

Among the most famous products from ASUS in the segment of gaming motherboards - Device Crossblade Ranger.

This device:

Designed in ATX format;

Compatible with CrossFire technology.

Equipped with a contemporary network controller, as well as a high-performance sound module. The motherboard under consideration is characterized as well-leaning.

MSI motherboards based on AMD chipsets

The next largest brand producing motherboards for game computers is MSI. Among the most notable products are the A88xm Gaming device. This device refers to those based on the chipset from AMD.

The motherboard under consideration is designed, in turn, based on Microatx format. With it, you can collect a smaller computer with a computer than in the case of the previous solution from ASUS. The decision about which this is speech, notable support for the CROSSFIRE standard, as well as the equipment with a high-performance sound module. This motherboard also has excellent quality network controller. Among other distinctive features of the device - the presence of 8 SATA ports in version 3.0. As well as the solution from ASUS, it is well accelerated.

Another interesting product from MSI is the MSI 970 motherboard. Equipped with PCI Express X16, supports CROSSFIRE standard. It can also be well accelerated, thanks to the modern subsystem of the main chip, which functions when 8 phases are activated. The device is equipped with a high-performance sound module that is complemented by condensers and amplifiers. The motherboard is also present a technological network controller.

ASRock solutions based on AMD chipsets

Another famous brand producing gaming motherboards is ASRock. If we consider modern models of devices produced by them, then you can pay attention to the FM2A88X product. It is also based on the chipset from AMD. Made, in turn, in Miniatx format. Among the most remarkable features of this motherboard are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

The next well-known product from ASRock - 990FX. Also based on the chipset from AMD. Equipped with Express 2.0. It has 8 SATA ports in version 3.0, as well as high-performance reviewing game motherboards based on AMD chipsets, we will now study the specifics of the products in which the Intel chips are installed.

ASUS solutions based on Intel chips

Asus is among those brands that successfully produce devices functioning both on the basis of Intel chips and when involving those manufactured by the main competitor of this brand - AMD. An example of this product is the H97-Pro motherboard. It is performed on the basis of ATX format. It is noteworthy that this motherboard, despite the fact that is equipped with an Intel chip, can support the CROSSFIRE standard, which is considered typical of products from AMD.

Among the main competitive advantages, which characterize the solution under consideration - support such standards as SATA Express, as well as M2. Also, the device is equipped with a high-tech network controller and a sound processing system, in which condensers are present, operational gain modules are implemented, as well as shielding from noise.

There are ASUS gaming motherboards on the market, which are based on another modern chipset from Intel - Z97. Among those are the product Maximus VII Formula. It is based on ATX format. Equipped with 3 PCI Express X16 and X1 slots. Supports CROSSFIRE and SLI standards. The motherboard under consideration is characterized as one of the most optimal, in terms of overclocking.

The most powerful of Intel chips manufactured today is X99. It is designed to use with 8-nuclear chips made on the basis of Haswell-E microarchitecture, as well as when the DDR4 RAM is involved. The company Asus also produces motherboards in which the X99 chip support is implemented.

Among these products are the device Rampage V Extreme. This motherboard has large dimensions, since it is performed on the E-ATX format. Equipped with 5 PCI Express X16 connectors, high-tech network controller. Device supports wireless standards Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The motherboard is equipped with a high-performance audio system.

ASRock solutions with Intel chips support

Motherboards for playing computers with support for modern Intel chipsets also produces MSI company. Among the most remarkable solutions produced by this brand in the relevant segment - the product Z97M. It is performed within the format of Microatx. In this motherboard there are 4 expansion slots, there are SATA Express connectors, as well as high-speed M2. There is a high-tech sound module, as well as a productive controller.

Gigabyte solutions with Intel chipset support

Beautiful gaming motherboards with support for chips manufactured by Intel produces another famous brand - Gigabyte. Among the most notable solutions are the GA-H97M product.

It is equipped with a high-performance network processor and optimized by using operating amplifiers Sound codec. It can be noted that the delivery of the device is a disk with special program To work with sound. The product is made on the basis of Microatx format.

MSI solutions with Intel chip support

Games are also supplied to the market in modifications that support Intel chipsets. Among those are the device H97i AC. With this motherboard, you can collect the computer in a particularly compact format. The device is equipped with a wireless module, as well as a high-performance PCI Express X16 type connector.

As for devices with support for the Z97 chipset - MSI also releases them successfully. An example of this solution is the Motherboard Z97 XPower. First of all, it is worth noting the value of the corresponding model - it corresponds to the E-ATX format. Therefore, its placement is assumed to be large enough by the volume of the PC housing. The device is equipped with a high-tech cooling system. The motherboard has 5 PCI EXPRESS X16 slots, as well as 2 PCI Express X1. Each of them can function as part of those speeds, which are guaranteed by the 3rd belief of the corresponding data standard. Crossfire Device technology also supports.

The MSI brand also produces devices compatible with chip X99. Among those are the X99S MPower product. This device is also seen as one of those that are best optimized for overclocking. According to some experts, in the appropriate mode of operation, the device functions stable, without significant failures. The device is equipped with a powerful controller and high-tech sound codec.

Choosing a motherboard for games: Main criteria

For a computer intended for games? The main criteria for which experts are recommended to be navigated when buying the appropriate type of devices, the following.

First, it is worth decreasing for what specific games are supposed to collect PCs. The fact is that even the most inexpensive computers are able to run games with average requirements for almost the same speed, as the devices are made, assembled from the components of the premium level. Therefore, it may make no sense to acquire the motherboard supporting the latest standards - for example, the DDR memory modules 4. It may well be sufficiently compatibility with traditional technologies for the segment of gaming solutions. Such as, for example, support for DDR3 memory, the ability to connect devices through sATA interface In version 3.0. Similarly, the user does not always use all the ports available on the device - to connect RAM or video cards. Perhaps it will be more optimal to acquire a motherboard with fewer connectors. It is desirable that the device is equipped with a high-performance network controller, as well as a technological sound module. It may be preferred support for wireless modules.

Secondly, you need to watch the form factor of the motherboard, determining, actually, its size. It is undesirable that he exceeds the dimensions of the housing used system Block PC. It is best if its form factor and the corresponding standard of the motherboard will fully coincide.

Thirdly, the user needs to decide whether he needs additional options On the motherboard - such as, for example, support for wireless modules. Even the best game motherboards - if we consider their performance and functionality in terms of supporting various connectors, may not have compatibility with the corresponding technologies.

The device, of course, should be fully compatible with other electronic components, which is supposed to be placed on it. There are 2 main brands producing chipsets for devices such as game motherboards - Intel and AMD. If the device is designed to work with the intel chip, then practically excluded the possibility of installation in it should also be checked - whether other devices are compatible with the connections of the motherboard. Such as, for example, a video card and audio card.

So, modern maternal game fee For games:

Supports the desired chipset;

Has a sufficient number of ports;

Supports traditional or advanced RAM modules - respectively, DDR3 and DDR4;

Equipped with a modern network controller, sound module, optional - support for wireless standards;

Balanced from the point of view of technology support and price.

The specifics of the last item can be considered more.

How much are modern motherboards for gaming PCs?

Thus, thus study the price aspect of the selection of such devices as Game motherboards. These prices are predetermined by the degree of novelty, compatibility with the chip from a brand, as well as supported standards. Regarding solutions that are based on AMD chips in the A88X modification - their price is in the range between 4,500 - 12,000 rubles. The cost of motherboards in which the latest chips from Intel - X99 are installed is much higher - up to 20,000 rubles and more.

At the same time, among the brands considered by us there are no those that can be unambiguously characterized as budgetary or premium. Good gaming motherboard, in principle, can not cost cheaply. However, from the entire spectrum of the devices presented in the market, it is quite possible to find the one that will have optimal, in terms of user needs and performance, price.

For a long time, the times had already passed when the PC could be selected on the market almost any configuration for any tasks. Companies that are engaged in the assembly of PC are now small, and those who specialize in the assembly of PCs are practically no left. And the remaining, as a rule, are engaged in exclusive and very expensive PCs, which are not all for the pocket. But the computers of companies that do not specialize in the assembly of PC often cause complaints. As a rule, these firms are selling components, and for them the build of finished configurations is not a major business that is often just a means of cleaning warehouses. That is, computers are collected according to the principle "What was shred in stock?". As a result, for many users, the motto "Want to be good - do it yourself" remains very relevant today.

Of course, you can always order an assembly of a PC of any configuration from the sold components. But you will be "pro-worker" such an assembly, and it is that you will have to develop a PC configuration and approve the estimates. And this is not a simple matter and requires knowledge of the range in the component market, as well as the basic principles for creating PC configurations: in which case it is better to put a more productive video card, and when you can do the integrated graphics core, but a productive processor is needed. All aspects of creating a configuration of the PC will not be considered, but several important stages will have to remember.

So, at the first stage, when creating a PC configuration, you need to decide on the platform: whether this is a computer based on the AMD processor or on the Intel processor. Answer to question: "What is better?" - It simply does not exist, and we will not argue in favor of a particular platform. Just in this article we will tell about computers on the Intel platform. At the second stage, after selecting the platform, you should decide since concrete model Processor and choose a motherboard. And we consider this choice in one stage, because one is closely related to another. You can choose a fee for a specific processor, and you can choose a processor under a specific fee. In this article, we just consider the modern range of motherboards under Intel processors.

Where to begin

The range of modern motherboards under Intel processors in the same way as the assortment of themselves intel processors, You can smash two large families:

• boards on intel chipset X299 under the Intel Core X processors (Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X)
• cards on the Intel's 300 chipsets under the 8th generation Intel Core processors (Coffee Lake).

These two platforms are absolutely different and incompatible with each other, and therefore consider them in more detail each separately. The remaining fees and processors are no longer relevant, although they can be found on sale.

Intel X299 chipset and Intel Core X Family Processors

Intel X299 chipset Together with boards on its basis and the family of compatible Intel processors, introduced at Computex 2017. The platform itself received the code name Basin Falls..

First of all, the Intel X299 chipset database is compatible only with the processors of Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X code names that have a processor connector LGA 2066.

The platform is quite specific and focused on the segment of high-performance solutions, which in Intel dotted HEDT (High End Desktop). Actually, the peculiarity of this platform is determined by the feature of the Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X processors, which are also called the Core X family.

Kaby Lake-X

Kaby Lake-X processors are 4-nuclear. Today there are only two models of such processors: Core i7-7740x and Core i5-7640x. They are not much different from the "ordinary" processors of the Kaby Lake family with the LGA 1151 connector, but are compatible with another platform and, accordingly, have another connector.

Core i5-7640x and Core i5-7740x processors have a unlocked multiplication ratio and are deprived. graphic core - Like all models of the Core X family. The Core i7-7740x model supports Hyper-Threading technology (it has 4 kernels and 8 streams), and the Core i5-7640x model is no (4 kernels and 4 streams). Both processors have a two-channel DDR4 memory controller and support up to 64 GB of DDR4-2666. The number of PCIe 3.0 lines in both processors is equal to 16 (as in conventional Kaby Lake).

All Core X family processors with nuclei are six or more based on the Skylake microarchitecture. The range of models is quite large here. There are 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-14-, 16- and 18-nuclear models, they are presented in two subimbates: Core i7 and Core i9. 6- and 8-nuclear models form the Core i7 family, and the model with the number of kernels 10 or more - Core i9.

SkyLake-X.

All SKYLAKE-X family processors have a four-channel memory controller and, accordingly, the maximum amount of supported memory for them is 128 GB. L3 cache size for 1,375 MB for each kernel: in a 6-nuclear processor it is 8.25 MB, in the 8-nuclear - 11 MB, in a 10-nuclear - 13.75 MB, etc. The model of the Core i7 family ( Core i7-7800x and Core i7-7820x) have 28 lines PCIe 3.0, and the model of the Core i9 family is already 44 lines.

Chipset Intel X299.

Now let's stop at the Intel X299 chipset, which is the basis of the motherboard and 90% (conventionally, of course) determines its functionality.

Since Core X processors can have both two-channel (Kaby Lake X) and a four-channel (SkyLake-X) DDR4 memory controller, the Intel X299 chipset supports both memory modes. And the boards on the basis of this chipset have, as a rule, eight DIMM slots for installing memory modules. Just if the Kaby Lake X processor is used, only four can be used from eight memory slots.

The functional capabilities of the chipset are determined by a set of its high-speed I / O ports (High Speed \u200b\u200bInput / Output, reduce to HSIO): USB 3.1 / 3.0, SATA 6 Gb / s or PCIe 3.0.

Intel X299 - 30 HSIO ports in the Intel X299 chipset. Set of following: Not more than 24 PCIe 3.0 ports, no more than 8 SATA ports 6 Gb / s and no more than 10 ports USB 3.0. But once again, we note that in the amount there should be no more than 30. In addition, there may be no more than 14 USB ports, of which up to 10 can be a version of USB 3.0, and the rest - USB 2.0.

Also used Flexible i / O technology: Some HSIO ports can be configured as PCIE or USB 3.0 ports, and some others - as ports PCIE or SATA 6 Gb / s.

Naturally, the Intel X299 chipset supports Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology) technology, which allows you to configure the SATA controller in the RAID controller mode with levels of levels 0, 1, 5 and 10. In addition, intel technology RST is supported not only for SATA ports, but also for drives with PCIe X4 / X2 interface (M.2 and SATA Express connectors).

The distribution diagram of high-speed I / O ports for the Intel X299 chipset is shown in the figure.

Speaking about the Basin Falls platform, it is impossible not to say about such technology as Intel Vroc (Virtual Raid ON CPU). This feature is not chipset, and Core X processors, and not all, but only Skylake-X families (Kaby Lake-x has too few PCIe 3.0 lines).

VROC technology allows you to create a RAID array of SSD drives with PCIe 3.0 x4 / x2 interface using the PCIe 3.0 processor lines for this.

This technology is implemented in different ways. The classic option is to use a container card with a PCIe 3.0 x16 interface, on which there are four M.2 connector for SSD drives with the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface.

By default, for all SSD drives connected to the container card, RAID 0 is available. I want more - you have to pay. That is, in order to be accessible to the RAID array of level 1 or 5, you need to separately purchase the Intel VROC key and connect it to the Special Intel Vroc Upgrade Key connector on the motherboard (there is such a connector on all boards with Intel X299 chipset).

Intel 300 Series Chipsets and Intel Core 8th Generation Processors

The Basin Falls discussed above is focused on a very specific market segment, where multi-core processors are required. For most home users, computers on such a platform and road and meaningless. therefore the overwhelming majority of PCs on Intel processors are computers based on Intel Core 8th GenerationAlso known as COFFEE Lake codenamed.

All COFFEE Lake family processors have the LGA1151 connector and are compatible only with motherboards based on the Intel 300-series chipset.

COFFEE LAKE processors are represented by Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, and Pentium Gold and Celeron.

Core i7, Core i5 - 6-nuclear series processors, and Core i3 CPUs are 4-nuclear models without TURBO BOOST technology. The Pentium Gold and Celeron series make up 2-nuclear entry-level models. COFFEE LAKE processors of all episodes have a built-in graphic core.

In the Core i7, Core i5 series and even Core i3 there are one model of the processor with a unlocked multiplication ratio (K-series), that is, these processors can (and need) accelerate. But here it should be remembered that for overclocking is needed not only the K-series processor, but also the fee on the chipset that allows the processor acceleration.

Now about the Intel 300 Series chipsets. Here their whole garden. Simultaneously with COFFEE LAKE processors, only Intel Z370 chipsets was announced, which was represented by all the family for almost a year. But the whole focus is that this chipset is "unreal." That is, at the time of the announcement of COFFEE Lake processors (October 2017), Intel had no new chipset for these processors. Therefore, the Intel Z270 chipset was taken, made cosmetic changes and moved it into Intel Z370. In fact, these are the same chipsets for the only exception that they are focused on different families of processors.

In April 2018, Intel announced another number of Intel's chipsets 300th series - this time already really new, with new functionality. In total, the 300th series today includes seven models: Z370, Q370, H370, B360 and H310. Two more chipset - Z390 and Q360 - will be announced, presumably, at the beginning of autumn.

So, all Intel's 300-series chipsets are compatible only with Coffee Lake processors With the LGA 1151 connector. The Q370 and Q360 models are focused on the corporate market segment and are not particularly interested in users in the sense that manufacturers of motherboards do not make consumer solutions on them. But Z390, Z370, H370, B360 and H310 is just for users.

The Z390, Z370 and Q370 chipsets belong to the top segment, and the rest are obtained by casting the cutting of the functionality of the top models. H370 chipsets, B360 are for mass inexpensive motherboards (boards that are called folk), but the H310 is when life gave a crack.

Now about how the others get from the top models. Everything is simple. In the top models Z390 and Q370 there are exactly 30 numbered HSIO ports (USB 3.1 / 3.0, SATA 6 Gb / s and PCIe 3.0). Please note that we do not refer to the top models of the Z370 chipset, because, as we have already noted, he "unrealized" simply because there are no those features that are inherent in the Intel 300-series chipsets, although HSIO ports there are also exactly 30 . In particular, in the Z370 there is no USB 3.1 controller and no CNVI controller, which we will tell a little later.

So, in the Z390 and Q370 chipsets there are 30 HSIO ports that can be up to 24 PCIe 3.0 ports, up to 6 SATA ports 6 Gbps and up to 10 USB ports 3.0, of which up to 6 ports can be USB 3.1. And there may be no more than 14 USB ports 3.1 / 3.0 / 2.0.

To get a non-spin chipset from the top chipset, you just need to block part of the HSIO ports. That's all right. True, there is one "but". H310 chipset, which is completely "neutered", differs from the rest not only by the fact that it is blocked by part of the HSIO ports, but also by the fact that the PCIE ports are here only version 2.0, and not 3.0, as in the case of other chipsets. In addition, the USB 3.1 controller is also blocked here - in other words, there are only USB ports 3.0.

The high-speed I / O port distribution diagram for the Intel 300 series chipsets is shown in the figure.

If you have time to get confused, then the easiest to understand than the Intel 300th Series series is different among themselves, will be from this table.

	Q370.	Z390.	Z370	H370.	Q360.	B360	H310
Total HSIO ports	30	30	30	30	26	24	15
PCIe 3.0 lines	up to 24.	up to 24.	up to 24.	up to 20.	14	12	6 (PCIE 2.0)
SATA ports 6 Gb / s	until 6	until 6	until 6	until 6	until 6	until 6	4
USB ports 3.1.	until 6	until 6	not	up to 4.	up to 4.	up to 4.	not
USB 3.0 ports	to 10	to 10	to 10	up to 8.	up to 8.	6	4
Total USB ports	14	14	14	14	14	12	10
Intel RST for PCIe 3.0 (X4 / X2 M.2)	3	3	3	2	1	1	not
Support overclocking	not	yes	yes	not	not	not	not
PCIe 3.0 Processor Line Configurations	1 × 16. 2 × 8. 1 × 8 and 2 × 4			1 × 16.
Memory support	DDR4.	DDR4.	DDR4.	DDR4.	DDR4.	DDR4.	DDR4.
Number of memory channels / Number of modules per channel	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/1
Support Intel Optane Memory	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	not
Support PCIE Storage	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	not
Support PCIE RAID 0, 1, 5	yes	yes	yes	yes	not	not	not
Support SATA RAID 0, 1, 5, 10	yes	yes	yes	yes	not	not	not
CNVI Support (Intel Wireless-AC)	yes	yes	not	yes	yes	yes	yes
Built-in gigabit network MAC-level controller	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes

Manufacturers of motherboards

There were times when manufacturers of motherboards numbered not one dozen. But the natural selection led to the fact that they were left quite a bit - survived only the strongest. And if we talk about the Russian market, that is, only four manufacturers of motherboards: ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE and MSI (do not give the values \u200b\u200bof the order - everything alphabetically). There is, however, another Biostar company, but you can already know about it.

Speaking about whose products of high quality, meaningless and incorrect. Factories on which they produce fees, all companies have the same In the sense that they use the same equipment. In addition, the boards of the same Asus can be made in the Gigabyte factories and on the contrary. It all depends on the workload of the factory, and the OEM production "does not happen" none of the companies. In addition, there are companies such as Foxconn and ECS, which are engaged exclusively for OEM and ODM production, including for ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte and MSI. So the question is exactly where the fee is made, not so important. It is important who designed it.

Features of the boards on the Intel X299 chipset

First of all, we note that the charges on the Intel X299 chipset are oriented on expensive PC. The feature of these boards is that they support processors with different amounts of PCIe 3.0 - 16, 28 and 44 lines. On the basis of PCIe 3.0 processor lines are implemented, first of all, the PCI Express 3.0 x16 / x8 / x4 slots, as well as sometimes connectors M.2 / U.2. The complexity in this case is that for each type of processors there should be its own implementation of the slots.

In a simple case (not very expensive fees) the implementation is as follows. In a processor version with 44 PCI 3.0 lines, two PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots will be available, one PCI Express 3.0 x8 (in PCI Express X16 form factor) and one PCI Express 3.0 x4 (again, maybe PCI Express X16 form factor ).

In the processor version with 28 PCIe 3.0 lines One PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot will be unavailable, that is, there will be only one PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot, one PCI Express 3.0 x8 and one PCI Express 3.0 x4.

In the version of the processor with 16 PCIe 3.0 lines (Kaby Lake-X), another PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot is simply blocked and only PCI Express 3.0 X8 and PCI Express 3.0 x4 slots remain.

But it can also be that in the version of the processor with 16 PCIe 3.0 lines, two slots will be available: PCI Express 3.0 x16 / x8 and PCI Express 3.0 x8 - which operate in X16 / - or X8 / X8 modes (Additional PCIe 3.0 Line Switch Required ).

However, such sophisticated schemes are used only in expensive boards. Manufacturers do not pay special attention to the CABY LAKE-X processors. Moreover, there is even a fee on Intel X299 chipset, which simply does not support Kaby Lake-x processors.

Actually, it is quite logical and correct. There is no point in using the Kaby Lake-X processors in combination with boards on Intel X299 chipsets - it strongly limits the functionality of the board. First, it will be less available to use PCI Express 3.0 x16 / x8 slots. Secondly, from eight slots for memory modules, which, as a rule, are available on charges with the Intel X299 chipset, only four will be available. Accordingly, the maximum amount of supported memory will be two times less. Thirdly, Intel Vroc technology will not be available. That is, if the charge on the Intel X299 chipset is used with the Kaby Lake-X processor, then you will get an expensive solution that, in terms of performance, and on functionality will give way to solutions based on the Coffee Lake processor. In a word, expensive and meaningless.

In our opinion, intel 299 chipset boards make sense only in combination with processors Skylake.-X., And it is better that these are Core i9 series processors, that is, models with 44 PCIe 3.0 lines. Only in this case, you can use all the features of the Basin Falls platform.

Now about what the Basin Falls platform is needed.

Most motherboards with Intel X299 chipsets are positioned as Gamers. In the names of the boards or there is a word "gaming", or they generally belong to the game series (for example, ASUS ROG.). This, of course, does not mean that these fees differ from those boards that are not positioned as game. Just it easier to sell. Now the word "Gaming" is pushed everywhere, just because there is at least some demand for it. But the unnecessary word on the box, of course, does not oblige a manufacturer.

Moreover, we would say that the charges on the Intel X299 chipset are least suitable for games. That is, you can, of course, assemble on them and the game computer, but it will be expensive and inefficient. Simply the main "highlight" platform Basin Falls is in multi-core processors, and the games do not need. And the use of 10-, 12-, 14-, 16- or 18-nuclear processors will not allow any advantage in games.

Of course, on charges with the Intel X299 chipset, there are many PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots and it would seem possible to put several video cards. But it just just whatever boast of neighbors: two video cards can be put on the system with the Intel Z370 chipset, and it simply makes no sense in three video cards (however, in two - too).

But if the Basin Falls platform is not the most suitable option, then what is it optimal to use it? The answer will disappoint many. Basin Falls platform is very specific and most home users are not needed at all.. It is optimal to use it to work with specific applications that are able to parallerate more than 20 streams. And if we talk about the applications faced by home users, they are quite a bit. These are programs for converting (and editing) video, 3D rendering programs, as well as specific scientific applications that were originally developed for multi-core processors. And in other cases, the Basin Falls platform simply will not provide advantages in comparison with the platform based on Coffee Lake processors, but it will be very expensive.

But if you still work with applications, where and 36 threads (18-nuclear SkyLake-X processor) will not be superfluous, then the Basin Falls platform is just what you need.

How to choose a fee on the Intel X299 chipset

So, you need a fee on the Intel X299 chipset under the SkyLake-X processors. But the range of such boards is quite large. Only ASUS offers 10 models on this chipset in four series. The Gigabyte list of the proposed models is even more - 12 pieces. Further, 10 models release ASRock and 8 models - MSI. Price range - from 14 to 35 thousand rubles. That is, there is a choice, and it is quite wide (for every taste and wallet). What is the difference between these fees, that they can be so strong (more than twice) differ in price? It is clear that we will not describe the peculiarities of each of the 40 models of the boards that are in the market, but the main aspects will try to illuminate.

The difference, first of all, in the functionality, which, in turn, is determined by a set of ports, slots and connectors, as well as various additional features.

If we talk about ports, slots and connectors, then these are PCI Express 3.0 x16 / x8 / x4 / x1 slots, USB ports 3.1 / 3.0 and SATA, as well as M.2 connectors (PCIe 3.0 x4 / x2 and SATA). Not so long ago, SATA Express and U.2 connectors were also found on the boards (there are such connectors on some models of the boards sold), but still it is already "dead" connectors, and they are no longer used on new models.

PCI Express 3.0 x16 / x8 slots are implemented through PCIe 3.0 processor lines. PCI Express 3.0 x4 slots can be implemented through processor lines, and through PCIe 3.0 chipset lines. And Slots PCI Express 3.0 x1, if any, are always implemented through chipset lines PCIe 3.0

At expensive circuit board models, complex switching schemes are used that allow the maximum to use all PCIe 3.0 processor lines in the variant of all types of processors (from 44, 28 and 16 PCIe 3.0 lines). Moreover, even switching between the PCIe 3.0 processor and chipset lines is possible. That is, for example, when the processor with 28 or 16 PCIe 3.0 lines is used, part of the slots with PCI Express X16 form factor switches to PCIe 3.0 chipset lines. As an example, you can lend or. It is clear that such possibilities are not suiced.

ASUS PRIME X299-DELUXE board

As we said, in the Intel X299 chipset, exactly 30 HSIO ports, which are PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gbit / s ports. For inexpensive (by the standards of this segment), it is quite enough, that is, everything is implemented on the board (controllers, slots, ports) can work without separating each other. In a typical version on charges with Intel X299 chipset there are two M.2 connections (PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA), a gigabit network controller and a Wi-Fi module (or two gigabit controllers), a pair of USB controllers 3.1, PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot. In addition, there are 8 SATA ports and 6-8 ports 3.0.

In more expensive models, there are still network controllers, USB 3.1 controllers, another USB ports 3.0, as well as PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots. Moreover, there are also network controllers that meet new standards. For example, a 10-gigabit network controller AQUANTIA AQC-107, which can be connected to the chipset on two or four PCIe 3.0 lines. There are Wi-Fi Modules of Wigig (802.11ad). For example, on the Asus ROG ROG RAMPAGE VI EXTREME board, there is a AQUANTIA AQC-107 controller, and the 802.11ad Wi-Fi Module.

But ... Above the heads will not curse. And the fact that the board does not mean much, it does not mean that all this can be used at the same time. No one has canceled the chipset restrictions, therefore, if there is only much, then, most likely, something must be separated with something, unless the optional PCIE lines switch is used on the board, which allows, in fact, overcome the limitations by the number of PCIE lines . An example of a board where the switch is used (though, PCIE 2.0 lines) can be.

Board asrock X299 Taichi.

The presence of such a switch certainly increases the value of the solution, but the feasibility of such a big question, since the basic capabilities of the Intel X299 chipset is quite enough.

There are also boards where switches are not used for chipset, but for PCIe 3.0 processor lines, it allows you to increase the number of PCI Express 3.0 x16 / x8 slots. For example, on the ASUS WS X299 Sage board, which is positioned as a workstation, seven slots C PCI Express 3.0 x16 / x8, which can operate in X16 / x8 / x8 / x8 / x8 / x8 / x8 mode, are implemented. It is clear that even 44 PCIe 3.0 lines of Skylake-X processors will not be enough. Therefore, on the board additionally there is a pair of switches PCIe 3.0 PLX PEX 8747. Each such switch is connected to 16 PCIe 3.0 processor lines and gives 32 PCIe 3.0 lines. But this, of course, already a specific and expensive solution.

ASUS WS X299 Sage

In the assortment of boards on Intel X299 chipsets there are quite exotic, expensive solutions. For example, fees or ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme. The first of them is sharpened to extremal overclocking and it reduces the number of memory slots (one module on the memory channel). ASUS ROG RAMPAGE VI Extreme is characterized by the fact that it does not support the Kaby Lake-X processors at all. In addition, both payments have DIMM.2 branded connectors, which are visually similar to slots for memory modules, but provide the PCIe 3.0 X4 interface and are designed to install special expansion cards. Each such card allows you to install up to two SSD drives with the M.2 connector.

ASUS ROG RAMPAGE VI APEX board

ASUS ROG RAMPAGE VI EXTREME board

The demand for such solutions is practically absent and sell them almost unreal. But such fees do not for sale - this is a kind of business card of the company. Of all the manufacturers of motherboards, only ASUS can afford to make such fees.

As we have already noted, except for a variety of sets of slots, connectors and ports, the charges on the Intel X299 chipset differ in the set additional featuresand, of course, a complete set.

The new-fashioned trend is the presence of RGB backlight on the board, as well as separate connectors for connecting lED tapes. And there are even two types of connectors: four-contact and three-contact. A 4-pin RGB-tape is connected to a 4-pin connector, which all LEDs are glowing in one color. Naturally, the color can be anyone and can change, but synchronously for all LEDs.

The 3-pin connector is connected to the addressable tape, which each LED may have its own color.

LED backlight on the board is synchronized with illumination of the plug-in LED tapes.

Why do you need a backlight on charges with the Intel X299 chipset, not very clear. All sorts of whistles, biting and different lights are all oriented on pioneers. But when it comes to expensive, productive PCs that are designed to work with highly specialized applications, it is unlikely that the LED backlight is unlikely to make sense. Nevertheless, she, like the word Gaming, is present on most boards.

So let's summarize. Intel X299 chipset boards are focused on productive PCs that are sharpened to work with well-parallelized applications. These boards make sense to use in combination with the Core i9 SkyLake-X processors. Only in this case can be used by all the functionality of the boards. Not all home users generally need computers based on boards with Intel X299 chipset. First, it is expensive. Secondly, it is not a fact that your super power computer is based on, for example, 18-nuclear core processor i9-7980xe will be faster than a computer on the 6-nuclear COFFEE Lake family processor. Just in some cases it is better to have less quick nuclei than a lot of slow.

Therefore, the Basin Falls platform makes sense only if you know exactly that applications with which you are working can parallel more than 20 threads. But if there is no, then the computer will be optimal for you on the COFFEE Lake processor, for which, accordingly, you will need a fee on the Intel 300th series chipset.

Features of the boards on the Intel 300 Series chipsets

From the seven Intel's chipsets of the 300th series for home users oriented only five models: Intel Z390, Z370, H370, B360 and H310. The Intel Z390 chipset is not yet announced, so we will not talk about it yet, and the boards on the basis of other chipsets already. In the remaining list, the top is the Intel Z370 chipset. Then, at cost and functionality, H370, B360 and H310 are followed. Accordingly, the boards on the Z370 chipset are the most expensive. Then, in order to reduce the cost goes on the H370, B360 and H310 chipsets.

All Intel's 300 Series chipsets with the exception of Z370 have built-in CNVI and USB 3.1 controllers (with the exception of the younger model Intel H310). So why then it is the Intel Z370 - top, and the fees on it are the most expensive.

First, of the four (Z370, H370, B360 and H310) of the chipsets under consideration only Intel Z370 allows combining 16 PCIe 3.0 processor lines into ports x16, x8 + x8 or x8 + x4 + x4. All other chipsets allow only a group in the port x16. From the user's point of view, this means that only on charges with the Intel Z370 chipset can be two slots for video cards implemented on the basis of PCIe 3.0 processor lines. AND only Intel Z370 boards can support NVIDIA SLI mode. Accordingly, two slots with the PCI Express X16 form factor on the charges with the Intel Z370 chipset are operated in x16 / - (when using one slot) or x8 / x8 (when using two slots).

Note that if the Intel Z370 chipset is greater than two slots with PCI Express X16 formator, then the third slot is the PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, but in the PCI Express X16 form factor, and it can already be implemented PCIe 3.0 chipset lines database. The combination of ports X8 + X4 + X4 on the basis of PCIe 3.0 processor lines on boards with the Intel Z370 chipset is found only in the most expensive models.

In all other versions (H370, B360 and H310 chipsets), there can be only one PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot based on 16 PCIe 3.0 processor lines.

Secondly, of the four chipsets under consideration only Intel Z370 allows you to overclock the processor and memory. You can change both the multiplication ratio and the BCLK base frequency. Changing the basic frequency is possible for all processors, but you can change the multiplication factor only for the K-series processors that this coefficient is unlocked.

As you can see, the Intel Z370 chipset has undeniable advantages over its collections H370, B360 and H310. But, if it is not supposed to accelerate the system, the advantages of the Intel Z370 chipset are no longer so obvious, since the need for two video cards is rather an exception to the rules. However, one must take into account another circumstance. The Intel Z370 chipset is not only due to the fact that it allows you to overclock the processor and group the PCIe 3.0 processor line in different ports. This chipset does not have blocked HSIO ports, and, accordingly, its functionality is wider. That is, on the basis of the Intel Z370 chipset, you can implement the most.

True, in the Intel Z370 chipset there is no USB 3.1 controller nor CNVI. But is it possible to consider it a serious disadvantage?

As for USB ports 3.1, on charges with the Intel Z370 chipset, they are implemented, as a rule, using the ASMEDIA ASM3142 two-port controller. And from the user's point of view, there is no difference exactly how the USB ports 3.1 are implemented: through the controller built into the chipset, or through an external controller with respect to the chipset. More important thing: what exactly to connect to these ports. And the overwhelming number of users of the USB ports 3.1 is generally not needed.

Now about the CNVI controller (Connectivity Integration). It provides Wi-Fi connections (802.11ac, up to 1.733 Gbit / s) and Bluetooth 5.0 (new version of the standard). However, the CNVI controller is not a full-fledged network controller, but a MAC controller. For a full-fledged controller, you need another Intel Wireless-AC 9560 card with a M.2 connector (E-type key). And no other card is suitable. Only Intel 9560, which supports the CNVI interface.

Again, from the user's point of view, absolutely anyway exactly how the Wi-Fi network interface is implemented. In this case, the situation is approximately the same as with network gigabit controllers Intel I219-V and Intel i211-AT. The first of these is the PHY-level controller, which is used in a pair with a MAC controller built into the chipset, and the second is a full-fledged network controller.

How to choose a fee on the Intel 300 Series chipset

So, there is awareness of the fact that you need a fee under the COFFEE Lake processor with the LGA1151 connector. Assortment of such boards is very large. For example, only ASUS has 12 models of boards only on the Intel Z370 chipset, 10 models on the Intel B360 chipset, 6 models on the Intel H370 chipset and 5 models on the Intel H310 chipset. Add here a range of Gigabyte, Asrock and MSI boards, and it will become clear that there are a lot of possible options.

Intel H310

In the line of chipsets of the 300th series Intel H310 is an entry-level model or, in simple language, this chipset is focused on the cheapest boards with minimal capabilities..

In addition, the Intel H310 chipset is not blocked only 15 of 30 HSIO ports (6 PCIE, 4 SATA, 4 USB 3.0 and one port is highlighted under LAN), all PCIE ports version 2.0. There is no USB 3.1 controller. It is also important to note that on the boards with Intel H310 there can be only two slots for memory modules, because it is supported by one module on the memory channel.

With this restriction of the chipset, you will not particularly explore. therefore all boards on Intel H310 are very similar to each other., and price scatter is not very big here. In a typical version, there is one PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot for the video card (based on PCIe 3.0 processor lines). In addition, a maximum of one connector M.2 (or it is not at all), a gigabit network controller, four SATA ports and a pair of PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots. There are several (no more than 4) ports of USB 3.0. Here, in fact, all.

An example of a cheap (4800 rubles) options for the fee on the Intel H310 chipset can be a model. More expensive option (6500 rubles) - fee.

Conclusion

We looked at two modern platforms for Intel processors: Basin Falls platform on Intel X299 chipset, compatible with family processors Intel Core-X (Skylake-X, Kaby Lake-X), and a platform on the Intel 300-series chipset, which is compatible with the COFFEE Lake family processors. We hope our story will help you confidently stay in a huge assortment of motherboards and make the right choice for your specific tasks.

In the future, we plan to make a similar article dedicated to motherboards under the AMD processors.

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

One of the best motherboards is manufactured by ASUS, but they are the most expensive. Today, the most optimal price / quality ratio is MSI motherboards, I will recommend them first. As a more budget option, you can view your motherboard from ASRock and Gigabyte, they also have successful models. Game motherboards have better sound and network card.

For Intel processors on a socket 1151 v2

Optimal option:
MSI B360M Mortar motherboard

Or gaming motherboard: MSI B360 Gaming Pro Carbon
MSI B360 Gaming Pro Carbon Motherboard

Or analogue: MSI Z370 Krait Gaming
MSI Z370 Krait Gaming Motherboard

For AMD processors on AM4 socket

Optimal option: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M
Gigabyte B450 AORUS M motherboard

Or full-size: Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO
Motherboard Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO

2. Basics of the correct choice of motherboard

Do not install a powerful processor for the cheapest motherboard, as the motherboard will not stand the heavy load for a long time. And on the contrary, the most weak processor is nothing dear motherboard, as it is thrown into the wind money.

The motherboard needs to be chosen after all the rest are selected, since what class depends on them to be the motherboard and which connectors on it should be connected to the selected components.

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

3.1. Chipsets developers

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

If you have chosen Intel processor, then the motherboard should be on the Intel chipset, if AMD is on the 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 PC
• X99 / x299 - for very powerful professional PC

They shift promising chipsets with support for the 8th generation processors:

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

For most computers, Materials are suitable for B250 / H270 and B360 / H370 chipsets. In H chipsets, there are more PCI-E lines than in chipsets B, which is important only when installing more than two video cards or several ultrafast SSD PCI-E. So for an ordinary user between them there is no difference. Q chipsets differ from B only support for special safety functions and remote controlthat is used only in the corporate sector.

Z chipsets have even more PCI-E lines than H chipsets allow you to accelerate the processors with the index "K", support memory with a frequency above 2400 MHz and a combination of 2 to 5 disks in the RAID array, which is not available on other chipsets. They are more suitable for powerful gaming and professional PCs.

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

3.3. AMD chipsets

The main modern AMD chipsets include the following.

• A320 - for office and multimedia PC
• B350 - for gaming and professional PC
• X370 - for enthusiasts
• X399 - for very powerful professional PC

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

3.4. What is the difference between chipsets

Chipsets have a lot of differences, but we are only interested in their conditional separation for their intended purpose to find the motherboard appropriate to the appointment of the computer.

The remaining parameters of the chipsets are not interested, since we will focus on the parameters of a particular motherboard. After selecting a chipset for your needs, you can start choosing a motherboard based on its characteristics and connectors.

4. Manufacturers of motherboards

The best motherboards in the price range above the average manufactures ASUS, but they are the most expensive. In the initial level motherboard, this company pays less attention and in this case should not be overpaying for the brand.

Good price / quality ratio MSI manufacturing motherboards in the entire price range.

As a more economical option, you can consider motherboards from Gigabyte and Asrock (a subsidiary ASUS), they are distinguished by a loyal pricing policy and they also have successful models.

Separately, it is worth noting that the Intel Corporation itself produces motherboards based on their chipsets. These motherboards are distinguished by stable quality, but low functionality and higher price. They are in demand mainly in the corporate sector.

The motherboards of the remaining manufacturers do not use such popularity, have a more limited model range and their acquisition I do not consider it appropriate.

5. Motherboard Form Factor

Form factor is called 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 stationary computer, It has the largest number of slots, is installed in the ATX housing.

Microatx (244 × 244 mm) - reduced motherboard format, has fewer slots, is installed both in full-size (ATX) housing and more compact enclosures (MATX).

Mini-ITX (170 × 170 mm) - over compact motherboards for the assembly of very small PCs in the respective housings. It should be borne in mind that such systems have a number of restrictions on the size of components and cooling.

There are other less common motherboard form factors.

Processor socket (Socket) is a jack for connecting the processor with motherboard. The motherboard should have the same socket as at the processor.

Processor sockets constantly undergo changes and from year to year all new modifications appear. I recommend purchasing a processor and motherboard with the most modern socket. This will provide the ability to replace both the processor and the motherboard in the next few years.

6.1. Intel processor sockets

• Outdated: 478, 775, 1155, 1156, 2011
• Study: 1150, 2011-3
• The most modern: 1151, 1151-V2, 2066

6.2. AMD processor sockets

• Outdated: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
• Study: AM3 +, FM2 +
• The most modern: AM4, TR4

Motherboard compact formats 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. Type and frequency of supported memory

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

However, memory with a frequency of 3000 MHz and above is much more expensive, while not giving a tangible productivity growth (especially in games). In addition, with such memory there are more problems, the processor can work less stable with it. Therefore, overpay for motherboard and high-frequency memory is advisable only when assembling a very powerful professional PC.

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

9. Connectors for installing video cards

Modern motherboards have PCI Express connector (PCI-E X16) of the latest version 3.0 to install video cards.

If there are several such connectors on the motherboard, you can install multiple video cards to increase productivity in games. But in most cases, the installation of one more powerful video card is a more preferred solution.

Also, PCI-E x16 free connectors can be used to set other extension boards with PCI-E x4 or x1 connector (for example, a quick SSD or audio card).

10. Slots for extension boards

Slots for extension boards are special connectors for connecting various additional devices, such as: TV tuner, Wi-Fi adapter, etc.

Old motherboards used PCI connectors to install expansion boards. Such a connector may need if you have such fees, for example, professional sound card or TV tuner.

On modern motherboards, PCI-E x1 connectors or unnecessary PCI-E X16 connectors are used to install the expansion boards. It is desirable that the motherboard was at least 1-2 such connector that do not overlapping the video card.

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

The motherboard has many internal connectors for connecting various devices inside the case.

11.1. SATA connectors

Modern motherboards have SATA 3 universal connectors that are well suited for connecting hard drives, solid-state drives (SSD) and optical drives.

Several such connectors can be made in a separate unit, forming a combined SATA Express connector.

Such a connector used to be used to connect fast SSD, but you can also connect any SATA discs.

11.2. M.2 connector

Also, many modern motherboards are equipped with a M.2 connector, which is used mainly for fast SSD.

This connector has fasteners for installing boards of various sizes, which must be considered when selecting SSD. But now only the most common size of 2280 is usually used.

It is also good if the M.2 connector will support work in both SATA and PCI-E mode, as well as the NVME specification for fast SSD.

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 CPU power connector.

If the connector is 8-pin, it is desirable that the power supply unit had two 4-pin connector, which is inserted into it. If the processor is not strongly powerful, it can be powered by one 4-pin connector and everything will work, but voltage prepar on it will be higher, especially in acceleration.

11.5. Location of internal connectors

The picture below shows the main internal connectors of the motherboard, which we talked about.

12. Integrated devices

The motherboard besides chipset and various connectors for connecting components have various integrated devices.

12.1. Integrated video card

If you decide that the computer will not be used for games and do not acquire a separate video card, then the motherboard should support video card processors and have the appropriate connectors. On motherboards designed for video frame processors, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI connectors can be.

It is desirable to connect the DVI connector on the Motherboard for connecting modern monitors. A HDMI connector is required to connect to the TV computer. Note that some budget monitors have only a VGA connector, which in this case should be on the motherboard.

12.2. Integrated sound card

All modern motherboards have audio codes of HDA (High Definition Audio). The budget models establish the corresponding sound codecs (ALC8XX, ALC9XX), which, in principle, just majority users. On more expensive gaming motherboards, the codecs are installed better (ALC1150, Alc1220) and the headphone amplifier, which give a higher sound quality.

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

To connect System columns 2.0 or 2.1. It is enough 3 audio outputs.
If you plan to connect multichannel acoustics, it is desirable that there are 5-6 audio connectors on the motherboard. To connect a high-quality audio system, an optical audio output may be required.

12.3. Integrated network card

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

Budget parents are equipped with relevant REALTEK network maps. More expensive gaming motherboards can have better Intel, Killer network cards, which is positively reflected in ping in online gamesoh. But often work online games more depends on the quality of the Internet than from the network card.

It is extremely preferably to connect to the Internet through which will reflect network attacks And will increase the protection of the motherboard from the electrotractors by the provider.

12.4. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Some motherboards can have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapter. Such motherboards are more expensive and used mainly to build compact media centers. If you don't need such functionality now, then the desired adapter will be purchased later if such a need arises.

13. External Motherboard Connectors

Depending on the number of integrated devices and the motherboard class, it can have different connectors on the rear panel to connect external devices.

Description of connectors from top to bottom

• USB 3.0. - Connector for connecting fast flash drives and external disks, it is desirable for at least 4 such connectors.
• PS / 2. - The old connector for connecting the mouse and keyboard, there is no longer on all motherboards, is not mandatory, since modern mice and keyboards are connected via USB.
• DVI - Connector for connecting a monitor in motherboards with built-in video.
• Wi-Fi antenna connectors - There are only on some expensive boards with a Wi-Fi adapter.
• HDMI - Connector for connecting a TV in motherboards with built-in video.
• DisplayPort. - Connector for connecting some monitors.
• BIOS reset button - It is not necessary, used when hanging a computer in the process of overclocking.
• esata. - Used for external disks with a similar connector, optional.
• USB 2.0 - Connector for connecting the keyboard, mouse, printer and many other devices, enough 2 such connectors (or USB 3.0 connectors). Also on modern motherboards can be USB 3.1 (Type-A, Type-C) connectors, which are faster, but are still rarely used.
• RJ-45. - Connector for connecting to local network or the Internet is obligatory.
• Optical audio output - To connect high-quality acoustics (columns).
• Sound outputs - To connect audio columns (System 2.0-5.1).
• Microphone - Connecting a microphone or headset, is always.

14. Electronic components

The low-quality electronic components are used in cheap motherboards: transistors, condensers, chokes, etc. Accordingly, the reliability and service life of such motherboards are the lowest. For example, electrolyte capacitors can be switched in 2-3 years of operation of the computer, which leads to failures in its work and the need for repair.

In Maternal and high-grade motherboards, electronic components of higher quality can be used (for example, Japanese solid-state capacitors). Manufacturers often emphasize this by any slogan: Solid Caps (solid-state capacitors), Military Standard (Military Standard), Super Alloy Power (reliable power system). Such motherboards are more reliable and can serve longer.

15. CPU power circuit

From the processor's power scheme, it depends on how much powerful processor can be installed on a specific motherboard without the risk of its overheating and premature failure, as well as food drawdowns during processor acceleration.

The Middle Class Motherboard with a 10-phase power scheme will be completely cope with the extremist acceleration of the processor with TDP up to 120 W. For more voracious stones, it is better to take a maternity with a 12-16 phase power supply system.

16. Cooling system

Cheap motherboards either do not have radiators at all, or have a small radiator on the chipset and sometimes on mosphs (transistors) near the processor connector. In principle, if you use such fees for the purpose and set the same weak processors on them, then they should not overheat.

On Middle and High Motherboards, which are set more powerful processorsIt is desirable that the radiators were more.

17. Firmware of the motherboard

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

Gamers Mother Chambers in addition have a number of advanced features, which distinguishes them from more budget solutions.

18. Complete set

Usually complete with the motherboard go: the user's manual, drivers disk, plug for the rear case panel and several SATA loops. Motherboard package can be found on the seller's website or manufacturer. If you are collecting new computer, I count in advance how many and what loops you need, if necessary, to order them immediately.

Some motherboard models have an extended bundle in which there can be many different loops and slats with connectors. For example, the company ASUS such motherboards previously had the word Deluxe in the title, and now it can be some kind of Pro version. They are more expensive, but usually all these inconsistencies remain unexplored, therefore it is more expedient for the same money to buy the best motherboard.

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. Specify on the manufacturer's website by exact number of the model. You can also see the images of the motherboard for which it is easy to determine the location of the connectors, the quality of the power supply and cooling system. It would also be nice to search for reviews of a particular motherboard on the Internet.

20. Optimal motherboard

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

For an office, multimedia or gaming computer of the middle class (Core i5 + GTX 1060), an inexpensive motherboard is suitable for Socket 1151 with Intel B250 / H270 or B360 / H370 chipset (for 8th generation processors).

For a powerful gaming computer (Core i7 + GTX 1070/1080), it is better to take a motherboard at a socket 1151 with a powerful processor power system on the Intel B250 / H270 or Z270 chipset (under acceleration). For processors of the 8th generation, accordingly, the motherboard is needed on the Intel B360 / H370 or Z370 chipset (under acceleration). If you want to better sound, a network card and allow the means, then take the motherboard from the game series (Gaming, etc.).

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

Format (ATX, MATX), Types and Number of connectors choose as needed. Manufacturer - any popular (asus, msi, gigabyte, asrock) or based on our recommendations (this is more taste or budget).

21. Setting up filters in the online store

Thus, you will get an optimal value for price / quality / functionality motherboard, satisfying your requirements for the minimum possible cost.

22. Links

MSI H370 Gaming Pro Carbon Motherboard
Maternal aSUS board ROG STRIX B360-F Gaming
Motherboard Gigabyte H370 Aorus Gaming 3 WiFi