The motherboard serves as the platform that carries various important hardware components, much like the human body, which highlights its significance. With numerous motherboard models available on the market, the choice of a motherboard is often determined by the CPU, ensuring compatibility with the motherboard interface. Once the CPU is finalized, one can proceed to select the motherboard. So how do we choose a computer motherboard? Below, we share a simple and easy-to-understand guide for beginners on selecting a motherboard.
Like CPUs, motherboards also need to differentiate between Intel and AMD chips. Intel processors can only be paired with Intel motherboard chips, and the same goes for AMD processors, which must be paired with AMD motherboard chips. For novice users, let’s first look at the differences in appearance between the two major platform motherboards.
Of course, when selecting a motherboard, not all Intel motherboards are compatible with Intel CPUs; one also needs to consider the interfaces. For example, some older motherboards, like the B85 motherboard, cannot be upgraded to support the latest ninth-generation processors without replacing the motherboard. Although both the motherboard and CPU are from Intel, there can be interface compatibility issues, as different interfaces cannot be compatible.
Every time Intel and AMD release new CPUs, they provide motherboard manufacturers with suitable motherboard chipsets for their CPUs. This means that “I have produced this CPU, but you motherboard manufacturers need to create motherboards according to my standards for compatibility.” Therefore, when purchasing a CPU, it is essential to ensure that the motherboard interface is consistent. In most cases, different generations of processors are paired with different series of motherboards.
1. About Motherboard Levels
Let’s start with the Intel motherboard chipsets, which are also classified by levels. The initial letter represents the level of the chipset, and different levels of chipsets are paired with different CPUs. Currently, Intel’s chipsets are divided into four levels: X, Z, B, and H, each catering to different types of users.
Intel Motherboard Level Classification:
X: The highest level, positioned for enthusiasts, typically paired with high-end CPUs. For example, the currently available X299 motherboard has 2066 pins and is compatible with LGA2066 processors such as i7 7820X, i9 7900X, i9 7920X, i9-7980XE, etc. These motherboards and CPUs are quite expensive and are generally not necessary for home use.
Z: Positioned as high-end, the highest tier for ordinary civilian use, capable of supporting overclocking. These motherboards usually support higher memory frequencies. For instance, the current Z390 motherboard is best paired with Intel processors that have a K suffix (indicating overclocking support), such as i9-9900K, i7-9700K, i5-9600K, etc.
B: Positioned as mid-range, offering the best price-performance ratio, but does not support overclocking. Generally, non-K Core processors are paired with B series motherboards, such as the currently available i3-8100, i5-8400/8500, i5-9400F, i7-8700, which are paired with B360 motherboards.
H: Positioned as entry-level, cheaper, and also does not support overclocking. It is generally recommended for pairing with Intel Celeron and Pentium level processors, such as the currently available H310 motherboard, which is paired with low-end processors like G4900, G5400.
Now let’s discuss AMD motherboard level classification.
AMD Motherboard Level Classification:
The naming convention for AMD platform motherboard chipsets is similar to Intel’s, with X, B, and A tiers.
X: High-end series, supports overclocking, such as the currently available X370 motherboard, typically paired with Ryzen R7 2700X processors.
B: Positioned as mid-range, AMD is more consumer-friendly than Intel, as almost all Ryzen processors support overclocking, and mainstream motherboards can also support overclocking, such as the B450 motherboard, typically paired with Ryzen R5 2600, R7 2700 processors.
A: Positioned as entry-level, does not support overclocking, generally suitable for entry-level processors, such as the currently available A320 motherboard, typically paired with Athlon 200GE or similar entry-level processors.
2. Motherboard Sizes:
Motherboards also come in different sizes, with common form factors being:
After determining which chipset to choose, we also need to consider the motherboard size: E-ATX (enhanced), ATX (standard), M-ATX (compact), and MINI-ITX (mini).
Motherboard form factor sizes:
E-ATX motherboards are high-performance boards, typically featuring 8 memory slots, and the chipset is generally of X level, which is usually unnecessary for home use.
ATX motherboards are commonly referred to as “large boards”; these motherboards are slightly larger, offer strong expandability, and have a rich variety of interfaces, typically featuring 4 memory slots. Most Z370 and Z390 motherboards are ATX form factor.
M-ATX motherboards are currently the most widely used form factor, shorter than ATX, and are close to square, commonly referred to as “small boards,” offering decent expandability, typically supporting 2 or 4 memory slots.
MINI-ITX is the compact motherboard, typically used in ITX mini cases. However, the prices of ITX motherboards are generally higher, making them less cost-effective, suitable for users who prefer smaller builds.
One cannot determine the quality of a motherboard solely based on its size; large and small boards generally differ in the number of interfaces, which relates to expandability, with no difference in performance. The motherboard does not affect the computer’s performance; thus, the actual size of the motherboard can be chosen based on compatibility requirements and cost-effectiveness.
3. Main Interfaces of the Motherboard:
Motherboard interfaces:
Currently, the CPU socket of the motherboard is primarily determined by the CPU model, which affects compatibility; different interfaces cannot be compatible. The number of memory slots pertains to how many memory modules can be installed. If pairing with M.2 SSDs, it is crucial to check whether the motherboard supports M.2 interfaces, preferably full-speed. Non-full-speed interfaces cannot meet the demands of M.2 NVME high-speed SSDs and perform similarly to regular SATA SSDs, along with USB 3.1/3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces (most latest motherboards come with Gigabit Ethernet).
So, which motherboard brands are good? Let’s take a look.
Motherboard Brands:
1. ASUS Motherboards, positioned as a top-tier brand;
2. Gigabyte Motherboards, positioned as a top-tier brand;
3. MSI Motherboards, positioned as a top-tier brand;
4. ASRock Motherboards, positioned as a mid-tier brand;
Currently, the best-selling motherboard brands on the market are ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. Many second and third-tier brand motherboards are gradually disappearing from the market. Among the top-tier brands, ASUS and Gigabyte are the first choices, although they are slightly more expensive, their quality is solid and after-sales service is comprehensive. For those seeking cost-effectiveness, MSI and ASRock can be considered, while other brands are not highly recommended.
Motherboard Selection Summary:
1. Before choosing a motherboard, first determine the CPU model, then select the motherboard. For example, the i5-9400F processor belongs to the LGA1151 socket, and the absence of a K suffix indicates that it does not support overclocking, making it best suited for the B360 motherboard (LGA 1151 socket). Conversely, the i7-9700K processor also belongs to the LGA1151 socket, and the presence of a K suffix indicates that it supports overclocking, making it best suited for the overclocking-capable Z390 motherboard (LGA 1151 socket). Currently, Intel’s 300 series chipset motherboards support both 8th and 9th generation CPUs, while the previous 200 series chipset motherboards support 7th generation processors, and the 100 series chipset motherboards support 6th generation processors. In most cases, different generations of processors are paired with different motherboards, although there are exceptions, such as the 8th and 9th generation CPUs, which can both support 300 series chipset motherboards.
2. Whether choosing an ATX (large board) or M-ATX (small board) form factor motherboard is acceptable. For example, the B360 motherboard in ATX form factor merely offers stronger expandability and more interfaces, while the M-ATX’s interfaces are generally sufficient. Moreover, the motherboard does not affect the computer’s performance. When choosing an ATX motherboard, ensure that the case supports ATX form factor motherboards, as many small cases do not.
3. It is recommended to choose ASUS and Gigabyte brands, but if budget constraints exist, consider MSI and ASRock, while other brands are not recommended.
4. A common question people ask is why the prices of motherboards from the same brand, same chipset, or even the same form factor can vary. Where does the extra cost come from? Generally, the performance of the motherboards is consistent; the differences usually lie in the materials and workmanship, the number of supported interfaces, or the addition of RGB lighting effects. In such cases, there is no need to be overly concerned; we can choose based on budget and interface needs.
In conclusion, this guide provided by the assembly home offers simple and easy-to-understand knowledge on selecting computer motherboards for beginners. When choosing a motherboard, ensure compatibility with the selected CPU and check whether the interfaces are sufficient, such as the number of memory slots, M.2 support, and if no dedicated graphics card is used, verify what video interfaces the motherboard supports to avoid mismatches with the monitor, which may require purchasing adapters. Brand selection is also crucial, as a good brand determines quality, stability, and after-sales service.