Motherboard
Learn more about this vital computer component
The motherboard is the heart of the computer; it is the point from which all of the computer components connect and communicate with each other. Therefore, it is extremely important, and careful considerations must be made in buying a motherboard to ensure it suits your needs. Factors such as the type and amount of computer memory that can be used, the processors supported and the computer peripherals attached are all determined by the motherboard. Buyers should consider different motherboards depending on their computer usage; home computers, gaming computers, workstations and servers all require different kind of motherboards.
ASUS motherboards provide this variety of options. Their gaming motherboards support high-speed processors, DDR3 memory, and high definition audio and graphics cards. Their server motherboards focus on energy efficiency and high-speed LAN.
Dell motherboards specified for home use accommodate the needs of a household full of different users. They have ample room for DIMM memory, high speed for gaming and a smooth and efficient operating system.
Some MSI motherboards use a recently developed environmentally friendly fan that is powered by heat from the processor instead of additional electricity.
Buying a laptop motherboard takes even further considerations, as it needs to be not only compact, but must also conserve more energy and produce less heat than desktop motherboards.
All the considerations and questions that arise when buying a motherboard can be overwhelming, but fortunately, many websites provide information and motherboard reviews.
Must-Have Features
- Ensure the motherboard can support the type of processor (CPU) you wish to use, which will differ depending on your computer use.
- Ensure the motherboard supports the sort of connectors that your peripherals use.
- Extra features such as audio or graphics should be considered, as they might prevent the need for future upgrades.
- Look for USB 2.0 ports rather than the older and slower USB 1.1 ports.
- What am I using my computer for, and how does this affect the type of motherboard I need?
- Does this motherboard suit my long-term needs, or will I need to upgrade in the near future?
- Does this motherboard support the type of connectors my peripherals require?
- If I plan to overclock my processor – run it at a higher cycles-per-second rate than it's designed for – will the motherboard support this?
- What kind and quantity of RAM do I need my motherboard to support?
- ASUS
- Dell
- MSI
- Intel
- Soyo
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- RAM memory
- Audio and graphics cards
Major Considerations
Top Manufacturers
Common Accessories or Add-Ons
Price Range
Motherboards span a large price range - from around $30 to $300. You can ensure the price you pay is worth it by carefully considering what you do and don't need in a motherboard. Sometimes, dishing out the money initially for a motherboard with adequate audio, graphics and other features can save money later.
Summary
Without the motherboard, the various devices that make up a computer cannot communicate and your computer could not function at all. Therefore, it is important to be thoughtful in purchasing a motherboard to ensure it will suit your needs now and in the future.
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