For users planning on building a computer, a motherboard
can be a confusing and sometimes frustrating decision. Below we have
listed some considerations and tips when looking at purchasing a computer
motherboard.
TYPE
The type, or form factor, of the motherboard is a crucial
consideration when looking at a motherboard. There are various
types of form factors and not all computer cases can accommodate each form
factor. Today, the most commonly found and used motherboard is the ATX
motherboard. When looking at the motherboard, ensure that the computer case
can use this type of motherboard. Additional information and help with the
form factors can be found on our motherboard page
When looking at who to purchase a motherboard through,
consider all different brands of motherboards and vendors who sell
those motherboards, as all motherboards will have positive and negative
reviews. A listing of motherboard links and manufacturers can be found on
the motherboard section of our network.
CONSIDERATIONS
CPU Socket / Slot
There are a wide variety of different
types of CPU Sockets and Slots. When looking at purchasing a
motherboard, ensure it is compatible with the CPU you have or that it
will be compatible with the CPU you plan on purchasing.
Additional information about CPUs and the Sockets or Slots can
be found on our CPU buying tips page.
Drive connectors
Drive connectors can be an important
consideration when purchasing a computer. Determine the type of
interface of the drives you plan on using, and ensure that the
motherboard supports that interface or has the connector for that
interface. An example of such an interface is IDE, EIDE or SCSI.
Additional information about CD-ROM buying tips can be found on
our CD-ROM buying tips page.
Memory slots / type
Today there is a wide variety of
different types and speeds of memory. When looking at purchasing a
motherboard, ensure that it is compatible with the memory you
currently have or plan on purchasing.
Additional information about Memory buying tips can be found on
our Memory buying tips page.
Slots
The type of slots can be an important
consideration. Below is a listing of the different types of slots
used in motherboards.
AGP - AGP, or Advanced Graphics Port, is used for video
cards and is highly recommended that only motherboards with AGP
slots be considered and/or purchased.
AMR - AMR, or Audio Modem Riser, is a new type of slot
that is used for Audio / Modem cards and is found on some
motherboards. This is not a critical slot and has been replaced
by the CNR.
CNR - CNR, or Communication and Network Riser, is a new
type of slot that supports audio, modem, USB and Local Area
Network cards. This slot is highly recommended for any user
building a large amount of computers as the cards are generally
cheaper than the standard PCI or ISA cards.
ISA - Today, ISA is becoming obsolete and is not found
on all motherboards. Unless you have old ISA cards that need to
be used, it is recommended you purchase a new motherboard with no
ISA slots and additional PCI slots.
PCI - The most widely and commonly used slot, the PCI
slot, allows for all types of cards.
Jumpers are generally overlooked when
considering a motherboard; however, they can be an important consideration,
especially for users who plan on overclocking their computer.
Below is a listing of some of the jumpers that should be asked about
or known when purchasing a computer motherboard.
Does the motherboard have a clear CMOS / BIOS jumper?
Does the motherboard have CPU settings jumpers? Or is it
configured through CMOS? Is it auto detect?
Does the motherboard have onboard video / sound? If yes, can
they be disabled with jumper or is it done through CMOS? Note:
either way is fine as long as it can be disabled.
USB Ports
While all motherboards today have USB
ports, ensure that the motherboard you plan on purchasing has USB
ports.
AFFECTS
Upgrading / replacing a new
computer motherboard may have the below effects on the computer.
Speed up the overall performance of the computer. May
not be noticeable.
Allow for new improved
hardware to be added into the computer.
MOTHERBOARD
INSTALLATION
Additional help and information about installing a
computer motherboard and other computer hardware can be found through our
Installation section.
