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Selecting a Appropriate Motherboard for Your Gaming PC Construct (Purchaser’s Information + FAQ)
Final Up to date: November 18, 2021
Motherboards are notoriously complicated items of labor, and would possibly simply be the trickiest element to pick out when constructing your personal pc. However worry not, as within the typical beginner-friendly trend of the guides on this web site, we’ll go away the advanced jargon apart and break down how to decide on a motherboard to your gaming PC construct together with how to make sure it is appropriate along with your different elements, which options to learn about and what they imply, plus solutions to a bunch of widespread newbie questions. If you’d like particular motherboard mannequin suggestions, additionally see the most recent gaming PC builds information for high worth picks in each value class.
If you happen to’ve by no means constructed a PC earlier than, what makes a very good motherboard is not instantly obvious, and there is a seemingly limitless quantity of various fashions on the market, a lot of which being very related in value and options. Throw within the complicated naming conventions (typical within the {hardware} area) and lengthy spec sheets that may simply appear as if straight-up gibberish to the untrained eye, and it is simple to get misplaced in motherboard analysis land of doom.
However the good factor is, it is usually onerous to go too unsuitable when selecting a motherboard for a brand new gaming PC when you make certain to test compatibility (we’ll get to that) and do some digging when it comes to skilled (not shopper) opinions. That stated, not all boards are equal, and there positively are some fashions which might be finest to be averted, or that aren’t pretty much as good worth as different boards round any given value vary. So when you do your analysis, you may get extra to your cash by strategically selecting the perfect worth motherboard to your explicit PC construct, which is feasible by merely understanding some motherboard fundamentals that’ll you will be taught on this information.
See Additionally: X570 vs B550 Variations
What Is a Motherboard? (& Anatomy Diagram)
As at all times, we’ll begin at floor zero so no beginner will get left behind. If you happen to consider your CPU because the brains of your pc that is accountable for all of the real-time calculations wanted to run functions and video games, the motherboard is the center and central nervous system of your PC. Your motherboard (generally additionally known as a mainboard) is the place all the opposite elements of your pc connects to and interconnects/communicates with each other.
For instance, motherboards have a CPU socket the place the CPU connects , PCIe slots (additionally known as enlargement slots) the place add-on playing cards like video, community, or sound playing cards join, and reminiscence slots (technically DIMM slots) the place RAM modules are linked. Motherboards additionally comprise all the varied ports and different options of your system reminiscent of USB, video output (for built-in graphics), storage connections, and the checklist goes on. Put merely, when putting in any PC element, it might want to both join instantly on or to the motherboard.
Let’s rapidly take a look at the primary areas on a motherboard to be aware of. Motherboards are most positively too cool for biology college, however here is the “anatomy” of a motherboard if you’ll:

A. CPU Socket
The place you set up the CPU. Totally different CPUs require totally different sockets, so you could select the fitting motherboard to your explicit CPU (we’ll get to that).
B. PCIe Enlargement Slot
The place you set up a graphics card. Like every fashionable motherboard, this board has a number of PCIe slots for connecting different playing cards like a second graphics card, community adapter, sound card, and so forth.
C. M.2 Slot
The place you set up a M.2 SSD. You possibly can’t truly see the slot because it’s hidden beneath the quilt, which is used to guard the drive and assist preserve it cool. This board has a number of M.2 slots, and when you’re putting in simply the 1 M.2 drive then it’s best to use use the highest slot.
D. Fan Headers
These are connectors the place you plug in your pc case’s followers. Like most motherboards, there are different fan headers positioned across the board (to your CPU fan/s, but additionally for different case followers).
E. Entrance Panel Headers
These connectors are to plug in your case’s entrance panel options such because the power-on and reset buttons, audio ports (for headphones or a mic), and USB ports.
F. SATA Ports
That is the place you plug in SATA SSDs or HDDs (2.5 inch or 3.5 inch drives) in case you are utilizing any to your construct.
G. RAM Slots
Technically known as DIMM (Twin In-Line Reminiscence Module) slots, that is the place you set up RAM modules. Most motherboards could have both 2 or 4 slots, with the latter being ideally suited with a purpose to preserve 2 slots free to accommodate a future RAM improve (if shopping for 2 modules like most individuals do, although shopping for 4 from the get-go for excessive builds is simply superb).
H. Energy Connectors
These are used when connecting your energy provide cables, and are wanted to energy the CPU (high socket within the picture above) and the motherboard itself (proper socket).
I. WiFi Antenna Connectors
In case your motherboard has onboard/built-in WiFi (not all fashions do as defined within the FAQ on the finish of this information), that is the place you connect the antenna/s that ought to come shipped within the motherboard field.
If you happen to’re constructing your first PC and maybe just a little overwhelmed by the references above to varied levels of the set up course of, don’t fret as once you comply with a whole step-by-step tutorial on constructing a PC, you will be steadily taken by every step one by one within the appropriate order (so that you simply will not get misplaced). Anyway, let’s get again to choosing the proper motherboard to your PC.
Is the Motherboard Essential for a Gaming PC?
Do motherboards have an effect on efficiency? No, motherboards haven’t got a direct impression on the efficiency of your pc. Nonetheless, the significance of a pc element would not rely solely on the way it impacts system or gaming efficiency. Motherboards play an important position in any PC, and the kind you purchase will decide the general performance and reliability of your new pc, amongst different issues.
As you may see from the diagram earlier, each element in your system connects to your motherboard indirectly, so it isn’t onerous to think about that it performs a key position. Your selection of motherboard will dictate the options you might have entry to, which elements you may join (and what number of), what sorts of future upgrades you may make, and different particulars reminiscent of what velocity sure elements can run at (reminiscent of your RAM, M.2 SSDs, and even your graphics card).
Skimping in your motherboard buy by merely choosing the most affordable board you’ll find might come again to chunk you later, because it may have lacking options that you simply wanted to your PC construct (or for a future improve in case you are planning on doing one in just a few months or years). Nonetheless, whereas the motherboard is essential, that does not imply it’s essential (nor ought to) spend too a lot of your general price range on the motherboard.
How A lot Ought to You Spend on a Motherboard?
As talked about, the motherboard will not instantly change what body fee you get whereas gaming, nevertheless it does decide the options of your PC, which different elements you should use, and the general reliability of your PC. There may be such a factor as overkill when shopping for a motherboard although, so do not suppose you want an costly board to do a very good job. A standard beginner mistake when constructing a PC is definitely overspending on the motherboard, and consequently reducing your self just a little brief in your different elements.
Selecting how a lot to spend on a motherboard is a balancing act relying in your different elements, and what you will be doing along with your PC (now and in future). A normal rule of thumb to go by is that the costlier your PC construct general, the extra essential your motherboard selection turns into. Particularly your selection of gaming CPU – the very last thing you wish to do is pair a strong high-end CPU with an inexpensive board that will not be capable of deal with it. Even when the 2 are appropriate on paper, would not essentially imply it is a good pairing within the real-world.
And if you intend to overclock your CPU (not usually advocate if that is your first construct although), the significance of your motherboard choice will increase even additional, as the warmer a CPU runs the extra it depends on not simply the CPU cooler however the high quality of the motherboard as properly (particularly the VRM and heatsink/s of the board; lined within the FAQ on the finish if ).
However for most individuals constructing a mid-range sort system (or an inexpensive one on a decent price range), you do not require an excessive amount of from a motherboard until you want sure superior options for no matter motive. As a real-world instance, when you’re say shopping for the at the moment uber-popular Ryzen 5 3600 CPU which is properly underneath $200 US, there’s simply no must spend any greater than $100 to $140 in your motherboard (usually talking) until you wish to for issues like overclocking, higher aesthetics (seems/design), or another function (reminiscent of PCIe 4.0 help if investing in high-end next-gen SSDs for demanding modifying functions and so forth).
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, when you’re constructing with a super-powerful Intel i9 9900K or 10900K (or Ryzen 9) processor as an example, pairing both with a motherboard across the identical value (underneath $150 and so forth) is asking for bother. Sure; even when you’re not overclocking, as motherboard VRMs (defined in our FAQ on the finish however basically refers back to the space of a board that delivers energy to the CPU) are essential even for merely operating a CPU at inventory speeds. When paired with a strong processor, a motherboard with a weak VRM can truly throttle (decrease) efficiency of a CPU when underneath load (or worse, reminiscent of overheating the system or straight-up shutting it down).
Easy methods to Test Motherboard and CPU Compatibility
Let’s get into selecting a appropriate motherboard to your construct, beginning with CPU and motherboard compatibility. Fortunately, to know in case your motherboard is appropriate along with your CPU, all it’s essential do is make certain the chipset of your motherboard (reminiscent of AMD’s “B450” chipset) makes use of the identical socket sort as your CPU (such because the “AM4” socket utilized by virtually all fashionable AMD CPUs). On this instance, the B450 chipset makes use of the AM4 socket, so in case your CPU is AM4 you then’re good to know. To test this stuff, merely take a look at the product itemizing of your CPU and motherboard. Learn on for extra clarification on motherboard and CPU compatibility.
What’s the CPU Socket Sort?
CPUs are differentiated by their socket sort, which is solely their bodily make-up/format. All CPUs inside the identical household/collection use the identical socket sort. For instance, the AMD Ryzen 3000 collection makes use of the AM4 socket sort (FYI: so do all of the earlier Ryzen collection). Present Intel socket varieties are LGA 1151 (for Intel ninth gen) and the newer LGA 1200 (for Intel tenth gen).
When selecting a motherboard, you could select one which has the identical socket sort as your CPU. To try this, you take a look at the motherboard’s chipset sort (which in easy phrases is mainly the kind of motherboard). Totally different chipsets (reminiscent of AMD’s B450 or B550 chipsets as an example) help totally different CPU sockets. If you happen to’re confused, don’t fret, because it’s quite simple when you see what I imply.
Matching the Socket Sort With a Appropriate Motherboard
All you need to do is make word of your CPU’s socket sort. So for AMD, the mainstream shopper socket lately is AM4, which has been used throughout many various AMD motherboards over current years. You then select a motherboard that helps the AM4 socket sort (reminiscent of B450, B550, or X570, all of which use the AM4 socket). The supported socket sort of a motherboard will at all times be listed within the specs someplace.
For Intel, the most recent twelfth gen ‘Alder Lake’ CPUs use the brand new LGA 1700 socket, which on the time of penning this are solely discovered on Z690 motherboards. For eleventh and tenth gen Intel CPUs, they use the now older socket LGA 1200, which is discovered on each Z490 and Z590 chipsets (and others just like the price range oriented B460 and B560 chipsets).
Since most individuals constructing a brand new PC overwhelmingly use both the present or earlier technology CPUs, let’s get into the most recent appropriate chipsets for the most recent AMD and Intel CPUs. Simply bear in mind these are usually not full lists of ALL appropriate chipsets, solely the most recent ones which might be beneficial for that exact CPU collection.
Appropriate Motherboards for AMD RYZEN 5000 (Socket AM4)
- X570 (for energy customers)
- B550 (finest worth)
- X470 (might require BIOS replace)
- B450 (might require BIOS replace)
Appropriate Motherboards for AMD RYZEN 3000 (Socket AM4)
- X570
- B550 **
- A520 **
- X470
- B450
** Not appropriate with Ryzen 3000 APUs (3200G and 3400G)
Appropriate Motherboards for INTEL 12TH GEN (Socket LGA 1700)
- Z690 (finest)
- B660* (price range)
Appropriate Motherboards for INTEL 11TH GEN (Socket LGA 1200)
Appropriate Motherboards for INTEL 10TH GEN (Socket LGA 1200)
- Z590
- B560*
- H570*
- H510*
- Z490
- B460*
- H470*
- H410*
* Would not help CPU overclocking
See Additionally: Easy methods to Select a CPU
Motherboard Sizes Defined (Compatibility With Case)
To know in case your motherboard will probably be appropriate and slot in your PC case, you could test the specs of your case to verify it helps your motherboard’s dimension. Technically, the dimensions of a motherboard is known as its kind issue, and there are 4 primary sizes to select from when constructing a desktop pc:

Not completely to scale ‘trigger such as you, I am human (largely). If you happen to want particular measurements for no matter motive go right here
ATX (Full/Customary Dimension)
We’ll begin with ATX (2nd from the left within the picture above) because it’s the commonest motherboard dimension utilized in a contemporary gaming PC construct (Micro ATX is probably going not far behind although). ATX motherboards slot in any mid tower or full tower case, and might supply a full vary of options resulting from their full dimension.
Micro ATX (Smaller)
Micro-ATX, generally referred to easily as mATX, are just a little shorter than commonplace ATX motherboards and are good decisions if you are constructing in a smaller case and/or when you’re on a decent price range (mATX boards are usually a bit cheaper than ATX ones). The tradeoff is you get just a few much less options, most notably much less enlargement (PCIe) slots, however generally much less RAM slots too (2 as a substitute of the 4 discovered on any fashionable ATX board).
Nonetheless there are many mATX motherboards with 4 RAM slots, and when it comes to enlargement slots, for many builds you would not want them anyway as most gaming builds solely want to make use of 1 PCIe slot (for a graphics card) and possibly 2 most when you’re throwing in a WiFi card (in case your motherboard would not have onboard WiFi however you need WiFi). Simply make certain the case you utilize particularly lists help for mATX motherboards. Oh, and yet one more factor about mATX motherboards is typically they’ll make your construct look just a little “emptier” when you’ve got a see-through facet window in your case (not an enormous challenge although however price mentioning).
Mini ITX (Smallest)
Brief for Mini ITX, these are the smallest motherboards however will solely match sure circumstances which might be additionally of the mITX kind issue. Mini ITX computer systems is usually a little trickier to construct, so shopping for a mITX motherboard will not be usually beneficial for first-time builders (it makes issues like cable administration and optimizing airflow tougher).
Prolonged ATX (Additional Giant)
Hardly ever utilized by mere mortals, Prolonged-ATX (referred to generally as EATX) motherboards are the most important shopper desktop motherboards you should buy, utilized in excessive “my CPU prices greater than your PC” setups for otherworldly issues like twin CPUs or quad GPUs. They’re the identical top as ATX boards, however just a little wider. Naturally, EATX boards will solely slot in giant circumstances that explicitly checklist help for EATX. For most individuals, it is secure to say you may simply ignore EATX altogether.
Easy methods to Test Motherboard and RAM Compatibility
When selecting a motherboard to your gaming pc you additionally want to verify it is going to be appropriate with the RAM modules that you simply select. To know in case your motherboard and RAM are appropriate, merely test the next:
- Motherboard Should Assist RAM Sort (DDR4 or DDR5) – By this I imply the overall sort of RAM. The present commonplace is DDR4, the earlier was DDR3, and now DDR5 simply launched on sure Intel Z690 motherboards for Intel twelfth gen CPUs (AMD ought to help it on their subsequent motherboard launch in 2022). Motherboards will solely help one sort of RAM (DDR4 or DDR5 – by no means each).
- Motherboard Should Assist RAM Velocity – Additionally test your motherboard will help your RAM velocity. Shopping for 3200MHz modules? Test that 3200MHz is formally said within the motherboard’s checklist of supported RAM speeds. If you happen to see “OC” listed after the velocity, it merely means it’s essential manually set the velocity within the motherboard BIOS (software program) with a purpose to run the module at that velocity (useless simple to do as defined in our BIOS setup information).
- RAM Should Not Exceed Motherboard’s Most RAM Capability – It is also good to know the utmost quantity of reminiscence your board can tackle, significantly when you’re constructing an excessive system with a ton of reminiscence, or when you’re planning on upgrading later. This should not be an issue for many builds because it’s uncommon to make the most of the higher limits of what a board helps (any respectable fashionable board will help a wholesome quantity of 32, 64 or 128 GB and so forth).
- Motherboard Should Have Sufficient RAM Slots – Full-sized ATX motherboards could have 4 RAM slots, however Micro ATX and/or Mini ITX motherboards would possibly solely have 2. Clearly, when you get a board with solely 2 slots, do not buy 4 RAM modules. However you at all times wish to get 2 modules and by no means 1, as with 2 modules put in your RAM will run in what’s known as “twin channel” mode that may enhance efficiency barely (not a lot, nevertheless it positively makes a distinction).
If you happen to test the above issues, you may be good to go 9 instances out of 10. Nevertheless it’s price mentioning there are particular cases (when you get unfortunate) the place a specific set of RAM sticks won’t be appropriate with a sure motherboard, even when all the above specs match up. Why? It simply occurs sadly, and is why motherboard producers present what’s known as a QVL (Certified Vendor Record) for his or her motherboards, which lists the RAM modules they’ve formally examined to work with that board.
However the factor is, it is unimaginable for producers to check and checklist each single mannequin of RAM on the market for all their boards, so many modules will nonetheless work superb even when they don’t seem to be on the QVL checklist. Trendy {hardware} is sweet like that; it normally simply works. So on the whole, because of the low potential for compatibility points on the subject of motherboard and RAM (particularly when you stick with extra widespread RAM manufacturers), the overall consensus inside the DIY group is that it is secure to disregard the QVL and simply purchase whichever RAM you need.
Superior: What’s the QVL? Does it Matter?
Does Motherboard Model Matter? (Finest Producers)
On the subject of selecting a motherboard, there are solely so many producers (manufacturers) on the market. To make sure most reliability and high quality, you wish to stick with the large 4 names within the motherboard recreation that are Asus, Gigabyte, MSI and ASRock (in no explicit order).
There are different firms on the market who produce some motherboards (like Biostar and EVGA), however until you might have a very good motive and you realize precisely what you are doing, we do not advocate veering away from the large 4. However after all, not all particular fashions are created equal, so simply because a board is created by considered one of these producers, it would not essentially imply it is a good purchase.
All the time do your analysis. As for which motherboard producer is the perfect between Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock – there isn’t a clear single winner who stands above the remaining. As talked about, it comes all the way down to evaluating particular fashions, and likewise private choice as when you begin utilizing a bunch of various boards over your DIY life it’s possible you’ll discover a sure producer’s boards and/or software program (just like the BIOS) to be simpler and/or extra enjoyable to make use of.
For particular, present suggestions on the perfect motherboards for gaming PCs proper now, take a look at the repeatedly up to date Really helpful Gaming PC Builds and try the included boards in every construct for a stable instance of fine worth motherboards to contemplate shopping for in numerous value tiers. Do not simply take our phrase for it although and do not blindly choose the primary motherboard you see; at all times do your homework to verify the actual mannequin you go along with has all of the options that you really want, particularly when you’ve got additional necessities in comparison with the common PC consumer.
Motherboard Options FAQ
Right here we’ll cowl sure different particular points of selecting a motherboard. Not all of this stuff apply to everybody, however a few of them could also be essential to know relying in your construct.
What Are Motherboard Fan Headers? How Many Do You Want for a Gaming PC?
Fan headers (additionally known as system fan headers or chassis fan headers) are the connections on a motherboard the place you join any case followers that you’ve got put in inside your pc case (whether or not they’re inventory followers or additional aftermarket followers). Motherboards include various quantities of fan headers, with the most affordable motherboards coming with just one and probably the most high-end of boards having as much as 6 or extra.
Most respectable motherboards could have a minimum of 2 fan headers, and ideally 3 to 4, which is sufficient to join most fan setups as gaming PC builds do not normally want greater than 2-4 followers. In case your motherboard would not have sufficient fan headers for the quantity of followers you wish to set up in your case, you should buy a splitter/adapter cable to have the ability to join greater than 1 fan right into a single motherboard fan header.
Alternatively, you may plug case followers instantly into your energy provide in case your PSU has molex energy connectors, although doing this implies you will not be capable of management the fan velocity (not an enormous deal generally). Plus, in case your fan cable is a 3 pin one you will want a 3 to 4 pin adapter to have the ability to connect with molex (molex is 4 pin). Some aftermarket case followers include this adapter.
Lastly, when you’re connecting a lot of followers you should buy a fan hub/controller, or an RGB fan hub/controller when you’ve got RGB followers.
How Many PCIe Slots Do Gaming PCs Want?
As defined earlier, PCIe slots (additionally known as enlargement slots) are the place your graphics card and different add-on playing cards like wi-fi community playing cards are put in. Most gaming computer systems will solely want one PCIe slot for a graphics card, and possibly 2 to incorporate a community card too, however any fashionable motherboard could have a minimum of 2 minimal (even smaller motherboards). Factoring in what number of PCIe slots a motherboard has is basically solely essential if doing one thing out of the peculiar like putting in a number of graphics playing cards (as it’s essential ensure you have 2 full-length PCIe slots, as PCIe slots are available in distinction sizes as defined in our PCIe FAQ).
How Many USB Ports Do Gaming PCs Want?
If you happen to plan to make use of a whole lot of USB gadgets, it’s possible you’ll wish to test the motherboard specs for the variety of rear USB ports to ensure you’ll have sufficient, although most fashionable motherboards could have loads. Plus, you may at all times purchase a USB hub when you run out.
Understand that motherboards do not simply have rear USB ports, however inside USB headers as properly, that are connectors for any front-panel USB ports that your pc case has. If you happen to’re selecting a pc case with greater than 1 USB 3.0 port on the entrance, you wish to test your motherboard has sufficient (inside) entrance panel USB headers to have the ability to join each of these entrance ports. Any half-decent fashionable board (even price range ones) will probably be simply superb for that although.
Do All Motherboards Have USB Sort-C?
No, many cheaper motherboards do not need USB Sort-C ports (neither as an inside header for the entrance panel of a case, nor as a regular rear motherboard port). In case your case does have a entrance USB Sort-C port (uncommon however some do just like the NZXT H510), to really use that port test that the motherboard specs does checklist an inside USB Sort-C header.
What Are Motherboard VRMs?
The VRM, brief for Voltage Regulator Module, is the a part of a motherboard that provides voltage to the CPU. It is technically a buck converter, which takes the 12V from the facility provide and converts it to a decrease voltage for the CPU (but additionally for the chipset and/or built-in graphics). The higher the VRM of a motherboard, the extra succesful it’s to ship secure energy and stay cool underneath load, which implies it will probably higher deal with {powerful} CPUs and/or overclocking.
Is the VRM Essential if Not Overclocking?
The standard of a motherboard’s VRM is essential if overclocking (particularly {powerful} CPUs), however the VRM can be essential if operating a strong CPU at inventory speeds (not overclocked). If you happen to plan to make use of a high-end CPU like an Intel i9 or Ryzen 9, you wish to make sure you select a motherboard that has a ok VRM for that CPU, in any other case your motherboard might overheat, crash, or turn out to be broken. That is why, as defined early on on this information, you do not wish to pair a powerful CPU with a weak motherboard.
Easy methods to Know a Motherboard’s VRM High quality?
Motherboard producers do not typically explicitly state the standard of a sure board’s VRM, so with a purpose to gauge how good a specific board’s VRM is you could depend on third-party opinions and benchmarks. You can get a normal concept by wanting on the board and counting the quantity of chokes on the precise board (in addition to seeing if it has a VRM heatsink), however real-world opinions are one of the simplest ways to check boards.
Do All Motherboards Assist Overclocking?
No, not all motherboards help CPU overclocking. Overclocking help is predicated on the chipset of the motherboard. All fashionable AMD chipsets help overclocking (like B450, B550, and X570), however not all fashionable Intel motherboards help overclocking. Intel chipsets ending with a ‘Z’ do help overclocking (reminiscent of Z390 and Z490). Simply do not forget that to overclock a CPU, that CPU must be an “unlocked” mannequin. Intel CPU fashions with a ‘Ok’ on the tip (reminiscent of 10600K) are unlocked, which means they are often overclocked, however different fashions with out the ‘Ok’ (such because the 10400) are locked and can’t be overclocked.
Do All Motherboards Have an Ethernet Port?
Sure, each fashionable motherboard comes with a LAN port for connecting an Ethernet cable (for wired networking/web). Lately, the port will probably be a minimum of a 1G port, permitting for as much as Gigabit speeds.
What Are 2.5G LAN Ports? Are They Essential?
Gigabit LAN is greater than sufficient for most individuals, because it’s unlikely you might have a quick sufficient ISP plan and router to get near maxing out Gigabit speeds. Sooner LAN ports like 2.5G (as much as 2.5 Gigabit speeds) exist on costlier motherboards, and high-end boards might have 5G and even 10G ports, however all of those are unlikely to be obligatory for most individuals. As soon as once more, 1G ports are superb for many gaming PC builds.
Do All Motherboards Have WiFi?
No, not all motherboards have built-in wi-fi performance, so if you wish to connect with the web utilizing WiFi, you will want to decide on a motherboard that clearly states wi-fi functionality within the mannequin title or in its spec sheet. Traditionally, it is usually been the extra high-end costly motherboards which have WiFi, however lately there are fairly just a few reasonably priced fashions with WiFi. If you’d like wi-fi, you needn’t purchase a WiFi-ready motherboard although, as it is simple and reasonably priced to purchase an add-on wi-fi adapter.
Is Motherboard WiFi Good?
The built-in wi-fi adapter discovered on fashionable motherboards that possess this function is often of the identical high quality as a very good devoted PCIe wi-fi card. If you wish to make certain of how good a sure motherboard’s WiFi functionality is, test opinions of that exact motherboard mannequin. Additionally, in order for you help for the most recent high-end WiFi 6 gaming routers, make certain the motherboard states help for WiFi 6 (and never simply WiFi 5, until you’ll simply use an older WiFi 5 router).
Do All Motherboards Have Bluetooth?
No, not all motherboards have bluetooth functionality. If you happen to want Bluetooth help for no matter motive, test the motherboard specs, or you should buy a both a PCIe WiFi adapter that additionally has Bluetooth, or a separate USB bluetooth adapter:
Easy methods to Know if a Motherboard Helps A number of Graphics Playing cards? (SLI/CrossFire)
If you are going to be organising a twin graphics card setup with NVidia SLI or AMD CrossFire know-how both now or down the road (not beneficial to the vast majority of players because it’s simply not cost-effective) then your motherboard might want to checklist official help for both (it will say within the specs). Often solely higher-end boards will help each SLI and CrossFire, however CrossFire help is kind of widespread on mid-range motherboards.
If you happen to’re a loopy one and doing greater than the standard 2 method SLI/CrossFire, reminiscent of 3 or 4-Approach for some excessive GPU energy, you will additionally wish to examine help for that too as solely sure high-end motherboards will enable for this and have the required quantity of PCIe slots and area for such beastly configurations.
Do Motherboards Come With SATA Cables?
Sure, any fashionable motherboard ought to come shipped with a minimum of 1, and certain 2, SATA information cables for connecting SATA onerous drives to the motherboard (2.5″ SSDs or 3.5″ HDDs).
Do Motherboards Come With Standoff Screws?
No, motherboards do not ship with standoff screws. Standoffs come included with the pc case (normally in their very own separate bag discovered within the case field or taped to the within of the case).
Associated: Easy methods to Set up a Motherboard
Do Motherboards Have Onboard Graphics?
A very long time in the past, some motherboards had onboard graphics, however lately onboard graphics is built-in into CPUs. So, fashionable motherboards haven’t got onboard graphics, nonetheless they do (or don’t) have the help for CPUs which have built-in graphics. In different phrases, when you’re shopping for a CPU with built-in graphics reminiscent of the favored Ryzen 3 2200G/3200G or Ryzen 5 3400G/2400G (technically known as APUs), your motherboard chipset should state help for the APU collection you select. You additionally wish to test the motherboard video output ports (reminiscent of HDMI or Displayport) to make sure your monitor has the fitting connection and cable.
Is Onboard Motherboard Audio Good for Gaming?
All fashionable motherboards include built-in onboard audio (referred to because the audio codec), and it is virtually at all times fairly good so there is not any must get a devoted sound card for gaming until you are an audiophile (sound fanatic) desirous to take full benefit of very costly premium audio system or skilled studio headphones (or when you’re actually into audio manufacturing). For many good PC gaming headsets although, onboard motherboard audio is simply superb.
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