If you are building your own computer, you need to get the right motherboard. The problem is that PC motherboards are not made the same. There are certain factors that you need to consider when looking at PC motherboards to ensure that you get the right one for your needs.
Look At The CPU Socket
One of the most important factors to consider when look at PC motherboards is the CPU socket. It is recommended that you know which CPU you are going to get before you shop around for the motherboard. Different CPUs will require different sockets and you need to know what you are looking for.
If you are thinking of an Intel CPU, the most common socket they use is the LGA1151. However, if you are considering one of the newer AMD CPUs, you should look for an AM4 socket. It is possible to find out what the socket requirement for your chip is on the manufacturer’s website.
While it is important to match the CPU socket, you also need to ensure that your RAM is compatible. You also need to ensure that your new motherboard has enough RAM slots for your needs. If you have DDR3 RAM, you need to ensure that the motherboard is compatible with this and not DDR4 RAM.
Smaller motherboards will generally have 2 RAM slots. This is often enough for most people, but if you are looking to have higher RAM amounts, you might need additional slots. The more expensive motherboards can have up to 8 RAM slots, but this is generally more than you will ever need. If you are building a gaming PC, you need around 16 GB of RAM which you can achieve with 2 slots.
The Ports
The ports that you need the motherboard to have will vary depending on your needs. There are some people who want more USB3 ports while other people want more audio ports. It is important that you check which ports the motherboard has and if this configuration will suit your needs.
The ports that you should focus on are the USB 2 and USB 3 ports. These are the most commonly used ports and having enough of them is vital. You can look at USB type C ports and USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, but this will be to future proof the computer. Most of the peripherals that you can get will not support this standard yet.
The Price
While the ports and sockets are important, you also need to think about the cost of the motherboard. The amount you spend will vary depending on what you want. Additionally, the price will vary depending on the type of CPU you are looking at.
If you want a motherboard that supports overclocking, you can get an AMD one for less than $100. However, if you want to use an Intel chip, you will have to look at over $100. Paying between $150 and $200 is generally recommended.
When it comes to choosing the right PC motherboard for your build, you need to look at a few factors. These factors include the CPU socket, the number of RAM slots, the ports you need and the price of the board.
