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Selecting a Suitable 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 may simply be the trickiest part to pick when constructing your individual laptop. However concern not, as within the ordinary beginner-friendly vogue of the guides on this web site, we’ll go away the advanced jargon apart and break down how to decide on a motherboard in your gaming PC construct together with how to make sure it is appropriate together with your different components, which options to find out about and what they imply, plus solutions to a bunch of frequent newbie questions. In order for you particular motherboard mannequin suggestions, additionally see the newest gaming PC builds guide for prime worth picks in each value class.
For those who’ve by no means constructed a PC earlier than, what makes a very good motherboard is not instantly obvious, and there is a seemingly infinite quantity of various fashions on the market, a lot of which being very comparable in value and options. Throw within the complicated naming conventions (typical within the {hardware} area) and lengthy spec sheets that may simply seem like 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 exhausting to go too mistaken when selecting a motherboard for a brand new gaming PC in case you be sure to examine compatibility (we’ll get to that) and perform a little digging by way of skilled (not client) evaluations. That stated, not all boards are equal, and there positively are some fashions which can be greatest to be averted, or that aren’t pretty much as good worth as different boards round any given value vary. So in case you do your analysis, you will get extra in your cash by strategically selecting the perfect worth motherboard in your explicit PC construct, which is feasible by merely understanding some motherboard fundamentals that’ll you may study on this information.
See Additionally: X570 vs B550 Differences
What Is a Motherboard? (& Anatomy Diagram)
As all the time, we’ll begin at floor zero so no beginner will get left behind. For those who consider your CPU as the brains of your laptop 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 (typically additionally referred to as a mainboard) is the place all the opposite components of your laptop connects to and interconnects/communicates with each other.
For instance, motherboards have a CPU socket the place the CPU connects , PCIe slots (additionally referred to 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 resembling USB, video output (for built-in graphics), storage connections, and the checklist goes on. Put merely, when installing any PC component, 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 this is the “anatomy” of a motherboard if you’ll:

A. CPU Socket
The place you install the CPU. Totally different CPUs require totally different sockets, so you will need to select the best motherboard in your explicit CPU (we’ll get to that).
B. PCIe Enlargement Slot
The place you install a graphics card. Like several trendy 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 install a M.2 SSD. You may’t truly see the slot because it’s hidden beneath the duvet, which is used to guard the drive and assist hold it cool. This board has a number of M.2 slots, and in case you’re putting in simply the 1 M.2 drive then it is best to use use the highest slot.
D. Fan Headers
These are connectors the place you plug in your computer case’s fans. Like most motherboards, there are different fan headers positioned across the board (in your CPU fan/s, but in addition for different case followers).
E. Entrance Panel Headers
These connectors are to plug in your case’s front panel features 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 in your construct.
G. RAM Slots
Technically referred to as DIMM (Twin In-Line Reminiscence Module) slots, that is the place you install RAM modules. Most motherboards can have both 2 or 4 slots, with the latter being very best with a purpose to hold 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 wonderful).
H. Energy Connectors
These are used when connecting your power supply cables, and are wanted to energy the CPU (prime 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.
For those who’re constructing your first PC and maybe a little bit overwhelmed by the references above to varied levels of the set up course of, don’t fret as whenever you comply with an entire step by step tutorial on building a PC, you may be steadily taken via every step one by one within the right order (so that you simply will not get misplaced). Anyway, let’s get again to selecting the best motherboard in your PC.
Is the Motherboard Essential for a Gaming PC?
Do motherboards have an effect on efficiency? No, motherboards do not have a direct impression on the efficiency of your laptop. Nevertheless, the significance of a pc part does 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 laptop, amongst different issues.
As you may see from the diagram earlier, each part in your system connects to your motherboard indirectly, so it isn’t exhausting to think about that it performs a key position. Your selection of motherboard will dictate the options you will have entry to, which components you may join (and what number of), what varieties of future upgrades you can also make, and different particulars resembling what velocity sure components can run at (resembling your RAM, M.2 SSDs, and even your graphics card).
Skimping in your motherboard buy by merely choosing the most cost effective board yow will discover could come again to chunk you later, because it may have lacking options that you simply wanted in your PC construct (or for a future improve in case you are planning on doing one in a number of months or years). Nevertheless, whereas the motherboard is vital, that does not imply you should (nor ought to) spend too a lot of your total 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 charge you get whereas gaming, but it surely does decide the options of your PC, which different components you need to 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 assume you want an costly board to do a very good job. A typical beginner mistake when constructing a PC is definitely overspending on the motherboard, and consequently slicing your self a little bit quick in your different components.
Selecting how a lot to spend on a motherboard is a balancing act relying in your different components, and what you may be doing together with your PC (now and in future). A basic rule of thumb to go by is that the dearer your PC construct total, the extra vital your motherboard selection turns into. Particularly your choice of gaming CPU – the very last thing you need to do is pair a robust high-end CPU with an affordable board that will not have the ability to deal with it. Even when the 2 are appropriate on paper, does not essentially imply it is a good pairing within the real-world.
And if you intend to overclock your CPU (not usually suggest 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 effectively (particularly the VRM and heatsink/s of the board; coated within the FAQ on the finish if ).
However for most individuals constructing a mid-range kind system (or an affordable 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 purpose. As a real-world instance, in case you’re say shopping for the presently uber-popular Ryzen 5 3600 CPU which is effectively below $200 US, there’s simply no have to spend any greater than $100 to $140 in your motherboard (usually talking) until you need to for issues like overclocking, higher aesthetics (seems/design), or another function (resembling PCIe 4.0 support if investing in high-end next-gen SSDs for demanding enhancing functions and so forth).
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, in case you’re constructing with a super-powerful Intel i9 9900K or 10900K (or Ryzen 9) processor for example, pairing both with a motherboard across the identical value (below $150 and so forth) is asking for bother. Sure; even in case you’re not overclocking, as motherboard VRMs (defined in our FAQ on the finish however primarily refers back to the space of a board that delivers energy to the CPU) are vital even for merely working a CPU at inventory speeds. When paired with a robust processor, a motherboard with a weak VRM can truly throttle (decrease) efficiency of a CPU when below load (or worse, resembling overheating the system or straight-up shutting it down).
Easy methods to Examine Motherboard and CPU Compatibility
Let’s get into selecting a appropriate motherboard in your construct, beginning with CPU and motherboard compatibility. Fortunately, to know in case your motherboard is appropriate together with your CPU, all you should do is be sure the chipset of your motherboard (resembling AMD’s “B450” chipset) makes use of the identical socket kind as your CPU (such because the “AM4” socket utilized by virtually all trendy AMD CPUs). On this instance, the B450 chipset makes use of the AM4 socket, so in case your CPU is AM4 then you definitely’re good to know. To examine 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 Kind?
CPUs are differentiated by their socket kind, which is just their bodily make-up/format. All CPUs throughout the identical household/sequence use the identical socket kind. For instance, the AMD Ryzen 3000 sequence makes use of the AM4 socket kind (FYI: so do all of the earlier Ryzen sequence). Present Intel socket sorts are LGA 1151 (for Intel ninth gen) and the newer LGA 1200 (for Intel tenth gen).
When selecting a motherboard, you will need to select one which has the identical socket kind as your CPU. To try this, you take a look at the motherboard’s chipset kind (which in easy phrases is principally the kind of motherboard). Totally different chipsets (resembling AMD’s B450 or B550 chipsets for example) assist totally different CPU sockets. For those who’re confused, don’t fret, because it’s quite simple when you see what I imply.
Matching the Socket Kind With a Suitable Motherboard
All you need to do is make word of your CPU’s socket kind. So for AMD, the mainstream client socket lately is AM4, which has been used throughout many alternative AMD motherboards over current years. You then select a motherboard that helps the AM4 socket kind (resembling B450, B550, or X570, all of which use the AM4 socket). The supported socket kind of a motherboard will all the time be listed within the specs someplace.
For Intel, the newest twelfth gen ‘Alder Lake’ CPUs use the brand new LGA 1700 socket, which on the time of scripting 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 newest appropriate chipsets for the newest AMD and Intel CPUs. Simply take into account these are usually not full lists of ALL appropriate chipsets, solely the newest ones which can be advisable for that specific CPU sequence.
Suitable Motherboards for AMD RYZEN 5000 (Socket AM4)
- X570 (for energy customers)
- B550 (greatest worth)
- X470 (could require BIOS replace)
- B450 (could require BIOS replace)
Suitable Motherboards for AMD RYZEN 3000 (Socket AM4)
- X570
- B550 **
- A520 **
- X470
- B450
** Not appropriate with Ryzen 3000 APUs (3200G and 3400G)
Suitable Motherboards for INTEL 12TH GEN (Socket LGA 1700)
- Z690 (greatest)
- B660* (price range)
Suitable Motherboards for INTEL 11TH GEN (Socket LGA 1200)
Suitable Motherboards for INTEL 10TH GEN (Socket LGA 1200)
- Z590
- B560*
- H570*
- H510*
- Z490
- B460*
- H470*
- H410*
* Does not assist CPU overclocking
See Additionally: How to Choose a CPU
Motherboard Sizes Defined (Compatibility With Case)
To know in case your motherboard will likely be appropriate and slot in your PC case, you will need to examine the specs of your case to ensure it helps your motherboard’s measurement. Technically, the scale of a motherboard is known as its type issue, and there are 4 foremost sizes to select from when constructing a desktop laptop:

Not completely to scale ‘trigger such as you, I am human (mostly). For those who want particular measurements for no matter purpose go here
ATX (Full/Commonplace Dimension)
We’ll begin with ATX (2nd from the left within the picture above) because it’s the commonest motherboard measurement utilized in a contemporary gaming PC build (Micro ATX is probably going not far behind although). ATX motherboards slot in any mid tower or full tower case, and may supply a full vary of options resulting from their full measurement.
Micro ATX (Smaller)
Micro-ATX, generally referred to easily as mATX, are a little bit shorter than customary ATX motherboards and are good selections if you are constructing in a smaller case and/or in case you’re on a decent price range (mATX boards are usually a bit cheaper than ATX ones). The tradeoff is you get a number of much less options, most notably much less enlargement (PCIe) slots, however typically much less RAM slots too (2 as a substitute of the 4 discovered on any trendy ATX board).
Nevertheless there are many mATX motherboards with 4 RAM slots, and by way of 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 perhaps 2 most in case you’re throwing in a WiFi card (in case your motherboard does not have onboard WiFi however you need WiFi). Simply be sure the case you utilize particularly lists assist for mATX motherboards. Oh, and yet one more factor about mATX motherboards is typically they’ll make your construct look a little bit “emptier” in case you have a see-through aspect window in your case (not an enormous subject although however price mentioning).
Mini ITX (Smallest)
Quick for Mini ITX, these are the smallest motherboards however will solely match sure instances which can be additionally of the mITX type issue. Mini ITX computer systems is usually a little trickier to construct, so shopping for a mITX motherboard will not be usually advisable for first-time builders (it makes issues like cable administration and optimizing airflow tougher).
Prolonged ATX (Further Massive)
Not often utilized by mere mortals, Prolonged-ATX (referred to generally as EATX) motherboards are the most important client 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 a little bit wider. Naturally, EATX boards will solely slot in giant instances that explicitly checklist assist for EATX. For most individuals, it is secure to say you may simply ignore EATX altogether.
Easy methods to Examine Motherboard and RAM Compatibility
When selecting a motherboard in your gaming laptop you additionally want to ensure it will likely be appropriate with the RAM modules that you simply select. To know in case your motherboard and RAM are appropriate, merely examine the next:
- Motherboard Should Assist RAM Kind (DDR4 or DDR5) – By this I imply the final kind of RAM. The present customary is DDR4, the earlier was DDR3, and now DDR5 simply launched on sure Intel Z690 motherboards for Intel twelfth gen CPUs (AMD ought to assist it on their subsequent motherboard launch in 2022). Motherboards will solely assist one kind of RAM (DDR4 or DDR5 – by no means each).
- Motherboard Should Assist RAM Velocity – Additionally examine your motherboard will assist your RAM velocity. Shopping for 3200MHz modules? Examine that 3200MHz is formally acknowledged within the motherboard’s checklist of supported RAM speeds. For those who see “OC” listed after the velocity, it merely means you should 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 guide).
- 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 in case you’re constructing an excessive system with a ton of reminiscence, or in case 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 trendy board will assist a wholesome quantity of 32, 64 or 128 GB and so forth).
- Motherboard Should Have Sufficient RAM Slots – Full-sized ATX motherboards can have 4 RAM slots, however Micro ATX and/or Mini ITX motherboards may solely have 2. Clearly, in case you get a board with solely 2 slots, do not buy 4 RAM modules. However you all the time need to get 2 modules and by no means 1, as with 2 modules put in your RAM will run in what’s referred to as “twin channel” mode that can enhance efficiency barely (not a lot, but it surely positively makes a distinction).
For those who examine the above issues, you can be good to go 9 instances out of 10. But it surely’s price mentioning there are specific situations (in case you get unfortunate) the place a specific set of RAM sticks is not going to 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 referred to as a QVL (Certified Vendor Checklist) 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 not possible for producers to check and checklist each single mannequin of RAM on the market for all their boards, so many modules will nonetheless work wonderful even when they don’t seem to be on the QVL checklist. Trendy {hardware} is sweet like that; it often simply works. So generally, as a result of low potential for compatibility points in terms of motherboard and RAM (particularly in case you persist with extra frequent RAM manufacturers), the final consensus throughout the DIY group is that it is secure to disregard the QVL and simply purchase whichever RAM you need.
Superior: What is the QVL? Does it Matter?
Does Motherboard Model Matter? (Finest Producers)
In terms of selecting a motherboard, there are solely so many producers (manufacturers) on the market. To make sure most reliability and high quality, you need to persist with the large 4 names within the motherboard recreation that are Asus, Gigabyte, MSI and ASRock (in no explicit order).
There are different corporations on the market who produce some motherboards (like Biostar and EVGA), however until you will have a very good purpose and you realize precisely what you are doing, we do not suggest veering away from the large 4. However after all, not all particular fashions are created equal, so simply because a board is created by one among these producers, it does not essentially imply it is a good purchase.
At all times do your analysis. As for which motherboard producer is the perfect between Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock – there is no such thing as a clear single winner who stands above the remainder. As talked about, it comes right down to evaluating particular fashions, and likewise private desire as when you begin utilizing a bunch of various boards over your DIY life you could 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, try the constantly up to date Recommended Gaming PC Builds and check out the included boards in every construct for a stable instance of fine worth motherboards to contemplate shopping for in varied value tiers. Do not simply take our phrase for it although and do not blindly decide the primary motherboard you see; all the time do your homework to ensure the actual mannequin you go along with has all of the options that you really want, particularly in case you have additional necessities in comparison with the common PC person.
Motherboard Options FAQ
Right here we’ll cowl sure different particular elements of selecting a motherboard. Not all of this stuff apply to everybody, however a few of them could also be vital to know relying in your construct.
What Are Motherboard Fan Headers? How Many Do You Want for a Gaming PC?
Fan headers (additionally referred to 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 laptop case (whether or not they’re inventory followers or additional aftermarket followers). Motherboards include various quantities of fan headers, with the most cost effective motherboards coming with just one and probably the most high-end of boards having as much as 6 or extra.
Most respectable motherboards can have at the least 2 fan headers, and ideally 3 to 4, which is sufficient to join most fan setups as gaming PC builds do not often want greater than 2-4 followers. In case your motherboard does not have sufficient fan headers for the quantity of followers you need 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 power connectors, although doing this implies you will not have the ability to management the fan velocity (not an enormous deal typically). Plus, in case your fan cable is a 3 pin one you will have a 3 to 4 pin adapter to have the ability to connect with molex (molex is 4 pin). Some aftermarket case fans include this adapter.
Lastly, in case you’re connecting a lot of followers you should buy a fan hub/controller, or an RGB fan hub/controller in case you have RGB followers.
How Many PCIe Slots Do Gaming PCs Want?
As defined earlier, PCIe slots (additionally referred to 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 perhaps 2 to incorporate a community card too, however any trendy motherboard can have at the least 2 minimal (even smaller motherboards). Factoring in what number of PCIe slots a motherboard has is basically solely vital if doing one thing out of the peculiar like putting in a number of graphics playing cards (as you should 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?
For those who plan to make use of a whole lot of USB units, you could need to examine the motherboard specs for the variety of rear USB ports to ensure you’ll have sufficient, although most trendy motherboards can have lots. Plus, you may all the time purchase a USB hub in case you run out.
Remember that motherboards do not simply have rear USB ports, however inside USB headers as effectively, that are connectors for any front-panel USB ports that your laptop case has. For those who’re choosing a computer case with greater than 1 USB 3.0 port on the entrance, you need to examine your motherboard has sufficient (inside) entrance panel USB headers to have the ability to join each of these entrance ports. Any half-decent trendy board (even price range ones) will likely be simply wonderful for that although.
Do All Motherboards Have USB Kind-C?
No, many cheaper motherboards wouldn’t have USB Kind-C ports (neither as an inside header for the entrance panel of a case, nor as an ordinary rear motherboard port). In case your case does have a entrance USB Kind-C port (uncommon however some do just like the NZXT H510), to really use that port examine that the motherboard specs does checklist an inside USB Kind-C header.
What Are Motherboard VRMs?
The VRM, quick for Voltage Regulator Module, is the part of a motherboard that supplies 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 in addition 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 below load, which implies it may well 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 also be vital if working a robust CPU at inventory speeds (not overclocked). For those who plan to make use of a high-end CPU like an Intel i9 or Ryzen 9, you need to make sure you select a motherboard that has a adequate VRM for that CPU, in any other case your motherboard could overheat, crash, or change into broken. That is why, as defined early on on this information, you do not need to pair a robust CPU with a weak motherboard.
Easy methods to Know a Motherboard’s VRM High quality?
Motherboard producers do not usually 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 will need to depend on third-party evaluations and benchmarks. You can get a basic 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 evaluations are the easiest way to check boards.
Do All Motherboards Assist Overclocking?
No, not all motherboards assist CPU overclocking. Overclocking assist relies on the chipset of the motherboard. All trendy AMD chipsets assist overclocking (like B450, B550, and X570), however not all trendy Intel motherboards assist overclocking. Intel chipsets ending with a ‘Z’ do assist overclocking (resembling Z390 and Z490). Simply do not forget that to overclock a CPU, that CPU must be an “unlocked” mannequin. Intel CPU fashions with a ‘Okay’ on the tip (resembling 10600K) are unlocked, which means they are often overclocked, however different fashions with out the ‘Okay’ (such because the 10400) are locked and can’t be overclocked.
Do All Motherboards Have an Ethernet Port?
Sure, each trendy motherboard comes with a LAN port for connecting an Ethernet cable (for wired networking/web). Nowadays, the port will likely be at the least 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 will 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 dearer motherboards, and high-end boards could have 5G and even 10G ports, however all of those are unlikely to be essential for most individuals. As soon as once more, 1G ports are wonderful 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 have to decide on a motherboard that clearly states wi-fi functionality within the mannequin identify or in its spec sheet. Traditionally, it is usually been the extra high-end costly motherboards which have WiFi, however lately there are fairly a number of reasonably priced fashions with WiFi. In order for you wi-fi, you need not purchase a WiFi-ready motherboard although, as it is simple and reasonably priced to buy an add-on wireless adapter.
Is Motherboard WiFi Good?
The built-in wi-fi adapter discovered on trendy motherboards that possess this function is usually of the identical high quality as a very good devoted PCIe wireless card. If you wish to make sure of how good a sure motherboard’s WiFi functionality is, examine evaluations of that specific motherboard mannequin. Additionally, in order for you assist for the newest high-end WiFi 6 gaming routers, be sure the motherboard states assist 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. For those who want Bluetooth assist for no matter purpose, examine 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 setting up a dual graphics card setup with NVidia SLI or AMD CrossFire know-how both now or down the road (not advisable to the vast majority of avid gamers because it’s simply not cost-effective) then your motherboard might want to checklist official assist for both (it’s going to say within the specs). Often solely higher-end boards will assist each SLI and CrossFire, however CrossFire assist is kind of frequent on mid-range motherboards.
For those who’re a loopy one and doing greater than the standard 2 means SLI/CrossFire, resembling 3 or 4-Approach for some excessive GPU energy, you may additionally need to examine assist 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 trendy motherboard ought to come shipped with at the least 1, and certain 2, SATA information cables for connecting SATA hard 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 (often in their very own separate bag discovered within the case field or taped to the within of the case).
Associated: How to Install 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, trendy motherboards do not have onboard graphics, nevertheless they do (or don’t) have the assist for CPUs which have built-in graphics. In different phrases, in case you’re shopping for a CPU with built-in graphics resembling the favored Ryzen 3 2200G/3200G or Ryzen 5 3400G/2400G (technically referred to as APUs), your motherboard chipset should state assist for the APU sequence you select. You additionally need to examine the motherboard video output ports (resembling HDMI or Displayport) to make sure your monitor has the best connection and cable.
Is Onboard Motherboard Audio Good for Gaming?
All trendy motherboards include built-in onboard audio (referred to because the audio codec), and it is virtually all the time fairly good so there isn’t any have to get a dedicated sound card for gaming until you are an audiophile (sound fanatic) desirous to take full benefit of very costly premium audio system or professional studio headphones (or in case you’re actually into audio manufacturing). For many good PC gaming headsets although, onboard motherboard audio is simply wonderful.
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