Chipset motherboard - these are blocks of microcircuits (literally, a chip set, that is, a set of chips) that are responsible for the operation of all other computer components. The performance and speed of your PC also depends on it.
As you understand, in addition, close attention should be paid to the chipset placed on it, especially when we are talking about modern powerful home or gaming computers.
They are easy to identify visually on the motherboard - these are large black microcircuits, which are sometimes covered with cooling radiators.
In the already outdated design of the motherboard, the chipset chips were divided into two blocks - the north and south bridge according to their location on the diagram.
The functions of the north bridge are to ensure the operation of the processor with RAM (RAM controller) and video card (PCI-E x16 controller). The southern one is responsible for connecting the processor with other computer devices - hard drives, optical drives, expansion cards, etc. through SATA controllers, IDE, PCI-E x1, PCI, USB, sound.
The main performance characteristic of the chipset in this architecture is the data bus (System Bus), designed to exchange information between the various parts that make up the computer. All components work with the chipset through buses, each at its own speed. This is clearly visible in the chipset diagram.
The performance of the entire PC depends precisely on the speed of the bus that connects it to the chipset itself. In Intel chipset terminology, this bus is referred to as FSB (Front Side Bus).
In the description of the motherboard, this is referred to as “bus frequency” or “bus bandwidth”.
Let's take a closer look at these characteristics of the data bus. It is determined by two indicators - frequency and width.
- Frequency is the data transfer rate, which is measured in megahertz (MHz, MHz) or gigahertz (GHz, GHz). The higher this indicator, the higher the performance of the entire system as a whole (for example, 3 GHz).
- Width- the number of bytes that the bus has the ability to transfer at a time in bytes (for example, 2 Bt). The greater the width, the more information the bus can transmit in a certain period of time.
When multiplying these two quantities, we get a third, which is precisely indicated in the diagrams - throughput, which is measured in gigabytes per second (Gb/s, Gb/s). From our example, we multiply 3 GHz by 2 Bytes and get 6 Gb/s.
In the picture below, the bus bandwidth is 8.5 gigabytes per second.
The north bridge communicates with the RAM using a built-in two-channel controller via the RAM Bus, which has 128 contacts (x128). When working with memory in single-channel mode, only 64 tracks are used, so for maximum performance it is recommended to use 2 memory modules connected to different channels.
Architecture without northbridge
In the latest generation processors, the north bridge is already built into the processor chip itself, which significantly increases its performance. Therefore, on new motherboards it is completely absent - only the south bridge remains.
In the example below, the chipset does not have a north bridge, since its function is taken over by a processor with a built-in video core, but from it we also see the designation of the data bus speed.
Modern processors use the QPI (QuickPath Interconnect) bus, as well as the PCI-e x16 graphics controller, which used to be in the northbridge and is now built into the processor. As a result of them becoming embedded, the main data bus characteristics are not as important as they were in the previous generation dual-bridge architecture.
In modern chipsets on new boards, there is another bus operation parameter - transfers per second, which indicates the number of data transfer operations per second. For example, 3200 MT/s (megatransfers per second) or 3.2 GT/s (gigatransfers).
The same characteristic is indicated in the descriptions of processors. Moreover, if the chipset has a bus speed of 3.2 GT/s, and the processor, for example, has 2 GT/s, then this combination will operate at a lower value.
Chipset manufacturers
The main players in the market of chipset manufacturers are the companies already familiar to us from Intel and AMD, as well as NVidea, which is better known to users for its video cards, and Asus.
Since the main manufacturers today are the first two, let's take a look at modern and already outdated models.
Intel chipsets
Modern- 8x, 7x and 6x series.
Outdated- 5x, 4x and 3x, as well as NVidea.
Marking a chipset with a letter before a number indicates the power of the chipset within one line.
- X- maximum performance for gaming computers
- R- high performance for powerful computers mass application
- G- for a regular home or office computer
- B, Q- for business. The characteristics are the same as “G”, but have additional functions, such as remote maintenance and access monitoring for administrators of large offices and enterprises.
Recently, several more new series have been introduced for the new LGA 1155 chipset:
- N- for ordinary users
- R 67— for enthusiasts who are planning further upgrades and overclocking of the system
- Z— a universal option, combines the characteristics of the two previous ones
From the chipset diagram you can easily understand what built-in and external functions it supports. For example, let's look at the diagram of the modern high-performance Intel Z77 chipset.
The first thing that attracts attention is the absence of a north bridge. As we can see, this chipset works with processors with integrated graphics core (Processor Graphics) series Intel Core. For home computer the built-in core will be enough to work with documents and watch videos. However, if greater performance is required, for example when installing modern games, then the chipset supports the installation of several video cards in the slot PCI Express 3. Moreover, when installing 1 video card, it will use 16 lines, two - each with 8 lines, or one 8, the other 4, and the remaining 4 lines will be used to work with devices using Thunderbolt technology.
The chipset is also ready for further upgrades and system overclocking (Intel Extreme Tuning Support).
For comparison, let's look at another chipset - Intel P67, which is shown below. Its main difference from the Z77 is that it does not support working with the processor’s built-in video core.
This means that a motherboard equipped with a P67 will not be able to work with the integrated graphics core of the processor and you will definitely have to buy a discrete (separate) video card for it.
AMD chipsets
Modern— Axx series (for processors with a built-in video core), 9xx and 8xx.
Outdated— 7хх, nForce and GeForce, with the exception of some models.
The weakest in terms of performance are those models whose names contain only numbers.
- Letters G or V in the model name indicates the presence of a built-in video card in the chipset.
- X or GX- support for two separate (discrete) video cards, but not on full power(8 lines each).
- FX are the most powerful chipsets that fully support multiple graphics cards.
The bus that connects the processor and the chipset is called Hyper Transport (HT) by AMD. In modern chipsets working with sockets AM2+, AM3, AM3+ it is version 3.0, in AM2 it is 2.0.
- HT 2.0: max frequency - 1400 MHz, width 4 bytes, bandwidth 2.8 GT/s
- HT 3.0: max frequency 2600 MHz, width 4 bytes, bandwidth 5.3 GT/s
Let's look at an example of a motherboard description on the website and determine which chipset is installed on it.
In this picture we have the MSI Z77A-G43 model - from the name itself it is clear that it is equipped with an Intel Z77 chipset, which is also confirmed in detailed description.
And here is the ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0 board with a powerful chipset from AMD 990FX, which is also evident both from the name and from the detailed description.
What is the best motherboard chipset?
Let's summarize - which chipset is better to choose for your computer?
It all depends on what purpose you are building your PC for. If this is an office or home computer on which you do not plan to install games, then it is advisable to choose a chipset that works with processors with an integrated graphics core. By purchasing such a board and, accordingly, a processor with built-in video, you will receive a kit that is quite suitable for working with documents and even watching videos in good quality.
If you require more in-depth work with graphics, for example, for average video games or graphics applications, then you will use a separate video card, which means there is no point in overpaying for a graphics chipset that supports work with the built-in video processor - it is better if it provides maximum performance video cards.
For the most powerful gaming computers and to a lesser extent for those that will work with graphics-intensive professional programs choose the most productive models that fully support working with multiple video cards.
I hope this article has opened the curtain a little for you on the mystery of motherboard chipsets and now you can more correctly choose these components for your computer! Well, to consolidate your knowledge, watch the video tutorial posted at the beginning of the article.
The chipset of a computer or laptop motherboard is a whole set of chips that are responsible for the coordinated operation of all connected components, including the processor, video card, RAM, hard disks and any other peripherals. Knowing the chipset model, you can set the maximum capabilities and set of functions of the motherboard. Most often, this information is needed when upgrading, for example, to select a new, more powerful processor. But how can you find out the markings of the installed chipset?
Conventionally, the chipset is divided into two components:
- north bridge;
- south bridge.
The first is responsible for the proper and coordinated operation of the processor, video card, RAM (conventionally this set is called “logic”), the second is responsible for all other connected devices and peripherals.
On a note! More modern motherboards, and especially laptops, use combined bridges called multicontrollers (or “hubs”).
Knowing the chipset model, you can find out which processors the motherboard supports, the maximum amount of RAM, as well as the allowed number of USB ports and drives. Today the most well-known manufacturers chipsets are Intel, AMD (a few years ago Nvidia was also in this field, but later the company focused on video adapters).
If you want to know in more detail, you can read an article about it on our portal.
How to find out the chipset model?
The surest way to find out the chipset model is to visually inspect the motherboard. But for this you will need to disassemble your PC or laptop (which many people may have problems with). The name of the chipset is indicated on both the north and south bridges. As a rule, the chips themselves are soldered (BGA socket) and covered with a small heatsink (the chipset in most motherboard models does not heat up as much as the processor or GPU).
An easier option is to use specialized programs. The best in this regard are AIDA64 (or more old version Everest utilities), as well as CPU-Z.
AIDA64
You can download the program on the official website https://www.aida64.com/downloads (trial version, working for 30 days, then you need to buy license key). You should download the Extreme, Engineer or Business edition (their functionality is identical, the only difference is in the form of customer service support).
- Go to the official website, select the program version, click on the “Download” button.
- Click the mouse to launch the downloaded file.
- In the Setup Wizard window, click Next.
- Accept the terms of the agreement, click “Next”.
- Check the appropriate options and click “Next”.
- Click Install.
- Check the box so that the program starts after installation, click “Finish”.
- To find out the chipset model, just go to the side menu in the “Motherboard” - “Chipset” section. The marking is indicated in the description of the south or north bridge device (one or two letters followed by 2 - 4 numbers, for example - HM76).
On a note! This instruction is also suitable for the Everest program (visually they also look the same).
CPU-Z
CPU-Z can be downloaded from official page project https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html.
After installing and launching the program, the chipset model can be found in the “Mainboard” section, the “Chipset” or “Sourthbridge” item (depending on whether the board has bridges or a combined multicontroller).
Where can I get drivers for the chipset?
In 99% of cases, there is no need to install drivers for the chipset - they are already integrated into Windows. If something is not working correctly (USB is running at minimum speed, the processor frequency is too low, the video card is not recognized properly), then only then should the drivers be installed. But be sure to download from the manufacturer’s website (or laptop), and not from the AMD or Intel websites!
For example, for Asus laptop X55C with HM76 chipset driver can be obtained as follows:
Step 1. Go to the official ASUS website (asus.com).
Step 2. Enter “Asus x55c” into the search form.
Step 3. Click on the required model and go to the review section for this model. Next, select “Support” - “Drivers”.
Step 4. Select the required version of the operating system.
Step 5. Find the item with “Chipset” and download the required file.
How to find out the capabilities of the chipset?
Data on the specifications of certain chipsets can be found on the official websites of AMD or Intel. For example, to get information about the HM76 (Intel) chipset you need to:
Step 1. Go to Google, enter in search bar"Intel HM76".
In total, you can find out the brand of the installed chipset without disassembling your PC or laptop.
Important! But it’s worth considering that not all chipset capabilities are always used by manufacturers. Detailed specifications must be clarified with the company that produced it.
Video - Motherboard chipset
Hi all.
Despite the fact that I already wrote about motherboards here mulberry. But still, I decided to cover the topic of the chipset separately.
It is useful for every computer user to know what a motherboard chipset is. After all, it is this small component that ensures the correct and coordinated operation of all components of the computer. In this article you will find a detailed and accessible answer to this question.
Introduction to the term
To explain what a chipset is, it is worth giving only a translation of the term from in English- This is a set of chips.
You can also call it the system logic of a computer. It takes up little space on the motherboard, but plays a big role in its functionality.
Microcircuits establish communication between the processor, RAM, video card, input/output devices and other devices so that they can perform joint tasks.
For example, you wanted to watch a movie. To do this you need to click on the required file, the request will be processed by the CPU, the video adapter will display the image on the screen, and sound card will allow you to hear the voices of the heroes. To ensure that all devices understand each other when you give them some command, this very chipset exists.
Chipset Chipset Structure
It includes a south and north bridge. Sometimes manufacturers combine all functions into one chip. Most often, this option is found with the manufacturer Intel. This version is called single-chip, and the traditional one is called double-bridge.
Why a bridge? As already mentioned, the chipset connects devices together, like a real shore bridge. North and south - determining the location of the microcircuits: the first is on top, the second is on the bottom.
Let's figure out what each of them is. I’ll show you using a laptop motherboard as an example:
Additional equipment
In addition to two bridges, the chipset comes with auxiliary elements:
- Since northern chips bear the heaviest load, their operating temperatures can exceed 35 °C. To avoid overheating, they are usually equipped with a radiator.
- Data buses are used to connect bridges to each other. They differ from one chip manufacturer to another. For example, Intel equips its products with DMI and QPI buses, Nvidia - Hyper Transport, AMD - PCI Express, or the same as the previous manufacturer.
- There are chipsets that also have a Super I/O chip connected to the south side via the Low Pin Count bus. It is responsible for low-speed RS232, PS/2, LPT modules. But such models are rare.
Note
When purchasing hardware, make sure that the motherboard is compatible with the processor. Otherwise, no chipset will be able to make them agree with each other. It is necessary that the motherboard has a socket corresponding to the processor - a connector where it is inserted.
Thank you for your attention.
Every owner personal computer periodically encounters specific terms from the field. A striking example is “motherboard chipset.” Although understanding the meaning of this term is not necessary for daily computer use, this information broadens the user's horizons. chipset allows you to easily classify motherboards by generation, which makes it possible to eliminate attempts at deception by dishonest sellers.
Everyone is familiar with the main components of a computer. This is a video card, RAM modules, motherboard, etc. All these components are sold in the corresponding stores, so visitors have at least a general idea, which cannot be said about the chipset. It’s no wonder that the question “what is a chipset” is so often asked on the Internet. In this case there is nothing difficult to understand. To understand this issue well, let's start from afar.
As you know, almost all components are connected to the motherboard. It is the basis through which it is possible to tie all the knots together. Obviously, the banal placement of connectors on a rectangular PCB plate is not enough. The processor must have access to all ports and sockets peripheral devices. In this case, you cannot do without an intermediary. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that there was a special VESA bus, many of the lines of which were connected directly to the processor stages, but this solution had a number of limitations. You can answer the question of what a chipset is as follows - it is a node that connects all the main data lines of the motherboard.
Physically, motherboard chipsets are represented by one or more microcircuits. More recently, there were two of them, called Northern and Southern Bridges. Such unusual names are due to the peculiarity of their placement on the board - one microcircuit (chip) is at the top and the other at the bottom. Accordingly, the first is Bridge), and the second is South. In light of the above, the answer to the question of what a chipset is may be this - it is a set of integrated circuits that ensure the coordinated operation of all components.
The north bridge is the link between the central processor, RAM (the controller is located here) and the video adapter bus. The operating speed is relatively high, so due to heat generation, a cooling system is often located on this chip.
Performs more functions, but at lower speeds. Interaction with BIOS chips, audio codec support, synchronization with microcircuits additional features(USB 3.0, iTE) - this is an incomplete list of tasks performed. In addition, the South Bridge contains USB and SATA port controllers, and the common one connects the bridge and the central processor.
To reduce signal latency and improve overall performance, all major manufacturers central processing units their latest models integrate memory and video controllers directly into the processor die. In fact, this means the abolition of the classic concept of the Northbridge, since its functions are now assigned to the processor. That is why on all modern motherboards there is only one large chip (except for the processor) - the South Bridge. The instructions for the board always contain a sheet with a block diagram. It schematically shows the communication lines of all components with each other. It is enough to at least familiarize yourself with it so that some of the questions about the chipset will disappear by themselves.
All other components are connected to the motherboard; the service life and stability of the entire computer depend on it. In addition, it should allow you to connect everything necessary devices and provide the opportunity to improve the computer in the future.
Produces some of the best motherboards ASUS company, but they are also the most expensive. Today, MSI motherboards are the best in terms of price/quality ratio, and I will recommend them first. As a more budget-friendly option, you can consider motherboards from ASRock and Gigabyte; they also have successful models. Gaming motherboards have better sound And network card.
For Intel processors on socket 1151 v2
Best option:
Maternal MSI board B360M MORTAR
Or a gaming motherboard: MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON
MSI B360 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard
Or an analogue: MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING
MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING motherboard
For AMD processors on socket AM4
Best option: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M
Gigabyte B450 AORUS M motherboard
Or full size: Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO
Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO motherboard
2. Basics of choosing the right motherboard
You should not install a powerful processor on the cheapest motherboard, as the motherboard will not withstand heavy load for a long time. And vice versa, the weakest processor does not need an expensive motherboard, since it is money thrown away.
The motherboard must be selected after all the others have been selected, since it determines what class the motherboard should be and what connectors it should have for connecting the selected components.
Each motherboard has its own processor that controls all the devices connected to it and is called a chipset. The functionality of the motherboard depends on the chipset and is selected depending on the purpose of the computer.
3.1. Chipset developers
Chipsets for modern motherboards are developed by two companies: Intel and AMD.
If you have chosen Intel processor, then the motherboard should be on Intel chipset, if AMD – on an AMD chipset.
3.2. Intel chipsets
The main modern Intel chipsets include the following:
- B250/H270 – for office, multimedia and gaming PCs
- Q270 – for the corporate sector
- Z270 – for powerful gaming and professional PCs
- X99/X299 – for very powerful professional PCs
They are being replaced by promising chipsets with support for 8th generation processors:
- H310 – for office PCs
- B360/H370 – for multimedia and gaming PCs
- Q370 – for the corporate sector
- Z370 – for powerful gaming and professional PCs
For most computers, motherboards with B250/H270 and B360/H370 chipsets are suitable. H chipsets have more PCI-E lanes than B chipsets, which is important only when installing more than two video cards or several more fast SSD PCI-E. So for the average user there is no difference between them. Q chipsets differ from B only in supporting special security features and remote control, which is used only in the corporate sector.
Z chipsets have even more PCI-E lanes than H chipsets, allow overclocking of processors with the “K” index, support memory with frequencies above 2400 MHz and combining from 2 to 5 disks in RAID array, which is not available on other chipsets. They are more suitable for powerful gaming and professional PCs.
Motherboards based on X99/X299 chipsets are needed only for heavy-duty and expensive professional PCs with processors on sockets 2011-3/2066, respectively (we'll talk about this below).
3.3. AMD chipsets
The main modern AMD chipsets include the following.
- A320 – for office and multimedia PCs
- B350 – for gaming and professional PCs
- X370 – for enthusiasts
- X399 – for very powerful professional PCs
The A320 chipset does not have the ability to overclock the processor, while the B350 has such functionality. The X370 is also equipped with a large number of PCI-E lanes for installing multiple video cards. Well, X399 is designed for professional processors on the TR4 socket.
3.4. How do chipsets differ?
Chipsets have a lot of differences, but we are only interested in their conditional division by purpose in order to select a motherboard that matches the purpose of the computer.
We are not interested in the remaining parameters of the chipsets, since we will focus on the parameters of a specific motherboard. After choosing a chipset to suit your needs, you can start choosing a motherboard based on its characteristics and connectors.
4. Motherboard manufacturers
The best motherboards in the above-average price range are made by ASUS, but they are also the most expensive. This company pays less attention to entry-level motherboards and in this case it is not worth overpaying for the brand.
MSI motherboards across the entire price range have a good price/quality ratio.
As a more economical option, you can consider motherboards from Gigabyte and ASRock (a subsidiary of ASUS); they have a more loyal pricing policy and they also have successful models.
It is also worth noting that Intel itself produces motherboards based on its chipsets. These motherboards have consistent quality, but low functionality and a higher price. They are in demand mainly in the corporate sector.
Motherboards from other manufacturers are not so popular and have more limited the lineup and I don’t think it’s advisable to purchase them.
5. Motherboard form factor
The form factor is the physical size of the motherboard. The main form factors of motherboards are: ATX, MicroATX (mATX) and Mini-ITX.
ATX(305×244 mm) – full-size motherboard format, is optimal for a desktop computer, has the largest number of slots, and is installed in ATX cases.
MicroATX(244×244 mm) – a smaller motherboard format, has fewer slots, can be installed in both full-size (ATX) cases and more compact cases (mATX).
Mini-ITX(170x170 mm) – ultra-compact motherboards for assembling very small PCs in appropriate cases. It should be taken into account that such systems have a number of restrictions on the size of components and cooling.
There are other less common motherboard form factors.
Processor socket is a connector for connecting the processor to motherboard. The motherboard must have the same socket as the processor.
Processor sockets are constantly undergoing changes and new modifications appear from year to year. I recommend purchasing a processor and motherboard with the most modern socket. This will ensure that both the processor and motherboard can be replaced in the next few years.
6.1. Intel processor sockets
- Obsolete: 478, 775, 1155, 1156, 2011
- Obsolete: 1150, 2011-3
- The most modern: 1151, 1151-v2, 2066
6.2. AMD processor sockets
- Obsolete: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
- Obsolete: AM3+, FM2+
- The most modern: AM4, TR4
motherboards compact formats often have 2 slots for installing memory modules. Large ATX boards are usually equipped with 4 memory slots. Free slots may be needed if you plan to add memory in the future.
8. Memory type and frequency supported
Modern motherboards support DDR4 memory. Inexpensive motherboards are designed for a lower maximum memory frequency (2400, 2666 MHz). Mid- and high-end motherboards can support memory with more high frequency(3400-3600 MHz).
However, memory with a frequency of 3000 MHz and higher is significantly more expensive, but does not provide a noticeable performance increase (especially in games). In addition, there are more problems with such memory; the processor may work with it less stably. Therefore, it is advisable to overpay for a motherboard and high-frequency memory only when assembling a very powerful professional PC.
Today, the most optimal price/performance ratio is DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2400 MHz, which is supported by modern motherboards.
9. Connectors for installing video cards
Modern motherboards have a PCI Express connector (PCI-E x16) latest version 3.0 for installing video cards.
If your motherboard has several of these connectors, you can install multiple video cards to improve gaming performance. But in most cases, installing one more powerful video card is a better solution.
Also, free PCI-E x16 slots can be used to install other expansion cards with a PCI-E x4 or x1 slot (for example, a fast SSD or sound card).
10. Slots for expansion cards
Slots for expansion cards are special connectors for connecting various additional devices, such as: TV tuner, Wi-Fi adapter and etc.
Older motherboards used PCI slots to accommodate expansion cards. This connector may be needed if you have such cards, for example, a professional sound card or TV tuner.
Modern motherboards use PCI-E x1 slots or extra PCI-E x16 slots to install expansion cards. It is desirable that the motherboard have at least 1-2 such connectors that are not overlapped by the video card.
IN modern computer PCI connectors of the old type are not necessary, since you can already purchase any device with a new PCI-E connector.
The motherboard has many internal connectors for connection various devices inside the case.
11.1. SATA connectors
Modern motherboards have universal SATA 3 connectors, which are perfect for connecting hard drives, solid state drives(SSD) and optical drives.
Several of these connectors can be placed in a separate block, forming a combined SATA Express connector.
This connector was previously used to connect fast SSDs, but you can also connect any SATA drives to it.
11.2. M.2 connector
Also, many modern motherboards are equipped with an M.2 connector, which is used primarily for ultra-fast SSDs.
This connector has mounts for installing cards of various sizes, which must be taken into account when choosing an SSD. But now only the most common size 2280 is usually used.
It would also be good if the M.2 connector supports both SATA and PCI-E modes, as well as the NVMe specification for fast SSDs.
11.3. Motherboard power connector
Modern motherboards have a 24-pin power connector.
All power supplies are equipped with a similar connector.
11.4. CPU power connector
The motherboard may have a 4 or 8 pin processor power connector.
If the connector is 8-pin, then it is desirable that the power supply has two 4-pin connectors, which are inserted into it. If the processor is not very powerful, then it can be powered by one 4-pin connector and everything will work, but the voltage drops on it will be higher, especially during overclocking.
11.5. Location of internal connectors
The picture below shows the main internal motherboard connectors that we talked about.
12. Integrated devices
In addition to the chipset and various connectors for connecting components, the motherboard has various integrated devices.
12.1. Integrated graphics card
If you decide that the computer will not be used for games and do not purchase a separate video card, then the motherboard must support processors with a video core and have the appropriate connectors. Motherboards designed for processors with a video core may have VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI connectors.
It is desirable to have a DVI connector on the motherboard for connecting modern monitors. To connect your TV to your computer, you need an HDMI connector. Please also note that some budget monitors only have a VGA connector, which in this case should also be on the motherboard.
12.2. Integrated sound card
All modern motherboards have an HDA (High Definition Audio) class audio codec. On budget models appropriate audio codecs(ALC8xx, ALC9xx), which in principle are sufficient for most users. More expensive gaming motherboards have better codecs (ALC1150, ALC1220) and a headphone amplifier that provide higher sound quality.
Motherboards usually have 3, 5 or 6 3.5mm jacks for connecting audio devices. An optical and sometimes coaxial digital audio output may also be present.
For connecting speakers of a 2.0 or 2.1 system. 3 audio outputs are quite enough.
If you plan to connect multi-channel speakers, then it is advisable that the motherboard have 5-6 audio connectors. An optical audio output may be required to connect a high-quality audio system.
12.3. Integrated network card
All modern motherboards have a built-in network card with a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbit/s (1 Gb/s) and an RJ-45 connector for connecting to the Internet.
Budget motherboards are equipped with appropriate network cards manufactured by Realtek. More expensive gaming motherboards may have better network connections Intel cards, Killer, which has a positive effect on ping in online games Oh. But often the operation of online games depends more on the quality of the Internet than on the network card.
It is highly advisable to connect to the Internet through, which will reflect network attacks and will increase the protection of the motherboard from electrical breakdowns on the part of the provider.
12.4. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Some motherboards may have built-in Wi-Fi and bluetooth adapter. Such motherboards are more expensive and are used mainly for assembling compact media centers. If you don’t need this functionality now, you can purchase the necessary adapter later if the need arises.
13. External motherboard connectors
Depending on the number of integrated devices and the class of the motherboard, it may have different connectors on the rear panel for connecting external devices.
Description of connectors from top to bottom
- USB 3.0– a connector for connecting fast flash drives and external drives, it is desirable to have at least 4 such connectors.
- PS/2– the old connector for connecting a mouse and keyboard, which is no longer available on all motherboards, is optional, since modern mice and keyboards are connected via USB.
- DVI– connector for connecting a monitor on motherboards with built-in video.
- Wi-Fi antenna connectors– available only on some expensive boards with a Wi-Fi adapter.
- HDMI– connector for connecting a TV on motherboards with built-in video.
- DisplayPort– connector for connecting some monitors.
- Button reset BIOS – optional, used when the computer freezes during overclocking.
- eSATA– used for external drives with a similar connector, optional.
- USB 2.0– a connector for connecting a keyboard, mouse, printer and many other devices; 2 of these connectors (or USB 3.0 connectors) are enough. Also, modern motherboards may have USB 3.1 connectors (Type-A, Type-C), which are faster, but still rarely used.
- RJ-45– connector for connecting to local network or the Internet, required.
- Optical audio output– for connecting high-quality acoustics (speakers).
- Audio outputs– for connecting audio speakers (2.0-5.1 system).
- Microphone– connection of a microphone or headset is always available.
14. Electronic components
Cheap motherboards use the lowest quality electronic components: transistors, capacitors, chokes, etc. Accordingly, the reliability and service life of such motherboards are the lowest. For example, electrolytic capacitors can swell after 2-3 years of computer operation, which leads to malfunctions and the need for repairs.
Mid- and high-end motherboards may use higher quality electronic components (such as Japanese solid capacitors). Manufacturers often emphasize this with some slogan: Solid Caps (solid-state capacitors), Military Standard (military standard), Super Alloy Power (reliable power system). These motherboards are more reliable and can last longer.
15. Processor power supply circuit
The power supply circuit of the processor determines how powerful a processor can be installed on a specific motherboard without the risk of overheating and premature failure, as well as power loss when overclocking the processor.
A mid-range motherboard with a 10-phase power supply can handle non-extreme overclocking of a processor with a TDP of up to 120 W. For more voracious stones, it is better to take a motherboard with a 12-16 phase power system.
16. Cooling system
Cheap motherboards either have no heatsinks at all, or have a small heatsink on the chipset and sometimes on the mosfets (transistors) near the processor socket. In principle, if you use such boards for their intended purpose and install the same weak processors on them, then they should not overheat.
On mid- and high-end motherboards, which are equipped with more powerful processors, it is desirable that the radiators were larger.
17. Motherboard firmware
Firmware is the built-in firmware that controls all functions of the motherboard. Many motherboards have already moved from BIOS firmware with classic text menu to a more modern UEFI with a convenient graphical interface.
In addition, gaming motherboards have a number of advanced features, which distinguishes them from more budget solutions.
18. Equipment
Typically, the motherboard comes with: a user manual, a disk with drivers, a plug for the rear panel of the case and several SATA cables. The complete set of the motherboard can be found on the website of the seller or manufacturer. If you are collecting new computer, then calculate in advance how many and what kind of cables you need, so that if necessary, order them immediately.
Some motherboard models have an extended configuration, which may include many different cables and brackets with connectors. For example, such motherboards from ASUS used to have the word Deluxe in their names, but now they may be some Pro versions. They cost more, but usually all these add-ons remain unclaimed, so it makes more sense to buy a better motherboard for the same money.
19. How to find out the characteristics of the motherboard
All characteristics of the motherboard, such as supported processors and memory, types and number of internal and external connectors, etc. Check the manufacturer's website for the exact model number. There you can also see images of the motherboard, from which you can easily determine the location of the connectors, the quality of the power supply and cooling system. It would also be a good idea to look for reviews of a specific motherboard on the Internet before purchasing.
20. Optimal motherboard
Now you know everything you need about motherboards and can choose for yourself suitable model. But I will still give you some recommendations.
For a mid-class office, multimedia or gaming computer (Core i5 + GTX 1060), an inexpensive motherboard on socket 1151 with an Intel B250/H270 or B360/H370 chipset (for 8th generation processors) is suitable.
For a powerful gaming computer (Core i7 + GTX 1070/1080), it is better to take a motherboard on socket 1151 with powerful system power supply for a processor based on the Intel B250/H270 or Z270 chipset (for overclocking). For 8th generation processors, you respectively need a motherboard with an Intel B360/H370 or Z370 chipset (for overclocking). If you want better sound, a network card and the funds allow, then take a motherboard from the gaming series (Gaming, etc.).
For professional tasks, such as video rendering and other heavy applications, it is better to take a motherboard on socket AM4 for multi-threaded AMD Ryzen processors on the B350/X370 chipset.
Select the format (ATX, mATX), types and number of connectors as needed. Manufacturer - any popular one (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock) or based on our recommendations (this is more a matter of taste or budget).
21. Setting up filters in the online store
Thus, you will receive a motherboard with the optimal price/quality/functionality ratio that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.
22. Links
MSI H370 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard
Motherboard Asus ROG Strix B360-F GAMING
Gigabyte H370 AORUS GAMING 3 WIFI motherboard
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