Build Your Own

Home PC Computer System

The motherboard is arguably the most critical component to the home PC computer system you build. Think of it as the spine through which every component, even your peripheral devices, must be connected. A good motherboard adds functionality and performance to any system you build so take the time to learn what to look for before you buy.

Motherboard

It cannot be over stressed that the motherboard is the MOST important part of your computer. It is worth investing in a decent motherboard rather than a CPU (although if financially acceptable, both) as your motherboard is what connects different parts of the computer together. In addition, the difference between a cheap and a quality motherboard is typically around $100. A good motherboard allows a modest CPU and RAM to run at maximum efficiency whereas a bad motherboard restricts high-end products to run only at modest levels. A high quality motherboard can go for $200 U.S. or more. There are 6 things one must consider in choosing a motherboard:

CPU Interface

The CPU interface is the "plug" that your processor goes into. For your processor to physically fit in the motherboard, the interface must be an exact match to your processor. Intel currently has two mainstream formats, the older Socket 478 (which is gradually being phased out) and the newer Land Grid Array 775, which supports higher end CPU with HT technology due to its more efficient transfer rate. AMD currently uses three sockets, AM2, 754 and 939. New AM2 sockets are faster (compatible with DDR II RAM) and more efficient than the older two. Socket 754 was aimed at the value market, while Socket 939 was for performance applications.

To ensure that the processor has the correct interface as the motherboard supports, the vendor would typically list this information on its specifications.

Formfactor

You must choose a case that your motherboard can fit inside of. A MicroATX motherboard will do, mostly because it can fit, and it fits many type of CPU sockets, while an ATX motherboard is also viable. Other choices such as MiniITX and NanoITX may also be considered for small form factor or home entertainment computers. The new BTX form factor may be used by enthusiasts. Note that much of the time, an ATX case can contain Micro-ATX motherboards.

Chipset

Chipsets are also important as it determines the efficiency of RAM and Expansion slots

• Intel 915 supports up to 533MHz PC4200 DDRII RAM
• Intel 925 supports up to 600MHz PC4800 DDRII RAM

All currently existing and in AMD formats currently use DDR RAM, with the standard 400MHz PC3200 being most common. Most Intel socket 478 processors also use the older DDR RAM

The functions of BIOS is highly important. Some BIOS features crash proof functions essential for updating the firmware. Other motherboards allow BIOS control of overclocking of CPU, RAM and Graphics card which are much more stable and safer for overclocking. Newer BIOS have temperature controls, and functions that shut down the computer if the temperature gets too high.

IDE (ATA) or SATA interface

Older PCs have the two IDE interface which are parallel 44 pin connectors but as the motherboard cannot access two devices connected on the same IDE port simultaneously, this has caused a drawback in speed of hard drives and DVD-drives. The newer serial ATA (SATA) interface has 4 separate slots that allow independent access and thus increases the speed of which hard drives work. The cables are also narrower, improving the air flow inside the case.

The suport for older IDE drives is starting to disapear. The new G/Q/P 965 chipset series from intel droped completly the suport for such devices. Nevertheless, all motherboard makers are still including an aditional IDE controler in their boards, and the possibility to buy an extra PCI IDE controler will remain.

Expansion slot interfaces

Old motherboards may have one or more the following slots:

• AGP - for graphics cards (ranging from AGP 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x)
• PCI - for expansion cards and obsolete low end graphics cards

Note that some graphics cards that run on PCI interfaces are not always obsolete. ATI still manufactures PCI graphics cards, but for better performance try a card supporting PCI-Express. AGP is not a good idea, becuase it requires specific steps to set up, and the drivers, if not updated, do not support the card. You may come upon ancient motherboards with neither AGP or PCI, but don't waste your time trying to reuse them.

Due to the evolution of new graphics cards on the serial PCI-Express Technology, current newer motherboards have the following connections:

• PCI-Express 16x for mainstream graphics cards (4 times speed of AGP 8x)
• PCI-Express 1x for faster expansion cards (replacing older PCI)
• PCI for use of old expansion cards (would be phased out)

Older AGP 8x graphics cards are generally being phased out for PCI-Express 16x, as the speed and efficiency is about 4 times that of the AGP 8x technology. Old PCI cards are either now built into the motherboard (for sound cards, LAN cards, IEEE 1394 firewire and USB 2.0 interfaces) or becoming PCI-Express variants.

Other Connectors

Some considerations for other connectors and expansions include:

• USB - the number and version of USB connectors (USB 1.0, 1.1 or 2.0)
• On-Board Sound Card - Stereo, 3.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1
• On-Board Graphics Card (Phasing Out)
• On-Board Base 100 LAN Card
• Serial COM or Parallel Printer Ports
• On-Board IEEE 1394 Firewire

At least 6 USB 2.0 ports are recommended for high speed access. On-Board Graphics cards are generally becoming obsolete as they cannot match the newer PCI-Express 16x technology, especially for gaming where high cooling and efficiency is required. USB ports sometimes can come bundled into the front of your computer case for easier access. (Most on-board graphics chipsets are Intel's Extreme Graphics (2), a very obsolete graphics interface.)

Modern motherboards usually come with onboard sound, which is more than enough for the average user. If you are particular about audio quality or plan to use your computer to record high-end audio, you may prefer to use a dedicated sound card (preferably PCI-Express 1x). Some high-end motherboards support on-board 5.1 Channel Dolby surround sounds so this may also be a consideration.

Onboard graphics are very acceptable for anyone not playing performance demanding 3D games or using 3D graphics applications such as Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). Onboard graphics will use a small amount of system RAM as graphics memory (often called shared memory). Purchasing a motherboard with a built-in graphics card is an easy way to save money for an office computer.

If you want gigabit Ethernet capabilities, you should purchase a motherboard with the feature built in. By being built into the motherboard, it will have a faster link to all your components than it would through a PCI expansion card. Also, if you'd like to import Digital Video (DV) onto your system, many higher-end motherboards offer onboard FireWire ports.

If you are upgrading an older computer, keep in mind the motherboard's number and type of expansion board slots.

Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe ATX Motherboard with NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP (Socket AM2)