What conditions are guided by when choosing a computer case. Choosing the right motherboard - instructions from "A" to "Z

Building your own PC is not easy. It is important to carefully consider every detail of the system. But most users don't think about how to choose motherboard or power supply. They put all their energy into buying a processor and a video card. All this leads to the fact that the components may be unbalanced or, even worse, incompatible.

Importance

It is imperative to figure out how to choose a motherboard for a computer. All other elements of the system are connected to this platform. It affects the service life and stability of the PC.

In addition to the fact that all devices must be compatible with it, it should make it possible to improve the system in the future. Therefore, it is very important to look to the future when choosing a motherboard, since technologies are developing, and gaming computers are updated every 1-2 years.

Motherboard

Motherboards can be not only in the computer, but also in other devices. But since we are considering exactly the PC system, we will not delve into third-party topics and consider the components of the computer board.

The motherboard has major non-removable parts. These include:

• connector for;
• slots for random access memory;
• north and south bridges;
• boot ROM;
• various expansion slots;
• interfaces and controllers of peripheral devices.

To system unit was full, the power supply and the cooling system are connected to the motherboard.

Choice

How to choose a motherboard? There are many parameters to consider when purchasing this device. This includes:

• manufacturer;
• price;
• form factor;
• socket;
• chipset;
• memory;
• slots and connectors;
• electronic components;
• power circuits;
• cooling systems;
• equipment and much more.

In order not to be mistaken in choosing a platform, it is important to consider each of these points in more detail and understand which element is responsible for what.

Manufacturer and price

This option is not always the key in the question of how to choose a motherboard. This is due to the fact that not all users follow the release of the platforms. They do not know who is the sales leader, which company is aimed at producing budget or gaming motherboards. Therefore, in this case, they are more often guided by the cost.

But you can still get the big picture and point to the leading manufacturers. It is not easy to name the leader, but most experienced users will agree that Asus is one of the best. It manufactures mid to high end boards. The quality of the materials is always good, but the cost is sometimes overpriced.

Asus barely works with entry-level platforms, and if it does release them, then the overpayment for the brand is definitely not worth it. But if you look closely at the models of the middle segment, then it might make sense to pay extra in order to get a really high-quality and durable device.

Entry-level motherboards are best obtained from Gigabyte and ASRock. The latest manufacturer is a subsidiary of Asus. Both companies have a proven track record of providing low-cost solutions for work PCs.

Many people ask which motherboard to choose for Intel. In addition to the above-described manufacturers, it is worth paying attention to Intel itself. The corporation produces stable and high-quality platforms based on its own chipset. The only drawback is that they are less functional and more expensive, therefore they are more popular in the corporate sector.

Chipset

The next important factor is the choice of the chipset. In general, this is the paramount parameter on which the entire system as a whole depends. When the user decides to assemble the system on his own, he must immediately decide: he will give preference Intel or AMD.

You need to immediately decide on this, since you will have to select a processor further, and, accordingly, a socket.

Intel Chipset

If the choice fell on Intel, then you will have to understand the four main chipsets. For example, if you do not know which one to choose, take a look at the models with the B250 / H270 and Z270 chipset. The latter is also a great option for professional systems. If you need a corporate PC, then the Q270 will do, and for cool powerful PCs, the X99 / X299 will do.

If you are going to buy an 8th generation processor, then you need to pay attention to the B350 / H370 and Z370, for medium and powerful systems, respectively.

For the average multimedia or gaming PC, the B250 / H270 or 8th Gen equivalent is suitable. If you are going to experiment and change the processor multiplier, you will have to take the more expensive model with the Z270 and Z370 chipsets.

AMD Chipset

AMD also easily categorized all of its motherboards by index. For office or multimedia PCs, choose the A320 chipset. The gaming system can be assembled based on the B350 chipset. Those who like to experiment are provided with the X370 platform.

The first option is the simplest, since it does not even have the ability to overclock the processor. But the gaming version of the chipset can cope with this task. The X370 is good because, in addition to overclocking, it allows you to install several video cards on the board.

Form factor

The next important aspect is the form factor of the system platform. Experts call this the dimensions of the device. Besides the rather unusual form factors, there are three main ones: ATX, MicroATX (mATX), and Mini-ITX.

ATX is the most common full-size platform format and is considered the best for PCs. Since it is the largest of all, it can fit many devices. For example, if you do not know which motherboard to choose for, then you should definitely pay attention to the dimensions of the ATX.

MicroATX is also often the platform for gaming systems. But this is a smaller platform format that also has fewer connectors. It can be installed in either a full-size chassis or a compact body.

Mini-ITX is a very compact motherboard that is used to build mini-PCs. Such a computer is limited in size and needs special cooling.

Socket

Many are wondering how to choose a motherboard for a processor. If you have already chosen one of the companies, Intel or AMD, you will have to opt for one of the processors. Otherwise, you will not be able to match the platform because you need processor socket data.

What is socket? It is a connector format for connecting a chip to a platform. The motherboard must have the same connector as the processor that will be installed on it.

The manufacturer very often experiments with processor sockets. They change from year to year and acquire new modifications. Therefore, it is important to purchase a chip and board that has the most modern socket. This way, you can further improve the system at no extra cost.

All available sockets now Intel processors or AMD can be divided into legacy, obsolete, and modern. If we are talking about Intel, then outdated and outdated are: Socket 478, 775, 2011, 1150. But new ones are: version 2, and 2066.

Among the most modern are the AM4 and TR4. But outdated and outdated have already become: AM1, AM2, and others.

Memory

The choice of motherboard is also influenced by the memory slots. If we talk about the compact form factor MicroATX, then there are rarely more than 2 slots. But full-size platforms are equipped with 4 slots.

Of course, many may not need more than two memory slots. Although if you want to further increase the RAM, then the free slots will be very useful.

It is also worth paying attention to the type of memory module. Modern platforms already support the DDR4 type. More budgetary versions can operate at high speeds, up to 2666 MHz. But the middle and high class motherboards can boast speeds up to 3.6 GHz.

You don't have to spend money on platforms that support 3 GHz to choose a gaming motherboard. Their cost is much higher, but there is no tangible increase in gaming performance. In addition, the RAM modules themselves are not cheap. The higher the memory speed, the harder it is for the processor to handle. The most the best option is DDR4 2.4GHz memory.

Video card

The connectors for the graphics adapter are universal on almost every motherboard. All modern platforms are equipped with a PCI-Express interface. It happens that several such slots are placed on the platform, which means that several graphics adapters can be installed on it at once. Some experts believe that in this case it is better to purchase a more powerful video card than a few average ones.

Expansion slots can be occupied by other devices, for example, installing a solid-state drive or sound card.

Connectors

Slots on the system platform are often bypassed because it is rather difficult to understand them. But this is an equally important factor. To connect HDD need a universal 3.Latest motherboards also got an M.2 slot, which is needed to connect solid state drives the latest generation. We'll have to take a closer look at the motherboard power connector. Modern models equipped with a 24-pin connector.

The chip can be powered by a 4 or 8 pin slot.

Integrated devices

Very often the manufacturer places integrated devices on the platform. Some systems can work without a graphics card because the motherboard has an integrated graphics adapter. However, it is important to purchase a processor that has an integrated video core.

The platform also has an integrated sound card. Most often it is enough for any task. But there is also a slot for an additional sound card on the platform. It may be needed, for example, for those who want to record music.

Other integrated devices also include a network card, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are enough standard parameters for everyday use.

Interface panel

Modern boards have all standard external connectors. Therefore, at this point it is not so important to pay attention. If you need to connect some specific devices, then you will have to study the list of available connectors on the interface panel.

Mining cryptocurrency

Which motherboard to choose for mining? If you asked this question, then you understand what is important in this process... The main thing is that the platform supports multiple video cards.

When choosing a motherboard, it is important to pay attention to:

• Number and location of PCI-E slots. It is important that their location does not interfere with the connection of several viduhs and their cooling.
• Compatibility of the board with an inexpensive chip. In mining, CPU performance is unimportant.
• Optimization for cryptocurrency mining. It is necessary that the platform does not have any extra functions that could distract the system from the main task.
• Price.

If the user does not want to buy ASICs, but is ready to assemble a computer for mining on his own, he will have to thoroughly understand all the components. Manufacturers quickly picked up this whole story with cryptocurrencies and began producing special devices for their mining.

ASRock has proven itself in this matter. She has released platform models that are optimized for the most efficient use viduh. Although other companies do not lag behind this manufacturer: Asus, MSI, Gigabyte.

conclusions

Choosing a motherboard is easy if you understand its tasks and capabilities. The main thing is to decide on a chipset, to choose a processor, and, consequently, a socket. After that, deal with the required amount and type of RAM and, finally, solve the issue with the number of video cards.

Otherwise, motherboards have a similar number of internal and external connectors, most models support an integrated video core, sound and network cards.

To make the right decision and understand which case for your computer is better to choose, you need to answer yourself a few questions. It depends on which criteria are important to consider in the first place, which are of secondary importance, and which can be neglected.

Are the dimensions of the system unit important?

Which computer case is better to choosein size, directly depends on the location of the system unit. If he stands somewhere under the table or in the corner of the room on a separate bedside table, then the dimensions can be disregarded. The spacious “drawer” is the key to good ventilation, efficient cooling and easy maintenance.

If the PC will stand on the table, and a very large size is clearly undesirable, then you should look towards mATX, Mini-Tower or Mini-ITX cases. In such system units there is enough space to accommodate an appropriate (Mini, Micro, Flex-ATX or ITX) motherboard with other components. But a full-fledged ATX motherboard cannot be installed in them.

Does design matter?

If the computer is planned to be pushed deeper under the table and forgotten, leaving it as a "freelance dust collector", then very few people care about its appearance. In this case, beforehow to choose a PC case,you don't have to think about the exterior at all. Works - OK, does not overheat - great, does not make noise - generally lovely. The main thing is not to suck the dust, since it is deep under the table. And then it will be packed on the radiator for a year or two such a "felt boot" that at least make rifle wads out of it, and "hello, overheating." But more about dust - below.

If the computer is in a conspicuous place, and it is not just an office "box" with basic filling, but a powerful gaming machine - you want the appearance to indicate this. Then the hundred thousand rubles spent are not so sorry. In this case, I would like to buy an unusual case with transparent windows, multi-colored LEDs on the fans, a front cover and other delights. Here the choice is a matter of taste, the main thing is that you do not have to sacrifice functionality for the sake of beauty.

Is high-quality cooling required?

Which case for a computer to choose- also depends on the heat dissipation of the components. Modern budget processors from the Intel Pentium and Celeron families are characterized by low power consumption and, as a result, heating. Any compact case is enough for them, the pieces of iron in it will not "suffocate". And if you don't need PCI and PCI-Express devices (video card, sound card, TV tuner, video capture card, etc.), you don't have to worry about cooling.

In the case of a gaming PC consisting of a powerful processor, productive graphics card, a couple of tens of gigabytes of RAM, more attention should be paid to cooling. Compact ITX and MicroATX enclosures are not suitable for them: the parts inside will be too crowded. In addition, not a single powerful gaming video card will fit into a narrow-profile system unit. If graphics cards there will be two - you have to forget about compactness at all.

There is a myth that for a powerful gaming PC, the bottom position of the PSU is preferable. In fact, there is no practical difference in cooling efficiency. The only component that will benefit from this is the PSU itself, which will have to pull out less hot air. All examples of how a case with a lower power supply unit shows lower temperatures are not due to the advantages of the layout, but to the size. Indeed, as a rule, such cases are characterized by increased dimensions. And for the price, low-block housings are more expensive, therefore, engineers are more concerned with optimizing the air flow inside.

The grilles, which they like to equip the housings with from all sides, are also not an unambiguous plus. Cooling efficiency does not depend on the number of holes, but on the movement of the air flow inside the case. Abundant perforation can even hurt, as it collects dust inside much faster.

Do you need a built-in power supply?

Many computer cases come with a power supply. This practice is especially common in the budget segment, the buyers of devices from which they seek to save money. After all, buying a case with a power supply unit for 3 thousand rubles is very attractive, especially against the background of the fact that a power supply unit of such power itself costs from 2 thousand. But in practice, "non-name" PSUs supplied with cases and labeled as 400 or 500 W barely match the characteristics on the label. In the best case, when operating at such power, it gives voltage dips along the most loaded lines. At worst, reaching peak consumption leads to shutdowns of the PC or even the failure of the power supply unit (and with it - and a couple of other pieces of iron) out of order.

It is worth buying a case with a power supply only if the computer is a low-power budget and / or office one. If the total consumption of components on the +12 V line is no more than 200-250 W, then the built-in power supply will be enough. But if the PC is gaming and consumes more than 300 W at 12 volts, you should not buy a case with a block. After all, you still have to buy a separate power supply unit, and the complete one will remain "dead weight".

The only exceptions are cases equipped with Chieftek, FSP, Zalman, Cooler Master, Thermaltake, etc. These brands differ enough high quality and the inscriptions on the labels are usually true.

Is the room dusty?

Dust is an insidious thing: to avoid it at all, you need to carefully clean it up daily, and also not to keep potentially accumulating objects. Upholstered furniture with fabric upholstery, blankets and pillows, carpets - all this collects small particles. Therefore, a computer installed in the bedroom will pull dust anyway. Even cleaning every few days will not completely get rid of it. And then powerful fans will collect dust inside the system unit, pulling it out of surrounding objects and air.

In such a situation, abundant perforation (mentioned above) is evil. The only way to deal with dust is to create excess pressure inside the case, by installing coolers "for blowing" from all possible directions. But this method is not a panacea: you also need to get fresh air from somewhere, without it the PC will "suffocate", that is, it will be forever warming up.

You can, of course, buy the most insulated case (without unnecessary holes), but it is only suitable for a low-power PC. A productive gaming machine in a tightly closed case requires a water cooling system for heat dissipation. At a minimum, powerful fans are needed to create directional airflow inside. But then such a computer will roar like a fighter jet taking off.

If the floor in the room is linoleum, tiles, parquet, laminate or other uncoated solid material, there is no upholstered furniture or it is leather, and cleaning is done often, then you can take any case. Under these conditions, the threat of dust clogging is significantly lower.

How many disks will be installed in the PC?

Which case to choose for a PC, directly depends on how many drives you plan to install in it. If this is a tandem "HDD + SSD" that has already become a common practice, then any case will do. Even the smallest models are equipped with no less than two drive bays. But for a home media center equipped with several large hard drives, not every small case is suitable. If there are more than 4 HDDs, you need to carefully look for a compatible case.

Where should the buttons and USB ports be for easy access?

The location of buttons and interface connectors on the front panel only seems insignificant. In fact, it depends on how convenient the use of these elements will be. If you plan to put your PC under the table, then too low located buttons and USB sockets will make you reach for them, bending over each time. If the system unit is on the table, on the contrary, the elements at the top become uncomfortable. The worst is when they are on the "roof".

For a PC located at the bottom, it is preferable if both buttons and USB ports are located at the top of the panel (where the CD drive was located in the era of "hoary antiquity" and the Pentium kingdom). It's nice to have them on a corner or on the top lid (but only if there is enough space between it and the table). If you plan to use the buttons, USB ports, and audio jacks on the front panel frequently, then the cover on them is undesirable.

For those who place a PC on a table, a case with all these elements at the bottom is suitable. Then you don't have to reach up and forward with your hand every time you need to insert a USB flash drive or plug in headphones.

What is the preferred body material?

Before, how to choose a case for a computer, it is worth deciding on the material of the case. The most common options are steel and aluminum. There are also models with plexiglass elements, but their base is still metal.

The steel case is more practical and reliable, but heavier. An exception is the cheapest Chinese "non-names", the material of which is not far from the can. Steel less than 0.5 mm thick is easily deformed. If the cover screws are unscrewed several times to disassemble or clean the PC, the thread will quickly stop holding them. Too strong a tightening also tears it off, forcing to pick up bolts with a larger diameter.

Thick (about 1 mm or more) metal is not common in cases, but it is found on sale. Thick-walled models are recommended for those who can sometimes drive their anger onto a PC. If at the most crucial moment the game freezes or crashes, the Internet disappears, the PC rebooted arbitrarily and you cannot resist the temptation to kick it, it is better to take a durable case so that later you do not have to repair the computer from the consequences of such aggression.

Aluminum is light and elegant, but not very practical. All the shortcomings of the thin "Chinese foil" are inherent in him, to one degree or another. For scratches and deformations, sometimes it is not necessary to kick the system unit either: it is enough to inadvertently touch it with your foot or chair leg. Therefore, it makes little sense to put an aluminum case below: a beautiful appearance is still not visible, but it will come to an unpresentable state faster. And aluminum is much more expensive than steel.

Do you often have to "pick" the computer?

To understand which case for a computer is better to choose, you need to take into account how often it will be opened and moved. Upgrade connoisseurs who, out of sporting interest, often retrofit a PC, install new parts and change old ones, it is advisable to take a look at models with special fasteners. Then you don't have to aim the screwdriver at small screws every time you need to remove or install a video card, hard drive, DVD / BD drive, fan, etc.

Classic screws are cheaper and easier, but they will take longer when assembling a PC. Screw cases are recommended for office and home PCs that are assembled once and for all.

Conclusion

To understand which case to choose for a PC and not miscalculate, you need to take into account the main and secondary criteria. Size, design, materials, cooling efficiency, a good power supply, dust protection, the number of drive bays, types of mounts, and the arrangement of elements on the front panel are important when choosing. Considering all these parameters, you can buy the best case for a specific situation.

A big fan of high-quality Chinese technology, a lover of clear screens. Supporter of healthy competition between manufacturers. Keeps track of news in the world of smartphones, processors, video cards and other hardware.

Hello friends! In today's article, we will show you how to choose the right case for your PC,because in personal computer literally everything is important, including the metal box in which the components are located.

Over the past twenty years, I have seen a lot computer cases and I can say with confidence that 99% of users when buying a ready-made computer do not pay enough attention to the case and choose it because of the design they like (stylish appearance), disregardingventilation options, power supply location (top or bottom), button location POWER and Front USB ports, and other important nuances.

And those users who want to save money and order according to their choice, often do not even preliminarily look at which case they will install the selected components, choosing the cheapest.

Already on the first day of using the PC, the person who bought the computer begins to note some inconveniences, for example, to turn on the system unit, you need bend over becausethe power button is located at the bottom of the front panel, the same goes for USB ports, you need to constantly bend your back to connect or disconnect a flash drive. More serious problems begin already during the operation of the PC - overheating and early exitcomponents out of order due to incorrect ergonomics of the selected PC case.

How to choose a PC case

Recently, more and more of our readers are starting, first of all, paying a lot of attention to the choice and video card, but the metal box is put aside for the last place, and is bought as cheaply as possible, since they believe that the case has little effect on anything, but this is fundamentally wrong! Yes, I also choose the shell for the computer filling at the very end, but it's not worth saving on it at all. And about why, I want to tell you. We will also talk about all kinds, types and characteristics of computer cases.

Case size

So, the first thing to look for when choosing a case is size. All internal filling should fit without any problems. To do this, you need to go to the manufacturer's website and see the size compatibility with other components.

The form factor of the motherboard must match the form factor of the case, or it can be smaller. But in no case should the motherboard be larger than the format supported by your case.

For example, only mini-ITX and Micro-ATX can be put into a Micro-ATX case, but ATX will no longer fit. Further, be sure to look at the dimensions of the power supply, the height of the processor cooler and the length of the video card. On the manufacturers' websites, you will 100% find the information you need.

Cooling system

After we have decided on the dimensions, it is imperative to look at the built-in and potentially possible cooling systems. For me personally, this is the most important parameter when choosing a metal box. Since the temperature of the internal components of the system depends on the ventilation rate of the case. And the temperature, as you all know, directly depends on the performance and service life of all components. Regardless of the size, any case should have at least 2 built-in fans, one for blowing cold air into the system, the other for blowing out the hot stream from the inside of the system. The air cooler is located at the bottom of the hard drive bays. And the blow-out cooler is on top, near the processor cooler. This arrangement is directly related to physics - hot air always rises to the top.

There are cases with additional coolers on the top and bottom. This provides additional vertical airflow, which has a positive effect on the temperature inside the box.

But it's worth knowing that more doesn't mean better. The most optimal and ideal option, I think, is the presence of 4-5 coolers. 1-2 for blowing in near the HDD baskets, 1 for blowing from below and 2 for blowing from above. Additional fans- are unnecessary. By the way, built-in coolers, as a rule, turn out to be very noisy and short-lived, not counting the top-end models. Therefore, I recommend purchasing good coolers separately. The main thing is that there are supposed seats in the case, like here.

Although, of course, you can shaman and cut them yourself, but this decision is absolutely not for everyone. And don't forget about the size of the coolers. Larger blades create more airflow at less RPM, which means they are more efficient and quieter.

Location of the power supply in the case

Consider the pros and cons of each. In the top position, the power supply takes air from the bottom, that is, from the inside of the system and releases it upward, from the system to the outside. The air inside the case is always hotter than outside, which means that the operating temperatures of the power supply with the top mount are always higher than that of the power supply with the bottom mount. This leads to a decrease in the resource of the unit itself. Of the advantages, I can only note that the power supply unit is less clogged with dust from above, but if there are good filters and the power supply unit from below, it will not clog up. This is why I recommend everyone to buy a case that offers a bottom mount for the power supply.

Since I mentioned dust filters, I will say a few words about them as well.

For some, this is not a key factor, but I find it very important point... Filters do not allow dust to easily penetrate into the system, of course, it will still accumulate there, but the clogging rate is much lower. Of course, if weekly cleaning of the system unit is not a problem for you, then you can ignore this criterion. Also, do not forget that dust directly affects the performance of any iron, increasing its operating temperature. And we all know perfectly well how this affects our PC.

In case you have a lot of hard drives, then don't forget to look at the number of drive slots.

Location of the POWER, RESET and USB ports on the front panel

Personally, I like this case. Location of the POWER button, RESET button, USB ports, and headphone and microphone outputsare on top, which is very convenient. Sit down at the computer and do not need to bend over to turn it on, restart if necessary, connect a flash drive, portable USB drive or headphones.

Cable management

The next important criterion when choosing is cable management.

It allows you to arrange all the wires in such a way that they do not dangle just like that inside the case. In my opinion, the thing is very convenient, but besides convenience it is also practical. The overwhelming amount of wires interferes with the air flow inside the system, which negatively affects the temperature. And, as you already understood, the temperature inside the iron shell is our everything. Although most cases are equipped with this function, in nature there are still specimens without it. I could not fail to mention this.

Such additional functions like connectors for installing a processor cooler, a bezel for protection against damage, anti-vibration feet and others, I think, are far from necessary, but it's still nice if the case is equipped with all of these. Although this will directly affect the price of the product.

Since most of the models on the market are made of the same material and have wall thicknesses in the same range (0.5-1mm), I will not focus on this. I will only say that do not take a case with too thin walls, it will be very noisy.

As for the appearance, then this is a purely individual matter. The taste and color, as they say. But there is still one unspoken rule. Don't sacrifice functionality for beauty. For example, there are very stylish cases in which the fresh air supply is limited by the front panel. It is not worth taking such housings due to poor airflow.

Selecting a motherboard for an already purchased processor requires certain knowledge. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to the characteristics of already purchased components, because it makes no sense to buy a cheap motherboard for a TOP processor and vice versa.

Initially, it is better to buy such basic components as - a system unit (case), CPU, power supply, video card. If you decide to first purchase a motherboard, then you should know exactly what you want to expect from an already assembled computer.

Initially, you need to understand which brands are leading in this market and whether you can trust them. Here is a list of recommended motherboard manufacturers:

If you have already bought powerful and expensive PC components, then by no means buy a cheap motherboard. In the best case, the components will not work at full capacity, lowering all performance to the level of budget PCs. At worst, they will not work at all and will have to buy another motherboard.

Before assembling a computer, you need to decide what you want to get in the end, because it will be easier to choose a board without purchasing all the main components for the computer in advance. It is better to buy a high-quality central board (you should not skimp on this purchase if the possibilities allow it) and then, based on its capabilities, select the rest of the components.

Chipsets for motherboards

The chipset directly depends on how many components you can connect to the motherboard, whether they can work with 100% efficiency, which processor is better to choose. In fact, a chipset is something similar to an already built-in processor in a board, but which is responsible only for the most basic functions, for example, working in the BIOS.

Almost all motherboards are equipped with chipsets from two manufacturers - Intel and AMD. Depending on which processor you have chosen, you also need to choose a board with a chipset from the manufacturer of the selected CPU. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the devices will be incompatible and will not work normally.

About Intel chipsets

Compared to the "red" competitor, the "blue" do not have so many models and varieties of chipsets. Here is a list of the most common ones:

• H110- suitable for those who are not chasing performance and require only correct work from the computer in office programs and browsers.
• B150 and H170- there are no major differences between them. Both are great for mid-range computers.
• Z170- a motherboard based on such a chipset supports overclocking of many components, making it an excellent solution for gaming computers.
• X99- is in demand in a professional environment that requires a lot of resources from the system (3D modeling, video processing, game creation). Also suitable for gaming machines.
• Q170 Is a chipset from the corporate sector, especially popular in the environment ordinary users does not use. The main focus is on security and stability.
• C232 and C236- used in data centers, allows you to process great amount information. Works best with Xenon processors.

About AMD chipsets

They are conditionally divided into two series - A and FX. The first is suitable for A-series processors with integrated video adapters. The second is for the FX-series CPUs, which do not have an integrated graphics adapter, but make up for this with high performance and overclocking potential.

Here is a list of the main AMD chipsets:

• A58 and A68H- very similar chipsets, which are suitable for a regular office PC. Work best with AMD processors A4 and A6.
• A78- for multimedia computers (work in office applications, simple manipulations with graphics and video, launching "light" games, surfing the Internet). Most compatible with A6 and A8 CPUs.
• 760G- suitable for those who need a computer as a "typewriter with Internet access". Compatible with FX-4.
• 970 - its capabilities are enough to run modern games at minimal and medium settings, professional work with graphics and simple manipulations with video and 3D objects. Compatible with processors FX-4, Fx-6, FX-8 and FX-9. The most popular chipset for AMD processors.
• 990X and 990FX- an excellent solution for powerful gaming and semi-professional machines. Best compatible with FX-8 and FX-9 CPUs.

About guarantees

When buying a motherboard, be sure to pay attention to the warranty provided by the seller. On average, the warranty period can vary from 12 to 36 months. If it is less than the specified range, then it is better to refuse to purchase in this store.

The thing is that the motherboard is one of the most fragile components of a computer. And any breakdown of it will certainly lead, at least, to the replacement of this component, at the most, you will have to think about a complete replacement of a part or all components that were installed on it. This is tantamount to replacing almost the entire computer. Therefore, in no case should you save on guarantees.

About dimensions

Also very important parameter especially if you are buying a motherboard for a small case. Here is a list and specifications of the main form factors:

In addition to these form factors, there are others, but they are practically not found in the market for components for home computers.

CPU socket

This is the most important parameter when choosing both a motherboard and a processor. If the sockets of the processor and motherboard are incompatible with each other, then you will not be able to install the CPU. Sockets are constantly undergoing various modifications and changes, therefore it is recommended to buy models only with the most current modifications so that in the future you can easily replace them.

Sockets from Intel:

• 1151 and 2011-3 Are the most modern species... If you prefer Intel, then try to buy a processor and motherboard with exactly these sockets.
• 1150 and 2011 - they are still in wide circulation on the market, but have already begun to become obsolete.
• 1155 , 1156 , 775 and 478 Are legacy socket models that are still in use. Recommended for purchase only if there are no more alternatives.

Sockets from AMD:

• AM3 + and FM2 +- these are the most modern sockets from "red".
• AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1 and EM2- are considered either completely obsolete, or are already beginning to become obsolete.

About RAM

On motherboards from the budget segment and / or small form factors, there are only two slots for installing RAM modules. On boards standard sizes for stationary computers there are 4-6 connectors. Motherboards for small cases or laptops have less than 4 slots. For the latter, such a solution is more common - a certain amount of RAM is already soldered into the board, and there is one slot nearby in case the user wants to expand the amount of RAM.

Random access memory is classified into several types, which are referred to as "DDR". The most popular and recommended ones today are DDR3 and DDR4. The latter ensures the fastest possible computer operation. Before choosing a motherboard, make sure that it supports these types of RAM.

It is also recommended to take into account the possibility of increasing the amount of RAM by adding new modules. In this case, pay attention not only to the number of slots, but also to the maximum volume in GB. So you can buy a board with 6 slots, but it won't support that much GB of RAM.

It is recommended to pay attention to the range of supported operating frequencies. DDR3 operating at frequencies from 1333 MHz, and DDR4 2133-2400 MHz. Motherboards almost always support these frequencies. It is also important to pay attention to whether they are supported by the central processor.

If the CPU does not support these frequencies, then buy a card with XMP memory profiles. Otherwise, you can seriously lose in RAM performance.

Place for installing video cards

In middle and high-end motherboards, there can be up to 4 connectors for graphics adapters. On budget models usually 1-2 nests. In most cases, PCI-E x16 connectors are used. They allow for maximum compatibility and performance between installed video adapters. The connector has several versions - 2.0, 2.1 and 3.0. The higher the version, the better performance, but the price is correspondingly higher.

PCI-E x16 slots can also support other expansion cards (eg Wi-Fi adapter).

About additional boards

Expansion cards are additional devices that can be connected to the motherboard, but which are not critical for the operation of the system. For example, Wi-Fi receiver, TV tuner. For these devices, PCI and PCI-Express slots are used, in more detail about each:

• The first type is rapidly becoming obsolete, but is still used in models of the budget and middle class. It costs significantly less than its newer counterpart, but device compatibility can suffer. For example, the newest and most powerful Wi-Fi adapter will work worse or not work at all on this connector. However, this connector has excellent compatibility with many sound cards.
• The second type is newer and has excellent compatibility with other components. They have two connector variations X1 and X4. The latter is newer. Connector types have almost no effect.

Information about internal connectors

They serve to connect important components to the motherboard inside the case. For example, to power the processor and the board itself, install hard drives , SSD, drive.

As for the power supply of the motherboard, the old models work from a 20-pin power connector, and newer ones from a 24-pin one. Based on this, it is advisable to choose a power supply unit or select a motherboard for the desired contact. However, it will not be critical if the 24-pin connector is powered by a 20-pin power supply.

The processor is powered according to a similar scheme, only 4 and 8-pin connectors are used together with 20-24-pin connectors. If you have powerful processor, which requires a lot of energy, it is recommended to buy a board and a power supply with 8-pin connectors. If the processor is not too powerful, then 4-pin connectors can be completely dispensed with.

Concerning SSD connection and HDD disks, then almost all motherboards use SATA connectors. It is subdivided into two versions - SATA2 and SATA3. If an SSD is connected to the main board, then it is better to buy a model with a SATA3 connector. Otherwise, you won't see good performance from an SSD. Provided that you do not plan to connect an SSD, you can purchase a model with a SATA2 connector, thereby saving a little on the purchase.

Integrated devices

Motherboards can come with pre-integrated components. For example, some laptop boards come with soldered video cards and RAM modules. All motherboards have integrated network and sound cards by default.

If you decide to purchase a processor with an integrated graphics adapter, then make sure that the board supports their connection (usually this is written in the characteristics). It is also important that external VGA or DVI connectors are integrated into the design, which are needed to connect a monitor.

Pay attention to the built-in sound card... For most users, standard codecs such as ALC8xxx will suffice. If you are planning to do video editing and / or sound processing, then it is better to pay attention to the boards where the adapter with the ALC1150 codec is built in, because it delivers great sound, but it also costs a lot more than the standard solution.

A sound card usually has 3 to 6 3.5 mm jacks for connecting audio devices. Sometimes you come across models where an optical or coaxial digital audio output is installed, but they are also more expensive. This output is used for professional sound equipment... For normal computer use (connecting speakers and headphones), only 3 jacks are enough.

Another component that is integrated into the motherboard by default is the network card, which is responsible for connecting the computer to the Internet. The standard parameters of the network board on many motherboards are the data transfer rate of about 1000 Mb / s and the network output of the RJ-45 type.

Main manufacturers network cards are Realtek, Intel and Killer. I use the first products in the budget and middle price category. The latter are more often used in expensive gaming machines, because provide excellent online gaming experience even with poor network connection.

The number and types of external sockets depend on the internal configuration of the board itself and its price. more expensive models have additional outputs. A list of the most common connectors:

• USB 3.0 - it is desirable to have at least two such outputs. A flash drive, mouse and keyboard (more or less modern models) can be connected through it.
• DVI or VGA is included in all cards, since it can be used to connect a computer to a monitor.
• RJ-45 - required element constructions. It is used to connect to the Internet. If the computer does not have a Wi-Fi adapter, then this is the only way to connect the machine to the network.
• HDMI - needed to connect a computer to a TV or modern monitor. Alternative to DVI.
• Audio jacks - required to connect speakers and headphones.
• Output for a microphone or additional headset. Always provided in the design.
• Wi-Fi antennas - available only in models with an integrated Wi-Fi module.
• BIOS Reset Button - Allows you to quickly reset BIOS settings to the factory state without disassembling the computer case. Available only on expensive boards.

Power circuits and electronic components

When choosing a motherboard, be sure to pay attention to electronic components, because the life of the computer depends on them. Cheap models have conventional electronic capacitors and transistors, without any additional protection... After 2-3 years of service, they may well oxidize and render the entire system unusable. It is better to choose more expensive models, for example, where Japanese or Korean-made solid capacitors are used. Even if they fail, the consequences will not be so catastrophic.

It is very important to pay attention to the processor power supply. Distribution of power schemes:

• Low power - used in budget motherboards, have a power of no more than 90 W and no more than 4 power phases. Only low-power processors with low overclocking potential are suitable for them.
• Average power - have no more than 6 phases and a power not exceeding 120 watts. This is enough for all processors in the mid-range and some of the high-end ones.
• High power - have more than 8 phases, work great with all processors.

When choosing a motherboard for a processor, it is important to pay attention not only to whether the processor is suitable for sockets, but also to the voltage. On the manufacturer's website mother cards you can see at once a list of all processors that are compatible with a particular board.

Low-end models do not have this system at all, or they have one small radiator, which can only cope with cooling low-power processors and video cards. Oddly enough, these cards are the least likely to overheat (unless, of course, you overclock the processor too much).

If you are planning to collect a good gaming computer then pay attention to motherboards with massive copper pipes. However, there is a problem with the size of the cooling system. Sometimes, due to too thick and high pipes, it is difficult to connect a long video card and / or processor with a cooler. Therefore, you need to check everything in advance.

When choosing a motherboard, you need to take into account all the information that was indicated in the article. Otherwise, you may face various inconveniences and unnecessary expenses (for example, the board does not support a certain component).