Self-assembly of PCs is a very difficult task. Even if you have the whole amount, you will still spend a lot of time in order to find the perfect system for yourself. You will have to decide which motherboard is better, which processor is suitable for the gaming system, how much better it is to take RAM, etc.
Since the motherboard is the base of the system, you have to start with its choice. All components and their compatibility will depend on this.
Targets and goals
To begin with, it is important to understand what goals you are pursuing and what tasks the system should fulfill. It is important to understand that, having bought a simple motherboard, you should not install a powerful processor on it. Although the motherboard almost never affects performance, the potential of all components depends on it.
For example, if you buy a “motherboard” for games, then you need to immediately decide whether it supports the connection of several video cards, whether it copes with a large amount of RAM, etc.
It is believed that choosing a "motherboard" is worth it after all the components have been assembled. But still, it is advisable to initially take a closer look at some, at least more or less suitable models, and then begin to pick up the main components.
CPU
When the user decides to build a computer, he already approximately understands which processor and video card he wants. As a result, all other components are assembled on the basis of these two.
Which processor is better for the motherboard? This is not a completely correct question, since the processor is first selected as the main component, and after that - other elements of the PC. Therefore, you first need to deal with the chipset.
Every motherboard has its own processor, which controls all the devices connected to the platform. It is called a chipset, and is repelled by it when choosing a processor.
The chipset may be a model from AMD or Intel. If you have already decided for yourself that you will build the system on AMD, then there must be an appropriate processor, otherwise you will encounter incompatibility of devices.
Manufacturers
If you want to know which motherboard is the best, you can try to start by looking at the manufacturers. Of course, this parameter is not always considered important, because in this segment there are no huge number of companies.
Among the popular ones there are those that were able to gain more confidence, so they are most often referred to when choosing a device. It is believed that the best boards are manufactured by Asus. They are the best because there is a large selection of goods for any purpose, as well as the quality of all parts at the highest level. Questions are only about the price, because you have to pay for quality.
Better with the ratio of "quality / price" things are with MSI. The company produces really good motherboard options for both games and simple tasks.
If you need models with a lower price, turn to Gigabyte and ASRock. Despite their sometimes very low cost, the devices are distinguished by excellent quality, wide capabilities and attractive design.
Kind of processors
In the question of which motherboard is better, many are faced with subjectivity. In fact, the struggle between AMD and Intel arose a long time ago, and so far it is not easy to determine a clear leader. Although the same reviews on the Internet make it clear that AMD is cheaper, but hotter, and Intel is more expensive, but more productive.
To make it easier to choose a processor, and, accordingly, a motherboard, you need to understand the types of chipsets. Intel and AMD have a conditional separation of chipsets for their intended purpose.
For example, for office programs and surfing the Internet, models are suitable:
- from Intel B250 / H270 and B350 / H370;
- from AMD A320.
To build a powerful gaming system, you need to look at Intel Z270 and Z370 or B350 from AMD. The most powerful PCs are based on the X99 / X299 and X399 chipsets from Intel and AMD, respectively.
Socket
Which motherboard socket is better? What is a socket in general? This is the connector that is located on the motherboard. It is on it that the processor is installed. Therefore, acquiring the "brain" of the system, you need to look not only at the chipset, but also at the socket.
As technology evolves, it is not surprising that processors are changing. Their appearance, dimensions, availability of certain technologies, etc. are changing. Hence the difference in sockets. Almost every year there is some kind of special option that is becoming popular. The only problem is that motherboards that came out earlier and no longer support the new socket are starting to lose ground.
That is why many advise to purchase the latest devices with the latest socket, so that later there are no compatibility problems. For example, Intel has the most modern models 1151, 1151-v2, 2066. All others are considered obsolete. Despite their low cost, it’s better to overpay and buy a newer socket so as not to change the processor and motherboard in a year.
AMD considers AM4, TR4 to be new, although AM3 + is still used in many devices.
Dimensions
Which motherboard is better to put in the ATX case? Since this form factor is universal, the corresponding full-size board or compact modifications can be installed in such a system unit.
Previously, all gaming systems were based only on the ATX form factor, since all productive and powerful components were huge. Now, manufacturers have learned to put gaming components in a very small block.
But still, most users say that when assembling a game system, it is better to base it on a full-sized form factor. In such a case, you can place several video cards and drives, as well as organize an effective cooling system. It will be easy to install two or more video cards on an ATX motherboard without sacrificing cooling.
RAM
Which motherboards are better? Of course, those who have more than 2 slots for RAM. Usually, if the motherboard is an ATX form factor, 4 or 6 RAM slots are located on it. But in the case of mATX, the situation is worse. On such platforms, only two RAM slots. But this is not the main problem when choosing a motherboard.
It is important to immediately understand what type and frequency of RAM the board supports. While DDR5 is only in development, DDR4 is considered a popular type. The lower the cost of the board, the slower the memory runs. But even options with a frequency of 2400 or 2666 MHz are considered good.
If you build a gaming system, it is better to look at boards that work with a frequency of 3 GHz. Although even gamers give preference to this speed reluctantly, since the cost of such RAM modules is very high, and there is no noticeable difference, at least in games.
But it's time to forget about DDR3, because it is a very slow memory, disappearing from the market.
For video card
Which motherboard is best for gaming? One that allows you to connect more than one video card. Otherwise, you do not need to know any additional parameters.
On platforms, the PCI-E x16 slot is responsible for connecting the graphics adapter. It is advisable that it be the latest version - 3.0. In addition to the video card, you can install a sound card or SSD with a special interface in such a connector.
If you notice that there is a PCI-E x16 pair on the motherboard, it means that it is more likely to support SLI mode (connecting two video cards). Accordingly, you need to look for an adapter that can work in this mode.
HDD connection
In this case, it will not be easy to answer the question of which motherboard is better for connecting the HDD, since all platforms have switched to the SATA connector. The question can only be whether there is support for the latest generation device with high bandwidth and file transfer speed.
Several SATA connectors are placed on the motherboard at once to provide the ability to connect a pair of HDDs at once. Solid state drives can also be connected through this interface.
If you want to organize such a RAID array, it is better to examine the case: is it possible to install several hard disks in it at once.
Previously, the IDE interface was used to connect drives. Now it can occasionally be found on older boards. But along with it, SATA is usually finalized. Such platforms are perfect for those who use the old-generation railway. Although experts recommend using the outdated model as an additional one and purchasing the main drive with a new interface.
Additional items
When choosing a motherboard, it is important to pay attention to details. You need to study the interface panel and understand what you personally lack. Perhaps 6 USB will not be enough for you, so you need to look for a model with a large number of ports.
Also, many pay attention to power slots. The power supply connection may depend on their number and type. Some advise against buying boards that do not have additional passive cooling elements. Especially important is their presence near the south and north bridges, as well as close to batteries.
You need to understand that such details are individual for each user, and advising here is not easy.
Review Asus
To understand this topic in more detail, it is better to consider possible parameters using an example of a couple of models. Which Asus motherboard is better? Since this year the developers have not yet released any revolutionary and cool options, you will have to consider the models of last year. Among them, the Asus ROG MAXIMUS IX EXTREME stands out especially cool.
It must be said right away that the platform is very expensive (30 thousand rubles), but it is ideal for a powerful gaming system. Looking at the Z270 chipset, you realize that it will also work for enthusiasts experimenting with overclocking.
On this model, you can install any processor based on socket 1151 (one of the latest connectors). You can also use DDR4 RAM, operating at a speed of 4133 MHz.
Of the features it is worth highlighting: proprietary backlight, an installed wireless network module, a BLCK generator, an excellent audio system and much more.
Gigabyte Review
Which Gigabyte motherboard is better? From this manufacturer there is also a very similar model Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 3. Based on an even more powerful chipset, which allows you to experiment with overclocking. Powered by socket 1151.
A network card is installed on the board, which contributes to a stable game on the network. There is also an excellent sound system and headphone amplifier.
To control the cooling system, the Smart Fan 5 function was added. A feature of this model was its compatibility with water cooling. There are 3 PCI-E x16 slots on the motherboard, which means that it is possible to connect up to three video cards. The manufacturer added modern connectors for M.2 SSDs. Such a motherboard will cost 12-14 thousand rubles.