< Return to Buyers Guide index
The motherboard dictates the type of processor you can use, how well the other components communicate, the features on offer and future upgrade potential.
Cheap boards limit processor support, graphics and expansion options. Around £70–£100 gets you the latest technologies.
Most desktop and tower cases use a standard ATX-size motherboard but, if you’re building a small system, look at compact MiniATX or MicroATX designs. If using an existing case, make sure you buy the right form factor.
Your choice is also dictated by the processor. You’ll need Socket 775 for
current Intel processors, Socket A for AMD Athlon XP or Duron, and Socket 939
for an
Athlon 64. The Athlon 64 FX series requires Socket 940. If using an older CPU,
check the socket type.
We would recommend an Intel P4 or Athlon 64 for a good all-round system. The Athlon 64 can address one terabyte of RAM (1,000GB) and handle difficult calculations with relative ease.
The new generation of processors also change the way data is transferred.
Whereas P4s rely on the motherboard chipset to shuttle data between processor
and memory, Athlon 64s avoid this by integrating the memory controller into the
CPU die.
Divided into northbridge and southbridge, the chipset handles the
communication between all the components and dictates the features on offer.
Today’s leading
chipset manufacturers include Via, Silicon Integrated Systems (Sis), ATI, Nvidia
and Intel. Chipsets can include integrated graphics.
Today’s motherboards mainly use DDR or DDR2 RAM, available in 200, 266, 333 and 400, 667 and 800MHz modules.
Also consider the number of slots available. Fit dual in-line memory modules (Dimms) in pairs if the chipset supports dual-channel operation.
The latest boards support both older IDE and new, faster Serial ATA (Sata) hard disks. Check the number of connectors available for both.
Some chipsets provide Raid support, so data can be spread across two drives for extra performance or backups. SCSI controllers can be found on more expensive boards, or be added with expansion cards.
Also important is the number of USB2 and Firewire sockets for external
add-ons. You may need serial, parallel and PS/2 interfaces if using older legacy
peripherals. Look out, too, for onboard Ethernet networking, a built-in 56K
modem and onboard
sound. The latter is fine for all but audio buffs or avid gamers.
Recommended Motherboards
ECS PF88
The PF88 is feature-packed and compatible with both Intel and AMD processors
Read review
>
Check
prices >
Aopen i915GMm-HFS
The HFS makes the ideal platform for building a quiet, power-efficient Intel PC
Read
review >
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe
A good, all-round AMD SLI board that is packed with plenty of features
Read
review >
Check
prices >
ECS 915-A
All the features you’d expect from a modern Intel-based motherboard and
outstanding value for money
Read
review >
Check
prices >
Asus K8N-E Deluxe
A tidy AMD board with lots of room around the major components and a
wide range of features
Read
review >
Check
prices >
Epox 8HDA3+
An AMD board that stands out from the crowd thanks to its dual Lan and
external Sata support
Read
review >
Check
prices >
MSI 945P Platinum
An Intel board that features DTS Connect, so you can output true DTS
surround-sound audio
Check
prices >
Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI Royal
Featuring an Nforce4 chipset, this model from Gigabyte supports all Intel 775
processors
Read
review >
Check
prices >
Abit Fatal1ty AN8
This AMD board has enough flexibility and Bios features to keep
overclockers happy
Read
review >
Check
prices >
ECS PF22 Extreme
The PF22 has a rich set of features, including Crossfire support, at a good
price
Read review >
<
Compare to all motherboards
< Return to Buyers Guide index
See also:
The choice of processor is huge, as is the price range, and it's hard to make a decision when you're surrounded by all that jargon. We explain what it all means 01 Dec 2004
All Peripheral Devices
del.icio.us
Digg this
reddit!
