How to Choose a Motherboard: 7 Factors to Consider

This article explains how to choose a motherboard, including finding the correct motherboard for your computer case and central processing unit (CPU), and other things to consider.

Top 7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Motherboard

When buying a new motherboard as a replacement or as the backbone of a new PC you're building, there are some key factors to keep in mind.

Here are seven crucial elements to consider when choosing a motherboard:

1. Cost
2. CPU
3. CPU socket
4. Form factor and case
5. Expansion ports
6. Built-in ports
7. RAM (memory)

How Much Should a Motherboard Cost?

Motherboard prices vary widely by model and manufacturer and can be as little as $50 or less or as much as $1,500. However, the more you spend on a motherboard, the more features you'll get. Here's a general overview of basic, average, and high-end motherboard prices.

What CPU Should a Motherboard Have?

A CPU is a critical PC element that interprets and executes your hardware and software commands. If you're replacing or upgrading a motherboard, you can choose one that works with your existing CPU. But if you're buying a new CPU or building a PC, you'll also need a processor.

A mid-tier CPU will be powerful enough for multitasking and smooth operations to ensure maximum productivity for your PC for business use. If you're a gamer, you'll want a CPU with higher clock speeds and extensive RAM support. If you're a content creator, you'll want a CPU with enough RAM to support 4K video.

Check your CPU specs carefully to determine if they suit your intended uses.

What CPU Socket Should a Motherboard Have?

The CPU socket is a critical factor when deciding what motherboard to buy. A motherboard's CPU socket type determines what CPUs you can use with the motherboard.

If you have a computer and need to replace the motherboard due to component failure or to upgrade it, select one with a socket that fits your existing CPU. Or, you can buy a new CPU.

If buying a new CPU replacement or building a new PC, determine what socket it fits after deciding on the CPU you want. For example, an Intel i7 Core i7-9700F processor requires a motherboard with support for the LGA 1151 socket, and an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X needs a motherboard with support for the AM4 socket.

To find out what socket you need, check your CPU's documentation or look it up on the CPU manufacturer's website. If you're shopping online, the socket is usually found somewhere on the listing for the CPU.

What Form Factor and Case Should a Motherboard Have?

Along with the CPU socket, a motherboard's form factor is one of the most critical elements to select.

If you already have a computer and need to replace the motherboard to upgrade it or due to component failure, select a motherboard with a socket that will fit your existing CPU and fit in your current case unless you want to buy a new CPU and case.

If you're building a new computer, select a motherboard that will accommodate the CPU you want and fit in your chosen case. When selecting a case, aesthetics plays a part, of course, but the more important consideration is the case's size and the type of motherboard it supports.

Here are the main types of motherboard form factors you'll use when building a custom PC:

• ATX: This is the form factor used in most desktop computers. It's 12 inches long and 9.625 inches wide and offers room for expansion cards and peripherals.
• Micro-ATX: This is the same width as the ATX but two inches shorter. That means it fits smaller cases but doesn't have as much space for expansion slots.
• Mini-ITX: These motherboards are only 6.75 inches wide and 6.75 inches long, so they fit in small cases but don't have much space for expansion slots. You may get one expansion slot or none at all.

Decide which case you want, and check if it's an ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX case. You can look for a motherboard that matches the CPU socket you want to use.

What Expansion Ports Should a Motherboard Have?

After the CPU socket and form factor, the next most important factor is how many expansion ports, usually PCIe ports, the motherboard has and how many you think you'll need.

The two most common expansion ports to look for are PCIe x16 slots, which can accommodate graphics cards, and PCIe x1 slots, used for other expansion cards like adding extra USB ports. If you'd like to install two video cards, ensure the motherboard has two expansion ports that can accommodate video cards.

Most motherboards support PCIe 3.0, but some support the newer PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, which provide more bandwidth. If you have any PCIe cards or want to future-proof your selection, look for a board with PCIe 5.0 support.

What Built-In Ports Does a Motherboard Need?

It’s also worth looking at the ports built into the motherboard. Motherboards will include a mix of USB-A, USB-C, audio ports, HDMI and DisplayPort, and even legacy ports like VGA, PS/2, parallel, and serial ports. Motherboards can also include Ethernet ports and other connectivity like built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Consider which ports you’re most likely to need, and select a motherboard that fits your requirements so you won’t have to add an expansion card or USB hub immediately.

How Much RAM Does a Motherboard Need?

It’s also important to look at how many RAM slots the motherboard has and how much total RAM it supports to meet your memory needs. This factor isn’t crucial if your computer only needs to stream media, surf the web, and play basic games. Still, having the option to install more RAM is vital if you do any video or photo editing or play resource-intensive games.

Who Should Buy a Motherboard?

You'll need to purchase a motherboard if you're building a new PC. You may need to replace the motherboard when upgrading or fixing your current PC. If you're buying a new motherboard as a replacement or building a PC, ensure you have the knowledge and instructions on how to proceed.

What Should I Do After Buying a Motherboard?

After buying a motherboard, you must install it on your current PC or the PC you're building. Before you begin, be sure to have your motherboard and PC manuals. Consult an experienced tech for help or outsource the task if you're not an expert.

Ensure all peripherals are removed and disconnected and the computer is off and unplugged. You'll open the desktop case, disconnect all internal hardware, and place the elements somewhere safe and static-free. Ensure all power supply cables are unplugged. Remove any screws securing the motherboard in place and carefully remove the motherboard tray.

How you proceed depends on whether you're reusing your old CPU and other hardware or installing new elements. Proceed carefully according to your motherboard's replacement instructions.

More Tips for Choosing a Motherboard

Before purchasing your motherboard, consider these additional tips.

• Ensure your motherboard can support these connections if your peripherals need specific connectors, such as USB 3.0, eSATA, Thunderbolt, HDMI, or PCI Express.
• The components motherboards support vary widely. Your motherboard may support only one CPU type and specific memory types.
• Laptop motherboards aren't as easy to upgrade because they may include elements like video cards as built-in components.
• Make sure any motherboard you're considering has adequate cooling mechanisms, particularly if you plan to overclock.
• When connecting devices to your motherboard, you may also need to install device drivers so they work correctly with your operating system.
• Consider additional motherboard features and if they'll be helpful to you. For example, a motherboard may include onboard wireless, audio, or a RAID controller.
• If you want to overclock your CPU, ensure your motherboard can handle the job concerning CPU multipliers and voltages.
  

What Is a Motherboard?

A motherboard is a computer hardware element that connects various internal computer parts, including the CPU, memory modules, hard drives, expansion cards, and ports. Computer parts connect to the computer directly or with appropriate cables.

Macs and Windows PCs have motherboards, but Mac motherboards are generally called "logic boards." When you hear the term "motherboard," it's likely a Windows PC component.

A motherboard is like the backbone of a Windows PC, holding its elements together. It's one of your computer's most critical components because the rest is assembled around it. The CPU plugs into a special socket on the motherboard; expansion cards like your video card also plug into the motherboard, as does your hard drive and everything else.