![]() But chipsets can be incredibly complex, enough so that a story could be written about each one. Since the chipset is arguably the main component that’s permanently attached to the motherboard (as opposed to removable CPU or RAM), we’ll list the primary features of each current-generation chipset below, to help you choose. But once you’ve settled on a CPU, you often still have chipset options which dictate things like how many high-speed components you can install, or how many super-fast USB ports are supported. For all you need to know about choosing a processor, you can head to our CPU buying guide. Chipset/SocketĪnother key board consideration is, of course, what CPU you need it to support. ![]() Chances are, you’re going to be opting for one of the three sizes illustrated above. As of this writing, Newegg was selling a single Mini-STX motherboard from ASRock. And a tiny Mini-STX form factor (5.5x5.7 inches) also exists, but is extremely rare. ![]() You may also run across E-ATX motherboards, which are larger than ATX, but those are primarily used in workstation systems. Mini-ITX allows for compact PCs that still have space for one graphics card, while Micro-ATX splits the difference in both size and expansion. The vast majority of today’s consumer motherboards come in one of three sizes: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.ĪTX is the de facto standard, and offers the most space for features and expansion. If you’re overwhelmed by all the features and details above, you’ll be relieved to hear that, when it comes to motherboard size, your options are pretty simple. If that’s your aim, look for a board with fewer (or no) video ports, to make room for more USB or other ports. Likewise, the USB 3.1 Gen2 ports on the board above are a blue-green shade, while MSI often makes its USB 3.1 Gen1 and Gen2 ports red.Īlso note that, if you are planning on installing a dedicated graphics card, you likely won’t be using the on-board video ports. USB 3 ports are usually blue and USB 2.0 ports black, but that’s not always the case-especially when board makers add feature like sleep-charge to some ports. One thing to know about USB ports is that color isn’t consistent. And the availability of 16GB modules means you can install 32GB of RAM on even a tiny Mini-ITX board-though you will pay a price premium for that extra density versus opting for a RAM kit that spreads the 32GB across four sticks. That said, for most mainstream tasks (including gaming) 16GB is good enough and 32GB is ample. Many boards based around high-end chipsets (X399/Threadripper for AMD and X299/Core X for Intel) have eight slots (and support quad-channel memory for more bandwidth). If you need more, you’ll need to opt for a board with at least four DIMM slots. Some low-end chipsets are also limited to two slots, because only one DIMM per channel is supported. Mini-ITX motherboards are usually limited to two RAM slots due to board space constraints. But unless you are going to ship your system, or plan to cart it to LAN parties and you have a very big, heavy card, metal slots are more for show than a necessity. We have seen slots break before-usually when large cards are installed in a system that’s been shipped across the country. ![]() The idea is that they provide more support for large graphics cards, to keep the plastic slot from cracking or outright breaking under the weight of heavy cards. Lastly, a note about metal-wrapped PCIe slots: These are increasingly common in high-end and even mainstream boards. Even if a smaller board has all the slots and ports you need now, it’s good to have some left over for future upgrades. If you are planning on installing lots of expansion cards, you’ll want to opt for an ATX motherboard (if not an E-ATX model), as smaller form factors have less room for slots (as well as other features that take up lots of PCB space). So while there are six slots on the board here, if you install two graphics cards, you’ll have just two accessible slots to add other cards. In the image above, if you install a gaming graphics card (the vast majority of which are at least two slots tall) in either of the two x16 slots, the shorter x1 slots below them will be blocked. Also know that slot arrangement/spacing is key if installing more than one or two expansion cards. Note that some PCIe slots may be wired for fewer lanes than the slot length suggests, or have some lanes disabled depending on what other slots or fast drives are installed. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |