Motherboard Information Center
Your Complete Guide to Computer Motherboards
Learn about motherboard types, specifications, compatibility, and how to choose the right motherboard for your computer build.
What is a Motherboard?
A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer that holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components.
It provides connectors for other peripherals and contains the CPU socket, memory slots, expansion slots, storage connectors, and power connectors.
The motherboard is sometimes referred to as the "backbone" of a computer because all components connect to it and rely on it for communication.
Key Motherboard Specifications
- Form Factor (?) Physical dimensions and layout ATX, mATX, ITX
- CPU Socket (?) Type of processor connector LGA 1700, AM5
- Chipset (?) Controls communication between components Z790, B650, X670
- RAM Slots (?) Number of memory modules supported 2 - 8 Slots
- Expansion Slots (?) PCIe slots for add-on cards PCIe x16, x4, x1
Motherboard Compatibility Tool
Find the perfect motherboard for your build based on your components and requirements:
Recommended Motherboards
Motherboard Form Factors Comparison
| Form Factor | Dimensions | Expansion Slots | RAM Slots | Best For | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATX | 305 × 244 mm | 4-7 PCIe slots | 4-8 DIMMs | Full-sized builds, gaming | Most Popular |
| Micro-ATX | 244 × 244 mm | 2-4 PCIe slots | 2-4 DIMMs | Compact builds, budget gaming | Popular |
| Mini-ITX | 170 × 170 mm | 1 PCIe slot | 2 DIMMs | Small form factor, HTPC | Standard |
| E-ATX | 330 × 305 mm | 7+ PCIe slots | 8 DIMMs | Workstations, servers | Professional |
Key Motherboard Features
VRM Design
Voltage Regulator Module delivers clean power to the CPU. Higher quality VRMs support better overclocking.
Memory Support
Determines RAM type, speed, and capacity. Modern boards support DDR4 or DDR5 with XMP/EXPO profiles.
Connectivity
Includes USB ports, networking (Ethernet/Wi-Fi), audio jacks, and display outputs for integrated graphics.
Expansion Slots
PCIe slots for graphics cards, sound cards, capture cards, and other expansion devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by selecting a motherboard that matches your CPU's socket type. Then consider the form factor based on your case size, the number of expansion slots you need, RAM capacity, connectivity options, and your budget. Gaming builds benefit from better VRMs and multiple PCIe slots, while office PCs can use more basic models.
Chipset tiers determine features and capabilities. For Intel, Z-series boards support overclocking and have more connectivity, while B-series are more budget-focused. For AMD, X-series offers more features and better overclocking support than B-series. Higher-end chipsets typically provide more USB ports, SATA connectors, and PCIe lanes.
No, DDR4 and DDR5 are not compatible due to different physical notches and electrical requirements. Motherboards are designed specifically for one type of memory. Some motherboard models might be available in both DDR4 and DDR5 versions, but you cannot mix them on the same board.
If you plan to connect to the internet wirelessly, then yes. Motherboards with built-in Wi-Fi typically include Bluetooth as well. If your motherboard doesn't have Wi-Fi, you can add it later with a PCIe or USB adapter. Built-in Wi-Fi is often more convenient and doesn't use an expansion slot.
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is crucial for stable CPU performance, especially with high-power processors and overclocking. Better VRMs with more power phases provide cleaner power, reduce heat, and improve longevity. For gaming or content creation builds, don't cheap out on the VRM quality.
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