The Computer MotherboardIf you know nothing about Computer Motherboards, go here first.  If the Processor (aka CPU) is the brain, then the Motherboard would be the Central Nervous System. The Computer Motherboard (MB) connects the Processor with all the other components like the Hard Drive or Memory in the same way the Central Nervous System connects the brain to the foot or the hand. As you understand, without the MB we do not have a functioning computer.Most people consider the Processor to be the most important part of a computer system. In reality the MB is more important than the CPU. It is more important because the performance gain compared to dollar spent is definitely higher for the MB. Spending another US$50 or US$100 on the MB will actually get you more grunt than spending the same amount on the Processor. Whatever you do, look first and foremost to select the best MB you can possibly afford without sacrificing too much on the other components. The reason you want to spend a little more on the Computer Motherboard is that an inferior MB will not take full advantage of the other components, especially CPU and Memory. If you decide to emphasize the CPU instead of the MB, then you are wasting your money, because your low quality MB will not be able to fully utilize your CPU and Memory. As a rule of thumb a good quality MB starts at about US$150. You should in general avoid Computer Motherboards costing below US$70, except if it is a sale of a MB previously being price well north of US$100 and you are on a very tight budget. If you have a decent budget to work with try to get a MB costing above US$150. Over US$250 we are in solid gaming territory. Do yourself a favor and focus your cash on the MB and get the one that is the maximum you can afford within your budget. When you are building your own computer, your choice is basically only between the ATX and the microATX. The flexATX is mainly used by barebone manufactures and usually not available for purchase by the general public. The mini-ITX only makes sense if you must have tiny size and performance is not an issue. As you can see your choice is either ATX or microATX and the good news is that many Computer Cases are made for both, except for the smallest cases (mini towers and SFF). The reason you can fit both is that one side have the same dimension. See below:
As you know the Computer Motherboard is the equivalent to the Central Nervous System, which means that everything is connected to the MB. For example vital parts like Memory (RAM) and the Hard Drive are connected to the Computer Motherboard. Another very important part is the expansions that can be made from the Computer Motherboard via the Expansion slots. Check out all these on the dedicated pages. There are a few other considerations that you need to ponder. You know what you want to do with your computer and you know how much money you can spend. So, there are some on-board options on some Computer Motherboards, which include:
Low cost Computer Motherboards usually offer integrated Graphics in the same way Laptops have integrated Graphics. Integrated Graphics obviously performs worse than a dedicated Graphics Card, although their performance have improved the past years. Only choose integrated graphics if you are on a tight budget and use your computer for surfing the web, messaging, chatting and that occasional document. You don't need anything more for that. If a Motherboard is offered as an integral part, i.e. mounted inside, of a Case then it is a Barebone. With so many devices available with a USB port, more USB ports are usually better. Another connector that can be found on some Motherboards are Firewire, a connector developed by Apple. There are few devices for Firewire so it is only for those that have a special device. Ports that are very important are DVI and lately also HDMI. Both ports are for digital video, HDMI is made for Home Theater Systems and DVI is one of the ports that connect your monitor (VGA is the other older port). For more information, check the respective sections. Sometimes you will also find a modem on the board. This is very useful if you want to fax from your computer, so if you have such need look for a board with a modem. Audio is included on most boards today, normally the Surround Sound variety. Check out the Audio page for more info. Let's now take a look at how a Motherboard is designed. Below you see a picture of an MSI Motherboard (ATX): Notice where the different components slot in (CPU, RAM, Expansion slots etc) and the configuration of the back panel.
How to choose a Computer MotherboardBelieve it or not but the Motherboard is the easiest component to choose - buy the most expensive you can afford. Price is a direct eqivalent to performance, that's just how it is. However, within a price group, for example US$ 150 - 200 there will be boards in the lower range that will slightly outperform boards in the higher range. Make a search on the web and read some reviews, then make your decision. Check also our unique Real Quality Index, if you want more decision support. You just have to check that the Motherboard features what you want. For example, do you want a Intel CPU or DDR3 or SLI certification.BrandsThere are many manufacturers of Computer Motherboards. If you haven't already, you will soon realize that the same brands keep popping up. There is no brand that is considered the best, but many are using ASUS as a form of measuring stick and the expectations from an ASUS MB is slightly higher than any other. However, that doesn't mean ASUS is better, all manufacturers have their problems. Click on the links of each brand to learn the real truth. Some of the common brands are: TechnicalsChipset: The chipset could be referred to as the backbone of the MB or the equivalent to the foundation of the Central Nervous System. Both Intel and AMD produce chipsets in addition to CPUs. Other major manufacturers are Nvidia and ATI. Sometimes one can find VIA and SIS chipsets as well. The better the chipset, the more expensive the MB.Front Side Bus (FSB): The FSB is nothing more than the connection between the CPU and the chipset. What is interesting with the FSB is the speed rating in MHz (Mega Hertz). The higher the number the faster the MB (and more expensive).
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Computer Motherboards comes in different Form Factors or sizes. The most common is ATX and some variations of it like microATX and flexATX. One of the latest Form Factors is the BTX, but very few manufacturers are supporting this format and it is basically dead. The BTX format was created by Intel to improve cooling. Another interesting format is the mini-ITX, a format suitable if you are looking for low cost, low energy consumption and very small size. Recently AMD launched a Form Factor called DTX, which is mainly for low-cost computers and not yet support by any manufacturers.
