A good motherboard is essential for anyone who uses a computer for activities that go beyond simple online browsing. If you are a gamer and you are willing to invest in one of the best performing motherboards you can find, we recommend you to analyze the modelAsus STRIX Z390-H GAMING Gigabyte B450M DS3H
You can’t say you have a well-configured computer without a quality motherboard. This component has the role of establishing the correct connections between all the parts of the system and therefore it is located in a crucial position. For this reason, it is very important to know how the typology can influence all the performance that the computer will be capable of. You may end up asking yourself the question, “how do I buy a motherboard correctly?”, Especially if you do not have a solid knowledge of hardware.
Situations in which you may need a new such component may be relatively common; you will buy a new one, when you consider that you want to upgrade, it is bought separately, when you organize a new desktop system on components or analyze its qualities in an already proposed configuration, to see if you can use the computer for tasks routine, for video editing or even gaming.
In the first two situations, the most important aspect that directly influences the selection is the processor. If you buy all the parts of the system separately, first consider the processor, and only then you are interested in where to find motherboards at a good price buyers, choosing only a perfectly compatible part.
If these two elements are not 100% suitable for each other, the operation of the system is compromised from the start. So, to know what parameters determine an inspired purchase, we will present them briefly in this guide.
Platform: also called “socket” (socket) and establishes the first level of compatibility with the processor, and depending on the manufacturer, you must choose sockets compatible with Intel processors or AMD models.
If you have an Intel processor, compatible parts will have sockets called LGA and numbered 775, 1150, 1151, 1155, 2011. If you are preparing to configure a more complex system, which will focus on renderings and mainly on video editing, the the most suitable option is LGA 2011, of course in combination with a compatible processing unit.
In other cases, for home users you can choose other versions, provided you always buy the newer model of the board than the processor. At Intel, an older CPU will be compatible on the same type of socket with a more recently produced motherboard, but not vice versa, especially when we talk about dual core or quad core processors.
If you choose or already have an AMD processor, you will notice sockets named AM or FM and numbered as follows: AM1, AM3, AM3 +, FM2 and FM2 +. The latest AMD processor models are configured with the AM3 + socket. Although this is not the most conclusive indicator for the latest performance standards, a board with the same type of socket will allow you wider upgrades in the future, because the models from this source are universally compatible on the same socket, regardless of whether they are production older or newer (different from the Intel case).
Usually, in order to make your search work considerably easier, the products sold online have in their specified presentation a whole list of compatible processors, which will help you save a lot of time in your searches.
Format: There are the following most common sizes for a motherboard: ATX, mATX, BTX, DTX, LPX. This aspect is also called “form factor”, which can give you clues about the future possibilities of memory upgrade or about the usefulness of the whole system.
If you plan to add more RAM in the future, we advise you to choose ATX, as it provides space for at least 4 different slots, compared to micro ATX (mATX), which offers only 2 slots. In general, for systems that support a high-performance processor, ATX is the ideal choice, whether we are talking about conventional users or computers for institutions.
When you have fewer funds available, a mATX will do its job right, especially with a system that doesn’t require much. Newer versions, BTX, are recommended if the system will have problems with overheating (all components are state of the art), but are not preferred alternatives for individual users.
RAM and SATA: The most popular version of Random Access Memory currently remains DDR3. The reasons are simple: it has become more affordable, after the advent of DDR4, and the speeds it provides are very good for most users. For the less pretentious, DDR2 is not a bad choice, especially when you are bad with your budget.
We advise you to check the maximum capacity you can reach with RAM, an ATX card with 4 or more slots, which means an upgrade possibility of up to 32GB. Maintains compatibility with the processor and looks for compatible memory for the present slots. To realize how important this component is, we believe that a value of 16GB of RAM can meet not only the requirements of a conventional desktop system, but even those you configure for gaming.
On the simplest motherboard variants you can find at least 2 SATA type ports (3.0). If you can’t afford a bigger investment, you will be satisfied with this configuration as well. On the other hand, if you rely mainly on quality and performance, the more ports of this type, the better the system will be considered.
Technological innovations, such as SATA Express, are more made to become useful sometime in the future, and from this point of view we advise you to avoid spending extra on such components, because for home or office use, it has not yet arrived. their time.
Other ports: can be USB, video and audio outputs. We advise you to choose the model that offers you at least one USB 3.0 and several adjacent USB 2.0, which you can use more to connect different peripheral components.
If the system is purchased for gaming, in addition to the built-in graphics processor you will have a separately purchased video card, so the video output from the motherboard will matter less. Instead, when left with an integrated GPU, this output is essential for proper image display.
The same happens with the audio card, which will always be integrated. Other important connectors available are: S / PDIF, HDMI, VGA, DVI, RJ-45 etc. Remember, the richer the interface in terms of connection possibilities, the easier it will be to communicate the whole system with other external devices.
Chipset and overclocking: If you want to buy the most modern component, a clear majority of opinions about the best motherboards will urge you to choose the Z97 chipset. There is a very wide range of chipset models (B85, H87, Z97, Q85 etc), and if you are not a fan of solid hardware knowledge, you will get a little over this aspect.
The element that most users are interested in is the possibility of “overclocking”. Basically you can force the chips (Northbridge and Southbridge) on the motherboard to work at maximum performance, along with the processor and RAM.
When this process is possible, the components will operate at higher frequencies than those mentioned by the supplier, resulting in performance that exceeds the usual ones, without compromising the integrity of the system. Initially, the only chipset that allowed overclocking was the Z87, but now it can be made on other models (with lower success rates).
Brands: Here we refer to models / types, and the most popular of these are: ASUS, Gigabyte, AsRock and MSI. As you can see, this parameter is the last mentioned, as there is no clear rule that one model would be better than the other in any way. So, from this perspective, you can choose depending on what components you have owned in the past and the tips found on the forums.
We believe that all four suppliers offer quality components, and if you want to determine where to find motherboards at good prices, the good news is that any of these companies provide costs for all pockets.
If you follow our advice closely, you don’t need to be very educated in the hardware field to buy a high-performance product and you won’t spend an entire fortune. With minimal investment, you can find to order online the model you dream of, which is why the advice we give you is to buy on the Internet. For more clarifications, consult our ranking of offers, so that you can be convinced how profitable it is to buy in this way.
Recommended models in 2021 Asus STRIX Z390-H GAMING
It has DDR4 access memory, exactly what you need for high-demand games that you want to run fast, and there are 4 RAM slots, the maximum supported capacity being 64 GB of memory. You will be able to make numerous upgrades to the system, being able to increase the storage space by adding HDDs or SSDs, having a SATA III interface with 6 ports (ensures transfer rates of up to 600 Mb / s).
It is equipped with numerous USB 3.1 ports, but also HDMI and five audio jacks, among others, supporting extended connectivity. Moreover, it has an integrated audio system, to give you more control over the sound, it has an integrated LAN, the risk of lag being minimal, and another aspect that impresses is the high-performance cooling system.
Benefits:
High-performance gaming motherboard from the ROG Strix Gaming category from Asus.
It is reliable, thanks to the metal radiator, with futuristic design, but also to the control functions of the cooling system.
Integrates LAN for extended bandwidth, ensuring fast and smooth running of games.
SATA III interface with six ports, for multiple future upgrade possibilities.
It has a 36-month warranty.
Disadvantages:
It is only compatible with new versions of Intel processors (9th and 8th generation, plus Pentium® Gold and Celeron®)
Gigabyte B450M DS3H
The model has DDR4 memory and 4 RAM slots, so you can increase the RAM capacity up to 64 GB. It also has PCI-E slots (x16, x4) and even has a M.2 slot, less common, for people who prefer to install such an SSD storage drive.
Also in terms of connectivity, we inform you that it has four fast ports, USB 3.0, four other USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, three audio jacks, a DVI, a PS / 2 and RJ-45 (integrated LAN).
Benefits:
It is compatible with the entire Ryzen 2000 series of processors, without BIOS update.
It is offered with two SATA III cables.
There are 4 RAM slots, the maximum memory capacity being 64 GB.
You can find it at a great price.
Comes with a long warranty of 36 months.
Disadvantages:
The manual is weak in instructions, not necessarily helpful.
It has a single plug through which you can put a cooling fan inside the case.
Gigabyte GA-H110M-S2
The board supports Intel i7, i5, i6, i3, Celeron and Pentium processors (for i7 generation processors, BIOS update is required), with socket 1151. It has mATX format and DD4R type memory (maximum processing frequency 2133 Mhz) , with dual channel architecture and two slots that can support up to 32 GB.
It has a SATA III storage interface, with 4 ports (6 Gb / s connector each), and on the back panel you will find the following connectors: PS / 2 ports for mouse and keyboard, two USB 3.0 ports and two other USB 2.0, RJ- 45 and three audio jacks (line in, line out, small in).
Benefits:
It is also compatible with systems that have an older generation processor.
You can make component upgrades and large storage drive, with 4-port SATA III interface.
It has two USB 3.0 ports for fast connections.
You can find it at a very advantageous price, especially when it is on sale.
Disadvantages:
You can only connect one fan.
Other recommended products currently unavailable:
Gigabyte Z97X-GAMING GT
If you set out to find the best Gigabyte overclocking motherboard, you can say you found it, in the form of this model. It is configured with an 1150 socket, supporting, based on it, the perfect compatibility with the following Intel processor models: i3, i5, i7, Pentium and Celeron.
If you have one of these options or are planning a configuration that includes them, we do not see any argument to the contrary. The format is ATX and supports DDR3 memory, allowing you to put a maximum of 32GB of RAM (it has 4 slots), double the value compared to the most suitable for the memory of a suitable gaming system. About the SATA3 ports, we can say that there are 8 of them, ensuring future compatibility with the new generation of storage units – SDDs. It also includes a SATA Express port, which could be a bit too powerful for what our home desktop technology currently allows, but if you want to keep up with the news, you can only appreciate this.
The Z97 chipset allows you to overclock, and the additional slots can accommodate the most powerful graphics processing units (dedicated video cards – multi-GPU SLI and CrossfireX technology). You have at your disposal a very diversified interface, on which you will find all the useful connectors, mentioned in this buying guide; we have to mainly specify USB 3.0 ports (6). You benefit from a graphics processor, network card and audio card, all integrated.
Benefits:
It is a very suitable component for gaming, capable of overclocking through the integrated Z97 chipset and compatible with the latest generation dedicated GPU technology.
Supports excellent compatibility with Intel processors of various old and new classes, via 1150 socket.
It includes a multitude of ports, which extend its connectivity.
Supports SDD upgrades via SATA 3 ports.
It is an ATX with 4 RAM slots, where it fits up to 32GB of memory, offering excellent performance as a game.
Disadvantages:
You can say that you bought one of the best products, but with a price to match.
The first recommendation we have for an ASUS product goes to this board made for compatibility with Intel Celeron processors, through socket 1170, and provided with integrated processing unit, in the form of the Celeron Dual-Core N3050 model with a maximum processing frequency of 2.16 GHz. We recommend it to those who want to set up a workstation at home, using the system more for browsing, working with simple programs, music auditions and HD movie views.
The piece is very simple, which is why it is one of the best sellers at cheap prices. It is configured for DDR3 memory and has a maximum RAM capacity of 8GB. Since it offers 2 memory slots, you can guess that it is a mATX with slots of 4GB each.
It has an integrated audio card and graphics processor, as well as a Realtek network card model ALC887. The SATA interface includes only two 3 ports, minimum required. It is provided with USB 2.0 and 3.0, VGA, HDMI, RJ-45, audio, ensuring excellent connection possibilities.
Benefits:
It has an integrated Celeron processor, along with audio, video and network card.
It is sold cheaply for a 2 in 1 component.
It is efficient in desktop systems for home users, with DDR3 memory and slots for 8GB of RAM.
The interface is properly equipped with most of the ports you need for extended connectivity.
Disadvantages:
Includes only 2 SATA 3 ports.
It is not suitable for gaming, because the integrated processor has a low frequency, which does not support very complex video applications.
Among the best motherboards with socket 1150 we recommend this AsRock offer. Compared to other similar products, we consider that, at its price, it proves the most appreciable performances.
First of all, it is compatible with Celeron, Pentium, i7, i5 and i3 which have the same type of socket. In terms of upgradability, we mention the Z97 chipset, recommended by many IT professionals for overclocking. Also, with an ATX format and 4 DDR3 RAM slots, this component can reach the performance of providing 32GB of memory, if you gradually complete its capabilities. Either you assemble a processor with integrated video card, or you interconnect a dedicated GPU, the choice remains at your discretion and depending on the budget.
Gigabit card allows you to play simpler games on the network, being integrated. Also, the audio is included. The presence of the 6 SATA 3 ports allows the connection of an SSD in the future and obtaining very good access speeds. The HDMI, RJ-45, USB connectors (both types) and the 3 audio outputs guarantee moderate connectivity performance, making it compatible with the most modern Full HD monitors.
Benefits:
Very suitable for PC, but also in gaming, based on compatibility with multiple Intel processor models, via 1150 socket.
A Z97 chipset also allows overclocking options.
It works with DDR3 memory and 4 RAM slots, allowing extensive upgrading in this regard.
You can connect an SSD, as it includes SATA 3 ports.
It has all kinds of useful connection ports today.
Disadvantages:
It does not integrate a video card.
MSI h110m pro d
Recommended for systems with Intel 6th Generation Core i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium or
It includes 4 SATa-III type ports and supports 32GB DDR4 RAM, being among the preferred options for office and home office computers, which need good working speed, with the specification that for video stream transmission provides connector DVI-D and does not come with VGA or HDMI variants. In terms of connectivity, it also offers PS / 2 option for mouse or keyboard, 4 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0, RJ-45 LAN for network and 5.1 audio support.
It is also equipped with surge protection and DDR4 Boost technology for improved signal stability. Because it works at a lower temperature, it offers you increased efficiency, with lower energy consumption.
Benefits:
Works with 32GB DDR4 memory, enough for complex applications.
It provides 4 USB 2.0 ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports, offering increased flexibility in terms of connectivity to external data sources.
It is a stable and efficient version, recommended for professional use in home office or business environments.
The design includes integrated overvoltage protection for more system and data security.
Disadvantages:
Does not include HDMI or VGA ports for video transmission.
Those looking for affordable products from the ASUS brand will be delighted with this board model, compatible in socket 1155 with Intel processors of the i3, i5 and i7 generations – Pentium and Celeron.
With a uATX format (comparable in size to conventional ATX) and compatible with DDR3 memory, this component is recommended in the structure of desktops for use in simple browsing conditions and procedures with not very complex applications.
You only have two RAM slots on your devices, and the maximum capacity you can reach by upgrading will be 16GB. On LAN, video and audio registers, the board has properly integrated components. It only includes the SATA 2 interface, so you can connect an SSD, but the speed will remain lower. Includes several connection plugs, including four USB 2.0, RJ-45, VGA, DVI and audio jack.
Cheap and good Asus motherboard.
It has extensive possibilities to combine with multiple Intel processor models, in the LGA 1155 interface.
It can support DDR3 memory and up to 16GB of RAM, offering a decent upgrade to conventional desktop systems.
It has ready integrated LAN, audio and video processing and a set of diversified connectors.
Disadvantages:
No SATA 3 and HDMI and USB 3.0 connector.
In order to offer an MSI alternative for the expectations of potential users, this model managed to attract our attention, both through a good configuration and a fairly low cost. If you want to make the most savings on purchasing components for a computer useful in browsing and working with simple software, this seems like the most cost-effective option you have.
The part fits through the 1150 socket with Intel processor models: Pentium, Celeron, i3 / 5/7. It also works with DDR3 memory and RAM divided into two slots, since it has mATX format. It saves internal space in the unit and can accumulate up to 16GB of RAM, when fully upgraded to the memory chipset.
This will give you good performance, even for online HD streaming. It has SATA 2 and 3 interface, two ports each, so it can work quickly, with SSD storage units. It fits well in terms of connectivity, with all the useful parts for current technology (HDMI, USB 3.0, VGA, PS2, etc.), and for audio, video and network processing has integrated boards.
Very attractive as a budget offer.
Provides memory upgrade up to 16GB, with 2 RAM slots (mATX).
It works with many examples of Intel processors, through the LGA 1150 socket.
It is equipped with SATA 3 and HDMI and USB 3.0 ports, useful for quality transmission and high speeds when accessing data from Hard.
Disadvantages:
Includes minimum SATA III ports – only 2.
Since in the future DDR4 memory will become the most popular, we can not omit from our top a piece so configured and offering an affordable cost. DDR4 has the merit of improving the energy consumption rate, some experts saying that it is achieved by 40%.
In other respects, the 1151 socket allows the connection with Intel processors of the most famous generations. With an ATX format and 4 RAM slots, along with the newest memory typology, you can extend this parameter to the impressive value of 65GB, 4 times more than you currently need to run absolutely any existing game. What do we deduce here? – The song will be the favorite asset of gamers everywhere.
With the help of the 4-port SATA III interface you can connect the desired SSD, benefiting from the best access speeds today. On the list of positive aspects we also include ultra-extended connectivity, based on all the ports (new and old models) needed in an extremely versatile desktop system. Perhaps only non-ECC memory support is a small disadvantage, as in this form it cannot be considered server RAM, ECC coming from Error Correcting Code. Given that it is very possible not to buy for this purpose, the inconvenience is easy to ignore.
Motherboard with socket 1151 at a good price.
Equipped with DDR4 memory, so it provides improved power consumption by up to 40%.
It includes great possibilities to extend the RAM to 65GB – ideal for gaming in the future.
All useful ports and SATA 3 interface are present, ensuring efficient connectivity and upgradability.
Disadvantages:
Not recommended for server RAM, as it has non-ECC support.
We also give a very popular example of a board that includes a less demanding 775 socket for Intel quad core or dual core, as long as the respective elements also have a compatible socket. The song is presented in mATX format and supports DDR2 and DDR3 memory, depending on your budget and usage preferences.
With the help of 4 slots, you can reach the value of 8GB of RAM, which we consider sufficient in browsing, streaming and opening applications and software without excessive memory requirements. For other efficient registers in audio, video and network processing, we mention properly integrated elements. It has only the ATA and SATA II interface, and these aspects are among the least praised, along with the lack of a USB 3.0 port or an HDMI slot.
Given all the aspects mentioned above, we advise you to choose it if you have an outdated system and you need an upgrade to give it a boost of new technology. With such low requirements, you will be satisfied with the fact that it has a lower energy consumption than the more efficient models.
It can accept both older memory, DDR2, and relatively recent – DDR3.
Allows up to 8GB of RAM, enough value on a desktop for routine tasks.
Being more suitable for upgrading to old systems, it does not have very high energy consumption.
It can work with both dual core and quad core processors – depending on the socket.
Disadvantages:
Several ports are missing, including SATA 3 and USB 3.0.
It is a board for older processors, with socket 775.
Even if it will be necessary to take a larger amount out of your pocket, this motherboard for gaming will grab you, when you are one of those passionate about video games. Produced by MSI and equipped with socket 1151, the part can be considered compatible with most models of the sixth generation of Intel Core processors (Celeron, Pentium etc).
The Z170 chipset offers good overclocking possibilities, for those who want to give it an operating boost beyond its powers. The supported memory being DDR4, it can be expanded up to 64GB, based on the 4 slots and the classic ATX format. The M.2 standard (PCI Express) allows you to connect better in the conditions of joining an SSD.
This is supported even by the SATA 3 interface, with 6 ports or by SATA Express. DVI, HDMI, VGA, USB 3.1, S / PDIF, PS2 and audio outputs allow you to make all kinds of connections, regardless of the peripheral models you have. With a 36-month commercial warranty, any gamer will be satisfied.
Allows higher RAM to upgrade, accepting DDR4, with ATX format and 4 free slots.
It can reach up to 64GB of RAM, giving exceptional results in video games.
Manifests excellent compatibility with processors considered new, from Intel (socket 1151).
Many connection ports make up an extremely versatile interface in how to communicate with other devices.
It will also be possible to request overclocking, thanks to a Z170 chipset.
Disadvantages:
It sells a little more expensive than other examples of DDR4 gaming cards.
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