When building or upgrading a PC, the motherboard is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s the backbone that connects your CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and every other component.
But with so many options out in the market, how do you pick the right one?
What does the first alphabet stands for?
What does the three digits stands for?
What is the difference between “I” and “M”?
Let’s break it down for you 👇
1. Start with choosing your ideal CPU
- Why?
The answer: CPU Socket size and Chipset.
These two are crucial for determining compatible motherboards, which dictates the features and overall performance of your PC.
- Choose your CPU first, then find a motherboard with the matching socket to ensure your component choices will work together.
2. List Of Compatible Motherboards
- Now, you have your ideal CPU choice and you had found a list of compatible motherboard choices. (Well done on your research!) But which one is the most suitable for you?
For example:
The processor that you have decided on is the Intel Core Ultra 7 and 9 Series and the compatible chipset are Intel’s 800-series:
- GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Elite WIFI7
- MSI MEG Z890 Ace
- Asrock Z890 Pro RS
3. Understand The Tiers and Chipset
- Motherboard Chipset are less complicated than you think. Okay, let’s not dive toooo deep into statistics just yet… But yeah, there’s a few easy ways to differentiate and most the perfect motherboard for you.Generally, there are 3 tiers of motherboard.Z / X Series Motherboard
-
- High-end boards
- Supports CPU Overclocking
- Best performance with the most extra features
- Most Expensive
B Series Motherboard
- Mid-range boards
- Does not support CPU Overclocking
- Fairly amount of features
- Budget-friendly
H / A Series Motherboard
- Almost exclusively for entry level gaming motherboard
- Limited features
- Most affordable choice
Depending on your expected performance and features, you are able to choose which tier you prefer.
The Three Digits
The first number
- Indicates the generation
- The higher the number, the latest generation it is
For example:
- Between Asus ROG Strix B660-A and Asus ROG Strix B460, Asus ROG Strix B660-A is the newer generation motherboard that supports Intel 12th, 13th via LGA1700 and the B660 chipset.
- Where as ROG Strix B460 supports older Intel 10th or maybe 11th Gen via LGA 1200 and B460 chipset.
The last two number
- The Subsequent digits show the motherboard’s chipset and feature level.
- The higher the numbers, the more features the motherboard offers.
- For example, Z790 is a high-end, feature-rich motherboard, while the H610 is an entry-level motherboard that offers much less features
Now a simple quiz: Between a Z790-A PRO and B560-A, which motherboard model has more features than the other?
4. Form Factor
Sometimes, you’ll notice there is a letter at the end of the model’s name, sometimes an “I” and sometimes a “M”.
Basically it refers to the motherboard’s size
- “I” for Mini-ITX
- “M” for Micro-ATX
- If the name didn’t specify, the motherboard is suitable for a full ATX
There you go, you’ve made it through introduction class! I’m sure you are no longer confused by the names of each motherboard models anymore.
Motherboard is just as important as your CPU and GPU, and it should be a careful process as your choice determine the longevity, expansion limits, connectivity options, overclocking headroom, and even the overall aesthetics of your PC.
But hey, if you need assistance or professional guidance, you can always inbox us on social media or our Whatsapp number! We’re more than happy to help you to build your very own PC!
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