Buying Motherboard

INTRODUCTION

For users planning on building a computer a motherboard can be a confusing and sometimes frustrating decision. Below we have listed some considerations and tips when looking at purchasing a computer motherboard.

TYPE

The type or form factor of the motherboard is a crucial consideration when looking at a motherboard. There are various types of form factors and not all computer cases can accommodate each form factor. Today the most commonly found and used motherboard is the ATX motherboard. When looking at the motherboard ensure that the computer case can use this type of motherboard.

When looking at who to purchase a motherboard through consider all different brands of motherboards and vendors who sell those motherboards as all motherboards will have positive and negative reviews.

CONSIDERATIONS

CPU Socket / Slot	There are a wide variety of different types of CPU Sockets and Slots. When looking at purchasing a motherboard ensure it is compatible with the CPU you have or that it will be compatible with the CPU you plan on purchasing.
Drive connectors	Drive connectors can be an important consideration when purchasing a computer. Determine the type of interface that the drives you plan on using and ensure that the motherboard support that interface or has the connector for that interface. An example of such an interface is IDE, EIDE or SCSI.
Memory slots / type	Today there is a wide variety of different types and speeds of memory. When looking at purchasing a motherboard ensure that it is compatible with the memory you currently have or plan on purchasing.
Slots	The type of slots can be an important consideration. Below is a listing of the different type of slots used in motherboards. AGP - AGP or Advanced Graphics port is used for video cards and is highly recommended that only motherboards with AGP slots be considered and/or purchased. AMR - AMR or Audio Modem Riser is a new type of slot that is used for Audio / Modem cards and is found on some motherboards. This is not a critical slot and has been replaced by the CNR. CNR - CNR or Communication and Network Riser is a new type of slot that supports audio, modem, USB and Local Area Network cards. This slot is highly recommended for any user building a large amount of computers as the cards are generally cheaper then the standard PCI or ISA cards. ISA - Today ISA is becoming obsolete and is not found on all motherboards. Unless you have old ISA cards that need to be used it is recommended you purchase a new motherboard with no ISA slots and additional PCI slots. PCI - The most widely and commonly used slot the PCI slot allows for all types of cards.
Jumpers	Jumpers are generally overlooked when considering a motherboard however can be an important consideration especially for the users who plan on overclocking their computer. Below is a listing of some of the jumpers that should be asked about or known when purchasing a computer motherboard. Does the motherboard have a clear CMOS / BIOS jumper Does the motherboard have CPU settings jumpers Or is it configured through CMOS Is it auto detect? Does the motherboard have onboard video / sound? If yes, can they be disabled with jumper or is it done through CMOS? Note: either way is fine as long as it can be disabled.
USB Ports	While all motherboards today have USB ports ensure that the motherboard you plan on purchasing has USB ports.

AFFECTS

Upgrading / replacing a new computer motherboard may have the below effects on the computer.

Speed up the overall performance of the computer. May not be noticeable.
Allow for new improved hardware to be added into the computer.