Things You'll Need:
- PC to help you shop online
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Step 1
First you need to find a good computer parts store, I recommend New Egg, or Tiger Direct. Decide what do you need on the motherboard, and what you don't, using the steps below to help. Check for customer reviews, they can be very helpful in pointing you to a good product.
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Step 2
Form Factor: Motherboards come in different forms, but the standard is ATX and micro-ATX, make sure your computer case will fit the form factor you choose.
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Step 3
CPU: Decide if want a motherboard for an Intel processor or an AMD processor. Then check the socket type which goes along with the CPU types that it will accept.
Check the CPU FBS (front bus speed), make sure it is compatible with your CPU's FBS. -
Step 4
Memory: How many RAM slots does it have and what kind of RAM will it accept. It is very critical to make sure the RAM you buy is supported. Check the motherboards specs carefully to make sure everything is right. ex: (240pin DDR3 1066). You will probably want at least dual channel ability with the memory slots.
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Step 5
Expansion slots: ex: (1 x PCI Express 2.0 x 16), this is where your video cards and some other cards will pop into. Make sure your video card, for example, is designed for that slot type.
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Step 6
Storage Devices: SATA 3Gb, IDE. This is where your Hard Drive, DVD drives, etc. connect via cables. How many of each type to you need and make sure your devices are of this type. SATA is pretty much the standard at this point in time.
Some my want RAID ability, which is a way to have two hard drives of the exact same type working together for increased speed. The hard drives will need to be RAID capable. -
Step 7
Audio and Video: Most motherboards come with integrated audio, but not always, check this to make sure. Integrated video on the other hand isn't so common, if you need to buy a video card, check that it will work in your Expansion slots. You can still install a video or sound card if you want to over ride the integrated one.
Check if it supports Crossfire or SLI technology if you are interested in using dual video cards. Make sure the video cards are the same and capable of SLI or Crossfire. -
Step 8
Onboard LAN: Does it have onboard LAN, this is your high speed internet connection. Most motherboard come with it. I recommend it has 1000Mbps if possible.
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Step 9
Ports: How many, what kind, and where. You will want lots of USB ports, at least a couple in the front. You Should have audio ports in the back as a standard with onboard audio. PS/2 ports can be useful still, but not critical, they still sell PS/2 mice and keyboards. There are other port types as well, but USB, and PS/2 are all that is needed for most people now days. If you need a specific port type beyond the basic, you should know what you are looking for under ports.
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Step 10
Power Pin: Critical you know your power supply has the correct power pin for your motherboard. ex: 24pin
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Step 11
Extras to check: Does it come with all the cables you need like SATA or IDE cables? Does it have overclocking ability if you want it? Does the port on your video card or motherboard match your monitor connector? Are there any special ports you need?
