How to Choose the Right Motherboard
Your computer's motherboard determines what type of memory you use, as well as a few other PC components. Before choosing a new motherboard as an upgrade or replacement, consider your needs. Do you need on-board video or will you purchase a video card? Do you need to reuse existing hardware like RAM or the processor?
Knowing what you need will help you make the right choice when buying a new motherboard. Ideally you want a motherboard that will meet your needs and grow as you do. A new motherboard should make it easy for you to expand with inexpensive components to improve performance over time.
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Instructions
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Size up your computer case. While this may seem unimportant, it isn't. Mini PCs (shuttle-style or cube-style) will not accept a larger ATX motherboard. To reuse a mini case, you will have to buy a compact motherboard.
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Remove the processor from your old motherboard. Decide if you will reuse this processor in another board or buy a new one. Processors determine the size of board and the type you can buy. Processors (CPUs) will not interchange. Choose the processor first and buy the motherboard that matches it. Consider buying a bundle with a processor and board that match perfectly.
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Remove your old RAM. Count the number of pins on the sticks. Is the RAM: 240-pin DDR2 or DDR3, 184-pin DDR, 168-pin SDRAM? Will you reuse this memory in a new board? When reusing memory, you need to choose a motherboard that will allow for installation. Does the old motherboard have expansion ports for memory? Expansion ports are an asset that allows you to upgrade the computer at a later time by adding components.
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Examine the side of the motherboard that has peripheral ports. These ports are where you plug in the mouse, keyboard and USB devices. If the monitor plugs in here, the motherboard is equipped with on-board video. When buying a new motherboard, you will need to get the same type or buy a video card that fits a PCI slot
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Identify your current motherboard and hardware. Do you have SATA or ATA (IDE) ports? Chose a motherboard that has both types of connections for a flexible build. Do you need an AGP slot? The point is to buy a well-rounded board that will allow different types of devices to be added over time.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy a new power supply. Never reuse an old power supply on a new motherboard.
Always use anti-static wrist straps before touching the motherboard.
Buy a new processor fan if buying a motherboard bundle.
Review the specifications on any motherboard before purchase.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit motherboard image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
