How to Buy a Motherboard

Computer buffs are very opinionated about which motherboards are best. Do some research to make an informed buying decision.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motherboards

1. Check reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet to help you narrow your choices.

2. Decide what CPU you want. Choose a motherboard with the right type of socket for your CPU, or choose a motherboard that comes with a CPU.

3. Choose a motherboard with a chipset that accommodates your CPU and other hardware needs.

4. Compare the number of slots of each type. Get at least one ISA slot (more, if you need them to connect older external peripheral devices) and an AGP slot for your video card.

5. Look for at least three DIMM (RAM) sockets that accept 256MB, 100-MHz DIMMs.

6. Look for two USB ports.

7. Consider the value of extra features.

8. Compare limited warranties, which range from one to three years, and technical support, if any, offered by the manufacturers to individuals (as opposed to businesses).

9. Compare vendors. Choose a vendor that will provide technical support if you need it.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid cheap motherboards with integrated sound and/or video chips. If you must buy such a board, make sure the motherboard has jumpers that enable the chip(s) to be bypassed.

on 11/22/2005 I like to pick a board for upgradability. For instance, a good socket for AMD right now is 939 since you can get in at the low end cheap and it will allow you to swap the chip out in the future with a high end model once prices drop. Also get one with PCI Express for the video card instead of AGP as this will allow upgrading your video card. And finally, I like 4 DIMMS for RAM, since i have 2x512 (1 GB) now and can add 2x512 (1 GB) when i upgrade the chip and video card.

on 11/22/2005 Your BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is important too. Get a good one, with things like booting from a CD-ROM, and make sure it's pluggable. If it is, you can pull it out and upgrade it.