Motherboard

CASES

Nov 20, 2025

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Motherboard

Apr 4, 2025

The motherboard (often abbreviated as MOBO) is essentially the central hub of a computer — the platform that connects and coordinates all other components.
It hosts the CPU, GPU, RAM, M.2 SSDs, and cooling systems (both air and liquid).
It also contains the connectors for SATA drives, fans, RGB headers, and USB ports, serving as the backbone of your PC’s electrical and communication network.

Dimensions

Motherboards are available in several sizes, and choosing the right one depends on both your hardware needs and the size of your computer case.

EATX (Extended ATX):
The largest among consumer motherboards, typically used for high-end workstations or extreme gaming setups.
They provide multiple PCIe slots, support multi-GPU configurations, and include an abundance of ports for expansion and connectivity.
They’re ideal for users who need room for advanced cooling, storage, or specialized components (e.g., Z790 EATX).

ATX (Standard):
The most common and versatile motherboard format, suitable for most users.
It offers a balanced combination of expansion capability, space, and compatibility.
ATX boards usually include several PCIe slots, multiple storage connectors, and ample USB ports (e.g., B850, X870E, Z790, Z890).

Micro-ATX (mATX):
Slightly smaller and more affordable than ATX, with fewer PCIe and SATA ports.
It’s a practical choice for budget or mid-range systems that don’t require extensive expansion (e.g., B650M, Z790M).

Mini-ITX:
Designed for compact or portable builds, these boards are much smaller but still capable.
They’re perfect for space-conscious setups but limited in connectivity and slot availability.
Be sure your case supports Mini-ITX dimensions (e.g., B650-I, Z790-I).

Chipsets, Sockets & Generations

The chipset is the motherboard’s control center, managing communication between the CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage devices.
It determines what features your system supports — from overclocking and USB versions to the number of PCIe lanes and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Essentially, the chipset acts as the system’s “traffic manager,” coordinating data flow between all key components.
Selecting the correct chipset ensures compatibility and functionality for your intended use.

Main factors that differentiate chipsets include:

PCIe lanes: High-end models (like Z790, X670E, or B650E) provide more lanes for graphics cards and NVMe drives, and often support faster generations such as PCIe 5.0.
Overclocking: Premium chipsets (Intel Z series, AMD X or B series) enable CPU and memory overclocking.
Connectivity: Higher-tier boards offer more USB and SATA ports, and support features such as Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 6/7, and Bluetooth.
Storage options: Advanced models allow for multiple M.2 SSDs and RAID configurations.

AMD and Intel Sockets

Both AMD and Intel use unique sockets designed specifically for their own CPUs.
A socket is a precisely engineered interface that holds the processor in place and establishes electrical contact through a grid of pins or pads.
Because the layout differs for each manufacturer, Intel CPUs cannot be installed on AMD boards, and vice versa.

AMD Chipsets

AMD’s current platform, using the AM5 socket, supports CPUs built on the Zen 4 and Zen 5 architectures.

X Series (e.g., X670, X670E):
These are AMD’s top-tier boards, featuring full overclocking support, extensive PCIe lanes (including PCIe 5.0), and abundant connectivity options.
The X670E targets premium builds with complete PCIe 5.0 compatibility and advanced features.
B Series (e.g., B650, B650E):
Mid-range chipsets offering a balanced mix of performance, connectivity, and price.
They include PCIe 5.0 support and moderate overclocking capabilities, making them great for gaming systems.
A Series (e.g., A620):
Entry-level motherboards without overclocking support.
They provide limited ports and lanes — suitable only for budget builds or office PCs.

AM5 Socket:
Launched in 2022, AM5 supports Ryzen 7000 and 9000 CPUs and exclusively uses DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0.
AMD has committed to long-term support for this socket, allowing CPU upgrades for years without replacing the motherboard.

Intel Chipsets

Intel’s latest motherboards use the LGA1700 socket, compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core processors.

Z Series (e.g., Z690, Z790):
High-end motherboards built for overclocking and premium builds.
They include multiple PCIe lanes, robust connectivity (Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi, USB), and extensive tuning options.
B Series (e.g., B660, B760):
Mid-range boards designed for value and reliability, with fewer lanes and ports than Z models.
They don’t support CPU overclocking but still deliver solid performance for most users.
H Series (e.g., H670, H770):
Entry to lower-midrange options, offering basic functionality and reduced expansion capabilities.

LGA1700 Socket:
Introduced with Alder Lake (12th Gen) and compatible with Raptor Lake and Meteor Lake CPUs.
Depending on the board model, it supports DDR4 or DDR5 RAM and introduces PCIe 5.0, enabling faster data transfer for next-gen GPUs and SSDs.

Each motherboard supports only one socket type, so your CPU and motherboard must match at purchase.

Key Difference Between Intel and AMD

Intel typically introduces a new socket every few generations, requiring a motherboard upgrade when switching to newer CPUs.
This approach allows for rapid adoption of new technologies but increases overall upgrade costs.

AMD, on the other hand, prioritizes long-term socket support, enabling users to upgrade processors without changing their motherboard as often — a cost-effective and user-friendly philosophy.

BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the motherboard’s built-in interface that initializes hardware and manages system settings before the operating system loads.
It’s essentially the motherboard’s “command center,” controlling CPU parameters, RAM timings, fan speeds, and device boot order.

Key BIOS features include:

Overclocking:
Allows users to increase CPU or RAM performance by adjusting frequencies and voltages. Advanced BIOS menus provide fine-grained control but require careful temperature monitoring.
Fan Management:
Enables custom fan curves based on temperature sensors to balance cooling efficiency and noise levels.
Peripheral Control:
Lets you enable or disable ports (USB, LAN, integrated graphics) and define boot priority for storage devices or USB drives.
BIOS Updates:
Keeping the BIOS current ensures compatibility with new CPUs and memory technologies.
Some boards feature BIOS Flashback, allowing updates even without a CPU installed — useful for adding support for future processor generations.

Compatibility Between Motherboard and Components

Choosing the correct motherboard ensures all your hardware works seamlessly together. Below are the essential aspects to verify for full system compatibility.

1. CPU Compatibility
Each motherboard supports specific processor families, determined by socket and chipset.

Socket: Defines the physical interface between CPU and motherboard.
For example, Intel’s LGA1700 fits 12th–14th Gen CPUs, while AMD’s AM5 is for Ryzen 7000/9000 processors.
A mismatch prevents installation.
Chipset: Governs data flow and determines supported features such as:
- PCIe generation and number of lanes
- Supported USB types and counts
- Number of SATA and M.2 slots
- Overclocking capability
- Maximum RAM speeds
- Integrated networking features

Always consult the manufacturer’s CPU compatibility list before purchasing a motherboard.

2. RAM Compatibility
The board must support your RAM’s type, speed, and capacity.

Type: DDR4 or DDR5 (not interchangeable).
Speed: Faster memory will downclock to the board’s supported speed unless overclocked.
Capacity: Motherboards have a maximum limit per slot and overall (e.g., 128 GB on four-slot boards).
Dual Channel: Use identical pairs of RAM modules for optimal bandwidth.

3. GPU Compatibility
Modern boards feature at least one PCIe x16 slot for graphics cards.

Check that your GPU fits physically inside the case.
PCIe versions are backward compatible but perform best when GPU and motherboard generations match.
Multi-GPU setups are supported only on select boards and are increasingly rare today.

4. Storage Compatibility
Motherboards typically include both SATA and M.2 NVMe interfaces.

SATA: Used for traditional SSDs or HDDs (usually 4–6 ports).
M.2: For faster NVMe drives. Check the number of available slots and supported PCIe generations.
Some boards also offer RAID configurations for data redundancy or performance boosts.

5. Case and Power Supply Compatibility

Form Factor: Ensure the motherboard size (ATX, mATX, or Mini-ITX) fits your case.
Power Connectors: Confirm your PSU includes the correct 24-pin and 8-pin cables and has sufficient wattage.

6. Expansion and Connectivity
Review the number and type of available USB ports, fan headers, PCIe slots, and other connectors.
This ensures you have enough capacity for peripherals, add-on cards, and future upgrades.

Recommended Motherboards

Below are suggestions for the latest Intel and AMD generations only.
When selecting your motherboard, prioritize compatibility and functionality over aesthetics.
Following the above guidelines will help ensure the best long-term performance and stability for your build.