There HAS to be a Motherboard buying guide!

[GrmanRodriguez]

How come there is one for mostly everything but motherboards? I'd write it but I honestly don't know anything about what makes one better than the other (which is why I ask)

[Clyne]

I really don't get what you're saying.

[flibberdipper]

PM Linus, ask him if he will do it.

[RelentlessAF]

Mostly because it's all about what features you want or need in your build. Just compare the functionality between mobo's and purchase what falls in those requirements.

[ionbasa]

Basically, your guide should be:

1. What CPU socket / chipset is needed for my CPU
2. How many PCIe lanes you need
3. The rest usually up to you, these includes things such as color schemes and any extra bells and whistles, ala internal WiFi (for example).

[Nakoron]

Close your eyes, spin around and choose whatever is in front of you. 


Unless you are doing some extreme LN2 overclocking; the only thing that should concern yourself is form factor (ATX, mATX, ITX. etc) and chipset.

Get the latest chipset for your CPU and call it a day. At this point it's  a matter of "ohhh jeez I really like the colour of this one instead, hurrr. duurrr"

[GrmanRodriguez]

Basically, your guide should be:

• What CPU socket / chipset is needed for my CPU
• How many PCIe lanes you need
• The rest usually up to you, these includes things such as color schemes and any extra bells and whistles, ala internal WiFi (for example).

WWhat's the difference between a $80 and $300 Motherboard then?

[Nakoron]

WWhat's the difference between a $80 and $300 Motherboard then?

One cost $80 and the other cost $300  

 

[GzeroD]

WWhat's the difference between a $80 and $300 Motherboard then?

1. PCIE lanes
2. Power Delivery
3. Numbers of sata/usb ports
4. advanced overclocking features
5. error readout
6. onboard bluetooth wifi
7. M.2 support
8. Component Quality

I could go on but I think you'll get the point.

[Syraz]

People these days worry too much on mobo, ram, cases...pick a quality manufacturer, pick one that has the features you need, pick one that has the look you want and you are done..I myself think about warranties also..but thats me. 

[menendez1293]

WWhat's the difference between a $80 and $300 Motherboard then?

Linus has done a video showing that price difference between boards gives a negligible performance difference.

[GrmanRodriguez]

People these days worry too much on mobo, ram, cases...pick a quality manufacturer, pick one that has the features you need, pick one that has the look you want and you are done..I myself think about warranties also..but thats me.

Everytime I do that people tell me my choice is too expensive or overkill

[GzeroD]

People these days worry too much on mobo, ram, cases...pick a quality manufacturer, pick one that has the features you need, pick one that has the look you want and you are done..I myself think about warranties also..but thats me. 

It really depends on what your doing with it. If your trying to get an extreme OC a high end mobo can help you get a few more Percent out of your components.

Otherwise your just looking:

1. The right number of PCI E lanes (for SLI/Crossfire)
2. The right cpu socket
3. storage Interface (Type and Number of)
4. Correct form factor (EATX or ITX etc.)
5. Good brand or warranty support in your area.
6. Correct amount of expansion for what you do or may want to add in.

[GrmanRodriguez]

• PCIE lanes
• Power Delivery
• Numbers of sata/usb ports
• advanced overclocking features
• error readout
• onboard bluetooth wifi
• M.2 support
• Component Quality

I could go on but I think you'll get the point.

What's M.2?

[seiny]

Hey, we'd like a motherboard buyers guide    @LinusTech

[GzeroD]

What's M.2?

It is a type of storage connection it can be sata express based or PCIE direct storage and it fits in a very small package.

[Syraz]

Everytime I do that people tell me my choice is too expensive or overkill

 

Expensive to one, is not mean it is expensive to another person.

IMO, a lot of overkill parts do look damn cool. and looks play a part in a lot of builds thanks to windows.

[Admire]

Its quite simple. If you overclock you buy a Z97 motherboard, if you don't you buy a H97 one.....And the rest is just cheapest and which one is the prettiest of the them all.

 

Seriously. Unless you have very specific needs, you will be covered.

[LogicalDrm]

There's just too much variation between boards, brands and each users needs. @LinusTech has covered somethings already like sockets and chipsets. And also is there difference between low end board and high end board in terms of overclocking.

 

Basic rules is that you think what you want, post the list here and we find nice board for you. The more board costs, more features you get.

[harrynowl]

Check Linus' video on gaming motherboards.

 

Just get latest chipset on the socket you want. e.g. z97 and lga1150.

 

Unless you're an avid overclocker or need all the PCIe under the sun there isn't really much to differentiate boards.