Choosing a motherboard:
Socket, Chipset and Form Factor

1. The socket: a non-negotiable requirement

The first and absolute criterion when choosing a mainboard is that it matches the socket of your processor. The socket is the physical interface on which the processor sits on the mainboard, and different sockets cannot be fitted to one another. Intel and AMD each use their own socket families; moreover, both manufacturers may change the socket between generations.

The critical detail is this: even if the socket is the same, compatibility is not guaranteed. A motherboard with the same socket will only run a new-generation processor if the chipset and the BIOS version support it. For this reason, before making a purchase, check on the manufacturer's product page the the list of supported processors must be checked.

The BIOS update pitfall

When you fit a newly released processor into a somewhat older motherboard, the system may not start at all, because the motherboard's BIOS does not recognise that processor. The solution is a BIOS update, but in order to carry it out you usually to an older supported processor is required. Some motherboards have a feature that allows the update to be carried out without a processor; if you are buying a new-generation processor, the presence of this feature is a significant advantage.

2. Chipset: what does it determine?

The chipset defines which features the motherboard will offer. For the same socket there are usually several chipsets: entry, mid and high level.

The practical approach is this: if you are not planning to overclock and will use a single graphics card, a mid-level chipset is almost always the right decision.

3. Form factor: it must fit your case

• ATX: Standard size. Offers the most slots and expansion options. The most flexible choice for those planning an upgrade.
• Micro-ATX (mATX): More compact. There are generally four RAM slots and sufficient M.2 ports; there is no difference in performance.
• Mini-ITX: The smallest size. Usually two RAM slots and a single PCIe slot. It is designed for small cases, and its price may be high in relation to its size.

The case states in its manual which sizes it supports. A large case will take a small motherboard; the reverse is not possible. Choosing these two components together when building a system prevents having to start a return process afterwards; the full checklist in our component compatibility guide.

4. The slots you need to check

M.2 slots

Fast NVMe drives are fitted into these slots. Pay attention to two points: how many M.2 slots there are and which speed they support. In addition, on some motherboards the use of the M.2 slot disables certain SATA ports — if you are going to build a system with several drives, confirm this detail in the manual. As for the choice of drive, the difference between an SSD and a mechanical disk in a separate guide we compared.

RAM slots

A motherboard with four slots gives you the possibility of adding more later. On models with two slots, upgrading means removing the existing modules and buying new ones. Also check the maximum memory capacity and speed supported by the motherboard; the manual states which slots are the correct ones for dual channel. Details in our RAM guide.

Rear panel connections

It is the part that is difficult to change once it has been installed in the case. Check from the outset whether there are enough USB ports, a high-speed port if you need one, a video output if you are going to use the integrated graphics, and a wireless connectivity module.

5. Power stages (VRM) and cooling

The VRM is the section that regulates the power going to the processor, and because it is not visible from the outside it is usually overlooked. Insufficient or uncooled power stages cause a processor with high consumption to reduce its speed while under load. In other words, the motherboard does not directly increase performance, but can reduce.

If you are buying a high-segment processor, choose a motherboard with substantial heatsink blocks in the VRM area. For an entry-level processor this criterion is not decisive.

6. Allow room for future upgrades

The mainboard is the component that is hardest to replace: replacing it means dismantling almost the entire system. For that reason, choose it according to your two- or three-year plan rather than your present need. An extra M.2 slot or two additional RAM slots may seem unnecessary today, but they make upgrading far cheaper later on.

Let us verify compatibility together

We can check the compatibility of your processor, memory and case combination with the motherboard before you buy. Especially with processor–motherboard pairings that require a particular BIOS version, knowing this from the outset prevents the surprise of the system not starting at all during assembly.

With our system assembly service we hand over the device in working order, including assembly, BIOS settings, activation of the memory profile and a stability test.