What is the best motherboard to buy? We select the motherboard for the processor
Hi all! Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace the processor in your computer. The reason for this may be a breakdown or an upgrade. And in this article I will tell you how to choose a processor.
Let's first figure out how to choose a processor. The processor is selected according to the following criteria:
- Manufacturer
- Processor cache
- Embedded video
Now let's look at each parameter separately.
1. Let's start with the manufacturer. There are only two manufacturers of processors: Intel and AMD. No one can say which one is better, because both companies are good. Which processor to choose is an individual matter, I can only say that AMD processors cheaper. Choose according to your computer configuration. If for a powerful gaming computer- better to take Intel. For others, AMD will do. I wrote an article for more details.
2. Next, the number of cores. If you have a PC for gaming, you need at least 4 cores. For medium-sized computers, a dual-core is suitable (because most programs use only 2, and even if you have 4, the program will still use 2). You will not find fewer cores in any processor (from new ones, not counting used used processors).
I will explain as clearly as possible: the higher the frequency, the faster the processor will think. That is, the higher the frequency, the more it can perform operations in one second. Try to look for a processor with a minimum frequency of 2.6-2.7 GHz.
I think this is the most important point. Beginners especially need to know, otherwise 100% will buy the wrong processor that they need. In general, a socket is a . There are many different ones: intel has Socket 1150, Socket 1155; AMD has Socket AM3, AM3+, FM2. This is not all, these are just examples. The processor socket name must match the socket name on the motherboard. Otherwise, you simply cannot insert the processor into the socket.
5. CPU cache. Is one of the main parameter when choosing! There is a cache of 1, 2 and 3 levels. This is, so to speak, the RAM of the processor, the more it is, the more information will be processed faster. 1st is the fastest and smallest, and 3rd is the slowest and largest. Sometimes only 2 levels are found on weaker processors. Bottom line: the larger the cache, the better.
The more heat dissipation, the more efficient it will be. Accordingly, the smaller the better.
Technologies that increase productivity. For example, SSE 2,3,4, 3DNow, NX Bit and many others... I was especially pleased with the Intel vPro technology, thanks to which you can even ask intel technical support to block your laptop if it is suddenly stolen.
I will not fool you with all sorts of semiconductors, as described everywhere ... You can read the scientific description on Wikipedia. In a simple variant, the smaller the process technology, the smaller the parts used in the processor, which means that with minimal dimensions, more power can be achieved. The smaller the better, in my i7 the process technology is 22 nm ... Intel threatens to implement 10 nm by 2018 ...
9. And the last - the presence of a built-in graphics core. I will be brief and explain as simply as possible. When the processor has a built-in graphics core, it means that there is a built-in video card. Integrated video cards are available on many motherboards, but they will only work if there is an integrated graphics core in the processor. But not all integrated video cards need this core. In principle, this point is not very important, but it will not be superfluous.
That's all! The main thing is to choose the last socket, a large cache, and the rest from your needs and you can choose a great processor! Good luck!
The motherboard is the main component of any desktop PC. It must have a sufficient number of necessary connectors so that the user can install a powerful video card, a large volume random access memory and some storage. In addition, do not forget about the need to connect various peripherals. We tried to find out which motherboards can now be called the best.
Right choice“Mothers” are the basis for assembling a PC: if the processor within one socket can be changed to a faster one if desired, the memory can be increased, the video card can be replaced, then the motherboard usually lives in the case until a radical upgrade or serious breakdown. So you should choose a motherboard with the expectation of long-term use ... Although Intel's proverbial love for regularly changing processor sockets without backward compatibility already leads to the fact that even a small upgrade forces you to change the motherboard along with the CPU. In this regard, AMD's conservatism looks more reasonable - remember how long the AM3 + socket has lived, which is only now being replaced by incompatible AM4, and there is every reason to believe that the new assembly for Ryzen will be able to be updated on the same board for a long time.
- LGA 1151 - Intel processors Skylake, Kaby Lake, in version v2, incompatible with the previous one (well, it's Intel!), and Coffee Lake. This allows you to choose processors from Celeron G4900 to Core i9-9900K - that is, from a simple office build to a powerful workstation or gaming PC.
- LGA 2011- socket initially under Intel Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge-E, but Intel wouldn't be themselves without creating an incompatible socket LGA 2011-3 under Haswell-E. On latest version we will stop - for assembling a powerful workstation or server, this is an excellent platform, and the number of people who assemble Haswell-E PCs for the home is quite a lot.
- LGA 2066- latest socket for top processors Intel Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X are the very ones that successfully strive to catch up and overtake the old AMD in terms of thermal package. But if you have almost 140 thousand for the 18-core Intel Core i9-7980XE, then there will definitely be money for cooling that can cope with its 165 W of heat dissipation.
- AM4- a new socket from AMD, which came along with AMD Ryzen. And this is an opportunity now to use processors from the inexpensive AMD A6-9500E for "office-home" assemblies to the top-end Ryzen 7 2700X, and the AM4 socket is guaranteed to live for more than a year or two. In addition, new APUs (processors with integrated graphics that previously used their FM sockets) were also transferred to it.
Asus ROG STRIX B250I Gaming
Motherboard ASUS ROG STRIX B250I GAMING is designed to work in conjunction with the eighth generation of processors. To install the processor, it has an LGA 1151 slot and an Intel B250 chipset.
- Memory slots
The motherboard has 2 dual-channel DIMM memory slots in which DDR4 RAM sticks are installed. The slot can accommodate memory operating at up to 2400 MHz with Kaby Lake processors and at 2133 MHz with Skylake processors. Each slot supports up to 16GB of RAM.
- PCI slots
The motherboard has only one PCI slot - E3.0 x16.
- Connection hard drives
Up to 4 hard drives can be connected to the motherboard, which are connected to SATA III ports. There are also two M.2 ports that support M.2 2242, M.2 2260 and M.2 2280 format SSD devices.
- Interfaces for connecting external devices
To connect peripherals There are two USB2.0 ports and four USB3.1 Gen 1 ports.
- Peculiarities
The motherboard has a high-quality ROG SupremeFX audio system. The audio subsystem contains an amplifier for reproducing sound through headphones.
Communication capabilities are provided by Intel's Gigabit Ethernet controllers and Wi-Fi 802.11ac with a 2 x 2 antenna. This technology allows you to achieve information sharing at speeds up to 867 Mbps. WiFi controller supports new technology MU-MIMO what does possible connection to it at the same time several clients at maximum speed.
On the device in question, there is a small two-tier radiator that simultaneously cools both the chipset and the SSD drive installed in the M.2 slot.
In addition, there is an ASUS Aura Sync LED system on the motherboard, which allows you to simultaneously connect multiple Aura devices. Backlight control is carried out special utility, which is supplied on the included disc.
Excellent sound quality is provided by the SupremeFX audio system based on the Realtek S1220A audio codec. It delivers excellent recorded sound quality with a signal-to-noise ratio of 113 dB. Sound reproduction is carried out with a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB. In addition, the audio system includes Texas Instruments RC4580 and OPA1688 amplifiers, which have low level distortion.
This motherboard comes with two utilities. Sonic Studio III is designed to fine-tune the sound subsystem. As well as Sonic Radar III, which allows gamers to visualize the source of the sound, even if it is out of sight. In this case, the arrow indicates the direction to the sound source.
- Outcome
Based on this motherboard, you can create a compact and fairly powerful gaming computer. .
The name of the chipset is determined integrated circuits or their groups motherboard or expansion cards. It is the chipset that determines the speed of the computer and the transfer of information between individual devices. Any chipset consists of two elements called bridges: north and south. The most well-known chipset manufacturers include Intel, AMD, nVidia, and VIA. In this article, we will focus on the products of the first brand.
What role does the chipset play on the motherboard?
The chipset is often confused with motherboard, but it is only one of its elements. The main task of the chipset, which has already been mentioned above, is the organization of information flows between individual components. The north bridge is responsible, in particular, for the functioning of the memory, processor and FSB bus, while the south one deals with hard drives, DVD drive and PCI for connecting peripherals.
Intel chipsets for LGA 1150 motherboard
In May 2014, the premiere of the 9th generation of Intel chipsets took place. This family included the following models: Z97 and H97, designed mainly for use in computers designed for games, graphic works, as well as for more demanding users who support the LGA 1150 motherboard. Chipset models for home computing equipment, such as B85 and H81, are still in the game, and 1150 models will also work. Unlike 8th generation chipsets, consisting of 6 bridges, 9-tka has only two, but allows you to overclock the processor through a multiplier.
Which chipset for i3, i5 or i7 processors?
The main question is which chipset to choose for which processor? In the case of the i7-core, the answer is simple - the most powerful media communication processors of the 9th generation, i.e. H97 and Z97. In the case of an i5-core processor, the most the best choice there will be a motherboard based on the B85 chipset, possibly with more early versions models Z87 and H87. For i3-core, a motherboard based on the H81 chipset is suitable - great for simple work.
Model | H81 | H97 | B85 | Z97 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Generation | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
USB version | 3.0, 2.0 | 3.0, 2.0 | 3.0, 2.0 | 3.0, 2.0 |
Number of USB | 8x2.0, 2x3.0 | 8x2.0, 6x3.0 | 8 x 2.0, 4 x 3.0 | 8x2.0, 6x3.0 |
Number of SATA ports | 4 (including 2 x6.0 Gb/s) | 6 SATA 6.0 Gb/s | 6 (including 4 x6.0 Gb/s) | |
Hi-tech | Intel® Smart Connect Technology | Intel® Rapid Storage Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology Intel® Smart Response Technology Intel® Rapid Start Technology | Intel® Smart Connect Technology, Intel® Small Business Advantage Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Anti-Theft Technology | Intel® Rapid Storage Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology Intel® Smart Response Technology Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Small Business Advantage |
Overclocking | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Suggested processor | i3 | i5/i7 | i3/i5 | i5/i7 (for version K) |
Application | Equipment for home and office use | Ideal for home use, games, graphic works | Ideal for office use and for protecting small personal databases | Ideal for office work, gaming |
Which chipset to choose for home use?
If it's about budget decisions, for home use, then great solution there will be a motherboard based on the B85 chipset. It allows you to overclock the processor on a weaker logic system, thanks to which you can achieve quite attractive results.
B85, thanks to the use of additional technologies such as Small Business Advantage, is also perfect for a small office. The H81 chipset is also suitable for web browsing, less graphically complex games and office work. The advantage of the H81 and B85 over later models is cost.
What chipset for games to choose?
If we are talking about budget solutions, then for games we recommend motherboards with the B85 chipset, mainly because of the possibility of overclocking. Most motherboards with B85 allow you to play the latest games. However, equipment for "maniacs" computer games there will be sets that motherboards with Z97 are equipped with, giving very great opportunities paired with an i7 processor.
Which chipset to choose for overclocking?
The most promising model, offering great opportunities for overclocking the processor, as mentioned above, is the Z97. Somewhat more modest features are offered by the B85, although Intel will improve this feature in subsequent series.
Introduction
It's no secret that the computer is complex device consisting of a huge number of details. But what is its main part - the motherboard - responsible for? At the dawn of time, its function was utilitarian - a platform for other computer components that has a dozen elementary settings - and nothing more. Over time, the motherboard took on more and more functions, and now you will not surprise anyone with the built-in sound card and graphics card, USB and FireWire controllers. It would seem that since there is nothing more to integrate (after all, it is now rare to find expansion cards in a regular computer), then progress should have stopped. No matter how! We will prove the reliability of the last statement on the example of the motherboard of one of the patriarchs of the IT industry - Micro-Star International Co., Ltd.We will talk about the configuration and diagnostic application software of modern boards, about the element base that affects reliability during intensive use, about proprietary technologies that simplify the setup and operation of a computer, about the fact that plug-ins for the VKontakte social network are by no means only for communicators and smartphones, but also for operating systems built into the BIOS, about overclocking the processor and modern means overclocking, about related features that help other computer components work more reliably and efficiently - in a word, about everything that the manufacturer has invested in his offspring and which sometimes buyers are completely unaware of.
The motherboard is big, but what can it do?
Can a new generation motherboard deliver significantly more than previous generations? Yes!
The motherboard is the largest board in the computer, and various functions of the future computer depend on it - both basic and additional. So, with the main function - to combine all computer devices into a finished system that can perform the tasks assigned to it - all motherboards do an excellent job. Let's start with additional features, which will facilitate the work with the computer, making it as comfortable as possible. Usually such technologies have a name that does not always reveal their essence. For example, what is “APS” and what is it for? Let's try to consider some of the most interesting features using the MSI MS-7760 X79A-GD65-8D as an example. For clarity, we will make the following table:
Description | MSI MS-7760 X79A-GD65-8D |
Increased current in USB ports for charging smartphones and tablets | Super Charger |
A utility that makes it easy BIOS settings | ClickBIOS II |
Automatic overclocking | OC Genie II |
BIOS update utility | M Flash |
Energy Reduction Technology | APS |
Component base with increased resource | Military Class III |
Mini OS for quick access to global network Internet | Winki 3 |
Software for updating firmware and drivers from under Windows | Live Update 5 |
Ability to use disks larger than 2.2 TB | 3TB+ Infinity |
Surround Sound Compliance | THX, HD Audio |
Although the above list, of course, does not claim to be complete, the listed technologies alone already allow us to conclude that a high-quality motherboard satisfies most of the needs of both ordinary users and specialists.
VKontakte can't wait!
Can the motherboard make it so that the boot necessary applications with an HDD took less time compared to a state-of-the-art SSD?
Typically, the startup time of the computer is associated with the drive installed in the system. At 75%, this is true: Windows starts many times faster from a modern SSD drive compared to the system installed on HDD. It should be noted that before running the installed operating system the computer conducts self-diagnostics, the duration of which, sometimes reaching 10-15 seconds, sometimes is half (or even more) of the total time the computer starts up. With the introduction of the latest generation of UEFI BIOS into motherboards, the time from pressing the power button to transferring control to the operating system has been significantly reduced, so when choosing a new motherboard, you should pay attention to this parameter. In addition to reducing startup time, the UEFI BIOS allowed the introduction of GUI to the initial setup program BIOS Setup. In addition, it became possible to change the interface language, and some manufacturers, for example, have Russian in the extensive list of languages.
However, this is not all. Quite often, a computer is turned on simply to check mail or communicate in popular in social networks, such as VKontakte or Facebook, for which you have to wait for the operating system to load and the browser to start - when using classic hard drives, this procedure takes quite a long time. To reduce latency, MSI motherboards support Winki 3 mini operating system, which has minimal functionality but starts up in just a few seconds. When using it, you will have access to an Internet browser, photo viewer, instant messenger and office suite. It should be noted that this possibility this moment is unique, and no other motherboard manufacturer offers such a set of applications, which increases the attractiveness in the eyes of potential buyers.
ATX, ITX, or maybe DTX? What are these abbreviations?
Does size matter? Is the functionality of the board related to its format? In "supercomputer" motherboards, "bigger" always means "better"!
. When choosing a motherboard, you should remember that modern cases have different sizes, and not every board will fit in the selected case. In order to simplify the selection of the motherboard, standards have been developed indicating the size of the board, the location of mounting holes and expansion slots. These standards are called the motherboard form factor. For desktop computers the most common sizes are XL-ATX, ATX, microATX, mini-ITX. In the above list, the formats are presented in decreasing order of size. It should be remembered that a small board can be installed in a large case: all fasteners and expansion slots will be in right places however, this should only be done as a last resort. For example, when upgrading, you have an ATX case, and you liked the microATX board. When buying a new computer, it is better to select components of the appropriate size. The photos below show boards with different sizes.
Please note: a computer built on a board of the smallest format (mini-ITX) is usually designed to work in office computers or media centers, so these models do not have a PCI-E 16x slot for installing discrete graphics cards, as a result of which modern games will not be available.
In general, when miniaturizing a motherboard, additional slots for video cards are removed from it first of all, the cooling system is simplified, and sometimes the number of SATA connectors is reduced. When choosing a fee, you should consider whether there will be system unit some components are added - if not, then microATX will be an excellent choice, because computers assembled on such boards take up much less space, but they are not suitable for a serious gaming computer.
"Chipset" - just a buzzword or something more?
What do manufacturers ask for money for when they offer more or less expensive boards based on one chipset: for marketing or for really useful things that make the computer more convenient to use?
When choosing a motherboard, you need to pay attention to such a component of the motherboard as the chipset. Long time this complex semiconductor device was practically the second processor of any home computer. Its functionality included a memory controller, PCI-E controller or, even earlier, AGP, integrated graphics adapter, USB and hard drive controllers, and more. As a result, computers assembled from the same components, but differing in motherboards and, accordingly, chipsets, had different performance.
Today, the situation has changed: the functions that are critical to performance have moved to the processor, so the impact on computer performance has been significantly reduced. Computers built on different chipsets of the same generation have the same performance, differing in such parameters as support for the video core built into the processor, overclocking capability, the number of SATA II/SATA 6 Gb/s and USB/USB 3.0 ports. Despite this, manufacturers quite often in their model range have several boards based on the same system logic. This is done to expand the functionality of the product by adding additional controllers or disabling functions that are not critical in terms of reducing the final cost of the product. A good example is the ruler on Intel chipset Z68.
Z68A-G45(B3) | Z68A-GD65 (B3) | Z68A-GD80 (B3) | |
Intel Smart Response | + | + | + |
Lucidlogix Virtu Switchable Graphics | + | + | + |
Charger USB devices(iPod, iPhone, etc.), | + | + | + |
Uses 100% solid polymer capacitors | + | + | + |
Automatic overclocking | + | + | + |
Heat pipe cooling system | - | + | + |
Increased power USB ports | - | + | + |
Driver-MOSFET (DrMOS) | - | + | + |
Tantalum Capacitors | - | + | + |
IEEE-1394 controller | - | - | + |
Having two network cards 10/100/1000 Mbps | - | - | + |
3 PCI-E 16x slots | - | - | + |
If you look at the price list of the NIKS Computer Supermarket, it becomes obvious that the most functional motherboard has the highest price. Three computers assembled on the basis of the same components, but having three motherboards from the above example, will have the same performance, however, the functionality and reliability in this case will differ due to the use of high-quality military-grade components in expensive models.
"I want Japanese capacitors." Is such a desire justified?
Stability in everything is the desire of most of humanity, and if in life its implementation largely depends on the state, then in a computer this role is assigned to the motherboard. But do all "computer governments" care about their "inhabitants" in the same way?
All motherboard manufacturers strive to increase the resource of their products using advanced scientific achievements, and the only limitation in this case is the promptness of engineers. Quite a long time ago, two or three years ago, many companies began to use expensive solid capacitors in the production of their boards. This step made it possible to significantly increase the reliability of the boards, since swollen electrolytic capacitors in the power circuit CPU were a fairly common cause of the failure of the entire computer.
Then ferrite coils and low resistance transistors began to appear, but progress did not stand still, and over time, components previously used only in the aerospace industry began to appear in desktop computer boards, which allowed reliability to be taken to a new level. Leading the way is MSI, which is the industry's first to use Hi-c polymer capacitors based on the rare earth tantalum.
Unlike conventional solid capacitors, which cannot operate when damaged, MSI HI-c capacitors can self-heal thanks to the Nobel Prize-winning polymers.
In addition, the low height of such capacitors minimizes the likelihood of damage when installing a bulky processor cooling system. The only drawback of these devices is a rather high price, therefore, Japanese solid capacitors are used in less critical areas of the board, which have a very long service life. To confirm the reliability of its motherboards, MSI independently tests components to MIL-STD-810G, which is a testament to the highest quality and reliability. It is not for nothing that all US Army equipment is subject to such certification. To obtain the appropriate certificate, components must pass 7 tests:
- temperature fluctuations
- Can be used in high humidity
- Vibrotest
- Low pressure operation
- High temperature operation
- Low temperature operation
- Test for resistance to physical impacts
Overclock the processor? Easy!
Everyone knows that Russians love to drive fast. And what in motherboards is allied to this feeling?
There are situations when the performance of the processor used is not high enough. How to proceed in such a case? There are two options:
- Buy a faster processor
- Overclock existing
We use the word "usually" for a reason. Most modern boards provide the ability to automatically overclock, which makes this task quite simple and safe, but not everything is perfect here.
The most common way to automatically overclock is to run specialized utility, gradually increasing the frequency of the processor. In the future, there is a reboot and a subsequent increase in frequency - and so on until a certain safe level, according to the electronics of the board, is reached. Though this way, of course, is effective, the overclocking process takes quite a long time, while not everyone is satisfied with the need to install an additional software. MSI has taken a different path by developing OC Genie technology and its further development– OC Genie II.
To overclock the processor MSI board, it is enough to press the button on the motherboard with the inscription "OC Genie" before turning on the computer and turn on the computer. Immediately after turning on, the frequencies will be increased and the computer will be ready to work, and the stability of the system will not be affected due to the use of high-quality components.
And if you need to install more than one video card?
Since we are talking about performance, the mention of the computer's graphics subsystem will be a completely logical development of this topic. When choosing a high-performance gaming computer, first of all, you should pay attention to the video card, because the performance in games mainly depends on it. "What's with the motherboard?" - you ask. Let's figure it out.
Since modern gaming graphics cards installed in the PCI-E 16x slot, motherboards Mini-ITX format are the most suboptimal choice for a gaming computer due to the lack of such a slot. Quite often, motherboards have two or more PCI-E 16x slots. This configuration will be of interest to hardcore gamers and enthusiasts, since it will allow you to assemble a multi-GPU system, increasing the performance of the computer's graphics subsystem by a multiple of the number of video cards.
To implement such a scenario, just having the right connectors is not enough - you need to support Crossfire technologies for AMD graphics cards Radeon or SLI for nVidia video cards Geforce. Information about the support of these technologies can be found in the description of the motherboard you like on the website or on the manufacturer's website. If games as a class of software are not of interest to you, in this case it is quite possible to get by with a video card integrated into the motherboard or processor, the capabilities of which in most cases will be enough for office work and watching any movies, and this solution will save energy.
"Hybrid graphics". Did not hear? Let's tell!
Your new computer can become noticeably quieter and more economical than before!If you want to not only play modern games, but also save electricity, then a motherboard with hybrid graphics is the best option. For the first time, such technologies appeared in laptops - the most critical devices in terms of power consumption, because battery life directly depends on this parameter. Over time, the turn came to desktop computers. The operation in this mode is quite simple to explain. In idle (for a video card, idle is any mode other than a game), the built-in video adapter works, and when a game or other application that actively uses the resources of the graphics adapter is launched, a discrete video card is turned on.
Energy savings come from the fact that any discrete graphics card consumes more power when idle than integrated graphics, and the difference is quite significant. If you plan to use such a bundle, you should choose boards that support Lucidlogix Virtu Switchable Graphics technology, such as . You can find out about the board's support for this technology on our website in the description or by looking at the box, where the corresponding logo should be present.
If saving energy is not a priority, but when working with a computer you have to convert video materials, in this case, purchasing a board that supports Lucidlogix Virtu also has one very significant plus. The fact is that the graphics core built into Intel Sandy Bridge processors supports Intel technology Quick Sync, thanks to which the time required to convert a video is reduced by several times. Thus, by configuring discrete graphics for continuous operation, and the integrated video core for the video converter, you will get both the highest performance in games and the ability to encode video in minimal time.
What to choose?
So what do you end up choosing? Quality? It is at the proper level for all major manufacturers. Extended functionality? As we pointed out in the first part, the diversity of functions ultimately translates into different names the same features. Price? Perhaps this is indeed the right factor - however, you should not take the most expensive one, since for the most part this is a payment for a bigger name and the active work of marketers.
Founded more than a quarter of a century ago, MSI independently manufactures motherboards and components, so the prices for MSI products are among the most affordable, and we are talking about full-fledged products. highest quality. Another important advantage of MSI solutions is a long warranty period and excellent support. For fans of online battles, the unique promotions held by MSI together with the developers of popular games will be a pleasant surprise. If you are a fan of the most popular MMO World of Tanks, then by purchasing you will receive some in-game gold and a premium account.