Motherboards

Motherboards

A motherboard is the central hub and main conduit of your PC build, keeping everything in your system build ticking. The computer motherboard ensures every piece of hardware communicates with each other through the CPU and memory, so if it’s broken your PC is as well. There is a vast selection of PC motherboard options for users to buy packed with various specs, uses and capabilities. Choosing the right motherboard isn’t easy but is vital for the running of your computer.

How to find a motherboard for a processor

There are various factors you must consider when selecting a motherboard:

Platform:

The first choice you have is to make a decision if you want an Intel or AMD CPU. Both offer entry level options for general PC and ultra-powerful options that can handle high end graphics and video editing. For more on Intel and AMD processors, read the section below.

Sockets and chipsets:

You can’t just buy any motherboard, you must find the right one that matches with the sockets and chipsets of the CPU you intend to buy. This is because the two parts are firmly attached in your machine so that the software and hardware can communicate. Different chipsets provide different combinations of support to your RAM, GPUs and more.

Form factor:

Motherboards come in various sizes to accommodate each PC build. Generally, the bigger the motherboard, the more components it can support.

Motherboards for Intel and AMD processors

When you buy a PC motherboard, it’s important to check the socket type to ensure you buy the right components. The motherboard must match the socket type of the CPU you have or intend to add to your PC for smooth running. Most processors are designed to work with Intel processors and AMD processors.

Intel motherboards aren’t backwards or forwards compatible, so it’s vital that you purchase an Intel processor that is suitable. AMD motherboard bundles have corresponding processors to ensure you match them perfectly. We also have computer motherboards from trusted brands such as ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI that work with Intel and AMD.

ASUS motherboards such as the ASUS Prime are fantastic investments, with 4x DDR4 memory slots, an AMD X570 chip and an AMD Socket, you will see improvements in your PC’s performance, especially if you do a lot of gaming.

Motherboards and form factor

Various chipsets are available for motherboards, each with its unique features and capabilities. Chipsets play a crucial role in determining a motherboard's compatibility and performance. Here are some popular chipsets:

AMD A520:

The AMD A520 chipset is a budget-friendly choice suitable for office tasks and entry-level gaming. It supports AMD processors, including Ryzen CPUs, and DDR4 memory. While it may not offer the high-end features of other chipsets, it's an excellent option for those seeking cost-effective solutions.

AMD X670:

For gamers and power users, the AMD X670 chipset is a fantastic option. It supports AMD Ryzen processors, offering features like PCIe 4.0 for high-speed data transfer and DDR4 memory. With this chipset, you can build a system optimized for gaming and demanding tasks.

Intel B760:

The Intel B760 chipset is designed for budget-conscious users and office environments. It works seamlessly with Intel processors, offering support for integrated graphics and dual display output. Additionally, it features USB 3.0, PCIe 2.0, and up to four SATA 6.0Gb/s ports, making it a reliable choice for entry-level gaming and daily tasks.

Intel Z790:

Intel's Z790 chipset is the latest gaming motherboard platform, offering an array of advanced features. It supports storage technologies like M.2, U.2, and SATA Express, allowing compatibility with lightning-fast consumer drives, including NVMe solid-state drives with read speeds exceeding 3000Mb/s. The Z790 chipset is the perfect choice for serious gamers, supporting unlocked K edition Skylake processors, PCIe 3.0, Two-way SLI, and Three-Way Crossfire for the ultimate gaming experience.

Motherboards and chipsets

A chipset is a critical component within a processor, characterized by a series of alphanumeric codes. It serves as the central hub of a motherboard, facilitating communication between the CPU's front-side bus, main memory, and peripheral buses. The chipset, in combination with the socket type, determines the CPU, memory, and the number of USB and SATA ports that can be utilized.

Popular chipsets and their features

990FX:

AMD's flagship gaming motherboard chipset supports four-way Crossfire and SLI configurations. It is compatible with AM3+ socket Bulldozer, Piledriver, and Athlon CPUs and DDR3 memory.

H110:

Intel's budget-friendly platform for office use and beginners leverages Intel Skylake processors' HD graphics capabilities to provide dual display output. It features USB 3.0, PCI-Express 2.0, and up to four SATA 6.0Gb/s ports, making it suitable for entry-level gaming.

Z170:

Intel's latest gaming motherboard platform, Z170, offers a wealth of features. It supports storage technologies like M.2, U.2, and SATA Express, enabling compatibility with the fastest consumer drives available, including NVMe solid-state drives with read speeds exceeding 3000Mb/s. Z170 also supports unlocked K edition Skylake processors, PCI-Express 3.0, Two-way SLI, and Three-Way Crossfire, making it ideal for serious gamers.

X99:

Intel's extreme platform, designed for overclocking, benchmarking, and extreme gaming. It supports processors like Haswell-E, Broadwell-E, and Xeon with up to 22 physical cores, Quad Channel DDR4 memory, and up to four graphics cards. X99 is the preferred choice for extreme users, whether for gaming or professional graphics and video rendering tasks.

Gaming PC motherboards

How much is a gaming motherboard? Well, you can get cheap gaming motherboards from our extensive range of the highest quality components.

Many avid gamers trust an Intel motherboard to run the latest games on the highest settings. Gaming PC motherboard options like the Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero and the MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC are highly rated for their performance and reliability.

If you’re looking for a discount motherboard for gaming, the Asus Tuf Z390-Plus provides incredible power at a low price, making it perfect for budget gaming.

Gamers with a bigger budget can invest in the ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Encore to add another top of the range component to your gaming PC rig.

How expensive are motherboards?

At Box, the prices of motherboards start at £200 right up to £830. The price will depend on the size of the motherboard and the amount of components it can support.

Browse and get cheap motherboards from Box.co.uk and find the perfect PC motherboard bundle for your computer.