Other features include overclocking, SSD caching, etc. While most chipsets have onboard video, some of them like the X79 Intel or P chipset series by Intel do not provide this feature. Even if you will be purchasing a dedicated card, sometimes it’s good to have a backup video solution in case the primary video card fails. However, intensive gaming should be left for dedicated cards only. Onboard video chips can provide decent performance for your basic tasks, and even light gaming.

This feature is great for those who don’t wish to have a video card and want to save some money. In these situations, video card is not necessary and the video connectors exist on the back of the motherboard, along with all the other ports. For example, some chipsets have ability to provide on-board video. Chipsets provide extra features but can sometimes have limitations, so picking the correct chipset is important, based on what you want the system to do.

Chipset makes the CPU and all the other components work together in a seamless way. If you want to build a standard size tower, ATX boards are recommended.Ĭhipset – this is the brain of the motherboard.

If you plan on building a small system with a small case, then mini or micro ATX boards will be good for you. Some boards are oversized ATX and are typically referred to as EATX, or extended ATX. Others are even smaller than that and are called micro ATX. Some cases are small and support only mATX boards, or mini ATX. While the processor has nothing to do with what standard you pick, it will have an effect on the case you choose. Other important factorsĪlthough the socket is the most important factor to guarantee compatible builds, there are other factors to consider, including motherboard form factor (size), chipset and intended use.įorm Factor – this is the size of the actual board and it follows a standard, normally referred to as ATX. If you pick a specific socket build, you will only see parts that belong to that category, to avoid confusion and compatibility issues. When you’re building a system in our AVA configurator, this task is already done for you. This will ensure that the 2 parts are compatible with one another. If you picked an Intel 1151 socket processor, then make sure that the board you choose has a 1151 socket. The only rule of thumb that you have to follow when picking a motherboard for your custom gaming PC is that you match the socket of the board with the socket of the CPU you chose. Make your CPU choice wisely so that you can find the correct motherboard easily. You cannot install AMD CPUs on Intel based boards, and vice versa. This is why it’s important to pick your processor first, as the rest of the system is going to follow that choice starting with the motherboard. Because there are only 2 processor manufacturers at the moment, Intel and AMD, this directly separates the motherboard choices to Intel based boards and AMD boards.

Choosing a motherboard