Intel motherboard buying guide

Posted on 14 Dec 2009 at 17:33

Find out all you need to know about choosing the right motherboard.

Recommended minimum specifications

Processor socket: LGA775

Chipset: Intel G45

Onboard Graphics: Yes

Graphics card slot: One PCI-E X16

Follow the steps to find your ideal specs

A basic motherboard with the above specifications costs around £65. It will support all Pentium Dual Core, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors. As it has onboard graphics, you can use it for standard Windows applications without having to buy a dedicated graphics card.

To use Intel's latest Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, you'll need a motherboard that has an LGA1156 processor socket. Motherboards that use the Intel P55 chipset are best for this. The older, slightly more powerful, Core i7 processors require a motherboard with the X58 chipset and the LGA1366 socket. However, these processors are expensive and for the widest range of choice and better upgrade potential, we recommend buying a LGA1156 motherboard.

If you want to play games, a PCI-E x16 slot will let you install a dedicated graphics card. If you want to use dual graphics, you'll have to choose between ATI and Nvidia. LGA775 motherboards only support one technology, so check its specifications carefully; new Intel motherboards with LGA1366 or LGA1156 sockets support both graphics technologies. In either case, your motherboard needs to have two PCI-E x16 graphics card slots.

If you want to build a Media Center PC, look for a microATX motherboard, as this will let you build your PC in a smaller case.

Choose a motherboard that takes the processor you want to use. You can find this information out in our reviews and on the motherboard manufacturer's website. Some motherboards require a BIOS upgrade before they'll support your chosen processor. Be wary of these, as you'll need a processor that works before the upgrade's applied.

If you're installing lots of expansion cards, look for a motherboard with plenty of PCI and PCI-E x1 slots. If you're going to install a lot of storage in your PC, a motherboard with plenty of SATA ports is essential. Ideally, it should be one that supports RAID, as this gives you a simple way of improving performance or protecting your data.