AMD motherboard buying guide

Posted on 14 Dec 2009 at 17:43

 

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

Recommended minimum specifications

Processor socket: AM3

Motherboard chipset: AMD 790GX

Onboard graphics: Yes

Graphics card slot: One PCI-E x16

Follow the steps to find your ideal specs

1. A basic motherboard with the above specifications costs around £55. It will support all AM3 processors (the newest kind), but you will not be able to fit older AM2 or AM2+ processors. If you need to do this, look to buy a motherboard with the same chipset, but an AM2+ socket instead.
2. If you want to play games at anything other than the lowest resolutions and lowest detail settings, a PCI-E x16 slot will let you install a dedicated graphics card. If you want to use dual graphics card, you'll need to choose a motherboard that has two PCI-E x16 slots and is compatible with ATI's CrossFire technology or Nvidia's SLI technology.
3. If you want to build a media centre PC, look for a motherboard with on-board graphics capable of H.264 playback, such as the 790GX chipset, and one with an HDMI output. You may also want to opt for a microATX motherboard, as this will let you build your PC in a smaller case.
4. Make sure your motherboard supports the processor you want. Be wary of motherboards that require a BIOS update to support your chosen model, as you'll need to install a processor that's currently compatible to run the update.
5. 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. Finally, ensure that any extras you want are included, like FireWire, eSATA and S/PDIF outputs.

Author: Expert Reviews Staff