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Friday, December 21, 2007
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How to Buy the Best Motherboard
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This article will help you choose the best motherboard for your computer. The motherboard as the name implies plays a significant role in determining what type of computer system you can build, and the types of devices that can be installed in the PC. More importantly, it determines the future upgradeability of the computer. This makes it one of the more important components you will select for your PC.
The Best Motherboard Vitals
The motherboard is made up of many components, and is the foundation you will build your computer on. Here are two important points to keep in mind when buying one.
Chipset-The chipset determines connectivity, compatibility, and functionality of the motherboard.
CPU support-It's best to choose the CPU first. Choose the motherboard next, and make sure it will support the CPU you select.
Chipset Selection for the Best Motherboard
The chipset or core logic refers to the two main chips on the motherboard: Northbridge and the Southbridge.
Northbridge-The chip that is responsible for communications between AGP/PCIe bus, CPU, memory, and the Southbridge chip.
Southbridge-The Southbridge chip provides connections for the I/O (input/output) devices such as PCIe, USB, PATA, SATA, and the PCI bus. Note that the PCIe bus and the PCI bus are not the same.
The chipset is the core component of the best motherboard. Expansion card support, CPU support, graphics support, and major I/O device support all depend on the chipset for proper operation.
CPU Support for the Best Motherboard
To determine CPU compatibility with a motherboard the two main considerations are chipset and CPU socket type. The CPU socket is the physical as well as electrical interface between the CPU and the motherboard. The processor socket type must match the motherboard's CPU socket to function properly.
Intel- Socket 478 and LGA775/Socket T
With the exception of certain Celeron D and Pentium 4 models using socket 478, most Intel processors use the LGA775 socket or socket T. Keep in mind that you must pay attention to the chipset to be certain a particular motherboard supports the CPU you have chosen. Make certain by checking manufacturer's specification before buying.
AMD-Socket 754/Socket 939/AM2
The socket 754 includes the Sempron and older Athlon 64 processors. The Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 X2 and other AMD K8s utilize the socket 939 socket. The latest AMD socket is the AM2 and all AMD processor families have adopted it. This includes the Sempron, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64, and the Athlon 64 X2.
Other Considerations for Selecting the Best Motherboard
Even though the process of selecting the best motherboard appears complicated, it’s not when you know what to look for. The list follows:
Memory Support for the Best Motherboard
Intel
The memory controller on Intel compatible motherboards is located in the chipset. Memory type, capacity, memory speed, and whether single or dual channel is determined by the chipset. Be sure to look at the motherboard’s memory specifications to determine compatibility and capacity before buying.
AMD
Most of the AMD K8 (Athlon 64 and Sempron) processors now have the memory controller integrated into the CPU. Here’s some additional information.
Socket 754 CPUs support single channel memory up to DDR 400.
Socket 939 CPUs support dual channel up to DDR 400.
Socket AM2 support up to dual channel DDR2 667.
Exceptions are the Athlon 64 X2 and the Athlon FX CPUs supporting dual channel memory up to DDR2 800.
Graphics Support for the Best Motherboard
There are two types of graphic support on motherboards: Onboard video contained in the chipset and the video card slot (PCIe or AGP). Onboard graphics is not on par with an add-in card (video card). It is perfectly fine for most basic business and general home use however.
The video card interface or slot is the connector for three types of video cards.
PCI-bandwidth of 133 MB/s and is now obsolete.
AGP-replacement for PCI and is itself now verging on obsolescence. Bandwidths of up to 2 GB/s with AGP 8X.
PCI Express-Bandwidth of up to 8 GB/s with PCIe 16X and is bi-directional.
PCIe is the interface to choose when buying the best motherboard for your computer. Both of the major players in video cards no longer support AGP with their newest parts.
To build the ultimate gaming computer you may want to consider ATI Crossfire or NVIDIA SLI for running two video cards simultaneously on the same motherboard using the PCIe interface. These two standards are not compatible and both are motherboard dependent for functionality.
Expansion Slots for the Best Motherboard
Expansion slots such as the PCI and PCIe slots are used to install add-in cards. Sound cards, network cards, SCSI controllers, TV tuner, are just some of the many cards you can add to a computer system. Remember PCI and PCIe are not compatible. Check your motherboard specifications before installing PCIe cards due to compatibility issues between the different speeds (1X to 16X).
IDE/SATA/PATA
PATA (parallel ATA) and ATA (serial ATA) ports are used to connect hard drives and optical drives to your computer. ATA stands for advanced technology attachment, and has been the main stay of hard drive interface for PCs for well over a decade. ATA uses a 16 bit parallel connection between it and the motherboard. ATA is also known as EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Technology). The most popular standard for ATA hard drives are ATA-6 (Ultra DMA 100 or Ultra ATA 100) and ATA-133. Bandwidth is 100 MB/s and 133 MB/s respectively for these two standards.
SATA is a newer standard than PATA and is based on serial signaling technology. The advantages of SATA versus PATA are many and include longer, thinner connection cables that provide increased airflow through computers, fewer pin conductors for less EMI (electro-magnetic interference), and lower signal voltage for less cross-talk. The SATA 1.0 standard bandwidth is 1.5 GB/s (150 MB/s) while the new STA 2.5 standard can support up to 3.0 GB/s (300 MB/s). SATA also supports NCQ (native command queuing), port multiplier, and port selector. Due to these advantages the SATA interface is poised to take the lead over PATA for PC data storage.
RAID
RAID stands for redundant array of inexpensive disks, and is a method of using multiple drives to store data. The RAID system looks like a single drive to the operating system. Multiple drives in a RAID configuration offer better throughput, capacity, and fault tolerance for data. If you need these types of capabilities make sure the motherboard you select is RAID capable.
Other Connections
PS/2- Connections for the mouse and keyboard. Ports are located on the back of the computer and are usually color coded. Colors are purple for the keyboard and green for the mouse usually
USB- The most useful port on a computer. USB ports are capable of supporting up to 127 peripheral devices simultaneously. The USB 1.0 specification can deliver 12 MB/s bandwidth, while the USB 2.0 spec can deliver 480 MB/s transfer speed.
IEEE 1394- AKA Firewire and iLink, IEEE 1394 is a standard for high speed transfer. Firewire is used to connect external hard drives, video cameras, and scanners to computers.
Onboard Devices
Audio-The number one competitor of the Sound Blaster line of sound cards is not even another sound card. Nope, it’s onboard audio. AC’97 is the audio standard and was developed by Intel in 1997. HD (high definition) audio was developed by Intel as well and is poised to replace the AC’97 specification. HD audio can deliver 8 channels of audio at 192KHZ/32 bit quality. Look for the HD audio spec when buying your motherboard.
LAN/Networking
Almost all newer motherboards now provide onboard LAN functions rated at either 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Mbps. These top speeds are theoretical maximums and are seldom achieved in the real world. As long as you have 10/100 Mbps you should be okay. Note: If the LAN controller is connected to the PCI bus it will be limited to its bandwidth which is 133 Mbps.
Form Factor
Computers adhere to a standard for size, shape, and format for motherboards, power supplies, cases, add-in cards, etc. It is critical to choose the same form factor for your motherboard and case. The two major form factors are :
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)-developed by Intel in 1995 to replace the AT form factor. There are many variants of the ATX form factor such as the Micro-ATX and the Flex-ATX. The Flex-ATX and the Micro-ATX are smaller than the standard ATX form factor and have fewer expansion slots generally.
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) – A new form factor developed by Intel and designed to improve heat dissipation and airflow through the case to combat today’s higher computer operating temperatures. The BTX form factor also has smaller variants of its basic size notably the Micro and Pico.
The ATX form factor is still the king of the hill at this time. One note of interest is that all AMD motherboards are currently the ATX form factor.Labels: كمبيوتر وأنترنت |
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posted by Mido @ 5:54 AM   |
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