Last Updated: October 2nd, 2010

Selecting a Gaming Motherboard

In the realm of motherboards, especially pertaining to gaming computers, its all about streaming data fast, very, very fast. Gaming motherboards in particular, are usually built for speed, implemented with a balanced layout, and designed for gaming environments. Which is why it is important to understand what you are looking for when selecting a gaming oriented motherboard. In regards to this small bit of info and if you feel enticed to read on, below, in the associated article, emphasize on qualities related to the best gaming motherboards and other relevant information. Being one of the most significant components in a computer, selection is crucial for performance based PC's.

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To begin selecting one of the best gaming motherboards, we have compiled information about motherboard compatibility, including size, CPU relationship, and chipset attributes. These factors will directly impact gaming performance, so consider every aspect and question yourself to fulfill what you will ultimately expect from your gaming motherboard. If you are only looking for a gaming motherboard provider instead of the information below, we strongly recommend TigerDirect.com. They offer competitive pricing and a good value to quality ratio compared to simliar companies.

CPU Relationship (Processor Interface and Socket)
This is the initial step to choosing the best gaming motherboard for your needs. Just like an expansion aperture or DIMM slot, the processor uses a specfic interface to connect to the motherboard, depending on the socket type. When you select a processor, it will be compatible with various motherboards, so its up to you to select a processor that fits in the appropriate socket. Here are some common sockets used with Intel and AMD based gaming motherboards.

Intel Gaming CPU Sockets		AMD Gaming CPU Sockets
Socket Type	Processor Model	Socket Type	Processor Model
LGA 775 Socket T	Core 2 Duo* Core 2 Extreme* Core 2 Quad*	Socket AM2	Athlon 64 Athlon 64 FX Athlon 64 X2
LGA 1156 Socket H	Core i5 (i5-7xx)*** Core i7 (i7-8xx)	Socket AM2+	Athlon 64 Athlon 64 X2 Phenom Series: Phenom II X4* Phenom X3 Phenom X2
LGA 1366 Socket B	Core i7 (i7-9xx)*	Socket AM3	Athlon II X4* Athlon II X3* Phenom II Series: Phenom II X4* Phenom II X3* Phenom II X2*

Chipset Performance - Intel /AMD
The chipset can be best described as the distinct set of circuits or microchips, consisting of the traditional Northbridge and Southbridge, implemented to control specific activites, such as a communication link via the processor or access to the memory modules. In relation to PC gaming, the chipset determines crucial specifications pertaining to devices interconnected throughout a properly configured system. Such components include the PCIe lanes (Video Cards), RAM, assortment of bus interconnects, various ports (USB, FireWire, Modem Connector, etc...), and other onboard components, for example. How is this relevant to PC gaming? These bridges control features and specify a gaming motherboards abilities. These capabilites decide the type of processor or system memory, for example, you can install.

These are examples of common chipsets for Intel based gaming motherboards.

Intel Chipsets
Processor Family	Chipset	North Bridge	South Bridge
Core i Series: (Core i7)	X58	IOH (No Memory Interface)	ICH10/ICH10R
Core i Series: (Core i3, i5, i7)	P55	PCH	PCH
Core 2 Series: (Core 2 Duo, Quad, Extreme)	X48	MCH	ICH10/ICH10R
Core 2 Series: (Core 2 Duo, Quad)	Q45	GMCH	ICH10/ICH10R

The main function of the chipset is to oversee that data is distributed accordingly. How does a gaming motherboard transport all of this data and information to the appropraite device? By using a system of bus(es) transporting data in accordance with a specific component, which the chipset monitors and maintains. Here are a few examples of internal data paths that impact PC gaming significantly.

What is the Frontside Bus?
What is QuickPath Interconnect?
What is HyperTransport?

Data Bus(es) (Front-Side Bus, QuickPath Interconnet, or PCIe Lanes)
The best gaming motherboards conform to the most recent bus interfaces for connecting expansion cards. PCIe is becoming the new standard and offers the most support for performance based video and sound cards. The x16 lane slots will be most beneficial for graphics, as they are the largest interface most commonly used. PCIe 2.0 is the active version at the moment, but you will find the 1.0 and 3.0 standard around, which should be considered in your purchase as well. Consider other options such as using the traditional front-side bus compared to Intel's QPI interface.

Expansion Slots and Periphials (Video, Sound, or NIC Card & USB or FireWire ports)
Along with the locations of the processor socket and chipset, there are designated areas of a gaming motherboard that are used to house slots for video cards, sound cards, NIC cards, ethernet cards and enough periphials to account for 2 systems in some cases. (More on the memory slots below.) These slot standards are usually implemented with the PCIe interface and in some instances the fading AGP or PCI slot(s), which are used to house video card(s) or an advanced sound card. The PCIe slot(s) get the most attention from the graphic setups, especially if a CrossFireX or SLI setup is involved.

Memory Slots (aka) the Primary Memory, Random Access Memory
Selecting and configuring memory for one of the best gaming motherboard depends on a few aspects, such as the facilitated memory interface(s) or memory timings. When you select a motherboard for gaming purposes, you should be aware that the motherboard you choose will decide the type of RAM you can configure, total module and overall combined capacity, desired operating frequency, or channel configuration. RAM can be purchased in the form of modules, which utilize pins, that interconnect via slots located on the motherboard. 240-Pin modules are most common, which have become the standard on the majority of gaming motherboards.

Form Factor
The motherboard “Form Factor,” details the general demensions of a printed circuit board, which is relevant to the size of case and type of power supply. This also pertains to the organization and placement of designated components, which provides flexability durning the installation and upgrade process of expansion cards, memory modules, etc... For gaming this is what we recommend.

ATX
This is the gerneral form factor for gaming motherboards. It is used by the majority of gaming computers for a few reasons. For example, this format offers less interference when configuring video cards or storage drives by positioning these components to more appropriate areas of the board. By adding more flexibility, this also increases air flow, which provides better cooling methods when your system is under stress. The design factor also helps with future upgrades, such as a new expansion card, processor, or other relational components. The ease of access to these particular parts has improved over various predecessors, which is ideal for ever-changing gaming computers. (Details vary between manufactuer and model)

Other ATX-derived form factors exsist that use the same concepts of the original format, though these variants have added benefits for gamers, enthusiasts, and recreational users.

Extended ATX (eATX)
This format is one of the notable selections, especially for the best gaming PCs. Being essentially the same as the standard ATX layout, this format offers mainly larger demensions. For example, we all know that double-wide video cards are always a hassle, but with a schema using broader aesthetics, its offers even more options when it comes to selecting components. Though with a bigger layout, this also requires a more sophisticated chassis for better placement. (Details vary between manufactuer and model)

Micro ATX (mATX)
This generic model has close roots to the regular ATX format, but was designed for small enclosures. The main difference is the actual size, which has a maximum layout close to 11.2 in. x 8.2 in. Compare that to the maximum dimensions of the standard ATX format which rests at 12 in. x 9.6 in. We recommend letting the pro's configure these with the best systems, though if you have the expertise, integrate one of these form factors to save some money in the long run. (Details vary between manufactuer and model)

Ultra ATX
This non-standard, over-sized ATX format specifically benefits the placement of video cards, by allowing 10 expansion slots rather than the usual 7 slots. This format requires a spacious full size tower due to the larger demensions, the height being the specific cause. The main purpose of the Ultra ATX layout is to prevail over the limitations of double-slot designed video cards by allowing high-end gaming computers to incorporate tandem setups with extra room for expansions. If you stumble upon one of these compositions, don't hesitate to utilize its resources. (Details vary between manufactuer and model)

Expandability
As game's adapt new technologies for better graphics, so must the hardware requirements on a similiar basis. Planning on future upgrades will benefit you indefinately when its time to upgrade your processor or install a new set of video cards for more robust graphics. The motherboard is the most important in terms of allowing expansions and upgrades. Try selecting a gaming motherboard that is well balanced and is equipped with good flexability options.

BIOS Options - Overclocking
One of those rare occasions when you may need to manipulate the system BIOS, is when you are considering overclocking your processor. If you decide to alter the BIOS, basically what you will be doing is changing the required voltage to power the processor and bus speeds. This is normal for a gaming PC, which is to squeeze every amount of power out of your rig. You should check the options available when its comes to changing the motherboards BIOs.

Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator is used to convert power being supplied by the PSU and using it to effectively power components such as the CPU, video cards or chipset. The quality of this component matters is regards to overclocking. This precise circuit allows a suitable processor to request a higher voltage in order to run at a more desireable frequency.

Phases – More is better. This helps create a lower operating temperature for thermal generating components.

Integrated Periphials
These are solutions for incorporating a variety of periphials directly onto a gaming motherboard. Included below are alternate, but sometimes primary methods of configuration to help reduce cost and sizing issues of certain externally connected components.

Integrated Audio (Sound Card)
The sound card is a crucial component for a gaming computer. Whether embedded or external, basic and advanced games have the ability to produce high quality audio. For the average gamer, an intergrated standard will suffice. You can still have access to 5.1 surrond sound features and a selection of optical audio ports for superior quality sound. You can even benefit from an additional PCIe slot and the potential to more effectively cool additional areas of your gaming motherboard. If your specific about what you need, ensure you read and re-read the technical specifications to confirm you are getting what you paid for.

On the other hand, if gaming is a serious passion of yours or of some similiar stature, then a seperate or external card should be used. We are talking high quality resonant sound. These cards are not that expensive, though they can be, you should usually be familiar with the type and quality of audio output you want. If you would like to read more on sound cards, we have an article coming soon. Check back soon!

Integrated Networking (Network Interface Card)
If you decide that using embedded circuits is the best approach for you, then replacing your NIC card with an integrated solution will work just fine. You should still recieve network data in increments of 10/100/100 Mbits and with an ISP that suites your bandwidth needs, your looking at a fast internet connection. This is a suitable replacement we recommend for newer gaming system configurations.

Disk Controllers (SATA Connectors, RAID Setups)
The disk controller acts as a communcation device between the HDD or hard "disk drive," and the processor. The fact this circuit is integrated on the motherboard makes secondary storage drive installation simple and quick. The SATA interface controller is most commonly used among gamers, though with faster means of data conveyance, such as SCSI or SAS drives, some extreme gamers / users make use of every last bit of power they can grasp For the average person, this is not necessary, SATA 2 connections are adequte for a typical gaming setup and on the plus side, there is always room for expansion later on.