Motherboards and Buses - Upgrading and Repairing PCs - page 300

• Processor socket —The processor socket on a motherboard dictates the specific pro-
cessor makes and models you will be able to install. In most cases you will have a
given processor in mind, so choose a motherboard with a socket that supports the
processor you want to use. The main sockets in use today on new systems include
SocketAM2,AM3andAM3+forAMDprocessors,andSocketsLGA775,LGA1156,
LGA1155, and LGA1366 for Intel processors. See Table 4.6 (which lists CPU socket
specifications) to see what types of processors are supported by each socket. Also
check the motherboard specifications for what specific processors are supported by a
given motherboard.
• Memory —The type and amount of memory compatible with a system depends on
themotherboardyouchoose.MostmotherboardstodaysupporteitherDDR2orDDR3
memory, in either single-, dual-, or triple-channel operation. The number of memory
sockets, supported speeds, and other variables also depend on the motherboard, so
check the board specifications to see exactly what is supported.
• Form factor —The form factor indicates the size and shape of the board and must be
compatible with the chassis or case and power supply. For maximum flexibility, per-
formance, reliability, and ease of use, I recommend motherboards based on the ATX
and microATX form factors. Larger form factors such as ATX offer more slots and
room for additional integrated components and features. Smaller variations on ATX
are also available, but in the end you need to be sure that the motherboard is compat-
ible with the case and power supply you have chosen.
• Bus slots —Current systems offer one to five or more PCI and PCI Express slots (de-
pending on the form factor). Some boards have more than one PCIe x16 (video card)
slot, which you may want if you are running multiple video cards in an SLI or Cross-
fireXarrangement.Makesuretheboardyouchoosehasthenumberandtypesofslots
yourequire.KeepinmindthatPCIisfadingawayonthelatestmotherboards,soifyou
want to use existing PCI cards, make sure you choose a motherboard that has enough
PCI slots or has integrated ports that replace the functionality of your PCI cards.
• Onboard ATA interfaces —All motherboards on the market have included onboard
Serial and Parallel ATA interfaces for some time now, but not all are equal. Look for
boards that include at least four to six SATA connectors, with support for 6Gbps oper-
ation as well as optional RAID functionality (if desired).
• Other built-in interfaces —Ideally, a motherboard should contain as many built-in
standard controllers and interfaces as possible. Most boards feature integrated USB,
sound, and LAN (look for those offering gigabit Ethernet), whereas others also have
integrated video, FireWire, eSATA, dual LAN adapters, and more. Motherboards with
thelatestgenerationofUSB(USB3.0)andSATA(6Gbps)arelikelytocostmorethan