How to Choose a Motherboard for a Custom PC: Performance, Features, and Compatibility

The motherboard is the foundation part that connects all other computer components.

The type and number of CPUs, memory, and M.2 SSDs that can be installed are determined by the motherboard.

Physically larger motherboards can support more memory modules and expansion card slots (PCI Express slots).

Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right motherboard according to the parts configuration. If future upgrades are planned, it is important to select a motherboard that can accommodate them.

Basic knowledge, roles, performance, and compatibility of other parts are also explained, so please use them as a reference.

≫ Related article: PC Parts List and Explanation of Each PC Part [A Must-Read for DIY PC Beginners]

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What is a Motherboard?

A motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer, responsible for connecting important components such as the CPU, memory, and expansion cards.

Depending on the product, various aspects are determined, such as the CPU manufacturer and socket type, memory standard and number of slots, M.2 SSD, number of PCI Express slots, and number of SATA connectors for connecting SATA SSDs and HDDs.

Many of these are related to compatibility with other parts, so it is important to understand what to pay attention to and choose carefully to avoid mistakes.

Motherboards come in standards such as ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX, and their physical sizes differ. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a PC case that supports the motherboard standard.

As there are many factors to check and everything must match, there is a lot to consider when choosing a motherboard.

To make the right choice, prior knowledge of motherboards and other parts is necessary, so this article will focus on explaining those points.

Basic Knowledge of Motherboards

Before explaining how to choose a motherboard, let’s go over the basic knowledge.

Now, let’s explain these points in detail.

Motherboard Standards

Motherboards have standards that define their size, shape, and mounting hole positions.

The main standards are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. There are also larger standards like Extended ATX and server standards such as SSI-CEB and SSI-EEB.

In simple terms, the physical size is different, and depending on the size, the number of memory modules, M.2 SSDs, and expansion cards that can be installed also changes.

ATX is commonly used in desktop PCs and is known for its high expandability.

Micro ATX is smaller than ATX and is suitable for building compact PCs, while Mini ITX is even smaller and often used in small PC cases.

Generally, the larger the motherboard, the more slots it has. If many parts need to be installed or future upgrades are planned, a larger motherboard such as ATX or Extended ATX is recommended.

On the other hand, if a compact PC case is desired, a smaller motherboard like Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX should be chosen, but the number of memory slots and M.2 slots may be fewer.

PC cases also have compatible motherboard standards, so it is necessary to choose a motherboard that matches the case.

Using a small motherboard in a large case is fine, but a large motherboard will not fit in a small case, making assembly impossible.

≫ Related article: [DIY PC] About Motherboard Standards [ATX/MicroATX/Mini-ITX]

Names of Motherboard Components

CPU Socket

Memory Slot

PCI Express Slot

M.2 Slot

The motherboard is the base for installing other parts, so it has various slots and connectors.

When building a custom PC, many names are used, so it is important to know the names of each slot and connector.

Also, knowing where these are located on the motherboard and what they look like will help with understanding and assembly.

Not only the main slots, but also connectors and the back panel are explained with images.

≫ Related article: Names of Motherboard Slots, Connectors, and Back Panel [With Images]

There is also an explanation about installing the back panel (I/O shield), which can be tricky when building a custom PC.

Chipset

A chipset is an IC chip on the motherboard that manages and controls the flow of data and communication between the CPU, memory, graphics card, storage, and other parts.

There are various types of chipsets, and they determine things like:

• Number and version of PCI Express lanes
• Number and version of supported USB ports
• Maximum number of SATA connectors
• RAID configuration
• Maximum number of display outputs
• Support for CPU and memory overclocking

However, for most general custom PC builds, most chipsets support the necessary features, so it is not a major concern.

Also, even if the chipset supports a feature, if the motherboard does not have the slot or connector, it cannot be used, so be careful.

Chipset model numbers differ between Intel and AMD, and also vary by grade and generation.

For example, Intel’s 700 and 600 series chipsets for 13th generation CPUs include the following types:

The grade and intended use can generally be identified by the first letter of the chipset model.

Also, the higher the grade, the more expensive the motherboard, so decide according to your budget and other parts.

≫ Related article: What is a Motherboard Chipset? Differences in Grades and Specifications

How to Choose a Motherboard for a Custom PC [Performance]

This section explains how to choose a motherboard focusing on performance and features.

Now, let’s explain these points in detail.

Based on user choices in the Custom PC Tool, statistical data on popular rankings, price ranges, and specifications are also summarized.

≫ Related article: Motherboard Popularity Rankings and Selection Rates by Specification [Statistics]

Compatibility with Selected PC Parts

First and foremost, when choosing a motherboard, it is important that it meets the standards and number of slots required for other PC parts.

Standards include the CPU and CPU cooler socket type, memory standard, and motherboard compatibility with the PC case.

As for numbers, this refers to the number of memory slots, M.2 slots, and SATA connectors.

If these are not met, parts cannot be installed or assembled, or there may not be enough slots for all parts, so be careful.

Check if all necessary parts for your custom PC build can be installed.

Expandability

If you want to upgrade memory or storage later, expandability is also important.

Expandability in a motherboard means the ability to add extra parts to the computer.

In other words, a motherboard that can support many parts has high expandability, while one with fewer slots has low expandability.

Memory, M.2, PCI Express slots, and SATA connectors are important for future upgrades.

For example, if you want to build a custom PC for video editing, you might install a 1TB NVMe SSD in the M.2 slot as the main storage.

However, until you actually do video editing, you may not know how quickly storage will fill up, so 1TB may not be enough.

If you think you might need to add more storage, you can choose a motherboard with 2 or 3 M.2 slots for higher expandability.

In this way, even if the performance is sufficient for your intended use, it is important to have some extra expandability (extra slots) to handle various situations.

Motherboard Features

Motherboards not only have slots for connecting other parts, but also include various features.

Wireless LAN Module

Some motherboards have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features.

Usually, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth come together. It is rare to see only one of them.

Using wired LAN requires running a LAN cable from the router to the PC, which can be troublesome. For uses where high-speed or stable internet is not necessary, Wi-Fi is convenient for initial setup.

You can also add a wireless LAN module with an expansion card, but some motherboards have built-in wireless LAN modules, so choose the one that suits your needs.

RAID Function

RAID is a technology that combines multiple storage devices to improve data redundancy, performance, or both.

Writing data to two or more storage devices (mirroring) increases data redundancy, while splitting data across multiple devices (striping) increases read/write speed.

Using both mirroring and striping can improve both redundancy and speed, but requires more storage devices.

Data redundancy means saving data in multiple places to increase safety. This way, if some data is lost, it can be restored from the other location.

For backup, it is common to use USB drives or online storage, but RAID mirroring can also be used for backup.

BIOS Flashback

BIOS Flashback is a feature that allows users to update the BIOS or firmware directly.

If the CPU is not compatible with the current BIOS version, the system may not boot. However, with BIOS Flashback, the BIOS can be updated without the CPU installed, allowing support for new CPUs.

If a problem occurs during a BIOS update or the BIOS is damaged for some reason, it may not be possible to repair it by normal means. The BIOS Flashback feature can be used to recover the BIOS in such situations.

If you are not sure what BIOS is, please refer to this article.

≫ Related article: What is BIOS/UEFI? Explanation of Roles, Differences, How to Boot, and How to Update

How to Choose a Motherboard for a Custom PC [Compatibility / Important]

This section explains how to choose a motherboard focusing on compatibility.

If you choose a motherboard that is not compatible, the socket type or memory slots may not match, making assembly impossible, so be sure to check.

Some of these points were mentioned in the basic knowledge section, but let’s explain them in detail.

PC Case Compatible Motherboard Standards

Motherboards come in standards such as ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX, and each standard has a different physical size.

All parts, including the motherboard, must fit in the PC case, so check the motherboard standards supported by the case.

Most large PC cases support multiple standards such as ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. This is common for larger cases.

On the other hand, small PC cases may only support Mini-ITX.

With small PC cases, not only is the choice of motherboard limited, but the height of the CPU cooler and the length of the GPU are also restricted.

Generally, higher-performance CPUs require larger CPU coolers and longer GPUs, so only low-profile CPU coolers (making high-performance CPUs difficult) and mid-range GPUs may fit.

Also, working in a small space is harder, so consider whether you really want a small PC case despite these disadvantages.

≫ Related article: [DIY PC] About Motherboard Standards [ATX/MicroATX/Mini-ITX]

Motherboard, CPU, and CPU Cooler Socket Types

When choosing a motherboard, make sure the socket type matches the CPU and CPU cooler.

If you choose a CPU or CPU cooler with a different socket type, the shapes will not match and installation will not be possible.

Also, the CPU and motherboard socket type only support one type, but most CPU coolers support multiple socket types using included mounts.

For example, “Intel: LGA2066 / LGA2011-3 / LGA2011 / LGA1700 / LGA1200 / LGA1151 / LGA1150 / LGA1155, AMD: AM5 / AM4” and so on.

Memory Standard, Number of Slots, and Maximum Capacity

The memory slot standard, number of slots, and maximum capacity are important when choosing a motherboard.

For most general builds, the maximum capacity is not an issue, so it is not a major concern.

However, if you make a mistake with the standard or number of slots, you may not be able to assemble the PC or install all purchased memory, so be careful.

Memory standards include DDR4 and DDR5. It is essential to check which memory standard the motherboard supports.

Memory with a different standard is not compatible, so the motherboard and memory standards must match.

≫ Related article: Explanation of Memory Standards, Module Standards, and Speed Standards for Custom PCs! Recent Mainstream Standards!

The number of slots refers to how many memory modules can be installed. Most motherboards have 2 or 4 slots.

More slots allow for easier future memory upgrades.

For example, if you start with two 8GB memory modules for a total of 16GB and want to add more later, a motherboard with four slots allows you to add more memory. If there are only two slots, you must remove the existing memory and replace it, and cannot use the old memory, so the total capacity cannot be fully utilized.

Thus, the number of memory slots is directly related to future expandability, so choose according to your PC’s purpose and upgrade plans.

M.2 SSD Standard and Number of Slots

If you want to install an NVMe SSD, check the M.2 slot standard (size / connector / PCI Express version) and number of slots.

M.2 refers to the SSD’s shape and connection interface. The most common size is 2280 (22mm wide × 80mm long), but there are also 2242, 2260, and 22110 sizes.

Shorter types are often used in laptops, but in desktop PCs, 80mm long 2280 is most common.

Most motherboards support multiple sizes, and almost all support 2280.

There are M key, B key, and B+M key connectors. NVMe SSDs usually use the M key.

Motherboards are also designed for NVMe SSDs, so most M.2 slots support the M key.

The notch position differs by key, so if you make a mistake, the SSD will not fit and assembly will not be possible.

PCI Express versions include 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0, with the main difference being data transfer speed.

Typical read speeds are:

• PCIe 3.0: About 2,000–3,500MB/s
• PCIe 4.0: About 5,000–7,500MB/s
• PCIe 5.0: About 9,500–12,000MB/s
• SATA SSD: About 550MB/s

To maximize speed, match the PCI Express version of the NVMe SSD and the motherboard’s M.2 slot.

They are compatible, so even if the versions differ, it will work, but it will run at the slower speed.

Also, check if the number of M.2 slots is enough for the number of NVMe SSDs you want to install.

≫ Related article: What is an M.2 Slot? NVMe SSD / Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Dedicated Slot [DIY PC]

Number of SATA SSD, HDD SATA Connectors and Bays

If you want to install SATA SSDs and HDDs, you need as many SATA connectors as the number of drives, so check how many SATA connectors the motherboard has.

4 or 6 SATA connectors are common, but small motherboards may have 2, while large or server motherboards may have 8, 10, 12, or even 14.

For most recent builds, one NVMe SSD and one SATA SSD or HDD is enough, so 1 or 2 SATA connectors are usually sufficient.

If you want to install many games or do frequent video editing, consider a motherboard with extra SATA connectors for future storage expansion.

Also, unrelated to the motherboard, check if the power supply has enough SATA power connectors and if the PC case has enough 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch bays for the number of drives.

≫ Related article: What is the SATA Standard? Standard for Storage and Optical Drives [DIY PC]

PCI Express Slot for Graphics Card

If you want to install a graphics card, check the shape and version of the motherboard’s PCI Express slot.

There are four PCI Express slot shapes: x16, x8, x4, and x1, with different slot lengths.

They are labeled as “PCI Express x16”, “PCIe x16”, etc.

Shorter PCI Express cards can be inserted into longer slots. For example, PCI Express x8, x4, and x1 cards can be inserted into a PCI Express x16 slot.

Most recent graphics cards use PCI Express x16, so check if the motherboard has a PCI Express x16 slot.

PCI Express versions include 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0. They are backward compatible, so older graphics cards can be used in newer slots.

However, to get the best performance, it is recommended to match the PCI Express version of the graphics card and motherboard.

≫ Related article: What is PCI Express? Dedicated Slot for Graphics Cards and Expansion Cards [DIY PC]

Summary: At Minimum, Choose a Motherboard with the Standards and Number of Slots to Support Your Selected PC Parts!

The motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer, responsible for connecting important parts such as the CPU, memory, and expansion cards.

There are various slots, but be careful not to make mistakes with standards or shapes for compatibility with other parts.

Also, check the number of slots to make sure all selected parts can be installed.

Here is a summary of how to choose a motherboard.

Motherboards are not about processing power like CPUs or GPUs, but are mainly about compatibility.

As mentioned many times, if you make a mistake with compatibility, you will not be able to assemble the PC, so once all parts are decided, double-check everything.

If you have to buy parts again, it will be an unnecessary expense, so make sure the standards match before purchasing.

Basic knowledge, roles, performance, and compatibility of other parts are also explained, so please use them as a reference.

≫ Related article: PC Parts List and Explanation of Each PC Part [A Must-Read for DIY PC Beginners]

あわせて読みたい

PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.