Motherboards

What you need to know about motherboards

Every computer motherboard is the central hub of your rig. It's what holds everything together. Whether you're building a monster gaming PC for streaming or a simple desktop for a bit of browsing, getting the foundation right is what makes everything run smoothly.

Match your build with the right socket

Start by picking the right socket for your processor. AMD uses AM5, while Intel may now use LGA 1851 or 1700. Your motherboard must match your CPU exactly. Otherwise, it simply won't fit, and you'll be chuffed to bits with a useless board.

Form factor: size really does matter

Most of us go for an ATX motherboard. It's a fantastic balance of expansion slots and cooling. If you're a bit tight on desk space or fancy a compact case, a Micro-ATX can be just the ticket. Just make sure your case can actually fit the board.

Memory and speed: DDR5 is the new normal

If you're after snappy, responsive performance, look for a DDR5 motherboard. With at least four DIMM slots, you'll have plenty of room to upgrade your RAM over time. This is handy if you're thinking about getting into video editing or heavier games down the line.

Graphics and expansion made simple

You'll need a board that gives you space for a chunky graphics card. Most UK builders only use a single GPU, so a single PCIe x16 slot is often enough. But it's dead handy if you can also slot in a capture card or another SSD later on.

Ports and connections that suit everyday life

You'll want a good mix of ports. Easy USB-C access on the front, a handful of USB-A on the back, and maybe an HDMI if you're not planning to use a graphics card straight away. Built-in Wi-Fi is a lifesaver if your router is upstairs. No dongle needed. Ethernet ports and audio jacks are a given, and all these little things add up to a smooth setup.

Performance and power: why VRM quality matters

If you're planning to overclock (or even if you aren't but might fancy it in the future), a stable gaming PC motherboard with strong VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules) keeps your system running cool and reliably. Look for robust heatsinks and quality BIOS features like Flashback, so a quick update doesn't become a massive headache.

Brands like MSI, ASUS, and GIGABYTE are known for solid VRM setups, especially on their gaming ranges. So if you're planning to push your CPU a bit harder, sticking with one of these gives you that extra layer of confidence.

Intel motherboard vs AMD motherboard: which way round

Intel boards tend to be a touch cheaper to start with, but if you're after broader upgrade paths and better bang for your buck on cores, AMD can pull ahead. It's worth a proper think about where you'll be in a year or two before picking a side.

Features that give peace of mind

It’s the little extras like BIOS Flashback, Q-LEDs to show you what’s gone wrong, reinforced PCIe slots, or even RGB options if you're into the aesthetics that make life easier. They’re handy even if you only truly appreciate them when you're in a bit of a pickle.

Choosing the best motherboard for gaming (or more)

For high framerates, smooth streaming, or sharp video editing, a board with PCIe Gen 5, dual M.2 slots, DDR5, and Wi-Fi 7 support gives you headroom. These also keep your build feeling sharp for ages to come.

Motherboard buying checklist by use case

Factor	Productivity (Office/Work)	Gaming	Content Creation / Streaming	General Use / Casual
Form Factor	ATX or Micro-ATX for expandability	ATX preferred (better airflow & GPU space)	ATX or E-ATX for multiple GPUs/storage	Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX for compact, budget builds
CPU Socket & Chipset	Match current-gen CPUs (e.g. Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5)	Performance chipsets like Intel Z790 or AMD X670	High-end chipsets with robust VRMs like X670E or Z790	Budget chipsets like B660 or A520 are fine
RAM Support	At least 2 DIMM slots; DDR4 is sufficient	4 DIMM slots preferred; DDR5 for future-proofing	DDR5 with high speeds and large capacities (e.g. 128GB)	DDR4 support is adequate
Expansion Slots (PCIe)	PCIe Gen 3.0 is usually enough	PCIe Gen 4.0/5.0 x16 slot for GPU required	Multiple PCIe Gen 4/5 for GPU, capture cards, etc	One PCIe slot is usually fine
Storage Options	1 M.2 slot and 2–4 SATA ports	At least 2 M.2 slots (Gen 4 preferred) and 4 SATA	2+ M.2 slots, Gen 4 or 5 for fast NVMe SSDs, 6 SATA ports	1 M.2 and 2 SATA ports will do
Network Connectivity	Gigabit Ethernet or onboard Wi-Fi 6	Ethernet (2.5Gbps) + Wi-Fi 6 or 6E for low latency	Wi-Fi 6E or 7 for high bandwidth, dual LAN for stream rigs	Wi-Fi 5 or Ethernet is fine
USB Ports	USB 3.2 Gen 1 and front panel USB-C preferred	Multiple rear USB (incl. USB-C), ideally USB 3.2 Gen 2	Multiple USB-C ports (front/rear), USB 4 optional	A few USB 3.0 ports will cover the basics
VRM Quality / Power Delivery	Basic 4+2 phase VRMs are fine	Good VRMs for stable gaming (8+ phases)	Premium VRMs with large heatsinks (12+ phases)	Entry-level VRMs are okay
Audio Chipset	Standard onboard audio is fine	High-quality audio codec helps with immersion	Premium audio with isolation and multi-channel output	Standard onboard audio works well
BIOS Features	Simple, easy-to-use BIOS is key	BIOS Flashback and XMP support for tweaking	Advanced BIOS with fan curves, memory tuning	Easy setup BIOS with plug-and-play features
RGB and Aesthetics	Not important	Nice to have for themed builds	Often important for custom or showcase rigs	Not essential