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Firmware Features And Conclusion

How To Choose A Motherboard: A Guide For Beginners
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Firmware is a simplified software layer that tells an operating system how to use hardware. Previous 16-bit versions called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) have given way to newer UEFI structures that virtually eliminate hardware configuration times experienced when loading the OS. Yet, many users are afraid to enter the UEFI interface the first time due to their lack of experience.

How does one get experience without…the experience? Two ways to preview this information are to read reviews or download the manual, but learning how to use these requires a more careful reading of both reviews and how-to articles, such as our BIOS for Beginners. Even though UEFI has allowed companies to greatly expand their GUIs, most of the same settings remain.

Performance-oriented motherboards usually have far more adjustments available than lower-market boards, with more detailed memory settings and on-board feature controls in addition to overclocking options. For certain components, this is an either/or proposition. Memory can often be configured with either enhanced latencies or higher frequencies. CPU overclocking is an option for those who desire the greatest performance. Underclocking is another option for users who seek the quietest possible air cooling and/or lower energy consumption.

Besides performance tuning and commonly used settings, such as boot device order, the BIOS also allows the disabling of undesired on-board features like audio controllers, modem and network interfaces, and unused ATA/SATA controllers. Once disabled, these devices no longer consume resources and no longer need to be configured by Windows. There is no excuse for PC enthusiasts to claim that they don't want certain on-board features because of a performance penalty; they're easy to disable, after all.

Final Thoughts

Buying a motherboard shouldn't be difficult. Simply choose a processor, a chipset, your preferred form factor, and expansion devices. Then, pick the motherboard that most closely matches those needs. But even experts can stumble when a specific build requirement puts these decisions out of order, creating issues like "who makes a microATX board with the chipset I want?" In the end, buyers of all experience levels are often forced to modify their selection criteria.

If you've pre-selected anything other than a full-sized ATX case, be prepared to make compromises. The smaller boards that fit in smaller cases often have fully-integrated mainstream chipsets rather than top performance parts. Be prepared to accept on-board devices you won't use since they can be disabled, and try not to be upset about paying for unwanted features, since a motherboard custom-produced to match your specific needs would be far more expensive than one designed for everyone's needs somewhat similar to yours.

Luckily, beginners have access to all the resources that professionals use to determine their needs, through review sites like ours and support communities like our Community Forums.

Author's Opinion

Too often have the latest trends come between the first-time builder and his or her perfect system. Watching as hundreds of readers flock to our Forums to find out how to put full-sized components into pint-sized systems, my first instinct is to tell anyone to "go big". Choosing a full-sized motherboard, power supply, and case offers a lot of assurance when it comes time for the next upgrade, but most users looking for full-sized features in a smaller chassis can find suitable alternatives—with enough effort.

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  • 3 Hide
    Rugnir_Viking , 1 October 2014 09:22
    This seems to be a very long article about a fairly short topic.
    Does the mobo have enough pci-e x16 slots
    Does the mobo have the right chipset for the cpu
    Does the mobo have enough ram sockets

    Enough for your 'beginner'

    [EDIT]
    I suppose perhaps you might need to ensure form factor is correct.
  • 0 Hide
    RaduZ , 5 October 2014 21:56
    Personaly the first thing I check on a MB i want to buy is the power delivery. What caps is it useing, how many real phases does it have and things like that.
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