Size (HxW)
Motherboard dimensions in height and width. It is assumed that the traditional placement of motherboards is vertical, so in this case one of the dimensions is called not the length, but the height.
Motherboard sizes are largely determined by their form factors (see above), however, the size of a particular motherboard may differ slightly from the standard adopted for this form factor. In addition, it is usually easier to clarify the dimensions according to the characteristics of a particular motherboard than to look for or remember general information on the form factor. Therefore, size data can be given even for models that fully comply with the standard.
The third dimension — thickness — is considered less important for a number of reasons, so it is often omitted.
Max. clock frequency
The maximum RAM clock speed supported by the motherboard. The actual clock frequency of the installed RAM modules should not exceed this indicator — otherwise, malfunctions are possible, and the capabilities of the “RAM” cannot be used to the fullest.
For modern PCs, a RAM frequency of
1500 – 2000 MHz or
less is considered very low,
2000 – 2500 MHz is modest,
2500 – 3000 MHz is average,
3000 – 3500 MHz is above average, and the most advanced boards can support frequencies of
3500 – 4000 MHz and even
more than 4000 MHz.
D-Sub output (VGA)
The motherboard has its own
D-Sub (VGA) output.
Such an output is intended for transmitting video from an integrated graphics card (see above) or a processor with integrated graphics (we emphasize that it is impossible to output a signal from a discrete graphics card through the motherboard chipset). As for VGA specifically, it is an analogue standard originally created for CRT monitors. It does not differ in image quality, is practically not suitable for resolutions above 1280x1024 and does not provide sound transmission, and therefore is generally considered obsolete. However, this type of input continues to be used in some monitors, TVs, projectors, etc.; so among motherboards you can find models with such outputs.
Audiochip
The model of the audio chip (a module for processing and outputting sound) installed on the motherboard. Data on the exact name of the sound chip will be useful when looking for detailed information about it.
Modern "motherboards" can be equipped with fairly advanced audio modules, with high sound quality and extensive features, which makes them suitable even for gaming and multimedia PCs (although professional audio work will still most likely require a separate sound card). Here are the most popular modern audio chips:
Realtek ALC887,
Realtek ALC892,
Realtek ALC1150,
Realtek ALC1200,
Realtek ALC1220,
Realtek ALC4050,
Realtek ALC4080,
Supreme FX.
LAN controller
Model of the LAN controller installed in the motherboard.
The LAN controller provides data exchange between the card and the network port(s) of the computer. Accordingly, both general characteristics and individual features of the network functionality of the "motherboard" depend on the characteristics of this module: support for special technologies, connection quality in case of unstable communication, etc. Knowing the model of the LAN controller, you can find detailed data on it — including including practical reviews; this information is rarely needed by the average user, but it can be useful for online game enthusiasts and for some specific tasks.
Thus, the LAN controller model is specified mainly in cases where it is a rather advanced solution that is noticeably superior to standard models. Such solutions are currently produced mainly under the brands
Intel(middle level),
Realtek(relatively simple models),
Aquntia and
Killer(mostly advanced solutions).
CPU power
The type of connector for powering the processor installed on the motherboard.
Most modern boards use a
4-pin connector, and most power supplies in ATX cases are also designed for it. In addition, there are other types of power connectors, they all have an even number of pins — 2, 6 or 8. Two-pin
power is used mainly in motherboards of miniature form factors like thin mini-ITX, designed for low-power processors.
8-pin connectors, on the contrary, are designed to power the most powerful modern processors. It is believed that such a connector provides a more stable power supply and more precise tuning of its parameters. But connectors for 6 pins are not found separately, they usually complement 8-pin connectors in high-performance motherboards, in particular, gaming ones.
Also note that some boards have 2 or even 3 power connectors — most often in the format
8 + 4,
8 + 8 and
8 + 8 + 6 pins. This functionality is designed for high-end CPUs with high power and power consumption, for which one connector is not enough. There is another specific option — “motherboards”
without a separate processor power supply : these are models equipped with an integrated CPU, which receives energy through its own board
...circuits without a special power connector.Fan power connectors
The number of connectors for powering coolers and fans provided in the motherboard. A processor cooler is usually connected to such a connector, and fans of other system components — video cards, cases, etc. can also be powered from the "motherboard"; sometimes it is more convenient than pulling power directly from the PSU (at least you can reduce the number of wires in the case). Many modern boards are equipped with
4 or more connectors of this type.
CPU Fan 4-pin
A four-pin connector used to connect a processor cooling fan. The first contact in it corresponds to the black wire of the cooler — it is the "ground" or minus of the power supply. The second contact is the plus of the power supply (yellow or red cooler wire). The third one is involved in measuring the rotation speed of the impeller (green or yellow fan wire). The fourth pin, corresponding to the blue wire, receives control signals from the PWM controller to adjust the cooler rotation speed depending on the temperature of the processor.
Chassis/Water Pump Fan 4-pin
A connector responsible for connecting additional coolers for the benefit of better cooling of components inside the system unit. Most often it is located on the edges of the motherboard — closer to the front side and the ceiling of the "system unit". It is made according to the four-contact scheme.
