How to choose a motherboard? Step-by-step instruction. Which motherboard should you buy? Rating of the best motherboards for socket 1155

The first models of motherboards based on the LGA 1155 processor socket appeared on store shelves back in 2011, however, and today they are still relevant.

Some historical facts

Computer component manufacturers presented the first models of motherboards with the LGA 1155 socket to the world in 2011. The new generation of processor sockets was supposed to completely replace the obsolete socket 1156. The new motherboards could work with all modern crystals that existed at that time, except for the CPU line. Intel Core first generation. However, it was possible to install its older brothers on board. A year after the invention and appearance on sale of gadgets with socket 1155, Intel presented more modern models their third-generation Core crystals, which worked without problems with this socket. Naturally, with the third generation CPU Intel Core and higher motherboards based on Socket LGA 1155 cannot work, however, many crystal modifications can be found on sale, on the basis of which you can assemble a decent system unit, the resources of which will be enough to carry out even the most difficult tasks. In addition, if you do not want to assemble a new system unit, however, you need to upgrade your computer, then this socket will be just an ideal option in terms of cost and hardware characteristics.

System logic

The LGA 1155 processor socket is available in two modifications, which are represented by the sixth and seventh series. The sixth series is designed to work with the second generation CPU Core, developed on the basis of the Sandy Bridge architecture in the same year as the socket itself. If you update the BIOS version to a later patch, then the connector works great with the third generation of these crystals. The 7th Socket LGA 1155 series is more versatile as it can work with 2nd and 3rd generation Intel Core CPUs without prior BIOS update. It supports the third generation of crystals, which went on sale in 2012 and was developed on the modern Ivy Bridge architecture.

Sixth series LGA 1155

As noted earlier, socket 1155 was targeted to work with the sixth series of system logic. Thus, motherboards were assembled on several chipset modifications:

- Budget series - H61. motherboards assembled on this processor socket, on board had one slot for connecting a discrete video card and two connectors for installing RAM-memory strips. Motherboards of this series were developed exclusively in one type of form factor - microATX. These hardware characteristics were enough to build an inexpensive computer, the main task of which was to perform basic tasks.

- Motherboards of the middle price range were developed on four types of processor sockets at once: Q65, B65, Q67 and H67. However, the most popular among users were the last two sockets, since they had higher technical characteristics and overclocking potential.

- Models of the expensive price segment were created on the basis of the P67 and Z68 sockets. The main difference between them is that in motherboards with the Z68 socket, in addition to the ability to connect discrete graphics, an integrated video card was implemented.

Updated Socket LGA 1155 line

As more modern ones come out Intel processors, new modifications of the 1155 socket were gradually released. The updated line of this processor socket was released in 2012, however, it had a similar set of system logic as motherboards developed on the basis of the H61 socket. So all motherboards are cheap price category were assembled on the basis of this particular modification of the LGA 1155 socket, since there was simply no other option. As for the updated line, it was represented by the following processor sockets:

- Mid-level motherboards were assembled on the basis of B75, Q75, Q77 and H77 chipsets. Despite significant differences in cost, their specifications are practically on the same level, so the most popular was the B75, which was cheaper than the others.

- Representatives of the premium class were assembled on the basis of the Z75 and Z77. However, the first option can be considered a complete failure, since it had significantly worse technical characteristics with a slight difference in price. Thus, all advanced users and enthusiasts preferred motherboards with the Z77 chipset, which supported work with Intel Core i7 crystals and made it possible to assemble a powerful system unit.

Budget motherboards

As discussed earlier in this article, the low-end motherboards featured the H61 chipset. The leader in the production of low-cost motherboards with socket 1155 was Biostar. However, the quality of its products was at a rather low level, as evidenced by consumer reviews. Nevertheless, this is due to the lowest cost, which was in the region of ten dollars per device, while higher-quality competitors' products cost approximately twice as much.

As the best option, combining affordable cost and good performance, we can single out the H61M-K motherboard from Asus. This model implements a more reliable cooling system, thanks to which even powerful crystals can be installed on the motherboard without worrying about the stability of the system. As for the sets of slots and expansion ports, it is quite standard: for connecting discrete graphics, one PCI - Express 16X is implemented, two slots for installing RAM memory, each of which supports strips with a maximum memory capacity of 8 gigabytes, and for connecting additional modules, For example, network card, TV tuner and other components, there are two PCI - Express 1X slots. To connect peripheral devices, the manufacturer has implemented two USB ports of the second generation and four of the first. There are no high-speed USB interfaces in this model.

In addition to all of the above, the motherboard has an integrated network adapter and sound card... The manufacturer did not provide for an integrated video card, and its role is played by the graphics core integrated into the crystal. The Asus H61M-K costs approximately $ 55.

An alternative solution to the motherboard discussed above can be the MSI P61M-P38, which can be purchased for about $ 50. This model is also developed on the basis of the LGA1155 socket and has a similar set of interfaces and expansion ports, so its technical characteristics are at the same level. However, it should be noted that the passive cooling system in MSI P61M-P38 is implemented more modestly, therefore it is not recommended to install processors with an unlocked multiplier on it and, moreover, to increase performance by overclocking.

Representatives of the middle price range

To assemble a system unit with average parameters, it is better to use a motherboard developed on socket 1155, which implements the B75 chipset. In this case, the Gigabyte GA-B75M motherboard can be a good option. Despite the fact that it has small physical dimensions, it has four slots at once for installing RAM-memory modules, the maximum volume of which can be 32 gigabytes, as well as two slots for connecting video cards that can work in parallel. Two more connectors are provided for connecting expansion cards PCI Express... In addition, the engineers have provided the ability to connect one SSD-drive, thanks to which you can achieve high system performance. The purchase of this model will cost approximately $ 120, which is more than 2 times more expensive compared to representatives of the cheap price category. However, you always have to pay for quality, so you shouldn't be surprised at such a cost.

Enthusiast solutions

Advanced users and lovers of the most powerful hardware will certainly be interested in the motherboard Intel board DZ77RE-75K based on Socket LGA 1155 and featuring the Z77 chipset. The MSRP for this model is $ 380, which is quite a high price tag. This motherboard is focused on working with crystals in which the multiplier is unlocked, so it allows you to unleash the processor's potential to the maximum by overclocking it using special software.

What to choose?

Today the market for computer components is very diverse. Therefore, choosing a good motherboard with an LGA 1155 socket is not easy. If you want to assemble an inexpensive system unit, the main task of which will be to perform everyday tasks, then you can opt for the MSI P61M-P38 or its closest analogue from Asus. But for avid gamers, the GA-B75M from Gigabyte is better suited. This motherboard can be used to build a powerful gaming computer that can handle most modern games with high demands on system resources.

Socket 1155 motherboard works with 2nd and 3rd generation Intel processors. The socket was released back in 2011, but its capacity is enough to solve any problems even now. You can't find such motherboards in stores, but in China you can even buy new boards. Consider the most common options.

We have already written that we do not yet consider it profitable to assemble a computer on the 1155 platform, since there are more profitable solutions on the LGA 1156 on the used market.On the other hand, the current platform has much more upgrade opportunities, and the system can initially be assembled even without video cards - the processors have integrated graphics. Modern components are many times more expensive, without greatly gaining in performance.

Read also:

Let's make a reservation right away that Socket 1155 motherboards were produced in two series of chipsets - the 6th and 7th: the first were intended for the 2nd generation Sandy Bridge processors, the second - for the 3rd generation Ivy Bridge. The motherboards support both generations of processors, but a BIOS update is required for the Ivy Bridge stones to work on motherboards of the 6th series. 7th generation motherboards support all processors out of the box.

1155 H61 motherboard - entry level

Boards entry level in both cases are presented on the chip H61, which has no alternative in the budget segment. Motherboards have 2 memory slots (maximum 16 GB of RAM) and 1 video card slot. The boards are not overclocked, they are only suitable for entry-level processors. High-performance Core i5 and Core i7 are officially supported, but we recommend choosing a more expensive motherboard for them.

On Aliexpress, budget motherboards with socket 1155 cost $ 40-50. You can buy both a supported motherboard from well-known brands, and a new "noun" from a Chinese manufacturer. We do not recommend buying Biostar boards because of the high percentage of defects.

Middle segment of motherboards

It offers 8 types of motherboards - 4 chipsets in each series. For Sandy Bridge released B65, Q65, Q67 and H67, and in the updated series for Ivy Bridge - B75, Q75, Q77 and H77.

Among the 6th series of chips, the most common were Q67 and H67, since they can be used to overclock processors. And on such boards you can find more additional connectors and useful gadgets.

In the updated series, all the chipsets are approximately equal, but the B75 has become the most popular. Due to the more favorable price, this chipset was bought more often, so it is widely represented on the used market. We recommend building the system on it if you do not need to overclock the processor. Mid-range motherboards cost $ 55-60.

For example, consider the Gigabyte GA-B75-D3V board. It is made in the micro ATX form factor, has 4 slots for RAM (up to 32 GB of memory), 2 slots for video cards and a reinforced 8-pin processor power connector. With a relatively low cost, we get good potential for an upgrade.

Best 1155 motherboards

Advanced solutions for the widest possible range of tasks are represented by the following chipsets: P67, Z68, Z75 and Z77... Let's note right away that the P67 does not support integrated graphics. The flagship Z77 is considered the most common chipset, since it did not differ much in cost from its counterparts, but at the same time it has significant advantages in technical terms.

The most productive systems are assembled on the Z77, it is on it that you can squeeze all the juices out of Core processors i7 with unlocked multipliers (index "K"). I wonder what the largest number motherboards on Aliexpress - based on Z77 logic. For such fees, they ask from 70 to 200 dollars. The difference in cost is due to the presence of additional buns in the form of the number of slots and connectors for all sorts of tasks, as well as in the overclocking capabilities of the board, the cooling system and the quality of components.

I think everyone knows that the motherboard is considered the connecting link in the design of the system unit. Therefore, you need to consider some criteria. How to choose the right inexpensive and good motherboard can be found in this article. Or watch a special video that I have selected for you. Here is a summary of the article below:

• Main components
• How to choose a motherboard manufacturer
• Choosing a form factor
• Chipset selection
• PCI-Express and memory slot
• External connectors
• Assistive capabilities

Video instruction on how to choose a motherboard

Main components

To better understand its structure, I propose to consider its structure with a specific example. Let's take one of the highest quality models - Sapphire Pure Z77K as a sample. Of course, in order to consider in detail the main elements of the part, you can take any model. But we will focus on this one.

In the picture, the numbers indicate not only the main components of the motherboard, but the elements that are characteristic only of overclocking options.

• The number (1) is the processor socket, which is the main element of the device. It is important to ensure that the processor socket is absolutely socket compatible. The number (0) indicates a "double" radiator, which is responsible for the elements of the power converters of the built-in graphics core, processor and CPU VTT, namely for their cooling. Such heatsinks are found only in overclocking motherboards. No cooling element is needed on conventional ones.
• Number (2) indicates PCI-Express slots. Printed circuit board contains three such slots X16 version 3.0. These connectors are needed to install one or more video cards. More old version slot - 2.0 is numbered (3).
• Number (14) indicates PCI-E X1 slots. They are intended for installation of devices that require high bus bandwidth. One line X1 is enough for this. An example of such devices are TV tuners, various controllers, audio and others.
• The number (4) is the chipset. It is located behind the cooling radiator. Connectors numbered (5) are required for installation random access memory DDR3. They are usually colored black or blue. Slots are intended for installing memory modules, which significantly increases operating efficiency. Number (6) is the CMOS battery that powers the BIOS CMOS chip. So the microcircuit does not lose its settings after the computer is turned off.
• (8) and (12) are 24-pin and 8-pin connectors. The first is the main 24-pin power connector. It is through it that most of the components are powered.
• The numbers (9) and (10) indicate the SATA 3 (6 Gb / s) and SATA 2 connectors. They are located on the edge of the connector and are intended for connecting devices to the side for stands. Made in the style of an overclocking connector. SATA 2 connector is needed to connect hard disk, drives and various SSD-drives. Regular models have connectors that are front-facing and off-center. Therefore, it is convenient to use them within the system unit of a "non-overclocking" system.
• Number (11) indicates a non-standard element - an indicator of POST codes. It shows the temperature of the processor, but with minor inaccuracies.

• The rear panel with external connectors is shown at (13). This panel has connectors that are needed to connect various peripherals, keyboard, mouse, headphones, speakers and many other add-ons.

So we figured out the main components, now we will analyze the individual blocks, and also consider the parameters that must be taken into account when buying.

Which company to choose a motherboard

With this choice, oddly enough, it is not necessary to take into account its performance. You need to rely on the trust in the manufacturer. The most famous companies are MSI, Gigabyte, Biostar, Intel, ASRock and Asus. And the sample that we are considering today is also worthy of attention. It happens that some models have an awkward layout or the supplied kit from a manufacturer is not wide enough. All the same, flaws come across that some users would not like to see. But such shortcomings do not give reason to write off motherboard manufacturers from the accounts. Ultimately, all manufacturers' equipment is not always the same, so it is impossible to say which company to choose or which is the best.

Take my advice to you:

• which suits you for the price
• convenient location
• With good reviews on large portals

Chipsets come from AMD and Intel, so the features are very similar. The only thing to notice is the reviews from real buyers and detailed reviews motherboards. So you can at least somehow determine the variety of products.

Choosing a form factor

The right form factor will help you avoid many problems in the future. Most popular form factors:

• ATX - full size
• Micro-ATX - a stripped-down option

The form factor determines the future expandability of the system. Micro-ATX usually has a small number of PCI-E and PCI expansion slots for graphics cards and other devices. Often these models are equipped with only two slots for installing memory modules. This fact severely limits the expandability of RAM. And not only in quantitative terms, but also in terms of convenience. The main advantage of Micro-ATX is its low price. Choosing from two standards, we can safely say that Micro-ATX is a budget option for office and home systems.

The size of the board is also very important. The ATX form factor is larger. It is imperative to take into account the compatibility of the case and the motherboard in size!

How to determine the motherboard socket

After choosing a processor, you need to choose the right motherboard. The first step is to pay attention to the socket. It is he who ensures the compatibility of the motherboard and processor. So, for a processor with an LGA 1155 socket, only an LGA 1155 motherboard is suitable. Supported sockets and a processor can be viewed on the manufacturers' official websites, but for AMD it is AM3 or AM3 +.

Chipset selection

The chipset is the link in the interaction of the entire system. This component largely determines the capabilities of the motherboard. It has always been thought that a chipset is a set of system logic chips consisting of a south and north bridge. But now the views are slightly different.

Particularly popular chipsets are the 7th Intel series and the AMD 900th. Nvidia is famous for its small assortment of chipsets, but not less popular.

Intel's 7th series differs from the standard representation of chipsets because they only consist of a northbridge. But this does not affect the functionality of the motherboard in any way, because some controllers have been transferred to the processor. This can be understood by the example of a PCI-Express 3.0 bus controller and a DDR3 memory controller. In this case, the North Bridge received SATA, USB, PCI-Express control. The block diagram of the Z77 chipset clearly shows what the elements are attached to and on which buses:

Z, H and B represent the positioning of the chipset for market segments.

Chipsets from AMD have two microcircuits, it has north bridges 990X, 990FX and 970 and north bridge SB950.

The 990FX gives the chipset support for 42 PCI-Express lanes. Therefore, four video cards can be connected to the lines in the Cross Fire bundle. But not everyone needs such opportunities. The other two north bridges support 26 lines, but this loss is not noticeable.

Assistive capabilities

TO additional functions include those that are not always necessary. For the average user, they are not very much in demand:

• ESATA - in some models there is an interface for connecting removable drives. Very useful for owners of external drives.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module for wireless network and data transmission. They greatly enhance the functionality of the motherboard.
• Thunderbolt - Provides 10 Gb / s data transfer and peripheral connectivity. Transfers data several times faster than USB 2.0, USB 3.0. Today it is needed by units, but in the future it will become more popular.
• Additional buttons and indicators for overclocking, proprietary technologies and manufacturer elements.

Rating of the best motherboards of the year

As you can see, choosing a motherboard is not an easy task. Based on the listed parameters, you need to choose an option that would suit you both in cost and in functionality. Of course, the parameters of the motherboard are individual for each user. But still, for more convenience, you can see the rating of the best motherboards for 2015-2016. Focusing on the main parameters and the most the best models, can be done for real right choice... Below is a video on this difficult topic for a better understanding.

Best motherboard socket 1150 (2016)

• MSI Z87 XPOWER
• MSI B85-G43 GAMING is the best buy
• ASUS B85M-E is an inexpensive and good motherboard for a mid-range computer
• MSI B85-G43 - price-quality
• ASUS VANGUARD B85
• GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-Gaming GT - Recommended for Gamers

Best motherboard socket 1155 (2016)

• ASRock B75 Pro3-M Best Buy of the Year
• GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2PV (rev. 2.2
• ASUS H61M-G
• ASRock H61M-VG4
• MSI H61M-P20 (G3)
• GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2PV (rev. 2.0)

Best motherboard socket 2011 (2016)

• ASUS P9X79-E WS (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16) - the coolest buy
• Asus Rampage IV Extreme (s2011, X79, PCI-Ex 16)
• ASUS P9X79 WS (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16) - the best price-performance ratio
• MSI X79A-GD65 (8D) (s2011, Intel X79, PCI-Ex16)

Best Motherboard 2011-3 (2016)

• ASUS RAMPAGE V EXTREME / U3.1 Best Buy
• Asus X99-Deluxe
• MSI X99A SLI PLUS - the best choice price quality
• GIGABYTE GA-X99-UD3 (rev. 1.0)
• ASRock X99 Extreme4

The most powerful motherboard for a gamer with two processors - Asus Z9PE-D8 WS (2 x LGA2011, Intel C602, PCI-Ex16)

Motherboard, motherboard, or in the common people "board" - a complex and basic basic component when assembling a computer, serving to accommodate all the elements to start the system. The main materials of execution are textolite and getinax, created using special printing technologies. Motherboards come in several major form factors:

• Micro-ATX
• Mini-ATX

Mini-ATX are used to build entry-level systems or mini-assemblies to save space and budget. Their main disadvantage is the lack of sufficient space to upgrade and install powerful components. Micro-ATX is installed in mid-range systems and can accommodate both low-budget and some high-end components. ATX is used in the assembly of top-end systems that require not only a lot of space for the component base (for example, a video card or cooling system), but also high-quality materials of the board itself to withstand heavy loads.

We've compiled the top 15 best motherboards for building gaming computers on the most popular and trending sockets in 2019.

The best motherboards for AM4

AM4 is intended to replace the obsolete platform with AM3 +, depriving it of its shortcomings and at the same time competing with the now popular LGA1151. Its main innovations include:

• Support for the new DDR4 memory format and up to 3200 MHz;
• Stable performance with Ryzen multi-threaded processors with and without integrated graphics;
• Reduced heat dissipation, on average 65 W;
• Supports USB1 and 3.0 gen 2 at 5 and 10 Gbps.

The main drawback is the partial incompatibility of the boards with the previous sockets - only a few models have such support.

4 ASRock B450M Pro4

The best cheap board on the market for AM4
Country: China
Average price: 6237 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The board has 3 reinforced power supply phases and 3 regular ones, albeit in the lower arm and containing a couple of mosfets. Both VRM areas are covered with modest sized heatsinks, but the cuts have an increased dissipation area for better heat dissipation. It will keep 6 cores in overclocking, but it will not work on the bus, since none of the "boards" on the 450 chipset have such functions.

Traditionally, the board has a curve for ASRock BIOS. Buyers praise the many ports in their reviews. By default, there are 5 slots for connecting coolers or water cooling systems. In order not to steam up and burn the system once again, it is recommended to have a well-ventilated case or to purchase additional turntables. Considering the price, this is a great product, with the exception of the randomness of the mascots changing from delivery to delivery.

3 MSI B450 TOMAHAWK

Coldest motherboard
Country: China
Average price: 9,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The power supply system holds the overclocking of any six-core and is quite capable of pulling the Ryzen 2700 at 4 GHz without any overlays. It is the coldest B450 board on the market thanks to its sturdy feed and horse-sized heatsink.

The only hot spot is the controller. There is no offset here, but there is a possibility of autonomous BIOS flashing. "Tomahawk" has 4 slots for high-frequency RAM with a maximum rate of 3466 MHz. Supports first and second generation Ryzen processors. MSI tried hard and if it was still possible to get to the bottom of the B350 chipset, then TOMAHAWK will withstand any criticism and give a big head start to its competitors, despite not the best sound and network, which is justified by the manufacturer's desire to stuff the feeder to the maximum.

2 MSI X470 GAMING PLUS

Excellent VRM equipment
Country: China
Average price: 11,800 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The board has 4 + 2 reinforced power phases, each of which has acquired a doubled set of components. In the latest generation, MSI gave up under a storm of criticism and stopped buying second-rate elements, catching up with ASUS in terms of quality. For its money, it has the best VRM equipment, even with fewer phases than the famous ASUS Prime. In general, it heats up as well, but costs less.

Among the shortcomings, there is the impossibility of overclocking via the bus and the traditionally good overclocking potential of the memory. There is no clock generator and voltage offset. Also removed the ability to overclock the integrated graphics of the APU. Thus, the board became an example of how you can save on minor things in favor of more important things. Mediocre sound and power supply are compensated by a high-efficiency feeder, which is also not devoid of heating under load.

Motherboards for office or study

Motherboards for work purposes are much cheaper than gaming counterparts. They have a weak component base, they may lack protection against voltage surges, and there will be few power circuits at all. They can also be limited by the frequencies of the supported RAM, its volume. BIOS is very limited in functionality.

Motherboards for games

This is the complete opposite. For a good gaming board, you need 4 slots for RAM with a volume of 16 GB or more. In this case, it is recommended to use a RAM with frequencies of 1866 MHz and higher. An excellent option there will be a model with powerful cooling radiators and at least 5 power circuits, so that in case of overclocking, the "board" does not burn out. It should be noted that there are gaming boards on sale without overclocking, but you need to use them with extreme caution. The BIOS of a good motherboard will have an interface for overclocking the bus and other PC components.

1 MSI X470 GAMING PRO CARBON

The best combination of characteristics
Country: China
Average price: 16106 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The Gaming PRO version has 1 more power phase, which has a positive effect on temperatures and the behavior of the board as a whole. As a result, MSI engineers managed to make the top feed among pre-top motherboards. It is characterized by excellent memory overclocking, simple and intuitive BIOS with fast navigation. The conveniently located reset button on the I / O panel will also delight the owner who decided to play with the settings.

This board ushered in a new era for MSI by stopping voltage drop during overclocking. This feature does not have the best effect on temperatures and power consumption at idle, but oddly enough, it fully complies with AMD's specifications. Not suitable for APU overclocking due to missing BIOS settings. The maximum amount of supported RAM is 64 GB with a frequency of up to 3466 MHz.

The best motherboards for Intel LGA1150 socket

The LGA 1150 socket replaces the LGA 1155 and is designed for most modern processors. If you don't care about overclocking, get motherboards from MSI or GIGYBITE. Want to save money on an external sound card? Then pay attention to the "boards" with built-in at least Realtek 1150. The combination of all of the above will give you a high-quality base for assembling an inexpensive computer for both work and play.

4 Esonic H81-BTC-KING

Choice of buyers and miners
Country: China
Average price: 3430 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.1

Esonic's board has been lost among the eminent competitors. This is a rather modest "board", created exclusively for office purposes and to drive in simple browser toys without any hint of serious games or pumping.

2 slots for DDR3 RAM, only 4 power phases and an abundance of USB slots indicate that the place for this board is only in the office - to print documents or just watch movies. On the plus side, there are Japanese capacitors. There are 4 SATA extensions, which will allow miners to attach 6 video cards to the board at once.

3 ASUS B85M-G

Best price. One of the best selling motherboards for socket 1150
Country: China
Average price: 4940 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

The third place rightfully went to the ASUS B85M-G motherboard. It can be classified as one of the best-selling models that are equipped with an Intel LGA1150 socket. The cost of the device is quite low, so it is in great demand. Ideal for those who want to save money and collect good system multimedia for home or office computer.

Everything external interfaces have reliable protection, the panel is made of steel, which does not corrode. The model is especially relevant for the office, since the manufacturer has equipped it with COM and LTP ports. In the presented motherboard, the cooling system is based on high-quality solid-type capacitors, which guarantee durability even at critical temperature conditions (up to 105 degrees).

USB 3.0 speeds up to 170% faster when working with any compatible peripherals, since they have support for the UASP protocol. As for the management and configuration, even a beginner can figure it out. Software Al Suite 3 is simple and functional.

2 ASRock H81 Pro BTC R2.0

For entry-level overclocking
Country: China
Average price: 5879 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

With the latest BIOS versions, the board is capable of supplying up to 1.35 Volts to the processor, although this is not the maximum that is needed. However, these indicators are quite enough for most users who want to have 4.6-4.7 GHz overclocked.

Outwardly, it seems quite simple and has only 2 external USB 3.0 ports, plus two usual ones - laughter, and nothing more. The built-in sound card doesn't stand out either. However, the abundance of PCIe slots captivates. There are only 2 slots for RAM with a total volume of no more than 16 GB and a frequency of 1866 MHz. Buyers in their reviews note that this model can be safely used for mining, it has excellent compatibility with GTX1080 Ti video cards and is characterized by a good cooling system. Please note that there is one more port above the graphics card slot, which makes it possible to install any oversized cooler to provide vertical airflow.

Despite the undisputed leadership of ASUS in the board-building market, their products for socket 1150 are pure overpayment. They do not stand out for textolite, not for overclocking capabilities, not for components, but the manufacturer asks for his creations on average more than others. Even highly controversial motherboards from MSI look more solid than ASUS with a round piece.

1 GIGABYTE GA-B85M-D3H-A (rev. 1.0)

No overclocking limits
Country: China
Average price: 5925 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The board has no overclocking restrictions, for which it has become one of the most popular and relatively inexpensive options. It supports many processors, the list of which is as follows:

• Intel Core i7;
• Core i5;
• Core i3;
• Pentium;
• Celeron.

BIOS has built-in protection and emergency recovery system in case of overheating or critical errors. The maximum amount of supported RAM is 32GB DDR3 format with a frequency of 1600 MHz or less. There is support for the CrossFire system.

The best motherboards for Intel LGA1151 socket

The LGA 1150 socket replaces the LGA 1155 and is designed for most modern processors. If you don't care about overclocking, get motherboards from MSI or GIGYBITE. Want to save money on an external sound card? Then pay attention to "boards" with built-in not lower than Realtek 1150 and not worse. The combination of all of the above will give you a quality base for assembling an inexpensive computer for both work and play.

4 MSI H110M PRO-VD

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 3400 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This model, unlike ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO, allows you to deploy a full game system with a relatively modest investment. The main trump card of the H110M PRO-VD is a large number of connectors: there are 8 of them for devices supporting USB 3.1, and as many as 6 for SATA ( throughput each - up to 6 Gbps). It is possible to install DDR4 RAM with a frequency of 2133 to 3600 MHz. There are 4 slots for this, which makes it possible to equip your PC with up to 64 GB of high-speed and energy-efficient RAM.

The list of advantages includes the built-in sound chip from Realtek - many manufacturers of expensive motherboards do not consider it necessary to add it to their solutions. In general, the H110M PRO-VD is not much inferior in hardware capabilities to ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO, giving the latter a 30% head start in price. The reason for this is passive cooling: at maximum loads of PCs based on ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO, the drop in performance will be more noticeable.

3 ASRock Z370 Pro4

Excellent choice of ATX format
Country: China
Average price: 7949 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Not everyone will like that the radiators are only on the left side and there are only 6 standard external USB USB ports... There is a variant of the Z370M Pro4 on the market - the same, only Micro ATX and with the same problems. Although, in games it makes no difference whether there are heatsinks around the socket or not - the 5 GHz frequency will stay stable.

The maximum supported RAM is 64 GB, 4 slots are available with support for DDR4 up to high frequency 4266 MHz. Buyers in their reviews praise the convenient BIOS, good overclocking capabilities and the lack of ready-made overclocking profiles. And advice: do not buy identical models on the H chipset - they are more expensive and there are no heatsinks on the socket. Be careful when buying - many manufacturers indicate SLI support, but this function available only in single versions.

2 MSI Z370 KRAIT GAMING

Cool board with great features
Country: China
Average price: 12 690 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Powerful radiators, a cool sound card, the ability to print additional accessories on a 3D printer - this is just a small part of all the possibilities that the Z370 KRAIT GAMING can provide you with. For lovers of pleasant appearance backlight is available. There is also SLI, but the memory is only officially supported at 4000 MHz. Therefore, you may get the feeling that everything is cool, but what is missing. Enjoy high quality sound will help Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic 2+ technology. It will help give your headset a studio-quality touch without noise or interference.

In case of problems, the built-in EZ Debug debugging system will help you, and of course the convenient Click BIOS 5. 2 slots for M.2 will help you easily install a couple of additional modules to expand the functionality. The only snag is a small overpayment for a strange design, which you can safely do without.

1 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII RANGER

For overclocking up to 4.9 GHz bus
Country: China
Average price: 6740 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The board is perfect for those who want to build a computer with high frequencies processor. With it, you can overclock the i7-6700 processor up to 4.9 GHz on the bus or up to 5 GHz on the multiplier in the case of the i7-7700K. 4 slots for RAM with a frequency of 3400 MHz and a volume of up to 64 GB is an excellent indicator for its category. What pleases me is the simultaneous support SLI technologies and CrossFireX.

The board is made in a simple and effective design with no frills, the cooling of the supply phases is just great. Fresh drivers are released on the site approximately every 1-2 months. It is better not to use the CPU Installation Tool, but to install the processor the old fashioned way so as not to break anything. BIOS has many settings and an ordinary user will have to read the manual and look at the guides to get comfortable with the controls.

Best motherboards FOR AM3 +

Socket AM2 + was AMD's answer to the Intel LGA1150. These solutions combine two features: the versatility and affordability of motherboards based on them. A bonus for buyers is the AMD AM1 module, which ensures compatibility with subsequent generations of processors. AMD's next step was the more efficient AM3 +, created specifically for the FX line of processors and designed to overclock top-end systems. Its characteristic features are the absence of integrated graphics, a "hot" northbridge and good overclocking potential. At the same time, the matter is not limited to setting the multiplier - you need to "drive" along the bus, forgetting about the voltage and RAM, the frequency of which for effective work should not be less than 1866 MHz.

After an unexpected disclosure, as tech bloggers say, AM3 + danced, AMD company significantly pressed Intel, having finished off the competitor with a line of budget "stones" of the A4-A10 series.

3 ASUS M5A78L-M LE / USB3

The best choice for office systems and gaming PCs without overclocking
Country: China
Average price: 4173 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This is an entry-level board not designed for overclocking due to the 760G chipset, relatively weak cooling system and few power circuits. It is able to "start" the RAM with frequencies up to 1866 MHz, but there are only 2 slots for the RAM and one dual-channel mode. The maximum amount of RAM is only 16 GB and it cannot see more.

It is simply not recommended to drive the processor above 4.1 GHz, otherwise you will see reboots and blue screens of death. Solid capacitors do not swell under load and are well made. It often comes from the factory with the latest or penultimate BIOS version, but it itself is already morally outdated. It is not recommended to install processors with TPD higher than 95 watts, otherwise the power circuits will warm up and the circuits themselves will melt. Sometimes you come across defective versions with a phoning sound system at more than 50% of the volume.

2 GYGABITE GA970-DS3P (rev. 2.x)

Ideal for mid-range builds
Country: China
Average price: 5074 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Meet the popular favorite, the choice fell on most buyers. Using this plan is comparable to playing the Paganini violin - it is very difficult, but if you delve into the nuances, it can give the most vivid feelings from the gameplay. Optimum frequencies for FX are from 4.0 to 4.2 GHz, which increases heat dissipation to 125 watts, respectively, the northbridge and power circuits can no longer cope with such a load and require additional coolers with a diameter of 40 mm. otherwise overheating will occur in 10-15 minutes.

The new BIOS, which is now configurable not only with the keyboard but also with the mouse, shows itself well. The board has a slot for USB connection 3.0, as well as 8 ports on the rear panel, 6 of which are USB 2.0. Realtek 7.1 is responsible for sound, and the maximum supported frequency of RAM reaches 2000 MHz with a volume of up to 32 GB. Users in their reviews recommend not to get involved in overclocking without additional airflow, otherwise you can safely warm your hands on the system unit.

1 ASUS M5A99FX PRO R.2.0

The best overclocking board for AM3 +
Country: China
Average price: 10,770 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

This is the best and most affordable motherboard for FX, Phenom, Athlon 2, Sempron 100 processors today. And at the same time the most expensive. It is not distinguished by the number of slots for RAM - there are 4 of them, according to the classics. But the main trump card is the increased OP frequency - up to 2133 MHz. The maximum volume is 32 GB, which is enough for all possible operations. On the periphery of the case, there are powerful bridge radiators for passive cooling with heat pipes.

An important element is the many 4-pin fan headers, as additional turntables are often required to improve air circulation. The presence of 8 power phases at once is also good news, so you don't have to worry about protecting the board from "burning". With a complete and proper upgrade, the board can handle the 5.1 GHz FX8300 without any problems. The main material of execution is strong hardboard for increased loads and heavy "tower" cooling systems.

How to choose a motherboard?

When choosing a motherboard, rely on the following aspects:

1. Compatibility is an important parameter when choosing a "motherboard". Any element and external device must be physically and software compatible with the board. An excellent option would be a board that implies a switch to another processor in case of improvement.
2. The required number for ports, slots and socket (socket - connector or "pocket" for connecting the processor). It is integrated into all boards, but as for the USB ports and other elements, they may differ depending on the modifications. This is especially important when building a reserve for an upgrade in the future.
3. The presence of cooling systems (cooling radiators) on the chipset. Chipset is a collection of microcircuits mounted on a motherboard. Most often, all logic is tied to the north and south bridges. There are boards on which there are no bridges, but there is another scheme for organizing the logic.
4. Other components: built-in sound controller (connecting speakers), video adapter (analog of an external video card), network controller (connecting to the Internet), presence of a CMOS battery, Russified BIOS (optional), firmware for recovery.