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Motherboard Guide: The Foundation of Your PC

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Motherboard?
  2. Socket Types
  3. Chipsets Explained
  4. Form Factors
  5. PCIe Slots and Lanes
  6. Memory Support
  7. VRM and Power Delivery
  8. Built-in Features
  9. Brand Comparison
  10. Indian Market Recommendations

What is a Motherboard?

The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all your PC components together. Think of it as the "foundation" or "nervous system" of your computer - every component either plugs directly into it or connects through cables.

Why the Motherboard Matters

  • Compatibility: Determines what CPU, RAM, and expansion cards you can use
  • Expandability: Limits how many components you can add later
  • Performance: Quality affects system stability and overclocking potential
  • Longevity: A good motherboard can last through multiple CPU upgrades

Socket Types

The CPU socket is the most important specification when choosing a motherboard. Your CPU and motherboard must have matching sockets.

Current Intel Sockets (2025)

LGA 1851 (Socket V1) - Latest

  • Compatible CPUs: 15th Gen (Arrow Lake) - Available since late 2024
  • Examples: Core i5-15600K, i7-15700K, i9-15900K
  • Status: Current flagship socket
  • DDR Support: DDR5 only (DDR5-5600+ standard)
  • PCIe: PCIe 5.0 support for GPU and storage
  • Chipsets: Z890, B860, H810

LGA 1700 (Socket V) - Mainstream

  • Compatible CPUs: 12th Gen (Alder Lake), 13th Gen (Raptor Lake), 14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh)
  • Examples: Core i5-12400, i5-14600K, i7-14700K, i9-14900K
  • Status: Mature mainstream socket
  • DDR Support: DDR4 and DDR5 (depending on motherboard)
  • PCIe: PCIe 4.0/5.0 support
  • Chipsets: Z790, B760, H770, H610

Current AMD Sockets (2025)

AM5 - Current Platform

  • Compatible CPUs: Ryzen 7000, 8000, 9000+ series (Zen 4, Zen 5)
  • Examples: Ryzen 5 7600X, 9600X, Ryzen 7 9700X, 9800X3D, Ryzen 9 9900X, 9950X
  • Status: Current flagship platform
  • DDR Support: DDR5 only (DDR5-5200+ standard)
  • PCIe: PCIe 5.0 for GPU and M.2 slots
  • Chipsets: X870E, X870, B850, A620
  • Longevity: Promised support through 2027+

AM4 - Legacy Value

  • Compatible CPUs: Ryzen 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 series
  • Examples: Ryzen 5 5600, 5600X, Ryzen 7 5700X, 5800X3D, Ryzen 9 5900X, 5950X
  • Status: End-of-life but excellent value platform
  • DDR Support: DDR4 only
  • PCIe: PCIe 4.0 support
  • Chipsets: X570, B550, A520, B450 (legacy)
  • Compatible CPUs: Ryzen 7000, 8000 series
  • Examples: Ryzen 5 7600, 7600X, Ryzen 7 7700X, 7800X3D, Ryzen 9 7900X, 7950X
  • Status: Current flagship socket
  • DDR Support: DDR5 only

Socket Compatibility Rules

  1. CPU and motherboard sockets must match exactly
  2. Different generations may share sockets but need BIOS updates
  3. Always check CPU support lists before buying

Chipsets Explained

The chipset determines what features your motherboard supports and how components communicate.

Intel Chipsets (LGA 1700)

Z790 (Enthusiast)

  • Target Users: Gamers, overclockers, enthusiasts
  • Key Features:
  • Full CPU overclocking support
  • Up to 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes + 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes from CPU
  • Up to 8 SATA ports
  • Up to 12 USB 3.2 ports
  • DDR5-5600+ support (overclocked)
  • Price Range: ₹15,000 - ₹60,000
  • Best For: High-end gaming, overclocking

B760 (Mainstream)

  • Target Users: Mainstream users, budget gamers
  • Key Features:
  • Memory overclocking support (but no CPU overclocking)
  • Up to 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes from CPU + chipset lanes
  • Up to 6 SATA ports
  • Up to 10 USB 3.2 ports
  • DDR5-4800+ support
  • Price Range: ₹8,000 - ₹25,000
  • Best For: Gaming without overclocking, productivity

H770 (Business)

  • Target Users: Office, business users
  • Key Features:
  • More I/O than B760
  • No overclocking support
  • Enhanced management features
  • Price Range: ₹10,000 - ₹20,000
  • Best For: Business workstations

H610 (Budget)

  • Target Users: Budget builds, office computers
  • Key Features:
  • Basic feature set
  • Limited expansion
  • Lower cost
  • Price Range: ₹5,000 - ₹12,000
  • Best For: Basic computing, office work

AMD Chipsets

AM5 Chipsets

X670E (Flagship) - Key Features: - Full overclocking support - PCIe 5.0 support for GPU and storage - Maximum I/O and expansion - Price Range: ₹25,000 - ₹80,000

X670 (High-End) - Key Features: - Full overclocking support - PCIe 5.0 for GPU, PCIe 4.0 for storage - Excellent expansion - Price Range: ₹18,000 - ₹45,000

B650E (Performance Mainstream) - Key Features: - CPU and memory overclocking - PCIe 5.0 for GPU - Good value proposition - Price Range: ₹12,000 - ₹30,000

B650 (Mainstream) - Key Features: - CPU and memory overclocking - PCIe 4.0 maximum - Best bang for buck - Price Range: ₹8,000 - ₹20,000

A620 (Budget) - Key Features: - No overclocking - Basic features - Lowest cost - Price Range: ₹6,000 - ₹12,000

AM4 Chipsets (Still Relevant)

X570 (Flagship) - PCIe 4.0 support - Full overclocking - Price Range: ₹15,000 - ₹35,000

B550 (Sweet Spot) - PCIe 4.0 for GPU and one M.2 slot - CPU and memory overclocking - Price Range: ₹8,000 - ₹25,000

A520 (Budget) - Basic features - No overclocking - Price Range: ₹4,000 - ₹8,000

Form Factors

Motherboard size affects what case you can use and how much expansion you'll have.

ATX (305mm × 244mm)

  • Advantages:
  • Maximum expansion slots
  • Better component spacing
  • More RAM slots (usually 4)
  • Multiple PCIe x16 slots
  • More connectors and headers
  • Disadvantages:
  • Requires larger case
  • Higher cost
  • More power consumption
  • Best For: Gaming rigs, workstations, enthusiast builds

Micro-ATX (244mm × 244mm)

  • Advantages:
  • Good balance of features and size
  • Lower cost than ATX
  • Fits in smaller cases
  • Usually 4 RAM slots
  • Disadvantages:
  • Limited expansion slots
  • Tighter component spacing
  • Best For: Mainstream gaming, home office, budget builds

Mini-ITX (170mm × 170mm)

  • Advantages:
  • Very compact
  • Perfect for small form factor builds
  • Lower power consumption
  • Disadvantages:
  • Only 2 RAM slots
  • Single PCIe x16 slot
  • Limited expansion
  • Higher cost per feature
  • Potential thermal challenges
  • Best For: HTPC, compact gaming, space-constrained builds

PCIe Slots and Lanes

Understanding PCIe is crucial for expansion planning.

PCIe Generations and Speeds

Generation Speed per Lane x16 Slot Bandwidth
PCIe 3.0 1 GB/s 16 GB/s
PCIe 4.0 2 GB/s 32 GB/s
PCIe 5.0 4 GB/s 64 GB/s

Common PCIe Configurations

High-End Motherboard (Z790/X670E)

  • 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 (GPU) - from CPU
  • 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (second GPU/expansion) - from CPU
  • 2-3x PCIe 3.0/4.0 x1 (WiFi, sound cards, etc.) - from chipset
  • 2-4x M.2 slots (NVMe SSDs) - mix of CPU and chipset lanes

Mainstream Motherboard (B760/B650)

  • 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 (GPU) - from CPU
  • 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (runs at x4, expansion) - from chipset
  • 2-3x PCIe 3.0 x1 - from chipset
  • 2-3x M.2 slots - mix of CPU and chipset

PCIe Lane Distribution

CPU Lanes (Direct from Processor): - Always the fastest and lowest latency - Usually reserved for GPU and primary M.2 SSD - Limited quantity (16-20 lanes typical)

Chipset Lanes: - Shared bandwidth to CPU - Good for expansion cards and secondary storage - More quantity but shared performance

Planning Your Expansion

Current Needs Assessment: 1. Graphics card(s) - needs PCIe x16 2. M.2 NVMe SSDs - need M.2 slots or PCIe x4 3. SATA SSDs/HDDs - need SATA ports 4. Expansion cards (WiFi, sound, capture cards)

Future Expansion Considerations: - Will you add a second GPU? - How many storage drives do you plan to install? - Do you need specialty cards (audio interface, capture card)?

Memory Support

DDR4 vs DDR5

DDR4 (Mature Technology)

  • Speeds: DDR4-2133 to DDR4-4000+ (overclocked)
  • Sweet Spot: DDR4-3200 to DDR4-3600
  • Advantages:
  • Lower cost
  • Mature ecosystem
  • Better availability
  • Lower latency at equivalent speeds
  • Compatible Platforms: AM4, LGA 1700 (some motherboards)

DDR5 (Current Generation)

  • Speeds: DDR5-4800 to DDR5-6000+ (overclocked)
  • Sweet Spot: DDR5-5600 to DDR5-6000
  • Advantages:
  • Higher bandwidth
  • Better efficiency
  • Future-proof
  • Improved error correction
  • Compatible Platforms: AM5, LGA 1700 (some motherboards), LGA 1851

Memory Configuration

Dual Channel vs Quad Channel

  • Dual Channel: Uses 2 or 4 sticks, fills alternating slots
  • Quad Channel: Only on HEDT platforms (not covered in this guide)
  • Performance Impact: Dual channel provides 30-50% memory bandwidth improvement
  • 16GB: 2x8GB (dual channel)
  • 32GB: 2x16GB (best price/performance) or 4x8GB (maximum dual channel)
  • 64GB: 2x32GB (future headroom)

Slot Population Order

  • 2 Sticks: Usually slots 2 and 4 (A2/B2)
  • 4 Sticks: All slots (1,2,3,4)
  • Always check manual: Motherboard manual shows optimal configuration

Memory Compatibility

Intel Memory Support

  • LGA 1700:
  • DDR4: Up to DDR4-3200 (JEDEC), DDR4-4000+ (overclocked)
  • DDR5: Up to DDR5-4800 (JEDEC), DDR5-6000+ (overclocked)

AMD Memory Support

  • AM4: DDR4 only, up to DDR4-3200 (JEDEC), DDR4-3600+ (overclocked)
  • AM5: DDR5 only, up to DDR5-5200 (JEDEC), DDR5-6000+ (overclocked)

Memory Overclocking (XMP/DOCP)

  • XMP (Intel): Extreme Memory Profile
  • DOCP (AMD): Direct Overclock Profile
  • What it does: Automatically applies memory overclocking settings
  • Requirement: Motherboard must support memory overclocking (not available on H610/A320/A520)

VRM and Power Delivery

The Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) converts 12V power to the lower voltages your CPU needs.

Why VRM Quality Matters

  1. Stable Power Delivery: Better VRMs provide cleaner power
  2. Overclocking Headroom: Strong VRMs enable higher overclocks
  3. Component Longevity: Good VRMs run cooler and last longer
  4. System Stability: Poor VRMs can cause crashes and instability

VRM Components

Power Phases

  • What they are: Individual power regulation circuits
  • More phases = Better: Generally true, but implementation matters more
  • Typical Counts:
  • Budget boards: 4-6 phases
  • Mainstream: 8-12 phases
  • High-end: 14-20+ phases

MOSFETs

  • High-side and Low-side: Work together to regulate voltage
  • Quality indicators: Lower RDS(on) values are better
  • Cooling: Should have heatsinks on mid-range and up boards

Capacitors

  • Tantalum/Polymer: Better than electrolytic
  • Quantity and placement: More capacitors = better filtering

VRM Heatsinks

  • Essential for: Mid-range and high-end motherboards
  • Design matters: Larger surface area and better contact = better cooling
  • Active cooling: Some boards have VRM fans

Evaluating VRM Quality

Quick Assessment Method

  1. Check phase count: More is generally better
  2. Look for heatsinks: VRM components should be covered
  3. Read reviews: Professional reviews often test VRM performance
  4. Consider your CPU: Higher-end CPUs need better VRMs

VRM Recommendations by CPU Class

Budget CPUs (65W TDP): - Intel: i3, i5 non-K - AMD: Ryzen 5 non-X - VRM requirement: Basic 6-8 phase is sufficient

Mainstream CPUs (65-125W TDP): - Intel: i5-K, i7 non-K - AMD: Ryzen 5 X, Ryzen 7 non-X - VRM requirement: Good 8-12 phase with heatsinks

High-End CPUs (125W+ TDP): - Intel: i7-K, i9 - AMD: Ryzen 7 X, Ryzen 9 - VRM requirement: Excellent 12+ phase with robust cooling

Built-in Features

Modern motherboards include many integrated features that can save money and reduce component count.

Audio

Integrated Audio Codecs

  • Realtek ALC887: Basic, found on budget boards
  • Realtek ALC897: Mid-range, decent quality
  • Realtek ALC1220: High-end, audiophile quality
  • Creative Sound: Some boards use Creative audio processors

Audio Features to Look For

  • Hi-Fi Audio: Better capacitors and layout for audio circuits
  • Audio Boost/Amplification: Can drive higher impedance headphones
  • Optical/Coaxial Output: For connecting to external DACs or sound systems
  • Multiple 3.5mm Jacks: 5.1/7.1 surround sound support

Networking

Ethernet

  • Gigabit (1GbE): Standard on all modern boards
  • Realtek RTL8111: Most common, good performance
  • Intel I219: Premium option, slightly better
  • 2.5 Gigabit (2.5GbE): Becoming common on mid-range+ boards
  • Realtek RTL8125: Common 2.5GbE controller
  • Intel I225: Premium 2.5GbE option

WiFi and Bluetooth

  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax): Current standard
  • Intel AX200/AX201: Excellent performance
  • Realtek RTL8852: Good budget option
  • WiFi 6E: Adds 6GHz band support
  • WiFi 7: Latest standard, limited availability

WiFi Considerations for India

  • Band Support: Ensure 2.4GHz and 5GHz support
  • Antenna Quality: External antennas generally perform better
  • Driver Support: Intel WiFi typically has better Linux support

Storage Connectivity

SATA Ports

  • SATA 6Gb/s: Standard for HDDs and SATA SSDs
  • Typical Count: 4-8 ports on most motherboards
  • Port Sharing: Some M.2 slots disable SATA ports when used

M.2 Slots

  • Key Types: M Key (NVMe), B+M Key (NVMe/SATA)
  • Sizes: 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 (2280 most common)
  • Interface: PCIe 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0
  • Heatsinks: Many boards include M.2 heatsinks

🔌 I/O Connectors & Peripheral Interfaces

USB Standards & Connectors (2025)

USB Type-A Connectors

USB Standard Speed Power Color Code Use Cases
USB 2.0 480 Mbps 2.5W Black/White Keyboard, mouse, basic devices
USB 3.0 5 Gbps 4.5W Blue External drives, cameras
USB 3.1 Gen 1 5 Gbps 4.5W Blue Same as USB 3.0
USB 3.1 Gen 2 10 Gbps 4.5W Teal/Blue High-speed storage
USB 3.2 Gen 1 5 Gbps 4.5W Blue Backward compatible
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps 4.5W Teal Fast external storage

USB Type-C Connectors

Standard Speed Power Delivery Data + Power Use Cases
USB-C 3.1 10 Gbps 15W Yes Modern devices, phones
USB-C 3.2 20 Gbps 100W Yes Laptops, high-power devices
USB4 40 Gbps 100W Yes Professional equipment
Thunderbolt 3 40 Gbps 100W Yes eGPU, professional displays
Thunderbolt 4 40 Gbps 100W Yes Latest standard

Internal USB Headers

Header Type Pin Count Speed Ports Supported Purpose
USB 2.0 Header 9-pin 480 Mbps 2 ports Front panel USB 2.0
USB 3.0 Header 19-pin 5 Gbps 2 ports Front panel USB 3.0
USB 3.1 Header 19-pin 10 Gbps 2 ports Front panel USB 3.1
USB-C Header 19-pin 10-40 Gbps 1 port Front panel USB-C

Network Connectivity

Ethernet Standards

Standard Speed Cable Type Use Case Power Consumption
Fast Ethernet 100 Mbps Cat 5 Legacy only 1W
Gigabit Ethernet 1 Gbps Cat 5e/6 Standard home/office 2W
2.5 Gigabit 2.5 Gbps Cat 5e/6 Gaming, NAS 3W
5 Gigabit 5 Gbps Cat 6/6A Professional 4W
10 Gigabit 10 Gbps Cat 6A/7 Workstation, server 8W

Network Controller Brands

Brand Performance Features Reliability Common On
Intel I225-V Good Low latency Excellent Mid-range+ boards
Intel I226-V Excellent Latest features Excellent High-end boards
Realtek RTL8125B Good Standard features Good Budget-mid range
Killer E3100G Excellent Gaming optimization Good Gaming boards
Aquantia AQC Excellent Multi-gig support Good Flagship boards

WiFi Standards (2025)

Standard Max Speed Range Frequency Best For
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) 9.6 Gbps Good 2.4/5 GHz Current standard
WiFi 6E 9.6 Gbps Excellent 2.4/5/6 GHz Latest devices
WiFi 7 (802.11be) 46 Gbps Excellent 2.4/5/6 GHz Future-proof

Audio Connectors

Analog Audio Jacks

Connector Pin Count Purpose Color Code Impedance Support
3.5mm Line Out 3-pin Front L/R speakers Green 32-600Ω
3.5mm Line In 3-pin Audio input Blue Standard
3.5mm Mic In 3-pin Microphone Pink 16-32Ω
3.5mm Rear Speakers 3-pin Surround back Black 32-600Ω
3.5mm C/Sub 3-pin Center/Subwoofer Orange 32-600Ω
3.5mm Side Speakers 3-pin Surround side Gray 32-600Ω

Digital Audio Connectors

Connector Type Max Channels Sample Rate Use Case
S/PDIF Optical TOSLink 7.1 192kHz/24bit Home theater
S/PDIF Coaxial RCA 7.1 192kHz/24bit Audio equipment
HDMI Audio Digital 7.1+ 192kHz/24bit TV/monitor audio
DisplayPort Audio Digital 7.1+ 192kHz/24bit Monitor audio

Audio Codec Comparison

Codec SNR THD Max Sample Rate Features
Realtek ALC887 97dB 0.007% 192kHz/24bit Basic
Realtek ALC1200 110dB 0.003% 192kHz/24bit Good
Realtek ALC1220 120dB 0.0006% 384kHz/32bit Excellent
Creative Sound Core3D 124dB 0.0003% 384kHz/32bit Premium

Video Output Connectors

Integrated Graphics Outputs

Connector Max Resolution Refresh Rate HDR Support Use Case
VGA (D-Sub) 2048x1536 85Hz No Legacy only
DVI-D 2560x1600 60Hz No Older monitors
HDMI 2.0 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz HDR10 Standard displays
HDMI 2.1 8K (7680x4320) 60Hz HDR10+ Modern TVs
DisplayPort 1.4 8K (7680x4320) 60Hz HDR10 Professional
DisplayPort 2.0 8K (7680x4320) 85Hz HDR10+ Latest standard

Multiple Display Support

Integrated GPU Max Displays 4K Displays Simultaneous Output
Intel UHD Graphics 3 2 Yes
Intel Iris Xe 4 3 Yes
AMD Vega (APU) 3 2 Yes
AMD RDNA2 (APU) 4 3 Yes

Expansion Card Interfaces

PCIe Slot Configuration

Slot Type Bandwidth Physical Size Typical Use
PCIe 5.0 x16 126 GB/s Full length High-end GPUs
PCIe 4.0 x16 63 GB/s Full length Modern GPUs
PCIe 3.0 x16 31.5 GB/s Full length Standard GPUs
PCIe 5.0 x8 63 GB/s Full length Dual GPU setups
PCIe 4.0 x4 7.9 GB/s Half length NVMe, network cards
PCIe 3.0 x1 2 GB/s Short WiFi, sound cards

Legacy Expansion (Rare)

Interface Speed Use Case Availability
PCI 133 MB/s Very old cards Budget boards only
AGP 2.1 GB/s Old graphics Not available
ISA 8 MB/s Ancient cards Not available

Power Connectors on Motherboard

Primary Power Inputs

Connector Pin Configuration Power Rating Purpose
24-pin ATX 20+4 pin 250W Main motherboard power
8-pin EPS 4+4 pin 235W CPU power
8+4 pin EPS 12 pin 350W+ High-end CPU power
6-pin PCIe 6 pin 75W GPU auxiliary (rare)

Fan and RGB Headers

Header Type Pin Count Power Rating PWM Control Use Case
4-pin PWM Fan 4 pin 12W Yes CPU/case fans
3-pin DC Fan 3 pin 12W No Basic fans
4-pin RGB 4 pin 36W No Basic RGB strips
3-pin ARGB 3 pin 60W Yes Addressable RGB
CPU Fan 4 pin 12W Yes CPU cooler
Water Pump 4 pin 24W Yes AIO pumps

Front Panel Connectors

Power and Reset Headers

Connector Pin Count Function Standard
Power Button 2 pin System power on/off Momentary switch
Reset Button 2 pin System reset Momentary switch
Power LED 2 pin Power status indication Positive/negative
HDD LED 2 pin Storage activity Positive/negative

Audio Headers

Header Type Pin Count Channels Detection Use Case
AC'97 10 pin Stereo Basic Legacy front audio
HDA (HD Audio) 10 pin 7.1 Auto-detect Modern front audio
USB Audio USB header 7.1+ Digital High-quality front audio

Storage Interface Headers

SATA Connectors

SATA Version Speed Connector Type Cable Length Use Case
SATA III 6 Gbps 7-pin L-shaped 1m max Modern drives
SATA II 3 Gbps 7-pin L-shaped 1m max Older drives
eSATA 6 Gbps 7-pin external 2m max External drives

M.2 Connector Details

Key Type PCIe Lanes Interface Support Typical Speed Use Case
M Key x4 PCIe, NVMe 7,000 MB/s High-performance SSD
B Key x2 SATA, PCIe 600 MB/s Budget M.2 drives
B+M Key x2 SATA, PCIe 600 MB/s Compatibility

Specialized Connectors

Thunderbolt Headers

Standard Speed Power Display Support Daisy Chain
Thunderbolt 3 40 Gbps 100W 2x 4K displays 6 devices
Thunderbolt 4 40 Gbps 100W 2x 4K displays 6 devices
Thunderbolt 5 80 Gbps 240W 3x 4K displays 6 devices

Serial and Debug Ports

Interface Speed Purpose Availability
RS232 Serial 115.2k baud Debug, legacy devices Server boards
JTAG Variable Hardware debugging Engineering samples
BMC Network Remote management Server boards
IPMI Network Intelligent platform management Enterprise

Motherboard I/O Layout Examples

Budget Motherboard I/O

Typical B660M I/O Panel:
├── 1x PS/2 (keyboard/mouse combo)
├── 4x USB 2.0 Type-A
├── 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
├── 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
├── 1x Gigabit Ethernet
├── 3x 3.5mm audio jacks
└── 1x HDMI + 1x DisplayPort (iGPU)

Gaming Motherboard I/O

Typical Z690 Gaming I/O Panel:
├── 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
├── 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A  
├── 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
├── 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
├── 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
├── 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet
├── 1x WiFi 6E antenna connectors
├── 5x 3.5mm audio jacks + S/PDIF
├── 1x HDMI + 2x DisplayPort (iGPU)
└── 1x Clear CMOS button

Flagship Motherboard I/O

Typical Z790 Flagship I/O Panel:
├── 4x USB 2.0 Type-A
├── 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
├── 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
├── 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
├── 1x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C
├── 1x 10Gb Ethernet + 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet
├── 1x WiFi 6E/7 antenna connectors
├── 8x 3.5mm audio jacks + optical S/PDIF
├── 2x HDMI + 2x DisplayPort (iGPU)
├── 1x Clear CMOS button
└── 1x BIOS Flashback button

I/O Planning for Different Use Cases

Gaming Setup Requirements

Component Connector Needed Quantity Priority
Gaming Mouse USB 3.0+ Type-A 1 High
Gaming Keyboard USB 2.0+ Type-A 1 High
Gaming Headset USB Type-A or 3.5mm 1 High
Controller USB Type-A 1-2 Medium
Webcam USB 3.0+ Type-A 1 Medium
External Drive USB 3.2 Gen 2 1 Low

Content Creation Setup

Component Connector Needed Quantity Priority
Audio Interface USB 3.0/Thunderbolt 1 High
External Storage USB 3.2/Thunderbolt 2-3 High
Camera/Capture USB 3.0/HDMI 1-2 High
Control Surface USB Type-A 1-2 Medium
Monitors DisplayPort/HDMI 2-3 High
Microphone USB/XLR (via interface) 1 High

Professional Workstation

Component Connector Needed Quantity Priority
Network Storage 10Gb Ethernet 1 High
Multiple Monitors DisplayPort 1.4+ 3-4 High
Professional Audio Thunderbolt/PCIe 1 High
Security Key USB Type-A 1 High
Backup Storage USB 3.2/Thunderbolt 2+ High
Input Devices USB Type-A 3-4 Medium

Future-Proofing I/O Considerations

Emerging Standards (2025-2026)

Technology Status Adoption Timeline Benefits
USB4 Version 2.0 Announced 2026 80 Gbps speed
Thunderbolt 5 Available 2025-2026 80 Gbps, 240W power
WiFi 7 Deploying 2025-2026 46 Gbps, better latency
PCIe 6.0 In development 2027+ Double PCIe 5.0 speed
USB-C everywhere Ongoing 2025+ Universal connector 
Ideal 2025+ Motherboard I/O:
├── Minimum 2x USB-C (USB4/Thunderbolt)
├── 6+ USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
├── 2.5Gb+ Ethernet (10Gb preferred)
├── WiFi 6E/7 with latest security
├── 3x DisplayPort 1.4+ outputs
├── High-quality audio codec (ALC1220+)
└── Sufficient internal headers for expansion

RGB and Aesthetics

RGB Headers

  • 12V RGB: Traditional 4-pin RGB headers
  • 5V ARGB (Addressable): Individual LED control
  • Software Control: ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, etc.

Aesthetic Features

  • RGB Lighting: Integrated RGB on motherboard
  • Color Themes: Black, white, silver options
  • Shrouds and Covers: Hide connectors for cleaner look

Brand Comparison

Major Motherboard Brands in India

ASUS

  • Strengths:
  • Excellent BIOS (UEFI)
  • Strong build quality
  • Good overclocking features
  • Comprehensive software suite
  • Weaknesses:
  • Premium pricing
  • Complex BIOS for beginners
  • Popular Series:
  • ROG (Republic of Gamers): High-end gaming
  • TUF Gaming: Mid-range gaming
  • Prime: Mainstream/business
  • Indian Availability: Excellent
  • Warranty: 3 years local warranty

MSI

  • Strengths:
  • Competitive pricing
  • Good gaming features
  • Attractive designs
  • Strong VRM designs
  • Weaknesses:
  • BIOS complexity varies
  • Software can be bloated
  • Popular Series:
  • MEG: Flagship enthusiast
  • MPG: High-end gaming
  • MAG: Mainstream gaming
  • Pro: Business/budget
  • Indian Availability: Very good
  • Warranty: 3 years local warranty

Gigabyte

  • Strengths:
  • Good value for money
  • Solid build quality
  • Comprehensive features
  • Good overclocking support
  • Weaknesses:
  • BIOS interface could be better
  • RGB software issues historically
  • Popular Series:
  • Aorus: Gaming/enthusiast
  • Gaming: Mid-range gaming
  • UD: Budget/mainstream
  • Indian Availability: Good
  • Warranty: 3 years local warranty

ASRock

  • Strengths:
  • Excellent value proposition
  • Innovative features
  • Good budget options
  • Strong overclocking capabilities
  • Weaknesses:
  • Limited availability in India
  • Smaller service network
  • Popular Series:
  • Taichi: Flagship
  • Steel Legend: Gaming
  • Pro: Mainstream
  • Indian Availability: Limited but improving
  • Warranty: 3 years international warranty

Biostar

  • Strengths:
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Basic reliability
  • Weaknesses:
  • Limited features
  • Minimal overclocking support
  • Poor availability
  • Indian Market: Very limited presence

Brand Recommendations by Budget

Budget (₹5,000 - ₹10,000)

  1. Gigabyte UD series
  2. MSI Pro series
  3. ASUS Prime series

Mid-Range (₹10,000 - ₹20,000)

  1. MSI MAG series
  2. ASUS TUF Gaming
  3. Gigabyte Gaming series

High-End (₹20,000+)

  1. ASUS ROG series
  2. MSI MPG/MEG series
  3. Gigabyte Aorus series

Indian Market Recommendations

Best Value Motherboards (August 2025)

Intel LGA 1700

Budget Champion: MSI PRO B760M-A WiFi (₹8,500) - Features: WiFi 6, 2.5GbE, 4x DDR5, 2x M.2 - Best for: Budget gaming, office builds

Mainstream King: ASUS TUF Gaming B760-Plus WiFi (₹12,500) - Features: WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, robust VRM, RGB - Best for: 1080p/1440p gaming

High-End Choice: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi (₹28,000) - Features: WiFi 6E, 2.5GbE, premium audio, extensive I/O - Best for: Enthusiast gaming, overclocking

AMD AM5

Budget Leader: MSI PRO B650M-A WiFi (₹9,000) - Features: WiFi 6, DDR5, 2x M.2, good VRM - Best for: Ryzen 5 builds

Sweet Spot: ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi (₹13,500) - Features: PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6E, excellent VRM, overclocking - Best for: Ryzen 7 gaming builds

Premium Option: MSI MEG X670E Ace (₹35,000) - Features: PCIe 5.0 everywhere, 10GbE, premium audio - Best for: Ryzen 9, enthusiast builds

AMD AM4 (Still Great Value)

Budget Excellence: MSI B550M Pro-B (₹6,500) - Features: PCIe 4.0, 4x DDR4, solid VRM - Best for: Ryzen 5000 budget builds

Perfect Balance: ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus (₹10,000) - Features: PCIe 4.0, WiFi ready, excellent VRM - Best for: Ryzen 5000 gaming

Where to Buy in India

Online Retailers

  1. Amazon.in: Widest selection, good return policy
  2. Flipkart: Competitive pricing, frequent sales
  3. MDComputers: Specializes in PC components
  4. PrimeABGB: Tech enthusiast favorite
  5. Vedant Computers: Good for bulk/custom builds

Physical Stores

  1. Delhi: Nehru Place, Karol Bagh
  2. Mumbai: Lamington Road, Crawford Market
  3. Bangalore: SP Road, Brigade Road
  4. Chennai: Ritchie Street
  5. Pune: FC Road

Buying Tips for Indian Market

  1. Check Local Warranty: Ensure local service support
  2. Compare Prices: Use price comparison tools
  3. Festival Sales: Major discounts during Diwali, Dussehra
  4. Import Considerations: Factor in customs duty for international purchases
  5. Service Centers: Check brand service center locations

Common Issues in Indian Market

  1. Stock Availability: Popular models go out of stock quickly
  2. Pricing Fluctuations: Prices change frequently due to currency and demand
  3. Fake Products: Buy only from authorized dealers
  4. Regional Variations: Prices and availability vary by city

Conclusion

Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for your PC build success. Consider these key points:

  1. Socket Compatibility: Must match your chosen CPU
  2. Feature Requirements: Buy only what you need
  3. Expansion Planning: Consider future upgrade paths
  4. Budget Allocation: Don't overspend on unnecessary features
  5. Brand Reliability: Stick to established brands in India

Remember: A good motherboard should last through multiple CPU generations, so it's worth investing in quality and the features you'll actually use.

Next: Processor (CPU) Guide