Sections Offered In This Course...

The Basics Without a doubt, selecting a motherboard is the most important decision you will make when preparing to build a new PC. It will determine the processor type and speed that

Here's a Typical Motherboard Configuration...

What is BIOS?... The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) actually starts the computer, or "boots up" when you turn it on. In addition, the BIOS controls the flow of information that flows constantly between the operating system (i.e.: Windows) and the hardware devices that you're using. Older motherboard models had their BIOS information stored on a ROM ("read-only" memory) chip, a technique that ensured the instructions could not be erased. Today's motherboards, however store the BIOS on "flash memory," which allows the information to be updated, or "flashed" if desired.

Selecting A Processor.
Before you can select a motherboard, you'll need to decide on a processor. This is important because not all motherboards will support all processors. If you have decided on a processor, you can move on to choosing a motherboard. If you have not, consider this: the type and speed of processor you need depends on what you'll be doing on your computer. If you work with large images, play a lot of games, design web pages, or edit video, you'll want to go with an Intel Pentium III, Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor. These processors are designed for high-end applications. If you primarily use your PC to do word processing, spredsheets and e-mail, you can use a less expensive Intel Celeron or AMD Duron processor. If you'd like to learn more, see the Processor section of this course.

The determining factor in selecting a processor and compatible motherboard is the type of "slot" that the motherboard supports. Processors are manufactured in certain "packages" that will fit into certain slots on a motherboard.

When you decide on a processor, check the specifications to determine what slot size it will fit into. Then you can select a motherboard that supports that particular processor.

Here's a list of available processors and the slot or "socket" that they require. The latest processors use "sockets' rather than slots. For example, Intel's latest is "Socket 370", while AMD's latest is "Socket A."

When selecting a motherboard, you'll notice that different motherboards support various memory types, memory speeds and memory "form factors." Today, the most widely used memory "form factor" is the DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module). The most common type of memory is SDRAM (Synchronized Dynamic Random Access Memory); available in popular PC 100 and PC 133 speeds.

New! DDR Memory. An emerging memory type called DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is available. Technically, DDR SDRAM gains speed by using both the rising and falling sides of the clock cycle. In contrast, standard SDRAM utilizes only one side of this cycle. The reult is that DDR SDRAM is twice as fast as standard SDRAM. This doubling of memory speed will significantly improve system performance. Here are the specs: DDR SDRAM is available in PC 1600 and PC2100 speeds. Here's the performance breakdown...

Buying a motherboard with onboard components is less expensive, and will save you time when assembling a system, however often quality and upgradability are sacrificed, since these onboard components cannot be changed. They become a permenant part of the motherboard.

Video: Most motherboards with onboard video will end up being less expensive than purchasing the video card separately, but the quality of the visoe will be decidedly low-end. Most boards with onboard video do not include an AGP expansion slot, so your video cannot be upgraded without replacing the motherboard. If you want the short-term savings of onboard video, be sure to buy a motherboard that includes both the onboard video chip and an AGP slot. You will spend slightly more, but you'll have the options to upgrade the video later by adding a full-fledged video card.

Audio: Unless you're working with high-end sound, creating MIDI files or enjoy big, booming sound for gaming, onboard audio is a good way to save money on a motherboard. Although most onboard audio is low-end, it is acceptable for most applications. If you'd like to expand your sound system later, many boards are avialble that enable you to easily disable the onboard audio, so be sure to ask about it.

SCSI: SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) is a high-speed alternative for connecting drives to your system. While most motherboards include the standard IDE interface, many motherboards now include integrated SCSI. SCSI is far more advanced than IDE and offers significantly higher bandwidth, for faster access speeds. SCSI is also a better choice when connecting multiple drives to your system.

IDE drives are less expensive and easier to configure, so if you're just starting out, it's recommended that you go with an standard IDE motherboard.

NOTE: If you opt to purchase a motherboard with onboard SCSI, it is less expensive than adding a SCSI card to an IDE motherboard. However, if yopu want to replace your motherboard, you'll have to pay for the SCSI interface again. We suggest you purchase a SCSI adapter, which can be transfered to a new system if you change motherboards.

Network Adapters. Selecting a motherboard with onboard LAN will save you a PCI slot, but the dollar savings are minimal, since network cards are expensive. Onboard LAN adapters perform equally as well as adapter cards.

Basic Motherboard Features.
So far, we've covered the fundamental decisions that must be made when purchasing a type of motherboard. Now we'll look at features to consider when selecting a particular motherboard. There are dozens of factors to consider, and we'll break them down so you can make an intelligent choice, and get the ideal motherboard for your system---and for your needs.

Form Factor---ATX And Micro ATX. The motherboard's size and shape is known as its "Form Factor." The motherboard's Form Factor will determine which type of computer case you'll be able to use. The most popular Form Factor is ATX, with a wide range of motherboard options.

While Micro ATX is a distant second, it is a more affordable type of motherboard. However, this smaller layout means less room for memory sockets and expansion slots. We find that working with Micro ATX motherboards are more difficult, since you have to squeeze into small spaces.

ATA/66 And ATA/100 (EIDE). EIDE (commonly referred to IDE), as mentioned above, is the most common drive interface option (with SCSI as an alternative). You'll find that EIDE comes strandard on most motherboards on the market today. EIDE is available in different "grades" or speeds. EIDE is available in three different "bandwidths"...

* 33MB per second (ATA/33)
* 66MB per second (ATA/66)
* 100MB per second (ATA/100)

If you choose a motherboard with ATA/100, you'll be able to use drives that support all three speeds; it is backwards compatible with the slower speeds. Unless you own a drive that is rated at ATA/33 that you plan NOT to upgrade, we recommend NOT going with ATA/33. And at this time ATA/100 does not offer any significant performance increase over ATA/66, but may do so as hard drive speeds increase.

NOTE: The common "ATA" specification is also referred to as "Ultra DMA."

AGP Slot: If you're a graphics or gaming enthusiast, and plan on adding a high-end video card to your new system, you'll want to select a motherboard tha includes an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot. The "new generation" of video cards are designed to connect to the motherboard via an AGP slot, which provides a dramatically faster pathway between the video card and your computer's main memory. Older video cards used the standard PCI bus, but AGP delivers performance that is several times faster. While PCI video cards are still available, and may be used with a motherboard's PCI slot, we recommend selecting a motherboard with an AGP slot, which gives you the option of upgrading to an AGP video card later. AGP is available in various grades: AGP 1X, AGP 2X and AGP 4X (the fastest).

PS/2. This is the common connector type for your keyboard and mouse.

Parallel Port. The standard connection for printers. In addition, many scanners utilize the parallel port.

USB Ports. Used to connect peripherals. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is becoming the new standard for connecting peripherals to the modern PC system. Most USB motherboards include a minimum of two USB ports. USB is a pathway between your system's main memory and items that require a "slow" to "medium" data transfer rate, such as joysticks, keyboards, scanners, digital cameras, Zip drives and others. USB supports Plug and Play, which enables Plug and Play-equipped devices to be connected without having to restart the computer. More USB slots will serve you well. Many of today's motherboards include four.

PCI Slots. Used to connect expansion cards. Most of today's popular motherboards include at least four PCI slots, and some have more. As mentioned above, the PCI bus is not recommended for video, but is still the ideal connection for other expansion cards such as sound cards, SCSI host adapters, FireWire (IEEE 1394) cards and network interface cards.

DIMM Slots. Used to connect RAM to your motherboard. While many motherboards include two DIMM slots, we suggest selecting a motherboard with at least three DIMM slots, so you can add more memory later. It is important to consider the amount of memory you'll need for your computing; most systems require at least 64MB. However, if you'll be using your PC for image editing, web design or multimedia, you'll want to upgrade to at least 128MB. Many graphics programs recommend 256MB for optimal performance. Having additional DIMM slot(s) leaves you room for more memory.

ISA Slot. ISA is a dying breed. The PCI bus replaced ISA years ago as the standard. You should look for an ISA slot ONLY if you have an older ISA device that you'd like to continue using.

Advanced Features.
TigerDirect.com carries a wide selection of motherboards, many with features described in the above section, "Basic Motherboard Features." We also offer motherboards with advanced features added to them. Here are a few of the latest innovations that increase speed and functionality.

RAID. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) began as a configuration of disks used primarily in servers. The RAID concept is simple: with multiple hard drives (at least two), working together in a single system, the same data is saved on both hard drives, independently---so your data is automatically backed up. Both drives can be read at the same time. On-board RAID is a great feature for users working with mission-critical data on a single PC.

Dual-Processor Capability. Increasingly popular for graphics-intensive workstations, motherboards with dual-CPU slot support enable you to install two high-speed processors working together.

FireWire (IEEE 1394) Port. FireWire is the common name for a technology formally designated as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394. It was originally develope by Apple Computer, and is a high-performance serial bus, which is faster than today's popular USB. Today, it is in use primarily with peripherals requiring ultra high-speed, real-time data transfer rates, such as video devices. FireWire requires just on port, since you can "daisy chain" up to 65 FireWire-compatible devices together.

Jumperless. Motherboards have "jumpers" or "dip switches" that may be used to adjust the system's clock. This is known as "overclocking." Overclocking is actually increasing the system bus and processor at a higher speed than the manufacturer recommends. NOTE: Overclocking your system may void your warranty, and could cause damage to your system's components. TigerDirect.com discourages overclocking. However, if you are experienced at overclocking, you may want to choose a motherboard that is jumperless, which enables you to increase clock speed by using software, rather than manually adjusting the switches.

NOTE: For overclockers, in addition to a jumperless feature, many motherboards include adjustable AGP and PCI speed controls, along with CPU and motherboard temperature monitors.

Installation and "How To Guides"

Processor Installation	WMV file 2.6MB high quality WMV file 1.0MB low quality
Heatsink Selection	WMV file 2.1MB high quality WMV file 846KB low quality
Heatsink Installation	WMV file 3.8MB high quality WMV file 1.5MB low quality
Heatsink Removal & Re-Use	WMV file 2.3MB high quality WMV file 947KB low quality
Thermal Pad or Paste?	WMV file 2.1MB high quality WMV file 841KB low quality

Editor's Notes.
Selecting a motherboard for your new system is really nothing more than identifying the features and performance you want; along with the Form Factor of your new system. TigerDirect.com methodically tests and evaluates all motherboards that we offer in our catalog and on our website. We take a lot of the guesswork out of the process by offering motherboards with reliable chipsets, high manufacturing standards and premium performance ratings.

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