Why is it that when building a gaming computer, the very first thing that comes to mind is “what is the best motherboard?” It becomes a critical focus – an idea which cannot be shed from the mind. The best motherboard becomes the ultimate goal – as does the best video card, the best processor and the best hard drive. Irrespective of everything else – the system must be the best.
Yet, in spite of this drive to find the best components, I so regularly see folk compromise with system critical elements. Why, if you are hunting for the best motherboard, would you then go and put a $40 power supply in your system. Do you need it to get fried the 1st time you turn it on? The easiest way to brick a new built system, is to spend $40 on a power supply.
The same may be said for the motherboard itself. I have regularly seen folk skimp on the motherboard in order to get what is known as ‘the best. ‘ That is they will see the best motherboard as an Intel P67 motherboard which has 6 Gbps sata connectors as well as USB 3.0 capability – then after determining this they may search for the cheapest motherboard that fits this set of directions.
Permit me to say that the best motherboard has nada to do with the specs of that board. The specifications are all about the current architecture and platform that are being used – and what you need in a motherboard is dependant on your budget. If your financial position for a PC system is $500, then I'm sorry but the best motherboard for you isn't a Z68 motherboard that supports 4 video cards. The best motherboard for you is an H67 or H61 motherboard, or maybe an AMD system.
When you're searching for ‘the best ‘ parts, I encourage you to consider the maker before the specs. Who is making it? If the motherboard is not being manufactured by one of the three main current makers – Asus, Gigabyte, or ASRock – then it's probable a lower quality motherboard. This is likely as the other manufacturer’s lower success has lead them down a trail where they have to compete on price – and the only way to do this is to sacrifice on quality. The best motherboard exists on many alternative levels, for many alternative folks – find one which is trustworthy, then you will be on the right track.
Joseph Robertson has been building computers for 10 years and for plenty of that time has been helping others find out how to pick the best motherboard. Check out his blog for more information on the best motherboard.