How do You Find the Best Compatible Motherboard?


  1. Posts : 235
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    How do You Find the Best Compatible Motherboard?


    In a previous question, I asked what motherboard would fit my my components. With only 1 answer, I realized a better question is how to find the best motherboard system that fits my system? In other words, where would I find a list that presents all possible motherboards that will be compatible with my components and what's good and bad about each one of them?

    For example, I need an LG1151. How do find a list of ALL motherboards that would be compatible and figure out which one would be the best? This is what I customarily do. I use 3 website types, Amazon, PartsPicker, and the manufacturers' websites. I don't know if the list they provide are comprehensive (which means that it contains *all* the possible motherboards out there that work or if it's an incomplete list). Since I don't know if it's comprehensive, I have to go to other websites and verify that there aren't other motherboards that they are missing.

    The first website I check is PartsPicker and input the parameters which is that it has to be LG1151, compatible with my i7-8700k, ATX/EATX form factor, and finally be a z390 which is the highest option for the chipset. I did this to narrow it down as much as possible. I got 54 options. I rank them by rating but then, I'm stuck. I go to Amazon and read through the ratings of these 54 but I don't even know if there are other options that PartsPicker simply didn't state.

    Then, I look for motherboards via Amazon using the same parameters and it looks like it finds a few motherboards that weren't among the 54 that also have high rankings. I start reading the reviews which takes a long time. A very long time. I have to plow through hundreds of reviews to figure out which is wrong and right about each motherboard. I try to make a spreadsheet and show how each is different with numbers as well as with written notes. It takes a long time and I'm still not sure if the motherboards I am looking at are any good. I notice that on manufacturer's websites, they won't list the older motherboards that aren't part of the current line but that still sell. That makes it so much harder because if it's not on the website, it doesn't necessarily mean that a product is discontinued. For example, go to the Asus website. The Asus Rog Maximum Hero XI is supposedly still a great motherboard but it's not listed when you click current motherboards being sold. You have to search for it in the search box instead to get the specs. Kinda' stupid, no?

    So, how do you guys look for compatible motherboards after deciding upon some of the components?

    *This is for a Window computer if it makes a difference.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 623
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    Hi CerebralFreeze.

    When I am building a computer, I first decide on what CPU I want, then work down from there.
    So if, for example, I choose an Intel Core i9 10850KA 10 Core LGA 1200 3.6GHz CPU, then I look for an Intel LGA 1200 motherboard.

    I then narrow it down by deciding on the brand or brands I would like, then go from there.
    For example, I usually only look at GIGABYTE or ASUS motherboards, but your preference may differ.

    Most computer hardware sites allow you to filter or browse by socket type and brand.

    Happy hunting.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,612
    11, 10, 8.1 and 7 all Professional versions, and Linux Mint
       #3

    The first website I check is PartsPicker and input the parameters which is that it has to be LG1151, compatible with my i7-8700k, ATX/EATX form factor, and finally be a z390 which is the highest option for the chipset.
    You can use any such site - but then to try using amazon or a google search, is just - simply not appropriate

    Once you know you need LGA1151 revision 2 for the coffeeelake CPU - but ALL Z390 CHIPSETS were such as the first LGA1151 could not properly run CoffeeLake CPU, as the pin out is slightly different on the LGA1151 for the coffeelake and that CPU is DDR4 only

    YOU then decide what YOU want on the board
    for instance 2 PCIe slots dual graphics rather than using one card
    two M2 NVME slots or - only one etc or an M2 SATA
    which integrated network
    included wireless etc
    RGB lighting capability
    The list is endless and only by knowing what you want and then searching the board sites will you get a truly accurate conclusion

    TUF Z390-PLUS GAMING | Motherboards | ASUS United Kingdom

    or the budget ones
    Best Budget Z390 Gaming Motherboard for I5 9600k and I7 9700k - Good Gaming Motherboard
    You really need to decide what you want on the board before anyone can offer meaningful suggestions
    Were it me I would go for the Asus but that depends on your budget and what you want
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #4

    I'd probably start with the motherboard search engine at newegg.com.

    The "power search" screen offers a (bewildering?) range of filters.

    Buying an LGA 1151 board requires a little caution. It has been around for a while, and the oldest boards don't support the newest processors.

    I'd probably go for the top-end chipset (Z390). You may be able to save money by getting a micro ATX board, but I've always gone full ATX. (Except when I've used extended ATX.) Even if you restrict yourself to one vendor, you may get a lot of choices.

    Example: Intel Motherboards - MSI, ASUS, GIGABYTE - Newegg.com

    There are less chipsets that support the same CPUs, but I believ that they are better suited to commercial PC builders, who presumably want a few more dollars in their bottom lines.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 2,487
    Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
       #5

    I agree with Bob.

    Amazon search functionality is nowhere near as good as Newegg for computer stuff.

    I usually do primary searching/sorting at Newegg to find what I might want and then check the price at Amazon and PCPartpicker. Amazon is usually the best price, but you often can't find a particular model...........or they may have it, but your particular search terms may not find it.

    PCPartpicker is pretty accurate in my experience, at least for sorting and weeding out incompatible stuff.

    Use the Newegg search function, paying attention to the filters along the left hand side.

    Go to computer components/motherboards/Intel first.

    That will get you to the general motherboard category, then use the finer filters on the left.

    You can then select 1151 socket and so forth.

    Pay attention the the chipset. If you have a K model, that implies overclocking, which points to the Z series.............but maybe you don't actually overclock, so maybe look at H or B series.

    I wouldn't assume any vendor info is 100% correct, so draw up a list of 4 or 5 candidates and then go to the board manufacturer's web site to cross check and confirm.

    Pay particular attention to types of ports and slots. You may well want the latest USB ports and more than 1 NVMe drive capability?

    Number of case fan connectors might be important to you?

    Intel LAN might be a consideration?

    Most sound is Realtek. I've found all the variations I've had fine for my purposes.

    If you don't need a bunch of slots or multiple video cards, seriously consider micro ATX.......although you won't have as many choices.

    I would NOT NOT get in a major lather over reviews...............there's a lot of randomness you can't control re luck and build quality. Not to mention doofus reviewers. I've owned 4 different motherboard brands and had issues with 2 of them, but that's purely an anecdote that shouldn't influence you.

    Yep, make an Excel spreadsheet with the detail and columns you need.

    Yep, boards released for earlier series two or three years back get rare pretty quickly and might limit your choices.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 22,923
    Win 10 Home ♦♦♦19045.4170 (x64) [22H2]
       #6

    @CerebralFreeze

    1. Go to PCpartpicker and choose: System Builder, and the fist thing you do is add your CPU.
    2. Then pick: Choose motherboard, and... choose ASUS and Gigabyte,, choose: ATX, and choose: Z390
    3. At top right, sort by "price" (lowest to highest) [generally, the more they cost, the better they are] stay above $150)

    Are you gonna overclock...then go for an ASUS TUF or ROG or Gigabyte Aorus. At present, Gigabyte seems to have the best motherboard manuals. Both ASUS and Gigabyte have great support.

    Use Newegg to check for complete manufacturer specs, or use the manufacturer. They will be the same.



    Why PCpartpicker is the go to place these days. They won't let you pair an incompatible CPU and motherboard. They show the lowest prices you can find.

    Companies I know are safe to order from...
    Newegg, Amazon, B&H Photo.

    On Newegg and Amazon, make sure it's marked shipped and sold by themselves.


    That's about it.
      My Computer


 

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