If you are somebody who’s planning to build a gaming computer, then you’ve almost certainly thought about whether a motherboard plays a significant role in the overall performance of the computer build or not.
Do not be anxious because, in this guide, we will be talking about it in great detail. Hopefully, by the end of it, you will be capable of drawing your own opinion on whether you ought to purchase that premium board for gaming or instead spend your money on some other part.
The Significance Of The Motherboard In Gaming:
A motherboard is regarded as one of the most important parts of gaming. You might not need an excellent motherboard because the preferences will have little impact on the overall gaming experience.
However, your preference might have an impact on the entire computing experience. This part connects with each component connected to your motherboard. Consequently, a chipset and motherboard specify the sort of CPUs and graphic card the computer will run, as well as the features it’ll come with.
It denotes that if you have a great one, it’ll be compatible with great CPUs and GPUs. It’ll also provide more features. Also, remember that a board has no direct impact on overall performance. It improves the performance of your graphics card, CPU, and other parts.
It’ll increase the FPS (Frames per Second). Contemplate a board that’s compatible with the processor and graphics cards. If you do not desire added features like the additional RAM and GPU slots, for instance, a good one will be sufficient.
However, you would not require an excellent one for gaming too often. A few of the vital features influenced by the motherboard choice are the things you can actually install, the overclocking capabilities, and the expandability.
So the answer to does motherboard matter for gaming is no; a motherboard should not matter that much for gaming, assuming all functions well. It shows that the motherboard can safely push your CPU to the max clock and power boundaries.
It also denotes that the motherboard can run the RAM at the stated XMP rates. If these two basics are satisfied, several boards with the same RAM and CPU perform equally well in games, even if they’re based on diverse chipsets.
Read more: Why Do Motherboards Still Have PS2?
Does Motherboard Influence FPS Gaming?
Motherboards do not affect the gaming performance directly, but they ensure that the CPU and the graphics card perform correctly. It does not directly affect the frame rate, but it makes your computer more responsive and efficient, and that assists in gaming. Because of that, the games load faster and simply too. Following are the significant parts that a motherboard can affect:
GPU:
It is contemplated as a valuable part of the FPS games. The GPU makes use of a PCle port that can read and transfer information and improve the overall game performance. The GPU goes into the PCI Express x16 slot that’s labeled and tells you how it’s compatible with the slot in your GPU.
There are other slots as well, which comprise x4, x1, and x8, that permit you to connect sound cards and Wi-Fi adapters. Without the dedicated GPU, you would not be capable of performing well in your game. So yes, you can say board assists in improving your gaming performance because it permits the graphics card to transfer and read information through it.
CPU:
The board always influences how you overclock your processor. However, not all your games are affected by actually overclocking the procedure, but it is always a great thing to do so. The Central Processing Unit socket tells you whether you will be capable of using a particular gen of processor or not.
Generally, Intel and AMD Ryzen’s processors are utilized, and the well-liked sockets are AM4 and LGA 1151. Only a few motherboards permit overclocking, which comprises Intel’s Z-series boards. The AMD Ryzen permits overclocking for all the chipsets apart from the A320 one.
For instance, if you are building a gaming computer using Ryzen 5 3600 processor, you will require an AM4 socket because no other sockets would actually fit. Also, if you want to create a gaming computer using an i5-9400 processor, then you will require an LGA 1151 socket as others would not fit.
How Much Should You Spend For A Motherboard?
A few motherboards are less pricey and have sufficient power for running a game on the top graphical settings. Nonetheless, a CPU might be overclocked on a limited scale. And it’s factual, even if a highly costly model permits you to maximize the capabilities of your CPU.
Because your CPU runs quickly, overclocking can offer a major boost in performance. You might also add to the voltage on your motherboard, which will cause the CPU to create a lot of heat. A good board offers a good heatsink on the voltage regulator module, permitting good overclocking and heat dissipation.
The majority of motherboards provide relatively small variation in the gaming performance; thus, investing a few hundred dollars on the next motherboard for an additional 4FPS might not always be justified.
The higher-end-looking boards with all the fantastic LED lights will always be pricier owing to such features, but they’re often only matched with the high-performance boards so that you can be fortunate there.
The feature set will certainly raise the cost of a board. A board with 3 USB 3.0 ports, for case, will charge more than one with 3 USB 2.0 ports. An overclockable, lower-end board from AMD ought to cost roughly 75 dollars to 90 dollars relying on whether you choose the B450 or B350, while Intel’s Z390 and Z370 motherboards cost a little more than 100 dollars for the lowest-end variants.
We suggest choosing a mid-range board supporting the GPU and processor. The cost of a board is determined by the feature set and appearance; the more costly motherboards are just visually better.
A premium board, for instance, will come with fancy LED lighting that will append a good touch to the gaming device. A motherboard featuring 3 USB 3.0 ports will also be pricier than one with 3 USB 2.0 ports.
Also Read: Do Motherboards Come With Wi-Fi? Let’s Find Out!
What Makes A Motherboard Great For Gaming?
There are many aspects that make a board great for gaming. When you play a lot of games in your spare time, the computer’s setup might have to meet the gaming needs. Thus, it makes a board a critical part of a PC. Quality boards with outstanding specifications can make gaming a great experience. Also, there can be no problems or traces of lags.
When you comprehend boards well, it’ll be beneficial to you as you’ll be familiar with some significant stuff. Like the things you can contemplate when you’re in search of a gaming board. Let’s glance at a few of the things you can think of as you search for a first-rate gaming motherboard.
Great Overclocking Capacities:
An excellent gaming board is modeled for supporting overclocking. The motherboard always allows manipulation of the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). That’s for the players to be capable of adjusting the system’s bus.
And even change the current voltage of the CPU (central processing unit) for quicker rates of operation. Overclocking just allows additional performance improvement. When the speed for the entire CPU clock adds to the computer’s speed also improves.
It can support rapid completion of the workload and high productivity. The board you pick will be considered based on the farthest you can push the CPU’s limits. Always make sure you choose the right chipset for the perfect CPU.
Size Of The RAM Or DIMM:
The size of the RAM slot you get will rely on the motherboard’s size you might desire to purchase. For example, a standard ATX board always requires between 2-4 RAM. However, the basic mATX and mITX do have two DIMM openings. You ought to contemplate getting a board with not less than 4 RAM slots. The extra slots allow you to append a few more. That’s if you have to increase your memory of the rig.
Reasonable Slots Of PCIe:
A board with sufficient slots of PCIe has outstanding graphics. Thus, you have to acquire one. If you want to have a lot of GPU setups, you’ll require additional PCI slots.
Form Factor:
It’s a more significant element that you need to think about reckoning on when you pick a board. A few of the best-selling motherboard sizes comprise ATX. It’s a conventional model and has the basics such as CMOS battery and RAM slots, among others. A miniITX is the smallest, and microATX is smaller and cheaper than ATX.
Such boards come with a helpful form factor. Further, the boards are diverse based on the features spectrum they provide. And if you’re looking for a motherboard, you might think about the parts you’re ready to avoid; also plus the case that you’ll put your device in.
CPU Socket:
An appropriate socket for gaming can strengthen better operating and speed reliability. It also supports dual-core processors. And it’s for a great speed capacity.
Sufficient USB Ports:
The present gaming boards have a lot of USB ports. For example, a standard one features not less than six ports. The new ones do have ten and above ports.
Additional Peripherals:
The gaming boards do come with additional peripherals, for example, one/two fireworks, an integrated LAN connector, more than 5 USB ports, and display ports. The peripherals work as useful add-ons that improve the gaming encounter. Take note that your gaming boards vary when it comes to such additional peripherals.
A board is the basis of a computer since it is a hub where diverse connections and power supplies are attached. It processes all the information it receives the moment you turn on a PC. You can also customize your gaming board.
With that, you’ll get a model that perfectly suits your requirements. As a gamer, you have to comprehend that the motherboard’s function is significant in the Gameplay. The motherboards that don’t match the specs needed by gaming processes will always slow down and cause overheating.
It can obliterate the critical areas of your device and even meddle with the gaming ordeal. Therefore, the boards aren’t just modeled to be highly operational; they’re also attuned to enhancing the quality of the audio and graphics. Like this, you’ll enjoy all of the fantastic games you play on your computer.
The Motherboard’s Durability:
Taking note of the gaming motherboard’s durability is extremely significant. And it is because it can be utilized to regulate the huge processes linked to gaming. In case a motherboard ceases to work, all the components connected to your computer will also not work. You can scan the specifications of the board design to verify whether it is made from reliable and premium materials.
Adequate SATA Ports:
A solid-state drive and hard disk drive are necessary for each of your computer setups and frequently for gaming. Make sure you acquire a gaming board with adequate SATA ports. In each storage section, you have requirements to have a related SATA port. Don’t forget to warrant your board as it assists the preferred drives. And also, in any case, your device has the right slots.
What To Search For In Motherboard For Gaming?
In a new motherboard, you should always search for the capability of overclocking, as this process provides the CPU with a significant turbo increase in performance. Chipsets often overclock at different levels. B450 boards normally outperform the B350 in terms of overclocking.
And because the X370/470 boards are created for overclocking, they’ll automatically do better than the B450 and B350. When choosing an AMD board, remember that the chipsets will not always be out-of-the-box compatible with each CPU combo. Every chipset was created for the processor gen with which it was introduced.
While you can theoretically put any Ryzen CPU in any AM4 board, there are some gaps to fill. Ryzen Generation 1 CPUs (1600, 1200, and 1700) might work in any AM4 board right away. The new 3000 chips follow the same model as the 2000s; apart from that, they’re just out-of-the-box compatible with X570 motherboards. When it comes to Z390 and Z370 boards, there’s no disparity in overclocking potential between these two.
What’s The Disparity Between A Conventional Motherboard And A Gaming Motherboard?
If you easily play different simple games like the ones that do not need high-end configurations, then you can perform well with a normal board. However, such boards lack the top features like the expansion slots, M.2 slots, and overclocking capability. The gaming boards are outfitted with more SATA ports, more fan headers, RGB lighting, and more reinforced PCI Express slots.
A cheap Voltage Regulator Module-based board would not be capable of powering a high-end CPU which will decrease the life of your gaming rig and will also cause overheating. So, boards are called gaming motherboards if they have better heat-sinks or Voltage Regulator Modules, strengthened PCI Express ports, and RGB lighting.
Conclusion:
Whatever your requirement or budget is, there’s an outstanding board accessible for the gaming requirements in the market. As far as the motherboard supports the gaming performance level that you have to attain, it’s the perfect one for you.
However, if you feel that the game lags or its performance isn’t up to the mark, it’s time to move to a board that’s equipped with the features mentioned. What actually matters the most is that you need to ensure that your motherboard is compatible with your processor.
There are a few brands that focus on creating motherboards for only gamers; they have LED light systems, have great space for appending GPUs, and concentrate more on the mainstream systems. A few of the top motherboard brands comprise MSI, ASUS, ASRock, and Gigabyte. If you are looking forward to creating a top gaming rig, a motherboard will play a vital role in this entire thing.
