Motherboard test 2023

Welcome to our big mainboard comparison test. Are you looking for a motherboard for your new computer or do you just want to upgrade your motherboard? Don't know which motherboard to buy or have questions about motherboards? Then you've come to the right place! 

We have specialized in hardware purchase advice and present you with the best motherboard for your needs in this motherboard comparison test. No matter what budget you have for your mainboard, you will find the right mainboard for you with us.

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The big motherboard guide - Everything you need to know

In our mainboard guide we answer various questions on the subject and want to make your purchase decision easier. You also have the opportunity to get a lot of information about the different mainboards and take a look at our price comparison to save a few euros when buying a new mainboard. Buying a new motherboard has never been so easy!

What actually is a motherboard?

A PC consists of several components, which transfer different information among each other, disseminate it and not only make it available to the user, but also exchange it with him at the same time. Each of these nodes fulfills a specific functionality. Many of these nodes reside in a structural and complete element called the motherboard, without which nothing would work. 

We also call the motherboard the mainboard. The word "mainboard" comes from the English and describes the system board as we know it in our computer. It is the basis of every PC. The mainboard is also known under the synonym motherboard.

The concept of a motherboard and its features

From the average user's point of view, the motherboard is a rectangular fiberglass product. This contains many parts and connectors that are connected to each other by conductive elements. The mainboard with its functionality has several basic functions, which we will briefly explain here:
transmission of control signals from the central processing unit (CPU) to the various devices; Data exchange between processor and memory, both permanent and operational; organizing and providing access to long-term data storage (external hard drives and other external media); Connection of external devices (video cards, audio processing devices, external storage, network adapters, printers, etc.); Input from the user or another computer is also interpreted by the mainboard.

Important: Another important function that is not directly related to the processing of information, but ensures the operation of the processor and some external devices, is the provision of additional power to the processor (CPU).

Why do you need a motherboard?

The answer to the question what a motherboard is, we have already clarified above. Without a mainboard, the computer would not be able to work as a whole.

What size motherboard do I need?

This question depends on which case and which mainboard you basically want to install for your computer or replace in the old computer. If you want to replace an existing mainboard, then look directly at the plate, it usually says the type and shape such as: ATX, Micro-ATX or Mini ATX.

If you want to buy a new mainboard and your case is already available to you, then pay attention to the internal dimensions of the case and the size of the desired mainboard when buying.

The differences in size and the individual form factors of the respective motherboards are described below.

What is a mainboard socket and which one do I need?

The processor socket is an important feature of the motherboard. This is the socket that the processor will go into. The use of the socket implies the possibility of a quick replacement of the processor. 

As technology continues to evolve, processors and their slots are also being developed for even faster data exchange, leading to the improvement of sockets. Therefore, when buying the motherboard, it is necessary to pay attention to the socket. Be clear about the budget you have and how future-oriented your computer should be. Since different socket sizes are installed in the individual mainboards, we will use the three examples here:

You need an office computer or a powerful CPU, then take a mainboard that has an XY socket. If you need an average computer that also includes or is to be installed with a slightly stronger CPU, then please pay attention to this socket XY. However, if you want to buy a gaming motherboard, we recommend that you buy a socket that is XY.

Which mainboard form factors are there and which one do I need?

Important Info: All motherboard size standards and in general the components that go with them are measured in inches. So don't be surprised if you come across "out-of-round" numbers in the shop or when you get advice in the shop, or if these don't seem logical for certain hardware parts. 

At the same time, manufacturers also optionally provide information about sizes in millimeters. Motherboards that are compatible with the same processors and have the same chipsets can be made in different designs. First of all, it's about their size.

There is a concept of the form factor or size of the motherboard. The geometric dimensions of the board have standard values ​​to unify the system blocks used and the various peripherals. We have put together the following mainboard form factors for you:

Differences between: ATX | Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards

The differences between the three mainboards are obvious. On the one hand, it is the sizes that distinguish these motherboards, on the other hand, there are no or additional slots for additional hardware parts. 

If you prefer to have more space in your case for other peripheral devices, you should go for a larger case and choose a smaller mainboard before your desired parts cover certain areas of your mainboard and you cannot get to the connections.
The connection points for attaching the ATX and Micro-ATX boards to the housing are almost identical. Remember the following sentence: "If an ATX motherboard fits in the case, then a Micro-ATX motherboard will also fit in this case". On the other hand, there is a certain limitation.
 A standard ATX will only fit if the desired/existing case is large enough, although a Micro-ATX has previously found space. Micro-ATX is abbreviated very briefly by many manufacturers as μATX.

Which motherboard do I have? How to find out!

How to determine which mainboard is installed:
There are three ways to determine the type of motherboard installed in a PC:

1. Possibility: With the help of diagnostic programs. This can be CPU-Z, AIDA, PC Wizard, etc.
   
2. Possibility: With DMI. This method is more suitable for programmers. It is partially implemented in the Windows system properties, but the motherboard type is not always displayed there.
   
3. Possibility: Visual. After you have opened the computer from the side, a quick look from above / from the side of the mainboard is often enough to find out what type it is. Just pay attention to the labeling, which is usually on the side or directly centered on the board or motherboard. Traditionally, it can be said to be between each expansion slot.
   
   The first method is the simplest and is preferred by our editorial staff. If you cannot open the computer (for example, if the PC is still under warranty) or if it cannot be opened, this variant with one of the programs described is absolutely safe.

New motherboard? This is to be considered when buying!

The following criteria should be used to choose the right motherboard for your machine:
Make sure that the motherboard you want has the right compatibility with your existing/desired processor.

All hardware parts to be used, e.g. B RAM, graphics card, number of hard drives and other peripherals are suitable for the mainboard.
The form factor of the motherboard should match the existing one Housing and with that Power Supplies to match.

The arrangement of the hardware parts on the motherboard should in no way affect the internal ventilation. If possible, there should be two BIOS chips on the motherboard. The availability of an additional CPU power supply is mandatory. The position of the hard disk connectors should be practical and no hardware parts impede.

Installing the mainboard: How it works!

Disconnecting and removing a motherboard from your computer is, relatively speaking, a simple process. In most computers, the mainboard is arranged vertically. This is located on the side of the computer housing and is screwed on there. However, since many devices and individual parts are installed inside the computer, you should remove all hardware parts on the board before the mainboard is completely removed. 

Below is a 5 step-by-step guide that is required to remove most motherboards from your computer and then install the newly purchased motherboard. The quick start guide is not detailed and is mainly intended for inexperienced computer users who are carrying out a mainboard replacement on the computer for the first time.

Step 1

First switch off the power button on the back of the computer and then remove the thick power cable from both the mains and the computer. Remove the cover on the side of the computer. This is usually attached to the back of the computer with 4 screws.

Step 2

At this point, never forget to ground yourself with your body beforehand. The most time-consuming process is disconnecting/removing other hardware parts connected to the motherboard.
 You must remove all of the following hardware components (if any) before you can remove the mainboard itself. Random access memory (RAM), Graphic card, sound card, network card, hard drive (only disconnect if it covers the mainboard), cooler (fan), CPU (processor) (as required), drives (only remove them if they interfere with the mainboard)

Step 3

After you have disconnected the various cables and devices connected to the motherboard and removed the obstructions, proceed to the next step. Next, loosen the mounting screws that secure the motherboard to the computer case. Make sure that your screwdriver does not slip and then fall on the mainboard or even touch it.

Failure to do so may damage the motherboard. After you have removed all the screws, you can carefully pull the motherboard out of the computer case. To then install the new mainboard, insert it in the correct place in the housing and repeat steps 5-1 (i.e. backwards).

Motherboard test: conclusion

We have tested some mainboards that we have already mentioned here under this link and have come to the following conclusion: When choosing the mainboard you should give enough thought to the future purpose of the computer. At the same time, it should also be mentioned that the right choice of mainboard influences the entire system and makes it dependent on your choice. Let's assume you have decided on a gaming mainboard. Then the editors recommend you to buy a motherboard that consists of several slots for the graphics card, as well as the possibility of being able to install the required amount of RAM without any problems, because there are enough slots available. Cooling such a board should not be limited to multiple coolers and fans.

Installing the mainboard: video instructions