Shopping for a motherboard

durango1 · 21 Nov 2014

Even though my system is only 3 years old i thought i might shop around for a new motherboard to see if i can get some better gaming benefits. I do work and play on this system, i do graphics, i game, and i code in php, and i do photoshop. So its an all in one pc. But i would like to get some better gaming performance especially since i run two monitors i think i need a better motherboard.

I have been doing some looking around at different sites, newegg and others and trying to do some comparison with regard to specs. But i just cant seem to decide (or learn) what features i need to be looking for.

Are there like 5 or 10 top things to look for in a new motherboard, are there things standard that i dont need to worry about such as chipset, usb ports, or do you just simply get one that matches the same or similar rear panel setup so i dont have to re-organize the rear connection plates. I have never purchased a MB alone before so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

here is my current motherboard

Motherboard Specifications, IPISB-CH2 (Chicago) HP Pavilion HPE h9-1110t Phoenix CTO Desktop PC | HP® Support

thanks :)

matts6887 · 21 Nov 2014

Well; i would take a few moments; and list what you feel is most important you in terms of specs etc. Since you said you use it for gaming etc. I would probably recommend at least 8-12gb ddr 3 ram; and for the processor since you do coding, etc. I would go for something like a Intel I5 at the very least but if you can afford it; I would go with a higher end processor like the I7 also from Intel. For graphics you can either choose a board with extra slots to allow for a separate standalone graphics card or you can just use built in onboard graphics. As far as brands go; one of the better brands out there is what i have which is Asus. They are one of the better quality manufacturers of motherboards. But one thing to keep in mind is you also need to measure the inside of your case so you get something that will fit. I would get a board also with a few extra usb ports on back for sure. That way you have ports for additional usb devices.

durango1 · 21 Nov 2014

Right now im running I7 and DDR 3 12gb (max 16gb) I dont want to go any less than what i have already and power is not an issue i have plenty regarding power supply. I see Asus come up on my comparison list all the time so thats great info. Thanks for the tip on case measurement, never thought about that. For sure on the usb ports, i have 12, 4 on the front under the dust cover, two on top and 6 in the back and im still running out in the back so im thinking 10 min on the back side, but that could compromise my cover plate pattern.

How important is it to match the board setup with the rear plate cutouts?

i guess the size of the MB is called the form factor, mine is

uATX: 24.4 cm (9.6 inches) x 24.4 cm (9.6 inches) so i would need a board the same or smaller correct?

Boozad · 21 Nov 2014

Go for an ASUS Sabertooth. Depends what i7 you have to determine which model.

durango1 · 21 Nov 2014

This one looks promising

Computer Hardware, Motherboards, Intel Motherboards, ASUS, LGA 1155, Intel 7 Series, ATX, 3 - Newegg.com

or i could just upgrade the processor but wow very expensive to do that.

Computer Hardware, CPUs / Processors, Processors - Desktops, Intel, LGA 1155, Quad-Core, 3.4GHz, Sandy Bridge - Newegg.com

I also have to be careful to be sure that it can handle my ide drive adapter, i just got the adapter and i dont want ot have to buy another one ya know.

sabertooth nice boards :)

update: good call Boozad This looks very very promising, and its almost exactly the the same form factor too with only 2.4 inch more on one end and the other exactly the same.
http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/...pecifications/

until i just saw the price OMG $800... dang

ignatzatsonic · 21 Nov 2014

durango1 said:

How important is it to match the board setup with the rear plate cutouts?

i guess the size of the MB is called the form factor, mine is

uATX: 24.4 cm (9.6 inches) x 24.4 cm (9.6 inches) so i would need a board the same or smaller correct?

uATX is aka "micro ATX". A micro ATX board will fit in a standard ATX case or a micro ATX case, but a standard ATX motherboard will NOT fit into a micro ATX case. So if you have a standard ATX case, you can use either ATX or micro ATX boards.

Re "rear plate cutouts". The motherboard will come with its own "rear I/O panel shield". That's that rectangular silver colored thing with all the holes in it that your audio, video, mouse, and keyboard ports pop out of so you can plug stuff in.

durango1 · 21 Nov 2014

Thanks ignatzatsonic that info could have saved the day. Appreciate that and this means that the board im looking at has changed to an asus p8

ASUS P8B75-M/CSM LGA 1155 Intel B75 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Intel Motherboard - Newegg.com

However im not really sure what im gaining here over mine, maybe better heat handling, maybe better process but is it enough to notice the difference, i dont know. I know im not gaining any slots but i suppose using a micro board your very limited on what you can get, so i may be screwed on that part.

I think i have a standard case or what they call a standard mini tower case. Not real sure how to tell other than it measures 16x16x7 (in inches)

FattysGoneWild · 22 Nov 2014

I have the same PC as you. Personally. Not worth. I have had mine since the day it came out. I custom ordered it and I will be riding this system out. Until Windows 10 hits. If it lasts that long. It will be 3 years old Jan. 2015. It originally came with a GTX 550 Ti. Over time. I have upgraded to 2 newer cards. Other being a 1GB EVGA Superclocked GTX 560 and my now current video card. 2GB EVGA Superclocked GTX 660. I am still very happy with this system and it is still very capable. I can play any thing at 1080p with excellent settings. What has stopped me from upgrading to a better graphics card. It is the mobo.

Not compatible with the 700 and 900 series of cards. HP never released a bios update. Also if you get a new mobo. You cannot reuse the Windows license. You will have to buy another. Or get it the "free" way. On a side note. I have been running Windows 8 since the day it came out with this machine. HP did provide updated drivers. It runs just as good if not better then 7. More faster and more secure. All in all imo. The system is no longer worth upgrading accept maybe to Windows 8 if you like. Mine will be passed down or retired once Windows 10 hits. I will also not buy another HP as much as I have liked this system.

Zero problems with it. But, the poor bios support is a deal breaker. No reason why this system cannot run 700 and 900 series cards. Other Sandy Bridge owners have no problems and many running those cards. But, they don't have OEM mobo's either. They have name brands like Asus, MSI, etc. HP is just lazy and want you to buy their latest. Their newest Phoenix line has no problems running 700 and 900 series cards.