If the CPU or Microprocessor is the brain of your computer system, the motherboard is equally important as it acts as the central nervous system. If you open up your computer, you will be able to identify your motherboard as the biggest circuit board in your computer and every device on your computer is connected to your motherboard in one way or another.

If you look closely at this picture, you will see there are many slots for devices such as video cards, RAM, and sound cards. The CPU hooks up to the motherboard and essentially works as a facilitator between the CPU and the rest of the components throughout your computer. MAKE SURE that you pick a reliable motherboard that will be able efficiently communicate the data around your computer. The last thing you want is a motherboard that has overheated or stopped working. A good thing to look at when buying or evaluating motherboards is the chipset. A chipset is the ‘basic instructions’ and determines many of the boards basic features. Another thing to be aware of is to make sure that your motherboard has enough slots for your RAM and potential USB drives.

Also be aware that sometimes motherboards come with onboard components for video or audio, but beware because most of these onboard components (built into the motherboard) are not up to par with what they should be.

Motherboard costs are usually based on the chipset it has, but in general, the costs are about the same across the board. Look for one that has a built in cooling component for the chipset if you are purchasing a higher chipset, as these tend to run hotter than their less speedy counterparts. Keep an eye out for slots, cooling, and a good chipset, and you will have a good motherboard to add to your computer system!