Buying a Motherboard for Gaming: What Features You Need to Consider

The motherboard defines the computer’s system. It also determines the computer’s speed, capacity and other important functions necessary for a fully functional unit. In using the computer for gaming purposes, it is important to consider the functions present in a motherboard and determine if it can handle intensive gaming applications. Be guided with the following features that must be present in a preferred motherboard for gaming purposes:

High Memory Capacity

For a good gaming experience, at least 1 GB RAM is needed. You can get either a DDR SDRAM or a DDR RDRAM. If lower than 1 GB of RAM, the game’s speed and graphic quality can be compromised so it is always critical to get at least 1 GB RAM capacity.

Adequate RAM Slots

Since gaming computers have high RAM requirements, a minimum of 4 RAM slots is required. The RAM slots should be compatible with the RAM used which should have at least 1100 MHz capacity. Without adequate RAM slots, it may not sustain high RAM requirements since RAM modules are connected equally and separately for a highly functional RAM module.

256 MB to 512 MB Graphic Card

Gaming applications rely heavily on graphics, so it is important to have a high video memory capacity around 256 MB up to 512 MB. Usually, a standard motherboard has 64 MB up to 128 MB of built-in video memory, so an additional graphics card is needed. Whenever an additional graphic card is installed, just make sure that it is compatible with the motherboard in use.

Compatible Processor

No matter how great the purchased CPU is, it will not perform well if it is not compatible with the motherboard. For this reason, choose only from the motherboard’s advised CPUs to ensure compatibility. At the same time, make sure that the CPU is fast and powerful enough as these features are typically required in a good-performing gaming PC. But remember, to be careful as certain motherboards have maximum allowable processor speed. In this case, just check the quoted limit in the motherboard’s specifications and check if the chosen CPU meets the requirement.

Adequate USB Ports and PCI Slots

The PCI slots are designed to accommodate additional cards to the motherboard such as Ethernet card, sound card and modem. For optimum gaming experience, additional cards may be connected to PCI slots in order to meet most gaming application demands. The USB ports must be critically considered as well for other additional capacity options.

Avoid On-Board Video and Sound

There are some motherboards made with built-in video and sound capabilities. But remember that on-board video is not good for 3D games, so a separate graphic card must be installed. On the other hand, on-board sound function is just fine as the sound quality is almost the same with the sound produced in a separate sound card.

Make sure to consider the above mentioned critical features when choosing gaming motherboards. The listed features can also be used for assessing gaming ready motherboards sold in the market, so it can be determined if the motherboard could really perform well with gaming applications.