When building a custom PC, your motherboard is the most important part of the build. Many focus on high end CPUs and GPUs but the motherboard ties everything together, it’s the central nervous system of your PC, managing communication between components and making sure they work together.
The form factor of the motherboard determines not only the size of your build but how many components you can fit.
ATX is a larger form factor that offers lots of expansion options, multiple PCIe slots for additional GPUs or expansion cards, lots of RAM slots and storage connections. This makes it future proof and easy to upgrade.
The motherboard’s chipset also affects system performance and feature support. A good chipset can unlock new features and systems like overclocking, faster data transfer rates and more connectivity options. So your PC can handle demanding tasks and adapt to future tech.
Discover the importance of motherboard in a PC build—it affects everything from basic functionality to high performance. Spend time choosing the right motherboard, and you’ll get a more stable, upgradable, and efficient OS that meets your needs now and in the future.
Motherboard Basics
What is a Motherboard?
At its core a modern motherboard is the foundation of your PC. It’s the main circuit board that connects all the critical components—CPU, RAM, storage, GPU and more—so they can talk to each other. Imagine it as the glue that holds everything together. Without a working motherboard your PC won’t turn on or function properly.
A motherboard supplies power to components and makes them talk to each other through buses, controllers and circuits.
The quality and type of motherboard you choose determines how well these parts can communicate and how well the system can handle tasks like multitasking, gaming or video rendering.
A motherboard’s role goes beyond just communication, it also affects the overall stability and performance of your PC. For example if you plan to use a high end CPU or overclocking components a more robust motherboard with more features is necessary to prevent system instability or overheating.
Motherboard Form Factors
Motherboards come in different sizes and layouts, known as form factors. The form factor of a motherboard is important because it determines not only the physical size of the board but also the case compatibility, number of components it can fit and level of customization and expandability.
Choosing the right form factor is one of the first and most important step when building a PC because it affects everything from case selection to future upgrade paths.
Let’s break down the three most common motherboard form factors:
ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended)
The ATX form factor is the industry standard and the most popular choice for gaming, productivity and enthusiast PC builds. An ATX motherboard is 12 x 9.6 inches (305 x 244 mm) the largest mainstream form factor. Its larger size offers:
- Expansion Slots: ATX motherboards have the most PCIe expansion slots compared to smaller form factors. These slots are for adding components like graphics cards (GPUs), sound cards, network adapters or additional storage controllers.
High end ATX motherboards can have up to four or more full sized PCIe x16 slots which is perfect for users who need multiple GPUs for gaming, video editing or 3D rendering.
- Storage Flexibility: ATX motherboards have more SATA ports and M.2 slots than smaller form factors. You can add multiple SSDs, hard drives and NVMe storage devices. Gamers and professionals who need lots of storage for large game libraries, video files or design projects will benefit from this.
- RAM Capacity: Due to its larger size ATX motherboards generally have more RAM slots—up to four or even eight slots for DIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Modules). This is useful for users who need lots of RAM for multitasking, gaming or running demanding applications like virtual machines or video editing software.
- Extra Features: ATX motherboards have more features, additional USB ports, higher quality onboard audio, better overclocking, more comprehensive cooling solutions. High end ATX boards have features like dual BIOS, onboard RGB lighting, reinforced PCIe slots for heavy GPUs and extra fan headers.
However ATX form factor requires a larger case so users will need to invest in a mid-tower or full-tower chassis to house the motherboard. So ATX is great for users who prioritize performance, expandability and cooling options over compactness.
Micro-ATX
Micro-ATX (mATX) motherboards are smaller than ATX, 9.6 x 9.6 inches (244 x 244 mm). Despite being smaller they still offer plenty of performance and expandability, perfect for budget builders or those who don’t need all the features of an ATX board.
Micro-ATX boards are a good balance of size and capability and have:
- Compact but Versatile: Micro-ATX motherboards have fewer PCIe slots than ATX boards (usually up to three or four PCIe slots) but still have enough for most builds. You can install a graphics card, sound card or network adapter without running out of slots.
- Cost Effective: Micro-ATX motherboards are generally cheaper than ATX boards. They have most of the same core features—latest CPU support, decent RAM capacity and good storage options—at a lower price, perfect for budget or mid-range builds.
- For Moderate Builds: If you’re building a gaming PC, home office or a light productivity rig, Micro-ATX has just the right amount of flexibility. Most mATX boards have up to four RAM slots, multiple storage devices (usually two M.2 slots and four to six SATA ports) and one or two PCIe x16 slots for graphics cards.
- Smaller Case Compatibility: Micro-ATX motherboards fit into smaller cases than ATX boards so you can build a more compact system without sacrificing too much on expandability. Perfect for those who want a balance between performance and space saving design.
However Micro-ATX boards may not have all the premium features of larger ATX boards. If you need dual GPUs, extensive cooling solutions or multiple PCIe devices a full sized ATX motherboard might be a better option.
Mini-ITX
Mini-ITX motherboards are the smallest of the three, 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170 mm). Designed for compact builds, Mini-ITX boards are perfect for those who want to build a portable gaming rig, a small home theater PC (HTPC) or a minimalist workstation.
Though small Mini-ITX boards can pack a punch but there are some trade-offs to consider.
- Compact Design: Mini-ITX motherboards are perfect for small form factor (SFF) builds. They fit into mini-tower or cube-style cases, perfect for those who want portability or a sleek and minimalist PC. These boards are great for LAN-party gaming rigs or home entertainment systems that need to fit in a tight space, like under a TV.
- Limited Expansion: One of the biggest limitation of Mini-ITX motherboards is the reduced number of PCIe slots. Most Mini-ITX boards have only one PCIe x16 slot so you’ll have to choose between installing a GPU, an expansion card or another peripheral. Mini-ITX boards also have only two RAM slots so you’re limited to 32GB or 64GB of RAM in most cases depending on the platform.
- Fewer Storage Options: Mini-ITX boards still support M.2 drives and SATA ports but usually have fewer options compared to ATX or Micro-ATX boards. If you need a lot of internal storage you might have to rely on external drives or cloud storage.
- Heat Management: Due to their small size Mini-ITX builds have limited space for airflow and cooling solutions. This makes it harder to cool high performance components like overclocked CPUs or powerful GPUs. Builders often have to opt for smaller and more efficient cooling solutions like low profile air coolers or all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers to keep the system cool.
Despite these limitations Mini-ITX motherboards are perfect for specific builds where space saving is a priority and are popular in the SFF enthusiast community. However they are more expensive than Micro-ATX boards because of their specialized design and compact form factor.
Choosing the Right Form Factor
Choosing the right form factor is a crucial decision that will dictate the entire direction of your build. The form factor of the best motherboard will affect everything from case compatibility to how many components you can install to the overall look and future upgradeability of your system.
Before you choose, consider your current needs, long term plans and the use case of your PC, whether it’s gaming, content creation or general computing.
Let’s get into choosing the right motherboard form factor for you.
If Expandability and Future-Proofing is Important
If you’re building a high performance system and plan to upgrade your PC over time an ATX motherboard is the way to go. The larger size of ATX boards (12 x 9.6 inches) gives you more room for expansion and future upgrades, perfect for enthusiasts, gamers and professionals who want to add more components as technology advances.
Here’s why ATX is perfect for future-proofing:
- More PCIe Slots: ATX boards have multiple PCIe x16 slots so you can add several GPUs for demanding tasks like gaming, 3D rendering or machine learning. You can also add PCIe devices like sound cards, RAID controllers or additional network cards without running out of space.
- More RAM Capacity: With up to 4 or 8 DIMM slots ATX motherboards can handle more RAM which is important for memory intensive tasks like video editing, streaming or running virtual machines. If you plan to use 32GB, 64GB or more in the future ATX motherboards can handle that capacity.
- Better Cooling: The larger surface area of an ATX motherboard allows for more cooling options, more fan headers or better placement for liquid cooling radiators. This is important if you plan to overclock your CPU or GPU which can generate more heat.
- Multiple Storage: ATX boards often have more M.2 slots and SATA ports so you can install multiple SSDs and hard drives. This is perfect for content creators or anyone who works with large amounts of data who need more and faster storage solutions.
If you plan to use multiple GPUs, add storage options or overclock your components the ATX form factor is the way to go. It gives you the flexibility to expand your system as your needs grow so your build will remain relevant for years to come.
If You’re on a Budget or Don’t Need to Expand
For those who want a balance of cost, performance and size Micro-ATX is the middle ground. 9.6 x 9.6 inches Micro-ATX boards are smaller than ATX but still have most of the essentials for a powerful build.
Here’s why Micro-ATX might be the way to go for budget builders or moderate users:
- Affordable: Micro-ATX motherboards are cheaper than ATX boards so you can allocate more of your budget to other key components like the CPU or GPU. Despite the lower price Micro-ATX boards still support most modern processors and GPUs and give good performance without the premium price tag.
- Enough Expansion for Most: While they have fewer PCIe slots (usually 2-4) Micro-ATX boards have enough room for a single high performance GPU and additional slots for sound cards or storage controllers. For most users this is enough, especially if you’re building a gaming rig or general purpose desktop.
- Decent RAM and Storage: With 4 RAM slots Micro-ATX motherboards can support enough memory for gaming, multitasking and light productivity work. They also have multiple SATA ports and 1-2 M.2 slots so you can have a good combination of SSDs and hard drives to cover most of your storage needs.
- Compact but Versatile: Micro-ATX boards fit into smaller cases so it’s a good option if you want to build a smaller system without sacrificing too much on expandability. They’re perfect for mid-range gaming PCs, home office setup or even media centers.
For gamers, students or office workers who want good performance at an affordable price Micro-ATX motherboards have great features and a good balance of flexibility and cost.
If Space is Your Top Priority
When desk space is limited or portability is key Mini-ITX motherboards (6.7 x 6.7 inches) is the smallest form factor without sacrificing too much performance.
Mini-ITX is the choice for compact, minimalist builds that fit into small form factor (SFF) cases, perfect for home theater PCs (HTPCs), portable LAN-party rigs or sleek office setup.
Here’s why Mini-ITX might be the way to go:
- Ultra Compact: Mini-ITX boards are designed for minimalism so you can build a powerful system in the smallest possible case. These boards are great if you want a slim build that fits on a desk, in a media console or even in a backpack for portability.
The smaller size doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance as many Mini-ITX boards still support high end CPUs and GPUs.
- Single PCIe Slot: One of the trade-offs with Mini-ITX motherboards is the limited expansion as they usually have only one PCIe x16 slot. So you have to choose between a GPU or an additional expansion card like sound card or RAID controller.
But for most users building compact systems one high performance GPU is enough.
- Fewer RAM and Storage Options: Mini-ITX boards usually have 2 RAM slots so you’re limited in memory capacity compared to ATX or Micro-ATX boards. So you might be limited to 32GB or 64GB of RAM depending on the platform.
Storage is also limited, fewer SATA ports and usually only one M.2 slot. If you plan to add multiple storage devices you might need to use external drives or NAS (network-attached storage) solutions.
- Heat Management: Since the build is small, Mini-ITX can be challenging when it comes to heat management. With less room for airflow and larger cooling solutions you need to pay attention to the cooling strategy.
Low profile air coolers, all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers or even passive cooling solutions are popular options to manage temperatures in these small systems.
Mini-ITX is for users who prioritize size and portability over expansion. If you’re building a compact gaming rig, a space saving office PC or a media center PC Mini-ITX gives you the flexibility to have a small powerful build that’s easy to carry or fit into tight spaces.
Additional Considerations: How Form Factor Affects Aesthetics and Layout
Beyond the specs, the form factor also affects the aesthetics, layout and airflow of your build. Let’s consider some additional factors:
Aesthetics: Larger motherboards like ATX have more open layout with components spaced further apart. This can make your build look cleaner and more organized especially if you have RGB lighting and cable management.
Smaller form factors like Mini-ITX packs everything in a smaller space so it’s more compact and minimalist look which is good for those who want clean and sleek setup.
Cooling and Airflow: Bigger cases that can accommodate ATX or Micro-ATX boards have more room for airflow and larger cooling solutions like high end air coolers or 360mm liquid cooling radiators. This helps to keep temperatures lower which is important if you’re overclocking or running demanding applications. Mini-ITX builds require more planning to manage heat as the small size means less room for large coolers or airflow. Mini-ITX cases will often rely on specialized cooling solutions or more efficient components to avoid overheating.
Component Layout: Larger form factors give you more room to work with during installation. ATX and Micro-ATX cases have more space for cable routing so it’s easier to have a clean and organized build. Mini-ITX builds require tight cable management and precision in component placement as there’s less room for large components and cable routing.
Future-Proofing: If you plan to add more RAM, storage or additional PCIe cards to your system in the future, a larger form factor like ATX will give you more long term flexibility. Smaller form factors may be sleek and compact but limits your options for future upgrades due to fewer slots and ports.
Motherboard Selection
CPU and Chipset Compatibility
One of the most critical aspect of choosing a motherboard is to ensure it’s compatible with your CPU. The CPU socket is the physical interface that holds the processor and connects it to the motherboard. Each motherboard is designed to work with a specific CPU socket type which means it will only support certain processor families.
- Intel Sockets: Intel processors use sockets like LGA 1200, LGA 1700 and LGA 1151. Different Intel CPU generations require different socket types so you need to make sure your CPU and motherboard use the same socket.
- AMD Sockets: AMD processors use AM4 and AM5 sockets. AMD’s AM4 socket for example has been used across multiple CPU generations so it’s a great option for upgrades without changing the motherboard.
The chipset on a motherboard also determines its feature set. It controls things like number of USB ports, overclocking capabilities and support for multiple GPUs. Some chipsets are designed for budget builds while others are for high performance gaming and overclocking.
For example, Intel’s Z-series chipsets (like Z690) and AMD’s X-series chipsets (like X670) are known for overclocking and high end features while B-series chipsets (like B550) are for mid range users who need decent performance without the high cost.
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
The old BIOS interface is gone. Most modern best motherboards now come with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) which is more user friendly than traditional BIOS. UEFI provides more advanced tools and customization options so it’s easier to configure system settings like overclocking, boot priority and fan control.
UEFI also supports larger storage drives, faster boot times and more security features compared to older BIOS systems. For beginners and advanced users alike, a UEFI motherboard makes it easier to optimize and manage hardware settings.
Motherboard Features and Components
Audio and USB Connectivity
Audio and USB connectivity are often overlooked features of a motherboard. Integrated audio on most motherboards is enough for general use but if you’re building a high performance gaming rig or workstation where audio matters, pay attention to the onboard audio chipset.
Many best gaming motherboards come with premium audio controllers like Realtek’s ALC892 or ALC1220 which provides better sound quality for gaming, music production or media consumption.
USB ports are another feature to consider. Modern motherboards offer:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C for ultra fast data transfer.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high speed connections to peripherals like external drives or VR headsets.
- USB 2.0 for basic peripherals like keyboards and mice.
If you plan to use multiple peripherals, storage devices or gaming accessories, make sure your motherboard has plenty of USB ports. Also make sure to future proof your build with the latest USB standards for faster data transfer speeds and better compatibility with upcoming devices.
Storage Options
Storage is a fundamental part of any PC and your motherboard determines the types and number of storage devices you can use. Most modern motherboards support:
- SATA (Serial ATA): A well established standard for connecting SSDs and HDDs, up to 600MB/s. SATA drives are widely available and affordable but slower than newer options.
- M.2 (NVMe): M.2 slots are becoming more common and offers faster data transfer speeds than SATA, especially when using NVMe drives. M.2 drives can connect via PCIe lanes which provides blazing fast speeds for gaming, video editing and other resource intensive tasks.
Gaming motherboards usually comes with multiple SATA ports and M.2 slots so you have decent storage options. For example gaming PCs and workstations might need a NVMe SSD for fast boot times and a larger HDD for mass storage.
Make sure your motherboard has enough ports and supports the storage types you need for your use case.
Networking and Expansion
Networking capabilities can affect your PC’s overall performance, especially in today’s connected world, where fast and reliable internet is important for gaming, streaming, and working from home.
Most gaming motherboards have integrated Ethernet ports, but the speed varies. Look for competing boards with 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps Ethernet for faster and more reliable connections, especially if you’re a competitive gamer or content creator who relies on stable internet.
Some new motherboards also have built-in Wi-Fi adapters, and the latest standard to look out for is Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, offering better speeds and efficiency in crowded networks. Many boards include only two SATA ports, while others provide four SATA ports to connect additional storage or optical drives.
Expansion slots like PCIe x16 slots allow you to add components like GPUs, sound cards, and RAID controllers to your gaming motherboard. A test bench setup with default settings lets you assess operating system compatibility and clock cycle performance.
Similarly equipped motherboards with multiple PCIe slots allow you to upgrade or expand. Overkill power delivery may seem excessive, but the latest features on Raptor Lake Refresh ensure long-term stability while core features remain unchanged for flexibility.
Power Delivery and Overclocking
Power Delivery Systems
Overclocking is a way to get extra performance from your CPU but not all motherboards can handle it. When you overclock you’re pushing your CPU and other components beyond their standard operating limits which requires stable and efficient power delivery.
A motherboard’s VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for delivering clean and stable power to the CPU especially under heavy loads. High end motherboards designed for overclocking comes with robust VRM designs and additional cooling solutions to prevent overheating. Look for motherboards with heatsinks around the CPU socket to help manage thermal loads during overclocking.
Overclocking and Performance
Motherboards with overclocking support can unleash the full potential of your CPU and GPU. Whether you want better gaming performance, faster video rendering or improved multitasking, overclocking can help but only if your motherboard can handle it.
When choosing a motherboard look for:
- Advanced power phases: More power phases means more stable power delivery during overclocking.
- Enhanced cooling: To maintain stable temperatures during overclocking some motherboards comes with heatsinks or even liquid cooling support.
- Overclocking friendly chipsets: Intel’s Z-series and AMD’s X-series chipsets are designed for overclocking while budget chipsets may not.
Motherboard Memory and RAM
RAM Support and Compatibility
RAM (Random Access Memory) is important for multitasking and overall system speed and your motherboard determines how much RAM your system can handle. Modern motherboards supports either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, DDR5 offers better performance but at a higher cost.
When choosing a motherboard make sure it supports the type of RAM you want to use. Also check the maximum RAM capacity and number of DIMM slots. High end motherboards can support up to 128GB of RAM but most users won’t need more than 32GB for gaming and general use.
The RAM speed of your motherboard also matters especially if you’re looking for peak performance. Look for motherboards that can handle faster RAM speeds especially if you’re building a high end gaming rig or workstation.
I/O and Connectivity
Back Panel Ports and Connectivity
The back panel of a motherboard provides connections for external devices like monitors, speakers, audio ports and other USB devices and peripherals. Some of the key ports to look for:
- Video Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort and USB Type-C video outputs are common on modern motherboards. These are important if you plan to use integrated graphics or connect multiple monitors.
- Audio Jacks: Most motherboards have 3.5mm audio jacks for headphones, speakers or microphones. High end motherboards often have optical audio outputs for better sound quality.
- USB Ports: Make sure your motherboard has enough USB ports for all your peripherals. Look for USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB Type-C for the fastest data transfer speeds.
Some motherboards will even have Thunderbolt ports which offers faster data transfer speeds than more USB ports and are ideal for content creators and professionals who rely on fast external storage.
Motherboard Selection and Installation
Choosing the Right Motherboard for You
Choosing the right motherboard involves:
- CPU Compatibility: Make sure the motherboard’s socket matches your CPU.
- Form Factor: Choose the right size (ATX, Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX) based on your case and number of components you have.
- Chipset: Choose a chipset that supports the features you need like overclocking, PCIe 4.0 or multiple GPU support.
Also make sure your motherboard has enough expansion slots, as many USB ports and storage options to support your current build and future upgrades. Check your budget and read reviews to make an informed decision.
Installing Your Motherboard: A Step by Step Guide
Installing a motherboard is one of the most critical part of building a PC as it’s the foundation of all your other components. While it may seem daunting, with attention to detail and following the right procedure will ensure a successful installation.
In this section we’ll go over a step by step guide to help you install your motherboard, avoid common mistakes and set up your build for success.
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Before you start handling any PC components make sure you’re working in a clean, static free environment. Dust and static electricity are two of the biggest enemies when building a PC. Set up your workspace on a non-metallic surface and use an anti-static wrist strap if possible to ground yourself and prevent static discharge from damaging your components.
- Anti-Static Precautions: Static electricity can damage the motherboard’s circuits. If you don’t have an anti-static wrist strap, touch a grounded metal object (like your PC case) regularly to discharge static from your body.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver and possibly a pair of needle-nose pliers. Some builders use tweezers to connect small cables like front panel connectors.
2. Handle the Motherboard with Care
Motherboards are delicate equipment so you must handle them with care. Always hold the motherboard by its edges to avoid touching any of the circuits, capacitors or other components on the board. Fingerprints and oils from your skin can cause corrosion over time and applying too much pressure to delicate parts can damage.
- Unboxing the Motherboard: When you unbox your motherboard, take it out of the anti-static bag and place it on a non-conductive surface like the foam pad or the anti-static bag it came in. This will prevent damage while you work with other components.
3. Install CPU, RAM and M.2 Drive (Optional) Before Placing the Motherboard in the Case
You can install the motherboard in the case first but it’s often easier to install the CPU, RAM and M.2 SSD on the motherboard outside the case. This gives you more room to work and reduces the risk of damaging the board once it’s in the case.
- Installing the CPU: Align the CPU’s notches with the socket on the motherboard. Lower the CPU into the socket without applying force and then secure it using the latch or lever. Be careful not to touch the pins on the CPU socket or the CPU itself as this can bend them and ruin the processor or socket.
- Installing the RAM: Insert your RAM sticks into the DIMM slots on the motherboard. Make sure to align the notch on the RAM with the slot and then press down firmly on both ends of the stick until the retention clips snap into place.
- Installing the M.2 Drive: If your gaming motherboard has an M.2 slot for an NVMe SSD, now’s the time to install it. Insert the M.2 drive at an angle and then press down and screw it in. M.2 drives are small and fragile so be careful when installing them.
Now that these components are installed you can mount the gaming motherboard in the case.
4. I/O Shield
Before you put the gaming motherboard in the case you need to install the I/O shield (the metal plate that fits into the back of the case and provides access to the motherboard’s rear ports). Most gaming motherboards come with a separate I/O shield, some higher end boards have pre-installed shields.
- I/O Shield Installation: Insert the I/O shield into the rear opening of your PC case and make sure it’s aligned properly. Press down until you hear it click in. Make sure all the cutouts for the ports are in the correct position – this is important because once the gaming motherboard is in place it’s hard to adjust the I/O shield.
5. Install Standoffs in the Case
Standoffs are small brass or metal screws that raise the motherboard off the surface of the case. They’re necessary because they prevent the motherboard from touching the metal case which can cause short circuits. Most cases come with pre-installed standoffs but if they aren’t installed you’ll need to screw them into the correct mounting points.
- Aligning the Standoffs: Every motherboard has specific mounting holes that correspond to standoffs in the case. Check your motherboard and case manual to make sure the standoffs are in the correct position. For standard ATX boards there will be 9 standoffs but this varies for smaller form factors like Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX.
6. Mount the Gaming Motherboard in the Case
Now that the standoffs are installed you can put the motherboard in the case. This step requires some precision to make sure all the ports and components are in the correct position.
- Carefully Align the Gaming Motherboard: Hold the motherboard by the edges and gently lower it in. Align the rear ports with the I/O shield at the back of the case and make sure the screw holes on the motherboard line up with the standoffs.
- Screw the Gaming Motherboard in: Use the provided screws to screw the motherboard to the standoffs. Make sure to screw them in diagonally (opposite corners) to distribute the pressure evenly across the board. Screw them in until they’re snug but don’t overtighten them as this can damage the motherboard.
7. Power Cables
Now that the motherboard is in the case you can connect the power supply. There are two main power connections you’ll need to make: the 24-pin ATX power connector and the 8-pin (or 4-pin) CPU power connector.
- 24-Pin ATX Power Connector: This is the biggest power cable from your power supply and connects to the 24-pin port on your motherboard. Simply line up the clip on the connector with the latch on the port and press down until it clicks in.
- 8-Pin CPU Power Connector: This smaller power connector is near the CPU socket, usually at the top of the motherboard. Just like the ATX power connector, align the clip with the latch and press until you hear a click.
Make sure these power connections are in properly, a loose connection can prevent your PC from booting.
8. Storage Devices, Front Panel Connectors and Fans
Now you need to connect any storage devices, front panel connectors and case fans to the motherboard. This step can be a bit tricky because of the small size of the connectors so take your time and refer to your motherboard manual for the exact position of each connection.
- SATA Cables for Storage: If you’re using SATA SSDs or hard drives, connect one end of the SATA cable to the storage device and the other end to a SATA port on the motherboard. SATA ports are usually at the edge of the motherboard for easy access.
- Front Panel Connectors: These connectors control the power button, reset button, hard drive activity light and other front panel features. The connectors are small and can be tricky to work with so refer to your motherboard manual for the pin layout. Many motherboards have a front panel connector block to make this process easier.
- Case Fans and CPU Cooler: Connect your case fans to the fan headers on the motherboard. Some cases have fan hub controllers that require power from the PSU while others connect directly to the motherboard. Connect your CPU cooler to the CPU fan header, usually near the CPU socket.
9. Check Everything
Before you turn on your system make sure to check everything. A loose power cable or improperly seated component can prevent your system from booting or even damage.
- ATX and CPU Power Cables: Make sure the 24-pin ATX power cable and 8-pin CPU power cable are in properly.
- Front Panel Connectors: Verify the power switch, reset switch and LED connectors are in the right position.
- All Fans Connected: Check your CPU cooler and case fans are plugged into the correct headers for maximum cooling.
10. Test Before Closing the Case
Before you install the rest of your components (GPU or additional storage drives) or close the case, do a quick power on test. Plug in your power supply and turn on your system and see if it boots. If you hear the fans spinning and see the power lights, you’re good to go.
If it doesn’t boot, check all connections and refer to the troubleshooting section in your motherboard manual.
Final Words
In summary, the motherboard is more than just a base for your components—it determines your system’s performance, stability, and upgradability. A good motherboard can support powerful hardware, has plenty of USB slots, RAM modules, and a solid foundation for overclocking performance and gaming. Higher-end chipsets often include RGB headers, eight SATA ports, and active cooling to maximize performance.
When choosing a new motherboard, take your time to think about the key features you need, such as compatibility with Intel chips, bios update support, rear io options, and audio channels for a well-rounded experience. For those on a tight budget, decent options are available at a reasonable price. Considering these factors, you can build a new system that meets your current needs and grows with you as technology advances.