How to decide which Motherboard to buy?

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aqsa97

Apr 15, 2018
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So I was looking at some ASUS motherboards for my PC and I don't really understand the complex stuff written there.. This is my first time dealing with hardware so I don't really understand what thing means what and what does it do. For example, I don't know what PCle or M.2 means.
I'm gonna attach pictures of some motherboards I liked below. Can someone explain me what the labelled things do?

Also, I read somewhere that the Microprocessor and the chip-set of the Motherboard should be compatible. Again, I don't understand what the chip-set does or why the processor and chip-set should be compatible but is there any place where I can find out which processors are compatible with which Motherboard.

I dont know if this info matters but in case it does - I want an ATX sized Motherboard. I'd prefer if the motherboard has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet support, Audio support and other features like this. And I'm planning on buying either an Intel i7 8700K 3.2 GHz or Intel i7 8700K 4.7 GHz . Obviously I need HDMI/USB ports. Um and I will be using 32GB of Ram (16 x 2) so I guess the motherboard should support that too..

Please don't roast me I know I'm asking very dumb questions but I'm trying to learn and not mess up. I'd appreciate it if someone could help me with these dumb doubts of mine.

https://imgur.com/a/R6r2u - There are 4 pics attached
 
Solution
Killer MO
That cpu you mentioned is the same, 8700k. Maybe you wanted to say 8700 vs 8700k. K stand for unlocked which means that you can overclock the cpu. As I can say you are new in the hardware domain I don't recommend you to oc at all, so take the 8700 without K. Second:
1. PCIe stand for PCI Express, those are the slots where you can put the gpu/sound card and even sdds. X16, x8 etc means the lanes allocated per pci slot. That means more bandwith for higher number ones, theoretically.
2. M2 is another type of port on mobo, especially for ssds.
3. The only thing that makes the mobo compatible with the cpu is mainly the socket. Different sockets means more or less pins on it that require a certain cpu generation made for that socket.
4. The...
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Killer MO

Killer MO

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That cpu you mentioned is the same, 8700k. Maybe you wanted to say 8700 vs 8700k. K stand for unlocked which means that you can overclock the cpu. As I can say you are new in the hardware domain I don't recommend you to oc at all, so take the 8700 without K. Second:
1. PCIe stand for PCI Express, those are the slots where you can put the gpu/sound card and even sdds. X16, x8 etc means the lanes allocated per pci slot. That means more bandwith for higher number ones, theoretically.
2. M2 is another type of port on mobo, especially for ssds.
3. The only thing that makes the mobo compatible with the cpu is mainly the socket. Different sockets means more or less pins on it that require a certain cpu generation made for that socket.
4. The chipset can be considered the micro processor of the mobo. When the computer starts that thing handles the relations between drivers and hardware and stuff like this.
You should take the mobo that has the highest chipset and also the socket compatible. Newest chipset means better bios versions and higher compatibility and stability. The one you need is the 300 chipset that offers 1151 v2 socket. From then Ill choose B360 prime because thats the only one compatible. The rest of them have socket 1151 v1 or am4( for amd cpus).
 
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aqsa97

Apr 15, 2018
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Yeah, I really dont plan on oc-ing the cpu anytime soon. PCle & M.2 slots have SSDs/Cards that look like RAM right? I think I've seen those things before just didnt know the name. But will there be a problem if I do buy 8700k and not overclock it?
And I was just looking at some motherboards and ASUS Maximus IX Formula (LGA1151) seems to match my requirements. I know its pricey but I dont mind that, I just want good performance. I guess I will have to buy Maximus X since the CPU i want to use is 8Gen
 
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Killer MO

Killer MO

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Yes they look almost like ram. No it won't be a problem, only if you want to spend this much, k versions are usually made for oc. Still the k variant has a higher base clock even without oc and you'll se an improvement. Still, that mobo is only for oc you could manage with one 3-4 times less the price like an b360 msi gaming plus or something like that. Every cpu works on every mobo brand and doesn't matter the price (if it has the same socket), so a quality one (without any oc) will handle the cpu without problems with a price of 100+ bucks. If you want to spend thst much for the mobo its your choice, but with that money you could buy a much cheaper mobo that will do the job the same and with the remaining money you could buy a gpu.
 
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aqsa97

Apr 15, 2018
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If you say so, Ill go for a simple CPU then. Yes I know Maximus is a very high-end motherboard but it has in-built Wifi, Bluetooth and if I were to buy a cheaper one without these, getting the add-on wifi/bluetooth cards will be expensive. Plus I feel its better to invest in this once and if I ever decide to have any additional cards or anything then I wouldn't have to buy a better motherboard just because of an upgrade I want in the future.
 
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Killer MO

Killer MO

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Sure that's a good choice. I almost forgot to mention that the k version doesn't come with a stock cooler so the non k version is the way to go if you don't want to spend on an aftermarket cooler.
Another alternative to that would be this, but can't find how to add bluetooth card on pcpartpicker.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Fvvhgw
 
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Killer MO

Killer MO

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The thing is it's not really worth to invest in a good mobo, especially if you are intel fanboy because they change the socket once in 1-2 years so you would need a new mobo then if you want new cpu. The things that are worth investing into are the psu and the cpu (your choice is great).
 
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