How to choose a mother booard?

[retro1983]

Hi to all, I would like to know how to choose a motherboard.

I am using it for surfing the net, music, and movies. No need so high end.

 

Went to SLS to take some price list, got so many M.board to choose from, so want to check out here are there any recommendations or specs I can look out for.

 

Thank you.

[AKUTERRER]

Just motherboard?

Are you upgrading your system? If you are, need to let us know what is your current system specs then we can give some advise.

[retro1983]

Getting a new cpu, as mention above for surfing, movies and music. Not sure with one to buy, not using it for gaming.

[redbeacon]

I'm assuming you're keen on doing DIY.

 

Without going all too technical, the things that you might want to do are:

1. Find out what "mobo" brands the particular store is selling
   
2. Figure out what processor you want with your computer
   (P4, Pentium D, Core Duo?)**
   
3. Look at each brand. What kind of processor can be installed onto it?
   
4. Is anything installed on-board that you'd rather not have
   (e.g. You'd rather get your own video/graphics card, not a motherboard that comes with an in-built graphics card)
   Of course, it's cheaper when everything's on-board.
   
5. Expansivity options: Firewire, USB, Ethernet LAN... How many ports do you need. How many does it have?
   

Of course, the list is exhaustive for individuals with differing tastes. The list might be longer for those who want a workhorse PC of performance.

 

** Based on your needs (surfing, movies, music), I'd say these processors might be of regard to you, ranked by cost -- cheapest first

• Intel Pentium 4 HT -- HT aka HyperThreading technology
  
• Pentium D -- about to be replaced by the Core Duos, listed below
  
• Core Duo
  
• Core 2 Duo