Hey, i don't know much about computers, and was thinking about making a computer. with that being said, i decided to start looking at motherboards, but the problem is,i dont know what im looking at =/. does the socket of the motherboard really matter or is that just so you know what kind of processor to buy with it? also how do you tell if a motherboard is good or not? thanks a lot.
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Motherboard question
- Thread starter wonger357
- Start date
TrainTrackHack
VIP Member
It does matter. The socket basically determines what CPU you can put in. In case of Intel, you have have a strict CPU-mobo pair; with AMD, however (thanks to their backward/forward compatibility), there are fewer restrictions. In general, any AM2 and AM2+ CPUs and sockets can be mixed freely, and the upcoming AM3 CPUs should work well on all AM2+ boards and many AM2 boards as well.does the socket of the motherboard really matter or is that just so you know what kind of processor to buy with it?
Don't go for the cheapest, and stick with some good brands like Gigabyte, EVGA, ASUS and the likes.also how do you tell if a motherboard is good or not?
What kinda system are you looking to build?
TrainTrackHack
VIP Member
Well, you can start off with a motherboard too, depending on requirements.Wonger, you need to start with the processor. Everything else will depend on that. Figure that out first and then things will fall into line.
They're not of poorer quality, they're just slightly slower. You get what you pay for, but in general budget/midrange AMD platorms are very well priced for the performane they offer.it seems like AMD processors are cheaper in price than Intel, does this mean it is not as great of quality?
You should probably stary off by telling us what you're going to be using the computer for, and how much you can spend.
blazinjewel
New Member
Thanks for all the info! now i have one more question. Is intel better than AMD? Growing up, ive always gotten intel computers, but i'm not sure which is better. it seems like AMD processors are cheaper in price than Intel, does this mean it is not as great of quality?
If you're an addict online gamer, AMD is a nice pick. And for balance performance, stick to Intel processor.
The AMD processors are excellent. They are powerful, they run the same software the same way as Intel processors and they are reliable and run cooler. They are less expensive than Intel processors with the same number of cores and same clock speed. I've built thousands of systems with AMD processors and I own and use 2 myself - a 2.7 ghz. Athlon 2 core and a Phenom 9950. Both are excellent performers in their price class.
Some AMD processors are faster than some Intel processors so you can't make sweeping judgements. As an example, the new AMD Phenom II is really quite powerful. The only processors that will outperform them as far as I know are the Intel Core i7. The Core i7 are expensive and require expensive mainboards and memory. The increase in performance they provide might not even be evident in some applications. The Phenom II wasn't developed to compete with the Core i7. It is a different processor with a different socket and different memory connections. You can't compare them. The Core i7 is a different animal. Yes it's faster but it's about the only thing that's faster.
So take sweeping comments like "intel processors are faster" with a little salt. There is some truth to it and some fantasy. The reality is both companies make great processors. The AMD's are usually somewhat behind in terms of technology and also lower priced. Make decisions based on your application and budget, not based on the brand name.
Some AMD processors are faster than some Intel processors so you can't make sweeping judgements. As an example, the new AMD Phenom II is really quite powerful. The only processors that will outperform them as far as I know are the Intel Core i7. The Core i7 are expensive and require expensive mainboards and memory. The increase in performance they provide might not even be evident in some applications. The Phenom II wasn't developed to compete with the Core i7. It is a different processor with a different socket and different memory connections. You can't compare them. The Core i7 is a different animal. Yes it's faster but it's about the only thing that's faster.
So take sweeping comments like "intel processors are faster" with a little salt. There is some truth to it and some fantasy. The reality is both companies make great processors. The AMD's are usually somewhat behind in terms of technology and also lower priced. Make decisions based on your application and budget, not based on the brand name.
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