Choice of motherboard

The motherboard is the most important component of a computer. It connects all the components together to on piece. Remember that the motherboard controls future upgrade ways. Check if it supports the kind of RAM you need and the new video card you just got to have. You might want to buy a motherboard that supports a processor better than you already plan to buy. By doing that, you don ' t have to buy a new motherboard next time you upgrade.

Your choice of processor will affect what kind of motherboard you choose. If you chose AMD, you need a Socket A motherboard and Socket 478 motherboard for Pentium. You also have to check up if the motherboard is compatible with your processor. Hypothetically if you choose to buy an AMD Athlon XP 3200 (2,2GzH) you need to make sure that the motherboard is compatible with this processor. If the motherboard only supports Athlon processors up to XP 2000 (1,67 GzH), the computer will only perform at 1,67 GzH and you have wasted money. In the worst case you cannot even boot up the computer. Other important factors to take into consideration:

• Are there enough PCI slots (for network card, extra USB, soundcard. etc)

• Hardware support

• Board layout (will it fit in to the case)

• Does it support AGP (If you want a video card)

Some motherboards come with an internal video card. Internal video cards are not that good, but is definitely good enough if you are going to use the computer only for office work or surfing. Almost all motherboards comes with an internal sound card. These are sufficient for all use, except if you are a music composer. There are several  brands on the market. I would recommend ASUS and MICROSTAR. They are very reliable and we have never had any problems with them. Look at recent reviews and tests of motherboards before you buy.