Your PC begins to show the signs of aging, to the point of no longer being able to quickly run the heaviest programs or games just released on the market "> how to change the motherboard, and only then concentrate on the other components (CPU, video card etc.). In this guide we will show how to choose a modern motherboard capable of supporting the latest generation processors and offer new connection ports (such as the new USB 3.1, M.2 slots or USB Type- C). READ ALSO: How the motherboard works
How to change motherboard
We carefully follow all the chapters described in this guide, since a minimal error is enough to find yourself with an unusable or damaged motherboard! If we do not know which motherboard we use, we can rely on the information obtainable with our guide on How to find out which motherboard in the PC .Motherboard features
A good modern motherboard must have the following characteristics in order to be considered:- Support for DDR4 type RAM memories
- Support for M.2 mass storage (also known as NGFF M.2)
- PCI-Express x16 slot (minimum version 3.0)
- PCI-Express slot x1
- USB 3.1 ports
- USB Type-C port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
We can also ignore the rest of the features, since often all motherboards offer at least 4 SATA connectors and at least 6 standard USB ports (two of which at least 3.0).
To avoid errors we must pay attention to the socket and the chipset, which will indicate which brand of processor we can mount on it and the performance that will be offered. Without going into too much technical detail, below we have collected the information necessary to be able to choose the correct motherboard based on the processor we intend to use:
- 8th (8xxx) and 9th generation (9xxx) Intel processors : LGA 1151 socket and choice of B360, Z370 and Z390 chipsets (the best performing).
- Third generation AMD Ryzen processors (3xxx) : AM4 socket and chipset to choose between X470 and X570 (the best performing).
Another feature not to be underestimated is the form factor of the motherboard : we try to take a new motherboard that can enter the case already in our possession without problems! The most common form factors are:
- ATX (the largest)
- microATX (slightly smaller)
- mini-ITX (suitable for mini PCs)
NOTE : if we have a case that supports ATX, we can also connect the microATX without problems, since the guide slots are often available to hook the screws for motherboards that have this form factor. For the rest of the guide we will only recommend ATX motherboards, which typically offer more ports and slots.
Best motherboards
After taking a look at the features to be kept under control for the motherboard, let's see what models we can take to create a modern fixed PC, capable of supporting all the latest technologies.- Best generic motherboard for Intel : Asus PRIME Z370-A II (142 €)
- Best advanced motherboard for Intel : Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI (199 €)
- Best generic motherboard for AMD : Asus PRIME X470-PRO (€ 162)
- Best advanced motherboard for AMD : MSI X570-A PRO (179 €)
How to disassemble and reassemble the motherboard
Now that we know which motherboard to take to upgrade our desktop computer, let's see together how to disassemble the motherboard and how to mount the new one, keeping the same case.We remove the power socket and any type of cable connected to the PC (power cable, USB cables, video cable, audio cables etc.) and place the case on a high and stable surface (a table is fine). From here we access the inside of the case by removing the fixing screws of one of the side panels (we can use the simple hands to unscrew), so as to see the motherboard with all the internal components.
In this phase we will have to proceed with order and precision : we remove all the cables connected to the motherboard, remove the heat sink and the processor, extract the RAM memory banks and finally remove the video card and any other type of internal card / mass memory ( if any). As soon as we find ourselves with the "bare" card, we use a very small screwdriver to remove the fixing screws that we can find on all corners of the motherboard and, in some cases, also on the side edges; removed the screws, the motherboard should come off without problems.
Lastly, we also remove the metal mask for the rear sockets, placing the one available on the new motherboard (which will certainly have different types of ports and connectors).
Now we will have to proceed in reverse : we place the new motherboard inside the case, taking care to match the fixing screws, screw the latter and start connecting the new components (new CPU, new heatsink, new RAM, new module M.2, new video card etc.). As soon as all the components are in place, we connect the necessary internal cables (power cables, front push-button cables, fan cables, SATA cables etc.) and do a first ignition test, taking care not to connect the system (to avoid damaging Windows during testing).
For the test, immediately connect the power cable (with the case still open), turn on the rear button of the power supply and press the start button, so as to see the new motherboard "come to life". If the card remains stable for at least 10 minutes, without sudden shutdowns, the test is passed: we remove the power cable again, wait 2 minutes then connect the system disk and close the side panel of the case. We reconnect the necessary external cables (video cable, USB cables etc.) and turn on the PC normally.
On the first start Windows will immediately notice the change of motherboard and will install the necessary new drivers: in case of problems we can always read our guide on how to find the right drivers .
Conclusions
Summing up it is not so difficult to replace the old motherboard, we will only have to pay attention to some details and buy the new compatible components (new processor, new type of RAM etc.). If we have difficulty connecting some internal cable or we don't have enough manual skills, we can always get help from some expert friend or computer technician.An important thing to consider when changing the motherboard is to check the compatibility between CPU, RAM and motherboard, if they work together in a PC, because each motherboard only supports specific types of processor.
To build and assemble our new computer, we can read our guides on How to choose the parts of the new computer to assemble and How to assemble the PC, assemble the parts and build a computer from scratch .
