Question regarding motherboard expenditure

TempoStay

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Nov 24, 2015
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Might be a simple question but If I'm not planning to upgrade anytime soon or overclock, is it better if I save and get the cheapest motherboard (so long as they don't have issues, and are compatible with the rest of the parts)? Or is there anything else I should consider (in relation to the motherboard)?
 
Solution
Two good places to start:

1) Make sure it works with the CPU and the rest of the hardware you want to use. This includes socket type for the CPU, graphics card support, and memory support

2) Do you want to overclock (no, in your case)? If not, there is usually a lower chipset to choose from in that socket range that doesn't support overclocking that costs less but still has a choice of high-quailty boards. Example, in the Skylake LGA 1151 motherboard range there is Z170 and H170, the Z170 chipset is for overclocking.

Those are really the biggest two to start with in motherboard selection.
Two good places to start:

1) Make sure it works with the CPU and the rest of the hardware you want to use. This includes socket type for the CPU, graphics card support, and memory support

2) Do you want to overclock (no, in your case)? If not, there is usually a lower chipset to choose from in that socket range that doesn't support overclocking that costs less but still has a choice of high-quailty boards. Example, in the Skylake LGA 1151 motherboard range there is Z170 and H170, the Z170 chipset is for overclocking.

Those are really the biggest two to start with in motherboard selection.
 
Solution


Thank you! Just another small question. Motherboards usually have a limit on RAM, is there something similar for V-RAM. Just for example will the cheapest compatible motherboard with say something like the R9 390 have an issue with the 8GB V-RAM or will it not affect it?
 
No problem at all, please feel free to ask anything you need clarification on, we're happy to help! :)

VRAM is totally seperate and isn't limited by the motherboard one way or the other, that is a static amount of memory that comes with a specific graphics card.
 


Thank you, once again. :)