On average, a motherboard will cost between $100 and $500, depending on the configuration and intended use. Gaming motherboards are more expensive than others, while crypto-mining motherboards tip the scale at up to $1000 per board.
Your motherboard is one vital component of your computer. Even building a gaming computer determines a lot about your experience. However, many of us do not seem to consider the motherboards in our decision-making. A lot of us spend on the specifications of the graphics card and the CPU. We pay little or no attention to the motherboard and work with whatever is available.
A wise approach will involve paying attention to the motherboard. You can’t just choose any motherboard. The process does not have to be complicated once there is a guide. We are here to help out with that guide precisely. We will be showing you how to carefully select a motherboard, the budget to work with, and some additional information.
So, How Much Should I Spend On a Motherboard?
The price of your motherboard depends on the features you want with it. If you want a gaming computer, then you should consider some specifications. You should go for a motherboard with a custom-cooled VRM. It should also come with a high-ideal path. Fan support will also come in handy. This kind of motherboard will come in quite expensive. You should be planning to pay somewhere between $500 and $700.
If a regular computer is what you are building, then you should not go for something expensive. A regular motherboard with some USB slots and higher RAM will do just fine. So, a low-range to the mid-range priced motherboard will be ideal in this scenario.
Typically, your budget for a motherboard is based on what you want to use it for. The features you also want with it will affect the budget.
Relate: How Important is the Motherboard Temperature
Let’s explore the price ranges of motherboards in terms of brands
Expensive motherboards could come with some good quality. Some of these qualities could be extra USB ports. It could also have exceptional overclocking features. So, let’s see the most expensive motherboards in their descending order.
The price ranges have been highlighted in the table below.
| S/N | BRAND | PRICE RANGES |
| 1. | Gigabyte | $221 |
| 2. | ASUS | $255 |
| 3. | MSI | $175 |
| 4. | ASRock | $133 |
factors to consider When buying a motherboard
There are some important features you must consider in buying a motherboard. As your motherboard is a fundamental part, you must consider these factors well in making a good purchase decision.
So, let’s get right in.
Basic Connectivity
The connectivity features of a motherboard are something you must consider keenly. Features like fan connectors, SATA ports, and USB ports will come to mind here. You will find this information on the product pages of your motherboard. So, you don’t need to start counting them one after the other.
You should also check the Wi-Fi specifications. Some motherboards come with this feature so it is just ideal if you check before buying. The less a motherboard supports connectivity, the cheaper it is priced. However, playing down on support for connectivity might not be a good option.
Upgrade Path
With the recent changes in technology and the evolution generally, a motherboard that can stand the test of time will be vital. You won’t be buying another motherboard after some months or even a year, so make that decision thoughtfully. So, you must go for a motherboard with a flexible upgrade path.
Some motherboards support beyond a generation of computers. The cheaper motherboards are only suited for temporal use. So, if you are looking for a long-term motherboard, you must consider flexibility and compatibility. This kind of motherboard might be expensive, but it will be worth it in the long run.
RAM Slots
Your RAM determines how fast operations on your computer will be. It also determines how efficiently programs run on your computer. It, therefore, means that you must consider the RAM slots well. Generally, a motherboard has four RAM slots. The cheaper ones come with two slots.
Ideally, you don’t go cheap on motherboards. It is always best to buy a motherboard with four slots. In case of future upgrades, it provides you with more options.
RAM compatibility is not a big deal. Average motherboards support a wide range of RAM speeds. So you should not have compatibility issues. You have to check the product pages, though. This will tell whether the memory speed is what you want to settle for.
VRMs
VRMs or voltage regulating modules are responsible for delivering power to the processor. This component is necessary for the stability and cleanliness of your processor. This component is also what makes sure your processor still functions efficiently.
The VRMs use the power supply and optimize it for the processor. They are essential if you want to overclock your processor. You must consider the motherboard if you want your processor to be overclocked. A powerful and robust motherboard with good VRMs would be great.
You need a clean delivery of power for successful overclocking processes. The VRMs will also provide you with high frequencies, even at lower voltages. So, for VRMs, you must aim for quality. The VRMs should also be able to stay cool in high temperatures. So, a good quality VRM will require more money.
Aesthetics
Even though your motherboard is not expected to be all fancy, it does not mean it should be ugly. It should look all ugly and something that is not presentable in your computer’s case. There have even been recent upgrades in the aesthetics of motherboards over the years. Most manufacturers are now paying attention to the outlook of their motherboards.
So, we now have motherboards, black-colored PCBs, and other elements coming in colors like silver, grey, and white. They ensure that these colors don’t clash with the light of the motherboards. So, you can go for these kinds of motherboards. Some motherboards even come with lightning.
Additional Features
There are also some fewer common features that you should pay attention to. For instance, if you use a USB Type-C control panel header, your motherboard must support this connection. This kind of motherboard will be more expensive than the average one.
You should also consider RGB headers. If you intend to connect LED lights to your motherboard, RGB headers must be paid attention to.
Related: How Many Hard Drives Can My Motherboard Support
Conclusion
Buying a motherboard is usually a straightforward process. It could also be quite complicated. You should not allow anyone to brainwash you into buying a motherboard without knowing the features. We have established that the purpose you want the motherboard for goes a long way in determining the price.
So, look through our provided information and make the best decision.
