Trying to understand computer technology is melting my brain. I understand the abilities of varying GPUs and CPUs and even RAM. What I don’t get is what makes a motherboard good or bad. Isn’t it just the circuitry that everything talks to each other through? If it’s made of the same material and has the same ports how can it be good or bad in comparison to another of like build quality?
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You should view same generation-ish consumer motherboards in two categories: General computing and enthusiast
*General computing*: Mobos of a similar generation are fairly simple, and are all basically the same at its core functions and build, regardless of price. Basically the mobo has everything it needs, increasing prices generally just gets more features rather than anything ‘better’. More ports, more plugs, wireless cards, lights, and such. But the base mobo is mostly if not exactly the same. Even the lowest level, shitty mobos of a generation are actually more than sufficient for most consumers, who often need little in the way of extra ports, and often smaller mobos are great for small form factor computers. And remember, any port that isn’t used is wasted, so getting more ports and such isn’t better, unless you actually use them.
*Enthusiast*: The same as generally mid-to high end general computing mobos in ports etc., but usually have added heat dissipation on some parts and some better electronics for voltage which make it easier to manually tweak and configure the system to overclock. This is really meant for overclockers who want more precision and reliability to finely tune their system to get slightly better performance with the same gear. If you are not overclocking, these mobos are not providing any additional value. Basically these mobos have some extra stuff to help deal with heat and voltage of overclocking. Not overclocking? This category isn’t for you.
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