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Choose your Ultimate Gaming Motherboard with AWD-IT

Unlock your gaming potential with a new motherboard. These essential components form the backbone of your gaming rig, providing connectivity, performance, and upgrade possibilities. Discover the heart of your PC, with options tailored to diverse needs – from overclocking enthusiasts to content creators. Dive into our extensive mobo selection, offering compatibility with top brands including AMD, MSI, Gigabyte and Intel and find the ideal motherboard to propel your gaming experience to the next level.

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Motherboards

Read our Motherboard Buying Guide to help you choose your ultimate new motherboard to level up your gaming.

Shop Motherboards from top brands including ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte and more.

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Motherboard Buying Guide

Unlock Peak Performance: Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Motherboard. The heart and soul of your gaming rig, the motherboard, is a critical piece in the puzzle of achieving a high-performance gaming PC. A motherboard's role extends beyond merely connecting all your components – it sets the stage for your system's potential. So, when you're in the market for a new motherboard, you want to make an informed choice. Let's dive into the essentials you should consider when selecting the ideal motherboard for your gaming PC.

1. Compatible CPU Socket:

First and foremost, ensure your motherboard supports your CPU. Different processors use distinct sockets, so you'll need a compatible socket type for your specific CPU model, be it AMD or Intel.

2. Form Factor:

Motherboards come in various sizes, known as form factors. The most common for gaming is ATX, but there are smaller options like Micro ATX and Mini ITX. Consider your case size and expansion needs when selecting the form factor.

3. RAM Support:

Your motherboard's compatibility with RAM is crucial. It dictates the maximum amount of RAM you can install and its speed. Check the motherboard's specs for the supported RAM type and maximum capacity.

4. PCIe Slots:

If you're into gaming, graphics performance is paramount. Ensure the motherboard has enough PCIe slots for your GPU, sound card, or other expansion cards.

5. Storage Options:

Gaming means larger game files. Look for sufficient SATA ports for HDDs and SSDs and M.2 slots for super-fast NVMe SSDs.

6. USB and Connectivity:

Consider the number and type of USB ports for peripherals and storage. Modern gaming demands high-speed internet, so check the motherboard's Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.

7. Overclocking:

If you're planning to overclock your CPU or GPU for extra performance, choose a motherboard designed for it. Look for quality VRMs, cooling solutions, and BIOS support.

8. Audio Quality:

Immersive gaming requires clear and crisp audio. Motherboards with high-quality onboard audio or multiple audio jacks for dedicated sound systems can make a significant difference.

9. Brand Reputation:

Trustworthy brands like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock are known for their quality motherboards. Check reviews and user feedback for insights into reliability and performance.

10. Price and Warranty:

While gaming motherboards come in various price ranges, balance your budget with performance. Additionally, a good warranty can offer peace of mind.

Why upgrade your motherboard?

Upgrading your motherboard in your gaming PC can be a game-changing decision. Modern gaming experiences demand more from your hardware, and a new motherboard can provide that extra edge. By switching to a newer motherboard, you gain access to the latest CPU and GPU compatibility, faster data transfer speeds, and enhanced overclocking capabilities. This means smoother gameplay, reduced load times, and the ability to run resource-intensive titles with ease. Plus, upgrading your motherboard allows for future expansion, ensuring your gaming rig stays relevant for years to come. Whether it's for performance gains or to keep up with evolving technology, a motherboard upgrade can take your gaming experience to the next level.

A well-chosen motherboard is the cornerstone of your gaming PC. It's not just a connection hub; it's the vessel that carries your gaming experience to new heights. Whether you're building a powerhouse for competitive esports or a rig for open-world adventures, make an informed decision.

Motherboard FAQ's

What is a motherboard?

A motherboard, often referred to as a mobo or mainboard, is like the beating heart of your gaming PC. It's a crucial component that houses the CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and various connectors for peripherals. In essence, it's the central hub that allows all these parts to communicate and work together seamlessly.

For gamers, the motherboard is a critical choice. Different motherboards support specific CPUs and GPUs, so selecting the right one is essential to ensure top-notch gaming performance. Motherboards come in various sizes too, like ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX, which can affect your PC's form factor and expandability. In a gaming PC, the motherboard's role is akin to a referee, ensuring that your CPU, RAM, GPU, and other components work together harmoniously, delivering the immersive and lag-free gaming experience every gamer craves. So, whether you're building a gaming rig from scratch or upgrading your current setup, choosing the right motherboard is a pivotal decision for unleashing your PC gaming potential.

How to check what motherboard I have?

Identifying your motherboard is an important step for PC gamers looking to upgrade or troubleshoot their systems. Luckily, you can determine your motherboard's model and specifications easily:

Check the System Information:

- For Windows: Press Win + R, type "msinfo32," and hit Enter. In the "System Information" window, look for "Baseboard Manufacturer" and "Baseboard Product" under "System Summary." This will provide you with the motherboard's manufacturer and model.

- For macOS: Click the Apple logo, select "About This Mac," and then click "System Report." In the Hardware section, look for "Model Identifier" and "Motherboard Hardware."

Open the Case:

If you're comfortable with hardware, you can power down your PC, open the case, and physically inspect the motherboard. You'll find the model number printed on the board itself.

BIOS/UEFI:

During the boot-up process, you can often access your PC's BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing a specific key (e.g., Del, F2, F12). Once inside, you can typically find motherboard information under system information or a similar tab.

Use Software Tools:

There are various third-party software tools that can scan your system and provide detailed information about your hardware, including the motherboard. Programs like CPU-Z or Speccy are popular choices.

Motherboard Documentation:

If you still have the motherboard's manual or documentation from when you first built your PC, the model information will be listed there.

Knowing your motherboard model is essential for ensuring compatibility when upgrading components like RAM, CPU, or GPU. This information also helps when seeking support or drivers for your specific motherboard.

How to update motherboard bios

Updating your motherboard's BIOS is a crucial task for PC gamers, as it can improve system stability, enhance compatibility, and unlock new features. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Identify Your Motherboard: Before updating your BIOS, it's vital to know your motherboard's exact model. You can typically find this information in your motherboard's manual or by checking the manufacturer's website.

Download the Latest BIOS Version: Visit the manufacturer's website and locate the support or downloads section. Enter your motherboard model, and you should find the latest BIOS version available for download. Ensure it's compatible with your motherboard.

Prepare a USB Drive: You'll need a USB flash drive to store the BIOS update file. Format it to FAT32 for compatibility.

Backup Your Current BIOS: Enter your motherboard's BIOS settings (usually by pressing Del, F2, or another designated key during startup) and find the option to save your current BIOS settings to a profile. This acts as a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the update.

Update the BIOS: Copy the downloaded BIOS file to your USB drive. Then, restart your computer, enter the BIOS settings again, and find the option for updating your BIOS. The location and wording can vary between motherboard manufacturers, so consult your motherboard manual for specific instructions. You'll typically be prompted to select the BIOS file from the USB drive.

Follow On-Screen Prompts: The BIOS update process may take a few minutes. During this time, do not power off your PC or interrupt the process. Your PC may restart automatically when the update is complete.

Load Optimised Defaults: After the update is successful, it's a good practice to load optimised defaults within the BIOS settings. This ensures that your hardware runs optimally with the new BIOS version.

Test Your System: Restart your computer and ensure that everything is working correctly. Check for any improvements or new features that the BIOS update may have introduced.

Remember that updating the BIOS carries some risks, so it's essential to follow these steps carefully and ensure you're using the correct BIOS file. Avoid power interruptions during the update, as a failed update can potentially render your motherboard unusable. However, when done correctly, updating your motherboard's BIOS can be a valuable tool for optimising your gaming PC's performance and compatibility.