Motherboard Guide

Learn which computer hardware is compatible with your motherboard and CPU combination.

Memory Considerations

There are three types of memory available for the most popular motherboard types. The memory you choose needs to be compatible with your motherboard.

RDRAM

RDRAM is installed in pairs only and is compatible with the Socket 478 and 370 platforms (Pentium III, Celeron, and Pentium 4).

SDRAM

SDRAM is good cheap memory, used on the Socket 370 motherboard in Pentium III and Celerons. The fastest available is the 133Mhz.

DDR RAM

DDR RAM is used with the Socket A platform and is supported by some Socket 478s.

New motherboards have DIMM slots for 168-pin SD RAM and at least two paired SIMM slots. Check the motherboard's manual or website for the exact memory specifications available to you.

Also, note the memory speed that the motherboard is rated for. You don't want to get RAM that is slower than your board.

Buy a board that is faster than your current processor. Processor prices go down due to the nature of the microprocessor market. If you wish to upgrade your processor in the future, you will have room to do so.

Hard Drive Transfer Speeds

Direct Memory Access speeds (DMA) range from 33 to 133 with 133 being the highest rate of data transfer. To take advantage of an Ultra DMA 133 board, your hard drive will need to be rated for 133 also.

On Board Graphics Cards

The on board graphics cards that come with some motherboards are slow and not recommended for gaming purposes. If you do not plan on using the computer for gaming, getting a motherboard that already has the sound and graphics card on board is a great way to save money.

Many people don't know that EBay sells new as well as used computer equipment. Usually you can buy RAM bundled with a compatible motherboard using the "Buy It Now" button, no bidding necessary.

Build Your Own Computer: Motherboard CPU Combo - Motherboard CPU combos to consider when you build your own computer.; Pentium 4 - One of the fastest microprocessors used to build a computer is the Intel Pentium 4, and comes in 1.7 to 3.2 GHz. You would use this CPU to build a computer for video editing or another processor hungry application.; Intel Pentium III or Celeron - This CPU motherboard combo is an economical choice when trying to build a custom computer that you will use for web surfing, email, and word processing.; AMD Athlon XP or AMD Duron - Build a computer with an AMD Athlon XP or AMD Duron processor and the Socket A Motherboard. The Duron microprocessor, which is faster than a Celeron, is less power hungry than the Athlon. This hardware can be used to build budget and refurbished computer systems.; Install A Microprocessor Cooler and CPU - Where to get a good deal, save money, and speed up your computer by installing a microprocessor cooler or CPU.
Motherboard Guide: Motherboard Guide - Learn which computer hardware is compatible with your motherboard and CPU combination.