factors to consider when buying mobo

[iffy]

So far I know to look for the following:

1. brand
2. sufficient memory slots
3. decent fsb speed (circa 1500mhz)
4. sata connection for max hardrive speed
5. compatible socket for the processor
6. enough usb ports!

Anything else I need to know? And what principles should I adhere to when matching components up?

 

[dudelewis1]

Number of pci-e slots and sli/crossfire compatibility

 

[Neodude1123201]

Chipset.

At the moment im still unsure of what chipset's are good and what to avoid.

 

[iffy]

im hearing that award is a good one to have for the chipset

"Number of pci-e slots and sli/crossfire compatibility"
can you elaborate please?

 

[spacekadet]

Raid. If your into that.

 

[dudelewis1]

If you plan on adding multiple graphics card those are important. They go in pci-express slots and sli/crossfire are nvidia's/ati's solutions for using multiple cards at once.

 

[sniperviper21]

SATA connectors.

 

[its snoodles]

if you happen to go with the AMD side i would suggest the 880G chipset i have one now and i have nothing to complain about very fast

 

[GibsonSGKing]

Amount of PCI-e ports, Nvidia chipset if you want to SLI, maybe the amount of fan headers, RAID compatibility.

 

[iffy]

whats the going rate of fsb speeds nowadays, and am i right in matching fsb speeds of components or is it actual speed I should be looking to match