How to choose a motherboard chipset

By Overclockers User Nikolay Nikiforov explained what to look for when choosing a motherboard chipset. He also listed the main Intel and AMD chipsets. Discuss

According to the author, the performance of a computer is largely determined by the characteristics of the motherboard. Therefore, it is important to choose the right model. For the exchange of data between the processor and the video card, RAM, etc. the chipset answers. It also affects the ability to overclock RAM and processor, the number of required ports, etc.

As for AMD and Intel chipsets, they have a certain number of versions depending on the generation. Each of these versions has its own characteristics and a certain cost. For example, Intel chipsets for desktop computers 400 and 500 series are subdivided into W480 (W580), Q470 (Q570), Z490 (Z590), H470 (H570), B460 (B560), H410 (H510).

From Intel chipsets the user reviewed the 500 series versions. These are Z590, H570, B560, H510, W580, Q570. Their features are shown in the table below.

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Z590 Chipset – the only one from the line that is capable of overclocking the processor. In general, this is a top-end option, the motherboard with it also supports overclocking of RAM. The data exchange speed here is the highest of those presented – 8 GB/s. Naturally, the cost is also quite high.

H570 chipset , unlike the previous one, does not support CPU overclocking. Otherwise, the characteristics are the same as those of the Z590.

B560 Chipset can be called the mid-range model of all. There is no overclocking of the processor, the number of DMI 3.0 lines is 4 instead of 8, the exchange rate is 4 GB/s. Also, the number of PCIe 3.0 lanes is 12. In general, this version is suitable for processors with average performance.

The H510 Chipset is intended for everyday use. For example, suitable for office computers.

Finally, W580 and Q570 are used for servers and workstations. Used with Intel Xeon processors.

From AMD chipsets the author chose X570, B550, A520. They are designed for the AM4 platform. All specifications can be seen below.

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X570 chipset belongs to the premium segment. Supports overclocking RAM, processor. The chipset is equipped with 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes, 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes are used to exchange information with the processor, 4 lanes with high-speed NVMe SSD, and 16 lanes with video cards.

B550 chipset included in the mid-range segment. It differs from the previous version in the presence of PCIe 3.0 data exchange lines, information exchange rate (two times lower), the number of exchange lines (10 instead of 16), the number of ports on the board (there are now fewer of them).

A520 Chipset has only RAM overclocking. Considered an inexpensive option. There is only support for PCIe 3.0 lines, with 6 instead of 10. The number of connectors on the board has also decreased. Suitable for working with medium and weak processors without overclocking.

In general, you need to understand that it makes no sense to buy a cheap and weak motherboard for an expensive processor. And vice versa.

Source: Overclockers