What should I look for on the used motherboard?
The motherboard is a circuit board that physically holds most of the main components of the computer and provides connection for other components. As a very rough analogy, it could be compared to a skeleton in a human being. Buying a used motherboard can reduce PC costs, but it can also be a complicated process. This is the shape and size of the motherboard. The mounting factor of the motherboard must be compatible with the PC sheath and the power unit. Fortunately, most modern computers use the same type of motherboard known as ATX.
The motherboard used is only used if it is compatible with your components. The component is most likely to cause problems, the CPU or the central processing unit. The easiest way is to use a motherboard made by the same company as the CPU. Other combinations can also be compatible.
The motherboard must also be compatible with memory in your PC. This is influenced by both the number of pins on the memory unit and whetheruses individual or dual in-line memory modules. This compatibility requirement is why most computers are limited in how much memory they can accommodate.
It is also important that the motherboard has corresponding connectors and slots. The connectors are there to connect to the hard disk and there are several types of connections such as IDE and SCSI. If it does not match the unit, there will be no way to install and use it.
Some of the key slots that need to be found are PCI that is compatible with many types of computer card and AGP, which is used in most graphics cards. Other card types, such as audio or network cards, usually connect to a modern CNR slot. It is also important to check that there are USB ports: virtually all new motherboards have them, but some older motherboards do not have to, and it would be an ous series for a computer.
The wide range of potential incompatibility with the motherboard is why its replacement in the existing machine can be a problematic and expensive process. When building a computer from zero, the situation is slightly different. In this case, whether you choose a new or used motherboard, it is generally best to plan in advance before buying any equipment, making it easier to ensure compatible motherboards and components and that there is enough space to add other common components later.