You should upgrade your motherboard toadd compatibilityto the new CPUorwhen it’s bricked/damaged. It also depends on personal preference and if some hardware parts experience extreme bottlenecking.
Only go for a new motherboardafter you’ve exhausted all other options. Try replacing your video card, RAM, and the processor first. These are generally cheaper and easier options than tobuild a PC from scratch.
But how would one know whether it’s time to upgrade? Worry not! I’ve got you covered on why and when you should opt for a new motherboard.
New CPU Compatibility
CPU is the brain of the computer. With every improved generation, there’s going to be some form ofperformance benefits. If you’re going for a powerful CPU, it’s essential to ensure that themotherboard’s socket and chipset support it.
However, some boards can add compatibility throughBIOS updates. You may easily verify this from the manufacturer’s support page. If it does, it’s better toupgrade the firmwarerather than get an entire board.
Even ourLGA 1700 motherboard(MSI PRO B760M-E DDR4) providessupport for future-gen CPUs. So, we are excited to see whether a BIOS update can help add compatibility to the upcomingMeteor Lakeprocessors.
However, our B550 motherboards at the office are not compatible withRyzen 7000series processors. In this case, there’s no option other than purchasing a newAM5 motherboardto gain that efficientZen4performance.
But this entirelydepends on what CPUyou’re trying to install. Intel and AMDuse different socket types(LGAorPGA) and thus require separate motherboards.
For beginners, it’s daunting tochoose the correct processorfor your motherboard. If you’re truly seeking toboost speed and performance, we’ve got you covered with the best motherboard and CPU combos.
Better RAM Support
It’s absolutely essential tochoose the right RAMfor your systemfor optimal performance. The main parameter to consider is theDDR generation.
Most modern motherboards are likely going to haveDDR4 slots. But if you rock an older system (one before 2014), yours probably embeds DDR3. In such cases, higher memory operating voltages and slower data transfer rates can trouble you.
There’s no point inupgrading your RAMas you may’t seat aDDR4 memory stick on your DDR3 slot. In fact, the DDR types are neitherbackward nor forward-compatible. In this scenario, the only option is to upgrade to a motherboard supportingDDR4 or DDR5.
Besides,RAM channelandmemory capacitymight be other factors you could be thinking of. Let’s say, you want to run aquad-channel configurationbut there are only two slots. Clearly, this won’t satisfy your needs and calls for a motherboard upgrade.
Better Storage and PCIe Support
Today, most users preferNVMe SSDs over SATAstorage drives. But some older motherboards might not include even a single M.2 slot.
In that case, you may purchase aPCIe to M.2 expansion card. However, there can still be a compatibility limitation. Sometimes, you may need specificBIOS settings(likePCIe bifurcation) to make use of it.
A better option is to get a new motherboard that already includesmultiple M.2 slots. And these days, even cheap lower-end boards come with at least one M.2.
Even if you’re seeking moreSATA portsor extensiveRAID support, you might want to switch to a better motherboard.
Not to forget aboutPCIe slots! Users who want to install multiple graphics cards need to ensure their motherboard is compatible with that.
Just because yours has more PCIe slots doesn’t mean you may add up as many dedicated GPUs as you want. If you really looking torender heavy 3D applications, you’ll need to go for a motherboard upgrade.
You’re Experiencing Bottlenecks
PC bottlenecking can hinder your system performanceat an extreme level. These can be in the form of CPU, GPU, RAM, or even storage.
To resolve this issue, you need to first understandwhich component is bottlenecking the other. For example, if you haven’t got the appropriate CPU and GPU pair, theperformance gets restrictedto the lower-end component.
Once you’ve identified the culprit, the first solution is toget a faster componentthat can keep up with the others. In the above scenario, you might need ahigher-generation processor. But if your motherboard can’t support that, it needs to be upgraded entirely.
Well,GPU bottleneckscan be prevented to some extent byreducing extensive graphics settings.Turning off Anti-Aliasing,enabling VSync, tweaking real-time ray tracing, etc.
However, doing somight cap the frame rates, which is probably not the thing for hard-core gamers. If your motherboard is the limiting constraint, upgrading it would be the better option.
Similar is the case with RAM and storage bottlenecks. For the former, the only option is toadd more memory/RAM. To reduce storage bottlenecking, it’s better toreplace the older mechanical drive with an SSD.
If your motherboard imposes limits on such changes as well, the last option has to be upgrading it.
Need for New Features and Future Proofing
WhileBIOS firmware updatescan add new capabilities to the motherboard,it still won’t give it new abilities.So, to get your hands on the latest features, the best bet is to upgrade the motherboard.
You might be in need of a newUSB (3.0 and later)orPCIe (4.0 and 5.0).Maybe you want to utilizeUSB-C or Thunderboltports. Even if you want to integrate an add-on card, you’ll require a USB-C orThunderbolt header.
With the improvement in technologies, some modern desktop motherboards now offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support. Also, users who do not seek a dedicated GPU can upgrade to a motherboard that offers the best integrated graphics.
If you’re already looking for one, my suggestion is to go for future-proof motherboards. Look out forPCIe Gen5 lanes, excellentVRMs (Voltage Regulatory Modules),DDR5 RAM, 4 to 6M.2 slots, thelatest USB generation, etc.
Overclocking Support
If you’re a PC enthusiast or a gamer, you’ve probably triedpushing the CPU limitsandoverclocking RAM. This process does come with challenges – overheating, poor power delivery, stability, risks of failing, and more!
That’s when choosing the appropriatemotherboard chipsetcomes in. For AMD, go for theB or X seriesfor premium overclocking. And those preferring Intel can choose from theZ series. Note that your processor should also be unlocked.
Also, keep an eye on themotherboard VRM, which is responsible for regulating power to the CPU and other components. Ensure the motherboard integratesmore number of power phases (MOSFETs)for better stability.
If yours doesn’t comply with the criteria I have mentioned above, you might want to go for an upgrade.
As an enthusiast myself, I upgraded my motherboard toASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z690 HERO. The most fascinating thing about it is the inclusion ofASUS AI Overclockingwhich has made the process a breeze.
Damaged or Bricked Motherboard
The truth is, amotherboard’s lifespanis between7-10 years. However, if you aren’t good at taking care of it, you’ll need an upgrade before that.
You’regoing to see signsbefore yourmainboard is dead. FrequentBSOD (Blue Screen of Death),POST errors, and degradation in performance are some obvious ones.
Another scenario is afailed BIOS update. While modern boards come withauto-recovery featuresand manual recovery processes, older ones might not.
That was exactly the case when I facedpower interruptionwhenupdating the BIOS on myMSIG31TPM-P21motherboard. It was a long time ago and I had to replace it withMSI H81M-P33.
If you have the right hardware knowledge, you may tryrepairs and testsyourself. But if the motherboard doesn’t respond, there’s no other option.
This can even happen due to damaged CPU socket, DIMM slots,power connectors, or otherimportant headers.
Other Personal Needs and Preferences
Upgrading your motherboard isentirely subjective. Aside from all the essential points above, your personal needs and preferences matter the most!
If you’re someone intocryptocurrency mining, there are specialized boards for that. Likewise, you may findspecific boards forprogramming, gaming, game development, etc.
If you want the motherboard to fit in with other components, you may want anaesthetic upgrade. Look for anRGB motherboardthat can suffice your needs. Also, we have got you covered on the best white motherboards.
Some of you might even be thinking ofupgrading to a reputed brand. Every manufacturer has their specific product lines and might include the specific features you could be seeking. That was exactly why I switched fromMSI to ASUSforAI Overclocking.
The last thing I can think of is cooling. Some motherboards are optimized for water cooling both CPU and GPU. Take a quick peek at myASRock X570 AQUA.
Few Things to Consider Before Motherboard Upgrade
Now that you’ve got a detailed idea of when to motherboard upgrade, theultimate decision falls into your hands.
If you’re ready to go for a new motherboard, ensure all thecomponents are compatible with one another. I like tousePCPartPickerwhen building new rigs and recommend the same.
However, there are other things to consider as well. ensure you choose a motherboard that best matches your needs. Here are some general things to consider:
