Selecting a motherboard

[Max]

Despite having built a desktop a few years back I'm unclear about how one determines a motherboard to match up with a CPU. Say I want to upgrade my CPU with an i7...can I use the MB I have now? (Asus LGA775) If I want to upgrade to a new MB, can I choose anything I please?

Thanks,

[633DH98]

i7 require new sockets.

All Intel® Core™ i7-900 series processors feature:

    * Socket type LGA1366

All Intel® Core™ i7-800 series processors feature:

    * Socket type LGA1156

[633DH98]

Different number of pins.  In these three cases (775,1156 and 1366) the numbers refer to the number of pins on the socket.

[Max]

Gotcha...so as long as the pin/socket numbers match from MB to CPU...you can pick and choose.

[Dragon]

Correct.  But there are other things to consider too. Main thing is how much $ you want to spend and what do you really need. 

Just like a power supply, I tend to not skimp on the MB.  Every other part of the computer can generally be replaced in 5 min or less without using any tools.  The PS and MB are more like permanent fixtures and a true pain in the arse to replace.

[Ghastly]

Gotcha...so as long as the pin/socket numbers match from MB to CPU...you can pick and choose.

Generally, but not always.  Often, as a new series of processors is released - even for the same socket - there will be required changes in BIOS to support the newer processors.  At times, you'll need to update to a newer BIOS before upgrading - and once in a while you'll run into a situation where the motherboard manufacturer either doesn't release a new BIOS or in fact needs to make hardware changes to the board to support the newer processors.

It's best to make sure that the upgrade processor model is supported on your motherboard make, model AND REVISION before going forward.

<S>

[BaldEagl]

As others have already said, you absolutely have to have the right pin configuration on the motherboard to accomodate the CPU.

One that's done, then you have to consider both current and possible future use.  Do you have a case that can accomodate only a micro-ATX board or can it take a full ATX or either one?  Will you have a possible need for more than two (or three if it's triple channel) RAM slots?  BTW, the RAM configuration (double or triple channel) will be determined by the CPU.  How many hard and optical drives do you forsee using?  Will any of them be IDE?  Will you want to put hard drives in RAID configurations?  Will you ever want to add a second or third video card?  How many USB devices do you forsee using?

Those are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself in order to select a board that will accomodate both your current and future needs.

The motherboard is a critical component of your system and it's selection should not be taken lightly.  The motherboard, CPU and power supply are the pieces of your system that you're not likely to ever change out unless you've selected poorly.