Comparison Gigabyte B650M D3HP vs MSI PRO B650M-P

The number of processor power phases provided on the motherboard.

Very simplistically, phases can be described as electronic blocks of a special design, through which power is supplied to the processor. The task of such blocks is to optimize this power, in particular, to minimize power surges when the load on the processor changes. In general, the more phases, the lower the load on each of them, the more stable the power supply and the more durable the electronics of the board. And the more powerful the CPU and the more cores it has, the more phases it needs; this number increases even more if the processor is planned to be overclocked. For example, for a conventional quad-core chip, only four phases are often enough, and for an overclocked one, at least eight may be needed. It is because of this that powerful processors can have problems when used on inexpensive low-phase motherboards.

Detailed recommendations on choosing the number of phases for specific CPU series and models can be found in special sources (including the documentation for CPU itself). Here we note that with numerous phases on the motherboard (more than 8), some of them can be virtual. To do this, real electronic blocks are supplemented with doublers or even triplers, which, formally, increases the number of phases: for example, 12 claimed phases can represent 6 physical blocks with doublers. However, virtual phases are much inferior to real ones in terms of capabilities — in fact, t...hey are just additions that slightly improve the characteristics of real phases. So, let's say, in our example, it is more correct to speak not about twelve, but only about six (though improved) phases. These nuances must be specified when choosing a motherboard.

The maximum RAM clock speed supported by the motherboard. The actual clock frequency of the installed RAM modules should not exceed this indicator — otherwise, malfunctions are possible, and the capabilities of the “RAM” cannot be used to the fullest.

For modern PCs, a RAM frequency of 1500 – 2000 MHz or less is considered very low, 2000 – 2500 MHz is modest, 2500 – 3000 MHz is average, 3000 – 3500 MHz is above average, and the most advanced boards can support frequencies of 3500 – 4000 MHz and even more than 4000 MHz.

The ability of the motherboard to work with RAM modules that support XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles) technology. This technology was developed by Intel; it is used in motherboards and RAM blocks and only works if both of these system components are XMP compliant. A similar technology from AMD is called AMP.

The main function of XMP is to facilitate system overclocking (“overclocking”): special overclocking profiles are “sewn” into the memory with this technology, and if desired, the user can only select one of these profiles without resorting to complex configuration procedures. This is not only easier, but also safer: every profile added to the bar is tested for stability.

Motherboard-integrated cooling for M.2 SSD drives.

This connector allows you to achieve high speed, however, for the same reason, many M.2 SSDs have high heat dissipation, and additional cooling may be required to avoid overheating. Most often, the simplest radiator in the form of a metal plate is responsible for such cooling — in the case of an SSD, this is quite enough.

Number of PCI-E (PCI-Express) 1x slots installed on the motherboard. There are motherboards for 1 PCI-E 1x slot, 2 PCI-E 1x slots, 3 PCI-E 1x ports and even more.

The PCI Express bus is used to connect various expansion cards — network and sound cards, video adapters, TV tuners and even SSD drives. The number in the name indicates the number of PCI-E lines (data transfer channels) supported by this slot; the more lines, the higher the throughput. Accordingly, PCI-E 1x is the basic, slowest version of this interface. The data transfer rate for such slots depends on the PCI-E version (see "PCI Express Support"): in particular, it is slightly less than 1 GB / s for version 3.0 and slightly less than 2 GB / s for 4.0.

Separately, we note that the general rule for PCI-E is as follows: the board must be connected to a slot with the same or more lines. Thus, only single-lane boards will be guaranteed to be compatible with PCI-E 1x.

The presence of reinforced steel PCI-E connectors on the "motherboard".

Such connectors are found mainly in gaming (see "In the direction") and other advanced varieties of motherboards, designed to use powerful graphics adapters. Steel slots are usually made PCI-E 16x, just designed for such video cards; in addition to the slot itself, its attachment to the board also has a reinforced design.

This feature offers two key advantages over traditional plastic connectors. Firstly, it allows you to install even large and heavy video cards as reliably as possible, without the risk of damaging the slot or board. Secondly, the metal connector plays the role of a protective screen and reduces the likelihood of interference; this is especially useful when using multiple video cards installed side by side.

Number of USB C 3.2 gen1 connectors provided on the motherboard.

USB C connectors (all versions) are used to connect USB C ports located on the outside of the case (usually on the front panel, less frequently on the top or side) to the "motherboard." Such a port is connected to the connector with a special cable, with one connector typically working with just one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of USB C chassis ports that can be used with it.

Let us recall, USB C is a relatively new type of USB connector, distinguished by its small size and reversible design; these connectors have their specific technical features, so separate connectors must be provided for them. Specifically, the USB 3.2 gen1 version (previously known as USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) provides data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. In addition, on a USB C connector, this version can support the USB Power Delivery technology, allowing power supply to external devices up to 100W; however, this function is not mandatory, and its availability in the connectors of a particular "motherboard" should be clarified separately.

Number of USB C 3.2 gen2 connectors provided on the motherboard.

USB C connectors (of all versions) are used to connect USB C ports to the "motherboard" from the external side of the case (usually on the front panel, less often on the top or side). Such a port is connected to a connector with a special cable, and typically, one connector works with only one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of USB C case ports that can be used with it.

Let's recall, USB C is a relatively new type of USB connector, distinguished by its small size and reversible design; such connectors have their technical features, hence separate connectors need to be accounted for them. Specifically, the USB 3.2 gen2 version (previously known as USB 3.1 gen2 and USB 3.1) operates at speeds up to 10 Gbit/s and allows the implementation of USB Power Delivery technology, allowing the power output for USB peripherals to reach up to 100 W per port. However, the availability of Power Delivery on specific motherboards (and even in specific connectors on one board) should be verified separately.

Connector for connecting a decorative LED strip and other devices with LED indication. Allows you to control the backlight of the case through the motherboard and customize the glow for your tasks, including synchronize it with other components.