Comparison MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI vs MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

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.

Connector for connecting an ARGB LED strip as a decorative lighting for a computer case. This type of "smart" tape is based on special LEDs, each of which consists of an LED light and a built-in controller, which allows you to flexibly control the luminosity using a special digital protocol and create amazing effects.

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.

The model of the audio chip (a module for processing and outputting sound) installed on the motherboard. Data on the exact name of the sound chip will be useful when looking for detailed information about it.

Modern "motherboards" can be equipped with fairly advanced audio modules, with high sound quality and extensive features, which makes them suitable even for gaming and multimedia PCs (although professional audio work will still most likely require a separate sound card). Here are the most popular modern audio chips: Realtek ALC887, Realtek ALC892, Realtek ALC1150, Realtek ALC1200, Realtek ALC1220, Realtek ALC4050, Realtek ALC4080, Supreme FX.

 

The motherboard has its own Bluetooth module, which eliminates the need to purchase such an adapter separately. Bluetooth technology is used for direct wireless connection of a computer with other devices — mobile phones, players, tablets, laptops, wireless headphones, etc.; connectivity options include both file sharing and external device control. The Bluetooth connection range is up to 10 m (in later standards — up to 100 m), while the devices do not have to be in the line of sight. Different versions of Bluetooth (at the end of 2021, the latest of which is Bluetooth v 5) are mutually compatible in terms of basic functionality and have all sorts of differences.

The type of LAN interface provided in the design of the motherboard. LAN (also known as RJ-45 and Ethernet) — a standard connector for wired connection to computer networks; can be used for both local and Internet. The type of such a connector is indicated by the maximum speed. Note that nowadays, even inexpensive "motherboards" are usually equipped with fairly fast LAN adapters — at least gigabit ones. The meaning of such characteristics is not only (and often not so much) to speed up the transfer of large amounts of data, but also to reduce lags in the network connection. This can be important for tasks that require good responsiveness or precise synchronization, such as online games.

— 1 Gbps. The standard used in the vast majority of desktop (non-server) motherboards. On the one hand, it provides more than a decent connection speed, sufficient even for large amounts of information; on the other hand, it is inexpensive and can be installed even in the simplest low-cost motherboards.

— 2.5 Gbps. An improved version of the gigabit standard, it is also a simplified and somewhat cheaper version of the 5-gigabit standard. It is found in separate "motherboards" for gaming purposes.

— 5 Gbps. A kind of transitional option between a relatively simple gigabit LAN (see above) and an advanced 10-gigabit LAN (see below). Found in some gaming moth...erboards. This standard costs less than the 10-gigabit one, while the communication speed still turns out to be quite decent, and the lags are low.

— 10 Gbps. Such a data transfer rate is indispensable for large volumes of information; in addition, it provides a high speed of passing individual data blocks, which is important for reducing lags in online games. At the same time, this interface appeared relatively recently and is not cheap. Therefore, it is mainly used in top-end "motherboards" for gaming and server purposes (see "In the direction").

— 100 Mbps. A very popular standard in its time, which is now considered obsolete in light of the spread of faster versions of the LAN. It is extremely rare, mainly in separate low-cost boards.

Model of the LAN controller installed in the motherboard.

The LAN controller provides data exchange between the card and the network port(s) of the computer. Accordingly, both general characteristics and individual features of the network functionality of the "motherboard" depend on the characteristics of this module: support for special technologies, connection quality in case of unstable communication, etc. Knowing the model of the LAN controller, you can find detailed data on it — including including practical reviews; this information is rarely needed by the average user, but it can be useful for online game enthusiasts and for some specific tasks.

Thus, the LAN controller model is specified mainly in cases where it is a rather advanced solution that is noticeably superior to standard models. Such solutions are currently produced mainly under the brands Intel(middle level), Realtek(relatively simple models), Aquntia and Killer(mostly advanced solutions).