Power phases
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.
Max. clock frequency
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.
M.2 connector
The number of M.2 connectors provided in the design of the motherboard. There are
motherboards for 1 M.2 connector,
for 2 connectors,
for 3 connectors or more.
The
M.2 connector is designed to connect advanced internal devices in a miniature form factor — in particular, high-speed SSD drives, as well as expansion cards like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. However, connectors designed to connect only peripherals (Key E) are not included in this number. Nowadays, this is one of the most modern and advanced ways to connect components. But note that different interfaces can be implemented through this connector — SATA or PCI-E, and not necessarily both at once. See "M.2 interface" for details; here we note that SATA has a low speed and is used mainly for low-cost drives, while PCI-E is used for advanced solid-state modules and is also suitable for other types of internal peripherals.
Accordingly, the number of M.2 is the number of components of this format that can be simultaneously connected to the motherboard. At the same time, many modern boards, especially mid-range and top-end ones, are equipped with
two or more M.2 connectors, and moreover, with PCI-E support.
USB C 3.2 gen1
The number
of USB-C 3.2 gen1 connectors provided on the motherboard.
USB-C connectors (all versions) are used to connect to the "motherboard" USB-C ports located on the outside of the case (usually on the front panel, less often on the top or side). With a special cable, such a port is connected to the connector, while one connector, usually, works with only one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of USB-C chassis connectors that can be used with it.
Recall that USB-C is a relatively new type of USB connector, it is distinguished by its small size and double-sided design; such connectors have their own technical features, so separate connectors must be provided for them. Specifically, USB 3.2 gen1 (formerly known as USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) provides data transfer speeds of up to 4.8 Gbps. In addition, on a USB-C connector, this version of the connection can support USB Power Delivery technology, which allows you to supply power to external devices up to 100 W; however, this function is not mandatory, its presence in the connectors of one or another "motherboard" should be specified separately.
ARGB LED strip
Connector for connecting an addressable 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.
RGB LED strip
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.
DisplayPort version
The version of the DisplayPort interface (see above) installed on the motherboard.
— v.1.2. The oldest version in use today (2010). It was in it that 3D support first appeared, the ability to work with the miniDisplayPort connector, as well as the option of connecting several screens in series to one port (daisy chain). The maximum resolution fully supported by v.1.2 is 5K at 30 fps, with some limitations, 8K video is also supported. And the v.1.2a update, introduced in 2013, added compatibility with the FreeSync technology used in AMD graphics cards.
— v.1.3. An update to the DisplayPort standard released in 2014. Thanks to the increase in bandwidth, it was possible to provide full support for 8K video (at 30 fps), and in 4K and 5K standards, increase the maximum frame rate to 120 and 60 fps, respectively. Another key update was the Dual-mode function, which provides compatibility with HDMI and DVI interfaces through the simplest passive adapters.
— v.1.4. The most recent version of the widely used. The bandwidth has been further increased (almost doubled compared to v.1.2, which allowed, albeit with some limitations, to transmit 4K and 5K video at up to 240 fps and 8K at up to 144 fps. In addition, Support for a number of special features has been added, including HDR10, and the maximum number of simultaneously transmitted audio channels has increased to 32.
USB 2.0
The number of USB 2.0 connectors installed on the back of the motherboard.
Recall that USB is the most popular modern connector for connecting various external peripherals — from keyboards and mice to specialized equipment. And USB 2.0 is the oldest version of this interface that is relevant today; it is noticeably inferior to the newer USB 3.2 both in terms of speed (up to 480 Mbps), and in terms of power supply and additional functionality. On the other hand, even such characteristics are often enough for undemanding peripherals (like the same keyboards / mice); and devices of newer versions can be connected to the connectors of this standard — there would be enough power supply. So this version of USB is still found in modern motherboards, although there are fewer and fewer new models with USB 2.0 connectors.
Note that in addition to the connectors on the rear panel, connectors on the board itself (more precisely, ports on the PC case connected to such connectors) can also provide a USB connection. See below for more on this.
USB 3.2 gen1
The number of native USB 3.2 gen1 connectors provided on the back of the motherboard. In this case, traditional, full-size USB A ports are meant.
USB 3.2 gen1(formerly known as USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) is a direct successor and development of the USB 2.0 interface. The main differences are a 10-fold increase in the maximum data transfer rate — 4.8 Gbps — as well as higher power supply, which is important when connecting several devices to one port through a splitter (hub). At the same time, peripherals of other versions can be connected to this connector.
The more connectors provided in the design, the more peripheral devices can be connected to the motherboard without the use of additional equipment (USB splitters). There are boards on the market that have
more than 4 USB 3.2 gen1 ports on the back panel. At the same time, we note that in addition to the connectors on the rear panel, connectors on the board itself (more precisely, ports on the case connected to such connectors) can also provide a USB connection. See below for more on this.
