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.
Max. memory
The maximum amount of RAM that can be installed on the motherboard.
When choosing according to this parameter, it is important to take into account the planned use of the PC and the real needs of the user. So, volumes
up to 32 GB inclusive are quite enough to solve any basic problems and run games comfortably, but without a significant reserve for an upgrade.
64 GB is the optimal option for many professional use cases, and for the most resource-intensive tasks like 3D rendering,
96 GB or even
128 GB of memory will not be a limit. The most “capacious” motherboards are compatible with volumes of
192 GB or
more - they are mainly top-end solutions for servers and HEDT (see “In the direction”).
You can choose this parameter with a reserve – taking into account a potential RAM upgrade, because installing additional RAM sticks is the simplest way to increase system performance. Taking this factor into account, many relatively simple motherboards support very significant amounts of RAM.
XMP
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.
M.2 version
The version of the M.2 interface determines both the maximum data transfer rate and the supported devices that can be connected via physical M.2 connectors (see the corresponding paragraph).
The version of the M.2 interface in the specifications of motherboards is usually indicated by the number of connectors themselves and by the PCI-E revision provided for in each of them. For example, the entry “3x4.0” means three connectors capable of supporting PCI-E 4.0; and the designation “2x5.0, 1x4.0” means a trio of connectors, two of which support PCI-E 4.0, and another one supports PCI-E 5.0.
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.
HDMI version
HDMI connector version (see above) installed in the motherboard.
— v.1.4. The earliest of the standards found nowadays, which appeared back in 2009. Supports resolutions up to 4096x2160 inclusive and allows you to play Full HD video with a frame rate of up to 120 fps — this is enough even for 3D playback.
— v.1.4b. A modified version of v.1.4 described above, which introduced a number of minor updates and improvements — in particular, support for two additional 3D formats.
— v.2.0. Also known as HDMI UHD, this version introduced full 4K support, with frame rates up to 60 fps, as well as the ability to work with 21:9 ultra-widescreen video. In addition, thanks to the increased bandwidth, the number of simultaneously reproduced audio channels has grown to 32, and audio streams to 4. And in the v.2.0a improvement, HDR support has also been added to all this.
— v.2.1. Another name is HDMI Ultra High Speed. Compared to the previous version, the interface bandwidth has really increased significantly — it is enough to transmit video at resolutions up to 10K at 120 frames per second, as well as to work with the extended BT.2020 colour space (the latter may be useful for some professional tasks). HDMI Ultra High Speed cables are required to use the full capabilities of HDMI v2.1, but older standard features are available with regular cables.
BIOS FlashBack
Motherboards that support
BIOS FlashBack provide the ability to flash or restore the BIOS without a processor, video card or memory. The main purpose of the function is to provide users with the ability to update the BIOS in cases where the current version is incompatible with the installed processor or other computer components, which may lead to the inability to start the system. As a rule, the motherboard provides for this a USB connector for a flash drive and a special button (usually labeled BIOS Flashback) - pressing it initiates the update process.
On a separate line, we note that the BIOS FlashBack function can be called differently depending on the manufacturer: in motherboards from ASRock and Asus - BIOS FlashBack, from Gigabyte - Q-Flash Plus, from MSI - Flash BIOS, etc.
CPU Fan 4-pin
A four-pin connector used to connect a processor cooling fan. The first contact in it corresponds to the black wire of the cooler — it is the "ground" or minus of the power supply. The second contact is the plus of the power supply (yellow or red cooler wire). The third one is involved in measuring the rotation speed of the impeller (green or yellow fan wire). The fourth pin, corresponding to the blue wire, receives control signals from the PWM controller to adjust the cooler rotation speed depending on the temperature of the processor.
CPU/Water Pump Fan 4-pin
A four-pin connector for connecting a water cooling pump fan. It can also be used to turn on an additional CPU cooler.
