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Motherboards

Motherboards are the platform that connects your CPU, memory, storage, graphics, networking, and every peripheral in your PC. Since 1988, our UK-based online shop has helped builders and upgraders pick the right board with clear compatibility advice, honest specs, fast UK delivery, and easy returns.

Choose a motherboard that matches your CPU socket, RAM type, and case size. For most users, pick ATX or micro ATX, a modern Intel or AMD socket, DDR5 support, at least two M.2 NVMe slots, 2.5G LAN or Wi Fi 6E, and plenty of USB, including USB-C. Check power delivery for your CPU, and make sure it fits your case and cooler.

Why buy motherboards from us

  • UK online retailer since 1988 with friendly, expert guidance

  • Curated range for gaming, creators, home, office, and compact builds

  • Clear compatibility notes for sockets, chipsets, RAM, and case fit

  • Fast UK shipping and straightforward returns

  • Optional bundles for CPU, motherboard, RAM, cooler, and case

Types of motherboards we stock

  • Intel socket boards for LGA 1700 and newer were stated

  • AMD socket boards for AM5 and popular legacy AM4

  • ATX for full-sized builds with the most slots

  • Micro ATX for balanced size and expandability

  • Mini ITX for very small, stylish PCs

  • Creator and workstation boards with stronger VRM and more I/O

  • Gaming boards with tuned audio, RGB headers, and fast networking

  • Wi Fi boards with Wi Fi 6E or Wi Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.x

Motherboard buying guide

1) Match platform and form factor

ChoiceWhen to pick itNotes
ATXMost gaming and creator rigsMore PCIe slots, headers, and M.2 positions
Micro ATXSmaller cases, budget buildsGood balance of features and price
Mini ITXCompact systemsOne PCIe slot, plan cooling carefully
Intel socketIntel Core buildsCheck LGA and chipset support for your CPU
AMD socketAMD Ryzen buildsAM5 uses DDR5. AM4 is a legacy with DDR4 in many cases

2) Chipset and features to look for

  • PCIe support: PCIe 5.0 or 4.0 for GPUs and NVMe storage

  • Memory: DDR5 on the latest platforms, DDR4 on many older ones. Use the QVL for best results

  • Storage: At least two M.2 NVMe slots, ideally with heatsinks. Extra SATA ports for bulk drives

  • Power delivery: Robust VRM and heatsinks for high-core CPUs or overclocking

  • Networking: 2.5G Ethernet as a baseline. Wi Fi 6E or Wi Fi 7 where available

  • USB: Front panel USB C, rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Gen 2×2 20 Gbps, and plenty of USB A

  • Audio: Isolated audio section with a quality codec for clean output

  • Quality of life: BIOS Flashback, Clear CMOS, debug LEDs, Q Code, quick release PCIe latches

3) Compatibility checklist

  • The socket must match your CPU

  • BIOS version may need updating for newer CPUs

  • RAM type DDR4 or DDR5 must match the board

  • Cooler clearance and mounting kit for your socket

  • Case support for ATX, micro ATX, or Mini ITX

  • GPU length and slot spacing inside your case

  • Header count for fans, AIO pump, and ARGB

4) Use case quick picks

Use caseRecommended spec
Everyday home or officeMicro ATX, mid-range chipset, DDR5, 2 M.2, 2.5G LAN
Gaming at 1080p to 1440pATX, strong VRM, PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 M.2, Wi Fi 6E
Creator photo and videoATX, multiple M.2, USB 20 Gbps or USB4, 2.5G or 10G LAN option
Compact living room PCMini ITX, quiet VRM cooling, Wi Fi, rear HDMI or DP for iGPU
WorkstationATX or E ATX, reinforced PCIe, many USB, strong VRM, onboard 2.5G or better

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Buying the wrong socket or RAM type for your CPU

  • Forgetting case size and standoff layout

  • Ignoring VRM quality for a high-core CPU

  • Choosing too few M.2 slots and then running out of storage positions

  • Overlooking fan and ARGB headers for your cooler and lighting

  • Missing front USB C support on budget boards or old cases

  • Not checking lane sharing that disables SATA when you fill M.2 slots

  • Skipping a BIOS update needed for your processor

  • Overtightening the CPU cooler and bending the board

  • Handling parts without ESD care

Setup, care, and maintenance tips

  • Update to the latest BIOS and chipset drivers on day one

  • Enable XMP or EXPO for RAM speeds, then test with a memory check

  • Mount on the correct standoffs and check all front panel connectors

  • Keep M.2 heatsinks and thermal pads in place for SSD health

  • Use fan curves for a quiet system and watch VRM temps under load

  • Back up a copy of your stable BIOS profile

  • Clean dust from case filters and heatsinks every few months

  • Replace the CMOS battery on older systems if the time or settings do not hold

Popular sub categories

  • Intel motherboards

  • AMD motherboards

  • ATX boards

  • Micro ATX boards

  • Mini ITX boards

  • Wi Fi motherboards

  • Creator and workstation boards

  • Budget and value boards

  • Overclocking boards

  • Accessories and I/O shields

FAQs. Motherboards

1) What motherboard do I need for my CPU
Match the socket and chipset. For Intel, check the LGA number. For AM,D check AM5 or AM4 and the board QVL.

2) Do I need DDR5, or is DDR4 fine
DDR5 is the modern standard on new platforms. DDR4 is still fine on supported older boards. Choose what your board and CPU support.

3) How many M.2 slots should I get
Two is a sensible minimum. Creators often want three or more for OS, scratch, and project drives.

4) Will my case fit an ATX board
Most mid-towers take ATX. Compact cases may only take micro ATX or Mini ITX. Check the case spec.

5) Is onboard Wi Fi worth it
Yes, for convenience. Wi Fi 6E or 7 gives fast, low-latency wireless. Wired Ethernet still gives the most stable connection.

6) What is a VRM, and why does it matter
It is the power delivery for the CPU. Better VRM and heatsinks keep high-core chips stable and quiet.

7) Can I run PCIe 5.0 SSDs on any board
Only boards and CPUs that support PCIe 5.0 will run them at full speed. PCIe 4.0 drives are still very fast for most users.

8) Do I need BIOS Flashback
It is very useful. It lets you update the BIOS without a CPU or RAM installed, which helps with new CPU support.

9) How do I know if my RAM will work
Check the board QVL for tested kits. Enable XMP or EXPO in BIOS, then run a memory test.

10) Can I use integrated graphics with my motherboard
Yes, if your CPU has an iGPU and the board has display outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort.

11) What network speed should I look for
2.5G LAN is a great baseline. Go 10G LAN for fast local transfers or shared storage.

12) Will a large air cooler fit
Check cooler height and RAM clearance against your case and board layout.

13) Why did some SATA ports stop working after adding an M.2 drive
Some boards share lanes. Filling certain M.2 slots can disable SATA ports. Check the manual.

14) Can I upgrade to a newer CPU later
Often, yes, if the socket stays the same and BIOS adds support. Check the vendor CPU support list.

15) What warranty do motherboards come with
Most come with a manufacturer’s warranty and our easy UK returns. See the product page for exact cover.

Ready to build or upgrade

Browse motherboards across Intel and AMD, ATX, micro ATX, and Mini ITX, with DDR5, Wi Fi, and PCIe 5.0 options. With expert advice, clear compatibility notes, fast UK delivery, and trusted service since 1988, you can build a stable, quiet, and fast PC that fits your plans and budget.

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