Intel products: chipsets. Review, description, characteristics, series and reviews

Main trends and brief description six semiconductor variations on one theme

We have already gotten acquainted with some motherboards for the new Intel platforms LGA1150, and with new processors too. However, we have not yet looked at the chipsets in detail. What is not entirely correct is that you will have to “live” with them for a long time: at least two generations of processors. Moreover, in new series Intel approached the issue of reworking the platform in a rather radical way - if the seventh series was only a slight modification of the sixth and existed in parallel with it (the budget H61 never received a successor) within the same LGA1155 platform, and the sixth inherited most of its features from the fifth, then the eighth was designed almost from scratch. Not in the sense that it has absolutely nothing in common with previous products - in fact, it is still the same south bridge, in basic functionality comparable to the “peripheral” hub of very old chipsets and interacting with the northern one (which is already in the processor) via DMI 2.0 buses (the same as in 1155/2011) and FDI (the interface debuted in the fifth series of chipsets and serves for connecting displays). But the logic of the work has changed. Yes, and peripheral interfaces too. So it's time to talk about all this in more detail.

Quarter FDI...

Let's start with the Flexible Display Interface, which, as we have already said, appeared within the framework of LGA1156. But not right away - the P55 chipset did not have this interface: it debuted in the H55 and H57, released simultaneously with processors with a built-in video core, fortunately others do not need it. Both within this and within the subsequent platform, it was the only way to use the integrated GPU. Moreover, Intel also had a P67 chipset with a blocked FDI, which did not allow video outputs to be installed on the boards on it. However, the company later abandoned this approach. What remains difficult is connecting a large number of high-resolution displays. More precisely, as long as we were talking about two digital image sources and resolutions no higher than Full HD, everything was fine. As soon as attempts began to get out of this framework, problems immediately began. In particular, the fact that it is impossible to find a board with support for 4K on HDMI directly hints that it was not the manufacturers who did the trick ;) Yes, Intel is promoting DisplayPort, which does not require licensing fees for use, but it is not available in consumer electronics during the day you'll find it. And the appearance of a third video output in Ivy Bridge actually turned out to be a theoretical advantage of the new line of GPUs: it quickly became clear that it can only be used on boards with at least a couple of DPs. What was actually carried out only in the case expensive models with Thunderbolt support.

What has changed in the eighth generation? FDI has shrunk from eight to two lines, as the title says. This can be explained simply - following the example of AMD APUs, everything digital outputs(up to three pieces) were transferred directly to the processor, and the chipset is now responsible only for analog VGA. Thus, if the latter is abandoned, the board layout is greatly simplified already at the processor-chipset linking stage. Of course, working around the socket becomes a little more complicated, but not much if you don’t demand records from the board. For example, in ASUS Gryphon Z87 the manufacturer limited itself to two video outputs, which will be enough for many, since one of them is “standard” DVI, but the second is HDMI 1.4 with maximum resolution 4096 x 2160 @24 Hz or 2560 x 1600 @60 Hz. Or you can go for a record - like in Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5, where there are two such outputs plus DisplayPort 1.2 (up to 3840x2160 @60 Hz) was added to them. Moreover, all three can be used simultaneously. Or you can do it not at the same time - for example, connect a pair of high-resolution monitors to HDMI. It is clear that all suitable models are equipped with DP, and HDMI may no longer be found in them, however... see above about previous generations: Most motherboards would not support two high-resolution monitors at all. It was possible to connect them to a computer only using a discrete video card, which is not always convenient and sometimes impossible. Systems based on Haswell are forced to resort to discrete graphics only in cases where the needs of mass users go beyond: if maximum performance of the graphics subsystem is needed (in a gaming computer), or when strictly more than three monitors are needed.

In general, purists who advocate that processors should be processors, and everything else is from the evil one, may once again be indignant at the fact that an increasing number of functions north bridge transferred under the CPU cover - let them. From a practical point of view, it is more important that previously integrated video did not always have sufficient peripheral capabilities, so to speak. What’s new is in many ways a foundation for the future - it’s clear that now no one will connect three 4K TVs (or at least high-resolution monitors) to a computer, and even if they do, they’re unlikely to use the integrated GPU. However, at least this became possible. And in the future, in terms of video support, the situation will not worsen, but this will already be useful. In addition, this approach of the company, in fact, pushes manufacturers to completely abandon the analog interface. Which “healed” on the market to a large extent precisely because of Intel’s early policy regarding video outputs: back in the fourth series of chipsets it was easier to just limit ourselves to “analog,” but “digital” required additional gestures. Now it’s the other way around, which will obviously affect both motherboards and monitors: their manufacturers will no longer be able to claim that VGA is the most common.

By the way, one of the reasons is why we started with FDI: this change already makes new processors completely incompatible with older platforms, where video outputs were connected specifically to the chipset. This is something that should always be remembered by those who decide to complain about a socket change. It is clear that just for the sake of this alone, Intel would hardly have gone for an even overdue, but radical redesign of the platform, however, along with a change in the approach to power supply (integrated VRM and single circuits for both processor and graphics cores in contrast to the separate schemes of previous generations), there were enough potential benefits. Actually, all of them lead to the fact that, despite the use of the same DMI 2.0, the platforms have become fundamentally incompatible with each other. But the possibility of using PCH eighth series in updated version The LGA2011 platform (if deemed necessary) has been preserved: one interface is sufficient there, and FDI is not used.

...and PCI bye-bye

The PCI bus appeared more than 20 years ago and all these years it has faithfully served computer users, first as a high-speed internal interface, and then as just an interface. We already have a historical aspect, but now we’ll just say that since the publication of this material, PCI has become completely and irrevocably outdated, but is still often used. Another question is that its presence in chipsets has already become an anachronism - the layout of parallel buses is inconvenient, since the number of contacts of a relatively small chip increases sharply. Those. manufacturers motherboards It’s easier to use additional bridges even in boards that support PCI chipsets.

Why did PCIe-PCI bridges appear on the market in the first place? This is due to the fact that Intel gradually began to remove support for the second bus from its products already within the sixth series. More precisely, the PCI controller itself was physically in the chips, but its contacts were exposed outside only in half of the packaged chips. The main line of the division was the positioning of the latter - in the business series (B65, Q65 and Q67, as well as their successors of the seventh series) and the extreme X79, there was “innate” PCI support, but in those oriented towards the mass desktop segment and intended for mobile computers decisions it was blocked. It seems to us that such a half-hearted decision was made because the company itself could not decide whether to “finish off” PCI or whether it was too early. It turned out that it was just right :) Of course, there were still dissatisfied people, but mostly theoretically dissatisfied. In practice, many did without PCI slots at all, and some were completely satisfied with bridges. In general, the company did not have to make an urgent refresh of the chipset line, returning PCI to its place. Therefore, the eighth series of chipsets does not support this bus either de jure or de facto. Thus, the process of transition from PCI/AGP to PCIe, which began back in 2004, has come to its logical conclusion; ended, to put it simply. This is noted even in the names of the chips: for the first time since the notorious i915P and its relatives, there is no word “Express” - just “Chipset”. What is logical is that it no longer makes sense to emphasize support for the PCIe interface in conditions where only it is available. And very symbolic ;)

Let us emphasize, just in case (especially for the most timid), that there is no PCI support in chipsets, and not on boards - the latter can provide the user with a couple of PCI already in the usual way: Using PCIe-PCI bridge. And many manufacturers do this - including Intel itself. So if someone has an expensive scarf lying around as a memory of their youth, it’s still not difficult to find where to stick it. Even when buying a computer on the latest platform.

SATA600 and USB 3.0 - the same and more

Six SATA ports appeared in the ICH9R southbridges as part of the third series chipsets (and formally the “fourth” X48), but the weaker ICH9 was limited to four. As part of the fourth family, this injustice was eliminated - ICH10 still did not support RAID, but it was also given six SATA. This scheme migrated to the fifth series without changes, and the sixth brought it to chipsets Intel support faster SATA600. But it’s limited - older models received two high-speed ports, the junior “business” B65 was limited to one, and the budget H61 was deprived on all fronts: only four SATA300 ports and nothing more. Nothing changed in the seventh episode. In general, the solution with a limited number of ports was logical: since only solid-state drives, but not hard drives, can get some (and not always big) benefits from SATA600, it is still not needed in budget systems at all. And in low-budget ones, one or two ports are enough, especially since a larger number of high-speed devices will not be able to work fully at the same time, because DMI 2.0 has limited bandwidth, however...

However AMD support Not only was SATA600 implemented almost a year earlier, it also had all six ports. Of course, there was never any talk about their simultaneous operation at full speed - the throughput of Alink Express III(the bus connecting the north and south bridges of AMD 800 and 900 series chipsets), that UMI (provides communication between FCH and APU on FM1/FM2 platforms), that DMI 2.0 is absolutely the same, since the whole trio is a slightly redesigned electrically PCIe 2.0 x4. But this solution was more convenient - if only because when assembling the system you don’t need to think about where to connect which drive. Moreover, it’s easier to advertise - six ports sounds much better than two. And recently in the A85X there were eight of them.

In general, Intel decided not to put up with this state of affairs and increase the number of ports. True, they approached the issue in their own way: there are two SATA controllers left, as in previous families. But the one that is responsible for SATA600 is now capable of connecting up to six devices out of six possible. Smaller than AMD as before, but still convenient. And the total speed, as mentioned above, remains the same, so quantity can turn into quality no earlier than the inter-hub interface changes. And something tells us that this will not happen soon - until then, SATA Express will probably be tried “to the teeth”, which will make the bandwidth of SATA itself generally insignificant.

As for USB 3.0, initially Intel was generally lukewarm about the new interface. Later, the company came to its senses, and in the seventh series of chipsets an xHCI controller with support for four Super Speed ​​ports appeared. And in the eighth, this part of the chipset was radically redesigned. Firstly, the maximum number of ports has been increased to six - this is more than AMD, so all motherboard manufacturers have already sent out winning press releases on this topic. Many, however, are not satisfied with this, but continue to add discrete controllers or hubs to their products, increasing the number of ports to eight or even ten. To be honest, we see no more practical use in this than in six chipset ports, since not a single user will have a dozen USB 3.0 devices, and for a long time. Those. here are four ports - necessary and sufficient: a couple for back panel, a couple more in the form of a comb to bring it to the “muzzle” system unit, and where else? In laptops, there are often three ports in total. Such things.

But, in general, there are more ports, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Underwater can also be unpleasant - there is only one USB controller in the new chipsets. Why is this bad? Intel - nothing: the chip was simplified. For board manufacturers, nothing either: the wiring is simpler, since, in fact, it doesn’t matter from which legs to pull what. But for users... Firstly, older chipsets had not one, but two independent EHCI controllers, which theoretically could provide higher speeds for “outdated” High Speed ​​peripherals with simultaneous use several devices. Secondly, this pair of controllers has not changed for many years, so it was perfectly “understood” by all more or less current operating systems without installing additional drivers. Under Windows XP, however, one was needed, but even under this OS all 14 ports worked (or less in lower chipsets, but all physically present) - albeit only as USB 2.0. And for the new controller you need to install a driver (in laptop SoCs, USB ports don’t want to work without it), and it only exists for Windows 7/8 (it can also be “attached” to Vista, but that’s not very interesting) . It is clear that support for Windows XP has long been anathema on the part of Microsoft, so Intel doesn’t really bother with it (it’s not without reason that it’s a full-fledged USB operation 3.0 was not implemented in the seventh series, although some discrete controllers fully work even under Windows 98) and this applies not only to USB, but fans of the “old lady” will not be envied. It is easier for Linux fans and users of various LiveCDs based on these systems, although an update will also be required, but for the old scheme it was not required. In general, on the one hand, it’s better, on the other, some habits will have to be changed.

Simpler - and more compact

So, as we see, the new chipsets have become more primitive in some respects than their predecessors. Support for video outputs has almost completely moved to the processor, there is no PCI controller, instead of three (actually) USB controllers there is only one, etc. However, if we compare consumer characteristics (the same number of high-speed interface ports), we see clear progress. What about the physical parameters of the microcircuits themselves? Everything is fine, since an active redesign was also needed to transfer chips to new production standards. The fact is that, with the increasingly active transition of the range of processors to 22 nm, Intel began to release production lines designed for 32 nm, to which it was decided to transfer chipsets. Considering that previously the “standard” was the use of standards as much as 65 nm, the leap is impressive.

So, let's remember the top-end Z77 Express: a chip measuring 27 x 27 mm with a TDP of up to 6.7 W. It seems to be a little, so it would be possible not to touch it. But the Z87 fits into 23 x 22 mm. It is more clear to compare the areas: 729 and 506 mm 2, i.e. from one wafer you can get 40% more new chips than old ones. And the number of contacts has decreased, which also reduces costs. And the maximum possible heat package decreased even more significantly - to 4.1 W. And if the first is relevant only for Intel itself (while maintaining the same prices for chipsets and without the need to modify their production process, you can earn much more) and a little for other manufacturers, then the second can also be useful for end users. Not for buyers of Z87 boards, of course, where no one will notice these 2.6 W (and manufacturers will be happy to stick an elaborate cooler with a heat pipe on it - don’t go to a fortune teller). But similar changes apply to all chipsets, but in laptops and others compact systems Reducing heat generation will not harm at least. And a reduction in linear dimensions coupled with simplification of wiring will also not be superfluous: in this segment they often fight for every millimeter. A comparison of the mobile HM77 Express and HM87 is no less indicative: 25 x 25 mm and 4.1 W versus 20 x 20 mm and 2.7 W, i.e. the dimensions were reduced even more than among desktop modifications, and at least something was squeezed out with efficiency (despite the fact that it was previously given great value). In general, in terms of increasing the consumer appeal of the platform as a whole, the chosen course can only be welcomed. Moreover, it is unknown whether it would have been possible to develop an SoC with “full” characteristics without it. For example, something like the Core i7-4500U, where everything that was left uncut during the development of standard component systems was “finished”, but the chip turned out to be less than 1000 mm2 in area and with a full TDP of 15 W. In the very first implementation of the U-series of chips, two were required (and, as I remember, we already focused on the fact that the processor is smaller than the chipset), and they needed more than 20 W per pair. Trifle? It's not a small thing on a tablet. But on the desktop there was no vital need for such improvements - for him they turned out to be a side effect.

Intel Z87

Well, now let’s get acquainted in a little more detail with specific implementations of new ideas - both already supplied and predicted. Let's start, traditionally, with the top model, giving both a typical diagram and a list of the main functionality:

• support for all processors based on the Haswell core (LGA1150) when connected to these processors via the DMI 2.0 bus (with a bandwidth of 4 GB/s);
• FDI interface for receiving a fully rendered screen image from the processor and a unit for outputting this image to a display device with an analog interface;
• support for simultaneous and/or switchable operation of the built-in video core and discrete GPU(s);
• frequency increase processor cores, memory and built-in GPU;
• up to 8 PCIe 2.0 x1 ports;
• 6 SATA600 ports with support for AHCI mode and functions such as NCQ, with the ability to be individually disabled, with support for eSATA and port splitters;
• the ability to organize a RAID array of levels 0, 1, 0+1 (10) and 5 with the Matrix RAID function (one set of disks can be used in several RAID modes at once - for example, on two disks you can organize RAID 0 and RAID 1, for each array its own part of the disk will be allocated);
• support Smart technologies Response, Rapid Start etc.;
• 14 USB ports (of which up to 6 USB 3.0) with the ability to individually disable;
• MAC controller Gigabit Ethernet and a special interface (LCI/GLCI) for connecting a PHY controller (i82579 for implementing Gigabit Ethernet, i82562 for implementing Fast Ethernet);
• High Definition Audio (7.1);
• harness for low-speed and outdated peripherals, etc.

In general, everything is very similar to the Z77 Express with the exception of some points, most of which were described above. There are only two things left behind the scenes. Firstly, as we see, the possibility of splitting the PCIe 3.0 “processor” interface into three devices has not gone away, but any mention of Thunderbolt has disappeared - even vice versa: “Graphics” is clearly written on the diagram. Thus, we will not be surprised to encounter boards that implement three “long” slots without any bridges. The second change concerns the approach to overclocking. More precisely, there are two changes. On the LGA1155 platform it was possible to have fun with the multiplier of quad-core processors not related to the K-series - now Limited Unlocked has rested in the Bose. But overclocking on the bus has returned in a form similar to LGA2011: before feeding it to the processor, the reference frequency can be increased by 1.25 or 1.66 times. Unfortunately, our initial optimism about this information has not yet stood up to practical tests - this mechanism does not work with processors other than the K-series. In any case, this is true for the three Z87 boards we have already tested, so we can, of course, continue to hope and believe that these are all shortcomings of the earlier firmware versions, but...

Intel H87

Unlike the sixth and seventh families, there are no intermediate chipsets between the top and mass solutions No. And the differences between them have become smaller - in fact, only the splitting of 16 “processor” lines is missing, so there’s nowhere to “shove” an analogue of some Z75 (especially since this chipset has remained largely a virtual product, unclaimed by manufacturers board). Even in terms of attitude to overclocking, the chipsets are close: there are no bus modifiers, but they are basically useless on the Z87, and the multiplier on some Core i7-4770K can be “twisted” on H87 boards as well. Moreover, they have latest chipset and some advantage over its more famous relative, namely support for Small Business Advantage technology, inherited from the seventh series business line. However, it cannot be considered a clear advantage for the “single enthusiast” (if only because these same “enthusiasts” of the SBA do not discuss much), and where it is needed, it is often the business lines of chipsets that have been and are being used . But the fact that its scope of application has expanded is indicative. You'll see, over time we'll inherit something else.

Intel H81

This chipset has not yet been announced, but with a high degree of probability it will appear no later than inexpensive processors under LGA1150. Moreover, after its release it can become quite popular among high-end buyers, since the new budget solution can satisfy about 80% of user requests. At the same time, it is still budget-friendly, which allows us to hope for system boards that cost $50 at retail. Why so cheap? The H61 inherited a bunch of limitations that could drive a real enthusiast into a nervous fit: one memory module per channel (i.e., only two full slots), six (not eight) PCIe x1, four SATA ports without any RAIDs, and others bourgeois frills, 10 USB ports. On the other hand, this quantity is enough for mass-produced computers, but the quality is higher than in a budget budget LGA1155, since it includes two USB 3.0 and two SATA600. In general, that’s what it is. there was not enough H61. Although, we repeat, the chipset has not yet been officially announced, so most of the information about it is rumors and leaks, but they are very plausible.

Business line: B85, Q85 and Q87

Let's look at these models briefly, since most buyers are not interested in them. The B75 was an extremely attractive chipset for LGA1155, but mainly only because the H61 was too mutilated to make it cheaper and was not updated as part of the seventh series. H81, as we see, will support new interfaces (albeit in limited quantities due to positioning), so the B85 has only quantitative advantages over it: +2 USB 3.0, +2 SATA600 and +2 PCIe x1. True, the benefit from increasing the number is not as much as from the very presence of these interfaces, and the price is higher, so you can already go for an H87 board, fortunately there is even more of everything, and there is also SBA support. Again, built-in PCI support was an exclusive feature of the “old” business series, which often turned into a significant advantage, but now there is nothing left of it.

Here is the Q87 - the chipset is traditionally unique, since it is the only one in the entire line that supports VT-d and vPro. Otherwise almost identical to the H87. And the Q85 is a strange thing, occupying an almost intermediate position between the H87 and B85: the main difference is the optional AMT support in the Q85. Why is he so needed - don’t ask. There is a suspicion that Intel is developing the Qx5 line more “just in case,” since there are not too many boards on such models, and not only on the open market. At least not compared to Qx7. And in our area, “business solutions” most often mean not even the B-series, but something on the lowest chipset in the line (formerly G41, later H61, then, apparently, H81 will take this place), which is logical - the same SBA , in principle, could be useful in a small office, but its implementation still requires at least a Core i3, and not the Celeron popular in such offices. In general, for greater beauty and in order to improve general education, we present diagrams of systems based on these three chipsets.

But, we repeat, the likelihood of most of our readers meeting them is close to zero. With the possible exception of Q87, since VT-d is of interest not only in the corporate market, and no other chipset can boast of full support for this technology. In any case, officially - unofficially, some boards on the Z77 supported it, so this is certainly possible with the Z87. True, in the past, sometimes attempts to use such genetic engineering products did not always end successfully, so in order to avoid problems and save time, it’s easier to immediately focus on Qx7 (especially now, when processors with VT-d support still cannot be overclocked, but can tuning K-series did not support I/O virtualization and does not support it).

Total

If we consider LGA1150 processors as an isolated product, then they do not have any significant advantages over their predecessors in terms of consumer characteristics, as we have already written about. As we can see, this applies to chipsets to the same extent: some things have become better, some things have simply become larger, but the implementation of some things was previously more interesting. On the other hand, the separate market for processors and chipsets in the form in which it existed 15-20 years ago has actually long since disappeared: manufacturers are actively and aggressively selling “platforms” in the form of complete (laptops and other portable) and semi-finished solutions ( desktop computers). Accordingly, when developing processors or chipsets, you don’t have to think about any kind of global compatibility, simply “adjusting” one to the other and transferring more and more of the functionality directly to the processor (they still have to be produced according to strict standards, so this is economically justified , and the rejection of “long” lines of high-speed tires also simplifies the creation of the finished product). As a result, we have what we have: FDI and DMI 2.0 continue to be used to connect the processor and the chipset, but neither new processors are combined with old boards, nor vice versa. Theoretically, you can “screw” the same Z87, abandoning video outputs, to LGA1155, but it will still be new board. Well, the reverse procedure makes no sense at all.

In general, if anyone is planning to purchase a fourth-generation Core, they will definitely have to buy a board based on one of the eighth series chipsets. All freedom of choice is limited only to a specific model. Which one exactly? It seems to us that out of all six chipsets, only half of the models are interesting: Z87 (a top solution for entertainment), Q87 (an equally top-end chipset for work needs) and the expected H81 in the future (cheap, but enough for many). Intermediate models, as practice shows, enjoy much more limited demand from individual buyers, simply because the contribution of the cost of the chipset to the price of the motherboard is noticeable only in the budget segment (but this is where every dollar is saved), but quickly disappears in models , With retail price around a hundred. So perhaps a more correct approach on Intel's part would be to stop portraying the illusion of choice altogether, and release only a couple of models: an expensive one (which has everything) and a cheap one (which has only the absolute minimum). On the other hand, with just two chipsets it will not be possible to develop a hundred motherboards in a line (which manufacturers who focus on the retail component market simply adore), so our work on describing all these twists of engineering and marketing thought will be reduced, and users of various computer forums will have to there is nothing to discuss, so let everything remain as it was for now.

Today we will figure out what the differences are Intel chipsets 1151 and differences between motherboards based on H110, B150, B250, H170, H270, Z170, Z270 chips. There are many different misconceptions: some “overclock” processors on motherboards with the H110 chipset, others are “convinced” that games only require a “game board” Z170, Z270.

In 2018, the article “What are the differences between Intel chipsets” is more relevant 1151v2“You can read it.

Let's look at what the real difference is and which motherboard is right for your needs.

The first point should be noted that there is no fundamental difference between the 100 and 200 series of chips. Overall, the 200 series received minor feature improvements over the 100 series.

The hundredth series of motherboards was made before the release of the seventh generation Intel processors — Kaby Lake and, accordingly, their “old” BIOS is designed only for Skylake (6th generation Intel processors). However, if you buy a new motherboard of the 100th series, then the BIOS will most likely be flashed at the factory by the manufacturer itself (usually indicated on the packaging), which means it will support processors of both generations. The 200th series already supports both Kaby Lake and Skylake out of the box.

All the features and functions of the 100 series have been carried over to the 200 with some additions. For example, running an SSD with Optane cache support will strictly require a 200-series chipset and Kaby Lake processors of at least i3. The most optimal PC in 2018 - read.

Features of motherboards based on the H110 chipset

If you decide to assemble a system having limited budget, then the H110 chipset is your choice.

H series chipsets have traditionally served as cut down versions of the Z series due to smaller HSIO slots and lack of overclocking support.

1. No processor overclocking (with the exception of very rare models which are quite difficult to get in Russia)
2. The power supply system is usually 5-7 phases (for a motherboard not intended for overclocking it is quite enough)
3. Two RAM slots
4. One video card (no Crossfire/SLI capability)
5. Maximum RAM frequency – 2133MHZ
6. Up to 4 USB, 4SATA ​​3x4PIN FAN
7. Missing technology: INTEL SMART RESPONSE RAPID STORAGE

All these limitations lead to the fact that this motherboard is very cheap. It is perfect for budget builds, but with the ability to install processors latest generation. Based on this chipset you can build gaming computer entry-to-intermediate level. Average price motherboards on the H110 chipset - 2.5-3.5 thousand rubles.

Features of motherboards based on B150/B250 chipsets

Motherboards based on B150/B250 chips have, perhaps, the most optimal ratio price/quality (if overclocking is not important to you). Ideal for an average system.

The price for boards on B150/B250 chips is from 4 thousand. The only drawback is that there is no support for a raid array (combining two (or more) physical disks into one “physical” disk).

1. No CPU overclocking
2. No overclocking RAM
3. Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
4. Up to 12 USB, 6 SATA 3-5 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support
5. Technology support: INTEL SMALL BUSINESS ADVANTAGE

Features of motherboards based on H170/H270 chipsets

Solutions based on H170 are a compromise between the B150/B250 and Z170/Z270 chips. The user gets even more features: support for a raid array, more ports, but still cannot use this motherboard for overclocking.

1. No CPU overclocking
2. No RAM overclocking
3. Power system 6-10 phases (usually)
4. Up to 4 slots for RAM
5. Yes Crossfire X16X4, No SLI support
6. Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (H250 - 2400MHZ)
7. Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 3-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support

Features of motherboards based on Z170/Z270 chipsets

Motherboards based on the Z170/Z270 chipset offer overclocking capabilities. There are useful features for enthusiasts, such as: power buttons directly on the motherboard itself, post-code indicators, additional fan connectors, BIOS reset and switch buttons. All this greatly simplifies the life of enthusiasts (people who overclock).

In addition to the fact that you can overclock a processor on motherboards with Z170/Z270 chips, they also allow you to use faster sets of random access memory (RAM) and overclock them.

1. Supports CPU overclocking
2. Supports RAM overclocking
3. Power system 7-13 phases (usually)
4. Up to 4 slots for RAM
5. Possible CROSSFIRE X8X8/X8X4X4/X8X8X4, SLI X8X8
6. Maximum RAM frequency - 4500MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
7. Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 5-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 3 M2 connectors, USB 3.1 support
8. Technology support: INTEL SMALL RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY, INTEL RAPID STORAGE

Comparative characteristics of motherboards for the LGA1151 platform

By the way, we did not touch upon motherboards on the chipset with the “Q” index. These motherboards are used primarily for business and very rarely in home assemblies. In essence, the Q170 chip is an analogue of the H170, but with corporate features. By the way, you might be interested in the article “The best gaming processor. Review Intel Core i7-8700K", you can read it.

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We determine the name of the chipset integrated circuits or their group, motherboard or expansion card. It is the chipset that determines the speed of the computer and the transfer of information between separate devices. Any chipset consists of two elements called bridges: north and south. The most well-known chipset manufacturers include Intel, AMD, nVidia and VIA. In this article we will focus on the products of the first brand.

What role does the chipset play on the motherboard?

The chipset is often confused with the motherboard, but it is only one of its elements. The main task of the chipset, as already mentioned above, is to organize information flows between individual components. The north bridge is responsible, in particular, for the functioning of the memory, processor and FSB bus, while the south bridge is responsible for hard drives, DVD drive and PCI for peripheral communication.

Intel chipsets for LGA 1150 motherboards

In May 2014, the premiere of the 9th generation of Intel chipsets took place. This family includes the following models: Z97 and H97, intended mainly for use in computers intended for games, graphic work, as well as for more demanding users that support an LGA 1150 motherboard. Chipset models for home computer equipment, for example, B85 and H81 are still in the game, and the 1150 models are also suitable. Unlike the 8th generation chipsets, which consist of 6 bridges, the 9th has only two, but allows you to overclock the processor through a multiplier.

Which chipset for i3, i5 or i7 processors?

The main question is which chipset to choose for which processor? In the case of i7-core, the answer is simple - the most powerful 9th ​​generation media communication processors, i.e. H97 and Z97. In the case of an i5-core processor, the most optimal choice there will be a motherboard based on the B85 chipset, possibly with earlier versions of the Z87 and H87 models. For i3-core, a motherboard based on the H81 chipset is suitable - perfect for simple work.

Which chipset should I choose for home use?

If we are talking about budget solutions for home use, then a motherboard based on the B85 chipset would be an excellent solution. It allows you to overclock the processor on a weaker logic system, thanks to which you can achieve quite attractive results.

B85, thanks to application additional technologies, as Small Business Advantage, is also perfect for small office. The H81 chipset is also suitable for browsing the Internet, less graphically complex games and office work. The advantage of the H81 and B85 over later models is cost.

Which chipset should you choose for gaming?

If we are talking about budget solutions, then for games we recommend motherboards with the B85 chipset, mainly due to the possibility of overclocking. Most motherboards with B85 allow you to play latest games. However, equipment for “maniacs” computer games There will be sets that are equipped with motherboards with Z97, which will provide very great capabilities when paired with an i7 processor.

Which chipset should I choose for overclocking?

The most promising model, offering great opportunities for overclocking the processor, as mentioned above, is the Z97. The B85 offers somewhat more modest capabilities, although Intel will improve this capability in subsequent series.

The motherboard is the main component of any desktop PC. She must have sufficient required connectors, so that the user has the opportunity to install a powerful video card, a large amount of RAM and several drives. In addition, do not forget about the need to connect various peripherals. We tried to find out which motherboards can now be called the best.

The right choice“mothers” are the basis for assembling a PC: if the processor within one socket can, if desired, be changed to a faster one, the memory can be increased, the video card can be replaced, then the motherboard usually lives in the case until a radical upgrade or serious breakdown. So you should choose a motherboard with long-term use in mind... Although Intel's proverbial love for regularly changing processor sockets without backward compatibility already leads to the fact that even a small upgrade forces you to change the motherboard along with the CPU. In this regard, AMD’s conservatism looks more reasonable - remember how long the AM3+ socket has lived, which is only now being replaced by the incompatible AM4, and there is every reason to believe that the new assembly for Ryzen will be able to be updated on the same board for a long time.

• LGA 1151- Intel Skylake, Kaby Lake processors, in version v2, incompatible with the previous one (well, it’s Intel!), and Coffee Lake. This allows you to choose processors from the Celeron G4900 to the Core i9-9900K - that is, from a simple office build to a powerful workstation or gaming PC.
• LGA 2011- the socket was originally for Intel Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge-E, but Intel wouldn’t be themselves if they didn’t create a socket incompatible with it LGA 2011-3 under Haswell-E. On latest version we’ll stop there - this is an excellent platform for assembling a powerful workstation or server, and there are a lot of people who build Haswell-E PCs for home.
• LGA 2066- the latest socket for top processors Intel Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X - the same ones that are successfully striving to catch up and overtake the old AMD in thermal package. But if you have almost 140 thousand for an 18-core Intel Core i9-7980XE, then you will definitely have money for cooling that can cope with its 165 W of heat dissipation.
• AM4- a new socket from AMD that came with AMD Ryzen. And this is an opportunity now to use processors from the inexpensive AMD A6-9500E for “office-home” assemblies to the top-end Ryzen 7 2700X, and the AM4 socket is guaranteed to last for another year or two. In addition, new APUs (processors with integrated graphics, which previously used their FM sockets) were also transferred to it.