The motherboard is the foundation of your setup — and it's often the most poorly chosen component: too low-end, too high-end, incompatible, wrong chipset. In this article, we clarify everything so you can choose the right motherboard in 2026, without getting ripped off.
Intel or AMD: which socket to choose?
First and foremost, the choice of motherboard depends on the processor you want to install. To understand the difference between modern CPUs: Intel 13th vs 14th Gen CPUs
- AMD AM5: DDR5 compatible only.
- Intel LGA1700: DDR4 or DDR5 compatible depending on the model.
Understanding chipsets
AMD AM5 Chipsets
- B650: ideal for gaming and versatile setups.
- X670: high-end, more ports, more VRMs.
Intel Chipsets
- B760: excellent price/performance ratio.
- Z790: overclocking + advanced options.
DDR4 or DDR5 depending on the motherboard
RAM directly depends on the motherboard: DDR4 vs DDR5 for gaming and How to choose your DDR5 in 2026?
VRM, M.2, PCIe: key points
- VRM: important for CPU stability and longevity.
- M.2 Ports: at least one PCIe 4.0 slot, ideally two.
- PCIe 5.0: useful if you plan on a PCIe 5.0 SSD (see our SSD guide).
Recommended motherboards on Showgiftprive
- ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F – perfect for Ryzen AM5.
- MSI Z790 Gaming Plus – ideal for Intel 12th/13th/14th gen CPUs.
Our verdict
Choosing a motherboard means choosing a reliable foundation for several years. Don't over-invest in a high-end chipset if your CPU doesn't warrant it.
For a complete setup: Gaming PC €900, €1200, €1700: our 2026 configurations.
