As we await Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture, manufacturers are trying to squeeze the best performance from the two-year-old Nehalem-based Core processors.
On AMD's side it's the polar opposite, with 2009's AM3 socket processors being backwards compatible with AM2 motherboards. That situation is looking unlikely to change.
As ever, if you want a cheap PC, it's better to roll with AMD, but if you want more power you should stick to Intel.
On AMD's side it's the polar opposite, with 2009's AM3 socket processors being backwards compatible with AM2 motherboards. That situation is looking unlikely to change.
As ever, if you want a cheap PC, it's better to roll with AMD, but if you want more power you should stick to Intel.
So we've herded 10 of the best motherboards (five from Intel, five from AMD), ranging from under £70 to almost £270.
1. MSI 870A-G54 - £68
MSI's Socket AM3 board may be on the cheap and cheerful side, but it's full to the brim with useful extras. USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps are present and correct for quick data transfer, and it includes a top-spec southbridge. It also comes with MSI's OC Gear for quick and
1. MSI 870A-G54 - £68
MSI's Socket AM3 board may be on the cheap and cheerful side, but it's full to the brim with useful extras. USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps are present and correct for quick data transfer, and it includes a top-spec southbridge. It also comes with MSI's OC Gear for quick and