How we test motherboards

Updated: Jun 14, 2022 11:27 am

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We put all motherboards through a comprehensive set of real-world tests, so we can directly compare and rate each motherboard accurately and against direct competition. Standardized and repeatable testing is critical to get accurate, comparative results and that’s what we do in the WePC labs.

Each motherboard we review gets put through the following tests and we compare the data against other motherboards in its category. Once we have completed all our tests we score the motherboard. This hands-on review is then published and is eligible to be considered in our best of buyer’s guides. We handpick the best motherboards based on our testing and experience so you don’t have waste time researching yourself.

Real-world tests

Inspection & information

What’s the socket type? The layout? Shape? Features? We take a general look at the motherboard and make a direct comparison between others in the same or older chipsets and generations.

FPS benchmarking

We test the FPS impact on average the motherboard has on the CPU or GPU in any given scenario. Does it hinder or help the components it serves in any particular fashion?

Overclocking capabilities

How does the motherboard handle overclocking RAM, CPU and GPU? Does it have support for overclocking? How is the power delivery? How do the VRMs perform?

I/O features

We test the USB interface, compare the number of I/O and test the validity of I/O and whether or not it fits the target audience and use case.

Thermal tests

We place the motherboard under thermal scrutiny with one of our state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras, to test the thermal armour on the motherboard and assess the performance of VRM and heat sinks.

Features

What features does the motherboard offer? Whether it’s a new XMP version, a new BIOS feature, RAMP technology integration or quality of life improvements, we will put it to the test.

How we score

We score motherboards out of 5 stars, with five different weighting categories. As some categories are more important than others we assign different weightings to ensure that the overall score has the highest level of accuracy.

BIOS usability (10%)

The BIOS is an integral component of any motherboard and an absolute necessity to the avid PC enthusiast. Whether it’s tuning overclocks, configuring storage or dialling in memory frequencies, all these features need to be easy to use, easily accessed and readily available. This is something we will directly measure.

Chipset features (10%)

Measuring the features that the chipset brings is a lot like measuring the standard motherboard features, only this time we compare on a per chipset basis, to determine the best chipset objectively for each price bracket and use case. We will then use this data to compile a large spreadsheet of motherboards, their features and all our findings.

General features (30%)

General features are what every motherboard should do as a minimum – an extreme example of this would be “does the motherboard seat a CPU?”. Of Corse this isn’t a question we will be asking, but we will make every motherboard review suitable for every user. Each review will be fully comprehensive, whether you’re a beginner or PC enthusiast you’ll find something suited for you.

VRM features/performance (25%)

First we’ll assess the type of VRM is available on the motherboard in question and ask whether or not the MOSFETs, chokes, and capacitors are up to scratch. We will also determine how well the VRMs deliver power in terms of efficiency and calculate the energy lost to heat with our thermal camera.

Power delivery/voltages (25%)

We’ll test how well a motherboard delivers power by taking the wattage that the motherboard draws to the socket and then, using a multi-meter and software, test all the parts of the motherboard and the power they are being supplied. We’ll use this as a baseline to calculate draw to delivery efficiency. Again we also calculate energy lost as heat with the thermal camera.

Test team

The WePC motherboard specialist is Jack Howarth, who is also a whiz with CPUs. Jack has been benchmarking PC components since 2020 and before that he worked as a PC builder. His current job meets the passion that he has had for computing since he was 10 years old. Jack boasts 13 years of experience between between profession and passion, and uses every drop of that knowledge on his CPU and motherboard testing methodology.

How a CPU can feature in our best of guides

Only the best of the best motherboards make it into our best of guides. The best motherboards score high in all categories, have a high level of efficiency and don’t impede the performance of other components in any way. You get bonus points for looking cool, too.

Recent CPU reviews

Take a look at our most recent hands-on motherboard product reviews.

WePC guides to buying the best motherboard

Your motherboard is the foundation for any good gaming PC and it’s important that you make the right decision when buying one. We put all our motherboards through the same comprehensive set of rigorous tests to ensure that you can make the most informed buying choice. If you’re looking for the best motherboard for a gaming rig that money can buy, check out our ultimate buyer’s guides.

📌 Learn more

We have a wide range of informative pieces around motherboards, whether you want to know the latest on the AMD AM5 socket and the technology that brings, or you have a hankering for some general motherboard knowledge, we’ve got you covered. Not sure what a motherboard actually is? We can even help you there as well. If you’re after more specifics, such as H670, B660 and H610 information you can find it all at WePC.