The motherboard does not affect gaming performance, so the short answer is no it does not affect FPS (frames per second). There are a lot of parts that go into getting you the most frames possible, the motherboard just is not one of them.
I have worked professionally in the technology field for a few years, but I have been the resident IT helper at home since grade school. I will share some of my techy knowledge with you now!
I will explain the main functions of the motherboard, why it is essential, and why it will not impact your gaming performance throughout this article below!
Contents
Why Your Motherboard Doesn’t Affect FPS
The motherboard is arguably the most essential part of the computer. It is a circuit board that holds, connects, and allows communication between all of the parts of your PC. Without a motherboard, nothing would function.
Each motherboard is designed for a specific processor and memory. So you can’t pair any motherboard with any CPU. There are AMD and Intel boards, and there are key ways you can differentiate them. However, it doesn’t control the FPS of your PC directly. Your graphics card (GPU) does.
So, if you have an older motherboard, it might only be compatible with graphics cards that can’t provide as many FPS as a newer one.
The one on the left is AMD, and the one on the right is the Intel board. An AMD motherboard CPU has a place for the CPU pins to enter and be secured into place. While Intel motherboards have pins, and the CPU is placed onto them and secured tightly.
The Build of a PC and What is Important for FPS
While every part of a PC is integral to its functioning properly, the parts that you want to focus on for maximum FPS, are the graphics card, RAM, and CPU. The only important role of the motherboard would be the parts you can connect to it.
If you get an older motherboard, it may not be compatible with newer or even decent parts.
Below is the entire list of PC parts needed for your machine to work, and which ones impact gaming performance. The ones that directly affect your FPS will be bolded.
CPU
The CPU or Central Processing Unit is what delegates tasks to the other components of your PC, and makes sure they are done correctly. In essence, the CPU is the brain of the computer.
The CPU is important because depending on the one you purchase, you must ensure that your Motherboard is compatible. Take extra care when purchasing this.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
The Graphics Processing Unit is what processes and executes visual and graphical data.
Once again, an older motherboard might not be powerful enough to cooperate with a newer, stronger GPU, which could directly impact the FPS you will be able to get.
RAM
RAM or random-accessed memory is used to store short-term memory data on your PC. Unlike your storage, which holds memory indefinitely, the RAM is emptied every single time you shut off your PC.
Certain models of motherboards allow for higher refresh rates and more RAM Dim slots. Allowing for even higher FPS. AMD CPUs benefit greatly from higher refresh rates, so keep this in mind when pairing all of your parts.
Motherboard
The motherboard is what takes care of distributing power from the PSU, to all of the appropriate parts, making sure they receive the correct wattage.
Storage
The storage is where everything that we download will be put. All downloads, applications, files, and games, will end up here.
PSU
The PSU or Power Supply Unit powers on the motherboard and other components (fans, storage drives), and the motherboard delegates power from there. Mostly every single motherboard will be compatible with all of the PSUs you can purchase.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the main function of the motherboard has little to nothing to do with actual FPS, therefore it will not have any effect on your gaming performance and your in-game frame rate. It will only limit the parts you can use with it.