How-to Guides                                                   

 of your PC—it connects and powers every component. But to new PC builders, a motherboard can look like a maze of weird slots, pins, and acronyms.

In this two-part guide, we’ll break down the 

 of a motherboard, explain what each section does, and help you confidently plug in your CPU, GPU, RAM, SSDs, fans, and more.

Before diving into ports and pins, you should know the size and layout of your motherboard.

Tips: Make sure your PC case supports the motherboard size you choose.

This is where your processor (CPU) goes. It’s a square-shaped socket with a latch.

 You must match the CPU socket type with your processor model.

Most motherboards also have a VRM heatsink near the CPU socket for power regulation.

These are the long vertical slots beside the CPU socket.

Install RAM in the correct slots for dual-channel (usually slots 2 and 4 counting from the CPU side – check the manual).

PCIe Slots – For Graphics Cards and More

These are the horizontal slots under the CPU area. With the longer one supporting up to PCIex16 usually for graphics cards and the shorter one for Capture cards, Wi-Fi, sound cards. Newer motherboards may support PCIe Gen 5.0, but GPUs still mostly use Gen 4.0. 

 Use the top PCIe x16 slot for your GPU—it’s wired with the most bandwidth.

Modern motherboards come with M.2 slots and SATA ports.

 Some M.2 slots disable SATA ports when in use—check the manual.

In the next post, we will walk you through the other side of the motherboard—SATA ports, power connectors, front I/O, fan headers and more! Stay tuned so you can master every inch of your motherboards before you build.





The motherboard is the central nervous system of your PC—it connects and powers every component. But to new PC builders, a motherboard can look like a maze of weird slots, pins, and acronyms.


In this two-part guide, we’ll break down the essential parts of a motherboard, explain what each section does, and help you confidently plug in your CPU, GPU, RAM, SSDs, fans, and more.



Form Factor – The First Thing to Know

Before diving into ports and pins, you should know the size and layout of your motherboard.





Tips: Make sure your PC case supports the motherboard size you choose.



CPU Socket – The Master Mind





This is where your processor (CPU) goes. It’s a square-shaped socket with a latch.





Intel: LGA 1851, LGA 1700, etc. (pins are on the motherboard)



AMD: AM4, AM5 (pins are on the CPU)

Beware: You must match the CPU socket type with your processor model.
Tips: Most motherboards also have a VRM heatsink near the CPU socket for power regulation.



RAM Slots – Memory Matters





These are the long vertical slots beside the CPU socket.





Labeled as DIMM1, DIMM2, etc.



Usually 2 or 4 slots depending on board size



Only supports DDR4 or DDR5 (not both!)

Tips: Install RAM in the correct slots for dual-channel (usually slots 2 and 4 counting from the CPU side – check the manual).



PCIe Slots – For Graphics Cards and More





These are the horizontal slots under the CPU area. With the longer one supporting up to PCIex16 usually for graphics cards and the shorter one for Capture cards, Wi-Fi, sound cards. Newer motherboards may support PCIe Gen 5.0, but GPUs still mostly use Gen 4.0. 



Tips: Use the top PCIe x16 slot for your GPU—it’s wired with the most bandwidth.



M.2 and SATA – Storage Interfaces





Modern motherboards come with M.2 slots and SATA ports.



M.2 Slots (for NVMe or SATA SSDs):





Typically located between PCIe slots



Look for labels like M.2_1, M.2_2



May need to remove a heatsink

SATA Ports (for 2.5" SSDs, HDDs):





Usually 4–6 L-shaped connectors on the edge

Tips: Some M.2 slots disable SATA ports when in use—check the manual.



What's Next?

In the next post, we will walk you through the other side of the motherboard—SATA ports, power connectors, front I/O, fan headers and more! Stay tuned so you can master every inch of your motherboards before you build.

Part 1 of a two-part series that will lead to master your motherboard layout and build with confidence

How to Read a Motherboard (Part 1): CPU, RAM, and Expansion Slots Explained

Panduan Cara-cara

Bahagian 1 daripada siri dua bahagian yang akan membawa kepada penguasaan susun atur papan induk anda dan pembinaannya dengan yakin

Cara Membaca Papan Induk (Bahagian 1): Penjelasan tentang CPU, RAM dan Slot Pengembangan

Tech News                                                       

Why are motherboard prices rising in 2026? The short answer is that PCB and component costs are climbing while DIY PC demand is getting weaker. According to reports from 

, major motherboard makers such as ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI are preparing or already applying price adjustments in Q3 2026. 

The biggest pressure comes from PCB costs, which are reportedly expected to rise by at least 50% this year, along with higher prices for copper, capacitors, power components, and controller chips.

A motherboard is not just a flat circuit board. It includes multiple PCB layers, power delivery components, capacitors, controllers, slots, ports, heatsinks, and firmware support. When upstream PCB and component prices rise, motherboard brands cannot easily avoid the impact. 

AI servers and enterprise platforms are also competing for many of the same supply chain resources, and those customers often place larger, higher-margin orders. That leaves consumer motherboard makers with higher costs and less bargaining power.

How Much Are Motherboard Prices Increasing?

The reported ASUS price changes are not massive per board, but they add more pressure to already expensive PC builds.

(Image for illustration only. Not a specific product model.)

Should gamers rush to buy a new motherboard before prices rise further? Not necessarily. If your current platform still performs well, a motherboard upgrade alone rarely improves gaming FPS. The bigger question is whether you are also upgrading CPU, RAM, GPU, storage, or case layout. 

With memory and GPU prices already high, many users may be better off extending their current system instead of forcing a full platform upgrade. If you do need a new motherboard, focus on practical features: enough RAM slots, stable VRM cooling, useful rear I/O, front USB-C support, M.2 slots, and compatibility with your case and cooler.

Final Thoughts: Build Around Parts That Last

Motherboard price increases may look small at first, but they are part of a larger 2026 PC hardware cost problem. PCB materials, memory, GPUs, and enterprise AI demand are all pushing the DIY market into a more expensive cycle. 

For PC builders, the smartest move is to spend carefully on parts that last across multiple upgrades. A reliable darkFlash case, stable PSU, strong CPU cooler, AIO liquid cooler, cooling fans, and DDR4 or DDR5 memory can help protect your build even if motherboard and GPU prices continue to move. Instead of upgrading just because prices are rising, build a platform that stays cool, stable, and upgrade-ready.





Why are motherboard prices rising in 2026? The short answer is that PCB and component costs are climbing while DIY PC demand is getting weaker. According to reports from Videocardz and Wccftech, major motherboard makers such as ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI are preparing or already applying price adjustments in Q3 2026. 

The biggest pressure comes from PCB costs, which are reportedly expected to rise by at least 50% this year, along with higher prices for copper, capacitors, power components, and controller chips.





(Reports from Board Channels)



Why PCB Costs Matter So Much

A motherboard is not just a flat circuit board. It includes multiple PCB layers, power delivery components, capacitors, controllers, slots, ports, heatsinks, and firmware support. When upstream PCB and component prices rise, motherboard brands cannot easily avoid the impact. 







AI servers and enterprise platforms are also competing for many of the same supply chain resources, and those customers often place larger, higher-margin orders. That leaves consumer motherboard makers with higher costs and less bargaining power.



How Much Are Motherboard Prices Increasing?

The reported ASUS price changes are not massive per board, but they add more pressure to already expensive PC builds.





Intel Z890 / Z790 / B860: reportedly rising by RMB 20-30, roughly US$2.80-4.20



Intel B760: reportedly rising by RMB 20-25, roughly US$2.80-3.50



Intel H-series: reportedly rising by RMB 5-10, roughly US$0.70-1.40



AMD X870: reportedly rising by RMB 30-50, roughly US$4.20-7.00



AMD B850: reportedly rising by RMB 20, roughly US$2.80





(Image for illustration only. Not a specific product model.)



Should You Buy a New Motherboard Now?

Should gamers rush to buy a new motherboard before prices rise further? Not necessarily. If your current platform still performs well, a motherboard upgrade alone rarely improves gaming FPS. The bigger question is whether you are also upgrading CPU, RAM, GPU, storage, or case layout. 

With memory and GPU prices already high, many users may be better off extending their current system instead of forcing a full platform upgrade. If you do need a new motherboard, focus on practical features: enough RAM slots, stable VRM cooling, useful rear I/O, front USB-C support, M.2 slots, and compatibility with your case and cooler.





(Image for illustration only. Not a specific product model.)



Final Thoughts: Build Around Parts That Last

Motherboard price increases may look small at first, but they are part of a larger 2026 PC hardware cost problem. PCB materials, memory, GPUs, and enterprise AI demand are all pushing the DIY market into a more expensive cycle. 

For PC builders, the smartest move is to spend carefully on parts that last across multiple upgrades. A reliable darkFlash case, stable PSU, strong CPU cooler, AIO liquid cooler, cooling fans, and DDR4 or DDR5 memory can help protect your build even if motherboard and GPU prices continue to move. Instead of upgrading just because prices are rising, build a platform that stays cool, stable, and upgrade-ready.

Why are motherboard prices rising in 2026? PCB costs, copper, power components, AI demand, and weaker DIY shipments are putting pressure on ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI boards.

Why Are Motherboard Prices Rising in 2026? PCB Costs Explained

Berita Teknologi

Mengapakah harga papan induk meningkat pada tahun 2026? Kos PCB, tembaga, komponen kuasa, permintaan AI dan penghantaran DIY yang lebih lemah memberi tekanan kepada papan ASUS, GIGABYTE dan MSI.

Mengapa Harga Papan Induk Meningkat pada 2026? Kos PCB Dijelaskan

Build Guides                                                    

When shopping for a power supply, you've probably seen labels like 

. Many gamers assume that a higher rating automatically means better performance, but that's not entirely true.

So, what does 80 PLUS certification actually measure, and is it worth paying extra for a higher-rated PSU?

80 PLUS is a certification program that measures a power supply's 

A PSU doesn't convert electricity with 100% efficiency. Some energy is always lost as heat during the conversion process. The purpose of 80 PLUS certification is to verify how efficiently a power supply converts AC power from the wall into DC power for your PC.

To earn an 80 PLUS certification, a power supply must achieve at least 

Simply put, a higher efficiency rating means:

Imagine your PC components require 600 watts of power.

If your PSU operates at 80% efficiency, it needs to draw approximately 750 watts from the wall to deliver those 600 watts to your system. The remaining energy is lost as heat.

A more efficient power supply wastes less energy, generates less heat, and typically runs more quietly because its cooling fan doesn't need to work as hard.

80 PLUS certification includes several efficiency tiers:

Each tier represents a higher level of efficiency under various workloads. In general, the higher the certification level, the less power is wasted during operation.

However, a higher rating does not automatically mean the PSU delivers more performance or higher wattage. It simply indicates that the unit converts electricity more efficiently.

Does a Higher 80 PLUS Rating Improve Gaming Performance?

A Gold or Platinum power supply will not increase FPS or make games run faster.

For most gamers, the difference is not about performance gains, but rather better overall efficiency and a potentially better-built power supply.

Bronze-rated units are usually sufficient for web browsing, office work, and light gaming.

Gold-rated power supplies offer an excellent balance of efficiency, thermals, and price, making them the most popular choice for gaming systems.

Platinum and Titanium units are designed for users who prioritize maximum efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and long-term power savings.

80 PLUS certification doesn't determine how powerful a PSU is, nor does it directly improve gaming performance. Instead, it measures how efficiently a power supply converts electricity.

For most PC builders today, an 80 PLUS Gold PSU provides the best balance between efficiency, thermals, and value, making it an ideal choice for gaming and content creation systems.





When shopping for a power supply, you've probably seen labels like 80 PLUS Bronze, Gold, or Platinum. Many gamers assume that a higher rating automatically means better performance, but that's not entirely true.

So, what does 80 PLUS certification actually measure, and is it worth paying extra for a higher-rated PSU?



What Is 80 PLUS Certification?

80 PLUS is a certification program that measures a power supply's power conversion efficiency.

A PSU doesn't convert electricity with 100% efficiency. Some energy is always lost as heat during the conversion process. The purpose of 80 PLUS certification is to verify how efficiently a power supply converts AC power from the wall into DC power for your PC.

To earn an 80 PLUS certification, a power supply must achieve at least 80% efficiency at different load levels.

Simply put, a higher efficiency rating means:





Less wasted electricity



Lower heat output



Better energy efficiency







How Does Power Supply Efficiency Work?

Imagine your PC components require 600 watts of power.

If your PSU operates at 80% efficiency, it needs to draw approximately 750 watts from the wall to deliver those 600 watts to your system. The remaining energy is lost as heat.

A more efficient power supply wastes less energy, generates less heat, and typically runs more quietly because its cooling fan doesn't need to work as hard.



What Are the Different 80 PLUS Ratings?





80 PLUS certification includes several efficiency tiers:





Standard



Bronze



Silver



Gold



Platinum



Titanium

Each tier represents a higher level of efficiency under various workloads. In general, the higher the certification level, the less power is wasted during operation.

However, a higher rating does not automatically mean the PSU delivers more performance or higher wattage. It simply indicates that the unit converts electricity more efficiently.



Does a Higher 80 PLUS Rating Improve Gaming Performance?

No.

A Gold or Platinum power supply will not increase FPS or make games run faster.

The primary benefits are:





Lower power consumption



Reduced heat generation



Potentially quieter operation



Improved energy efficiency over long periods of use

For most gamers, the difference is not about performance gains, but rather better overall efficiency and a potentially better-built power supply.







Which 80 PLUS Rating Should You Buy?

Office PCs and casual users

Bronze-rated units are usually sufficient for web browsing, office work, and light gaming.



Mainstream gaming PCs

Gold-rated power supplies offer an excellent balance of efficiency, thermals, and price, making them the most popular choice for gaming systems.



High-end gaming and workstation builds

Platinum and Titanium units are designed for users who prioritize maximum efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and long-term power savings.







Final Thoughts

80 PLUS certification doesn't determine how powerful a PSU is, nor does it directly improve gaming performance. Instead, it measures how efficiently a power supply converts electricity.

For most PC builders today, an 80 PLUS Gold PSU provides the best balance between efficiency, thermals, and value, making it an ideal choice for gaming and content creation systems.

Here's what these PSU ratings mean and whether paying more is actually worth it.

What Is 80 PLUS Certification? Does a Higher PSU Rating Really Matter?

Panduan Binaan

Inilah maksud penarafan PSU ini dan sama ada membayar lebih sebenarnya berbaloi.

Apakah Pensijilan 80 PLUS? Adakah Penarafan PSU yang Lebih Tinggi Benar-benar Penting?

Hardware Tips                                                   

What is the difference between GPU Core Temp and Junction (Hotspot) Temp in 2026?

 While "Core Temperature" represents the average heat across the silicon die, 

 (or Hotspot) is the measurement from the single hottest point among hundreds of internal sensors. In the era of high-density chipsets like the RTX 50-series, a 

 between these two numbers is considered normal physical behavior. 

To prevent thermal throttling and protect your hardware, maintaining a low delta through high-performance cooling—such as 

darkFlash bottom-intake fan configurations

—is essential for long-term stability and peak overclocking performance.

The Science of the "Hotspot": Why average temps lie

In the past, players only monitored a single "GPU Temperature" value. However, modern 2026 GPUs are massive silicon structures with billions of transistors packed into a tiny area.

While a 30°C gap is normal, exceeding a 110°C Junction Temperature usually triggers 

. This is your GPU's "emergency brake," where it slashes clock speeds to prevent physical damage, leading to sudden FPS drops during gaming. 

Common causes for an abnormal temperature gap include:

The Solution: Targeting the Hotspot with Vertical Airflow

Pro Tips for 2026 GPU Temperature Management

To keep your high-density flagship card running cool, follow this checklist:

Conclusion: Cooling the Core, Protecting the Investment

Understanding that a high Junction Temperature is a normal part of 2026 hardware physics will save you from unnecessary stress. However, "normal" doesn't mean it can't be improved. By utilizing a 

 and direct bottom-intake cooling, you can significantly narrow that thermal gap, ensuring your GPU stays boosted and your frames stay high.





What is the difference between GPU Core Temp and Junction (Hotspot) Temp in 2026? While "Core Temperature" represents the average heat across the silicon die, Junction Temperature (or Hotspot) is the measurement from the single hottest point among hundreds of internal sensors. In the era of high-density chipsets like the RTX 50-series, a 30°C delta between these two numbers is considered normal physical behavior. 

To prevent thermal throttling and protect your hardware, maintaining a low delta through high-performance cooling—such as darkFlash bottom-intake fan configurations—is essential for long-term stability and peak overclocking performance.



The Science of the "Hotspot": Why average temps lie

In the past, players only monitored a single "GPU Temperature" value. However, modern 2026 GPUs are massive silicon structures with billions of transistors packed into a tiny area.





The Sensor Network: High-end GPUs now feature a dense matrix of thermal sensors embedded directly into the silicon.



Average vs. Peak: The "Core Temp" is a weighted average of these sensors, whereas the "Junction Temp" reports the absolute maximum reading from the most stressed part of the die.



The Delta Reality: Because heat does not spread perfectly across the silicon, seeing your core at 75°C while the hotspot hits 105°C is a common physical phenomenon known as the "thermal delta".







When should you actually worry?

While a 30°C gap is normal, exceeding a 110°C Junction Temperature usually triggers Thermal Throttling. This is your GPU's "emergency brake," where it slashes clock speeds to prevent physical damage, leading to sudden FPS drops during gaming. Common causes for an abnormal temperature gap include:





Uneven Mounting Pressure: If the cooler isn't perfectly flat against the die.



Poor Case Airflow: If the GPU is "choking" on recycled hot air trapped at the bottom of the chassis.



Dust Accumulation: Clogged fins act as insulators, trapping heat in the hotspot zone.







The Solution: Targeting the Hotspot with Vertical Airflow





Direct GPU Intake: Chassis feature specialized PSU chambers with louvered side panels, allowing you to install dedicated bottom-intake fans.



Lowering the Delta: By positioning fans directly beneath the graphics card, cold air is forced straight into the GPU's heatsink, targeting the hotspot more effectively than front-panel fans ever could.



Positive Pressure Defense: Our fan configurations are designed to maintain positive air pressure, which not only pushes heat out of the rear vents but also acts as a shield against the dust buildup that causes sensors to spike.







Pro Tips for 2026 GPU Temperature Management

To keep your high-density flagship card running cool, follow this checklist:





Optimize Fan Curves: Use software to sync your chassis fans with the GPU Hotspot sensor rather than the CPU temp.



Check Your Clearance: Ensure there is at least 2 slots of breathing room between your GPU and the bottom of the case.



Use High-Static Pressure Fans: For the bottom intake, always use fans like the, which are optimized to push air through tight gaps and mesh filters.







Conclusion: Cooling the Core, Protecting the Investment

Understanding that a high Junction Temperature is a normal part of 2026 hardware physics will save you from unnecessary stress. However, "normal" doesn't mean it can't be improved. By utilizing a  high-airflow chassis and direct bottom-intake cooling, you can significantly narrow that thermal gap, ensuring your GPU stays boosted and your frames stay high.

Junction Temperature is the measurement from the single hottest point among hundreds of internal sensors.

Understanding GPU Junction Temp vs. Core Temp: Is Your Hotspot Too Hot?

Petua Perkakasan

Suhu Persimpangan ialah pengukuran dari titik terpanas tunggal antara ratusan sensor dalaman.

Memahami Suhu Sambungan GPU vs. Suhu Teras: Adakah Hotspot Anda Terlalu Panas?

Dilahirkan daripada minat bersama terhadap permainan dan pembinaan PC, darkFlash berdedikasi untuk mencipta produk yang menggabungkan reka bentuk tersendiri, prestasi yang andal dan inovasi yang bernas.

Dengan membina, menguji dan menggunakan casing PC, penyelesaian penyejukan, kipas casing, perabot permainan dan aksesori kami secara peribadi, kami memperoleh pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang apa yang benar-benar diperlukan oleh pengguna. Setiap produk dibangunkan dengan tujuan, diperhalusi melalui pengalaman dan direkayasa untuk meningkatkan cara orang ramai membina, bermain dan mencipta.

Matlamat kami mudah: untuk memperkasakan setiap pengguna dengan produk yang berprestasi terbaik dan memberi inspirasi kepada mereka untuk membina tanpa had.

darkFlash

Born from a shared passion for gaming and PC building, darkFlash is dedicated to creating products that combine distinctive design, reliable performance, and thoughtful innovation.

By personally building, testing, and using our PC cases, cooling solutions, case fans, gaming furniture, and accessories, we gain a deeper understanding of what users truly need. Every product is developed with purpose, refined through experience, and engineered to elevate the way people build, play, and create.

Our goal is simple: to empower every user with products that perform at their best and inspire them to build without limits.

Cara Membaca Papan Induk (Bahagian 1): Penjelasan tentang CPU, RAM dan Slot Pengembangan

Faktor Bentuk – Perkara Pertama Yang Perlu Diketahui

Soket CPU – Minda Utama

Slot RAM – Memori Penting

Slot PCIe – Untuk Kad Grafik dan Banyak Lagi

M.2 dan SATA – Antara Muka Storan

Slot M.2 (untuk SSD NVMe atau SATA):

Port SATA (untuk SSD, HDD 2.5"):

Apa Seterusnya?