Back when I upgraded to an Intel Core i5 6600K in 2016, I mostly focused on choosing the right chipset motherboard since it was a processor that could overclock. I didn't care about the HDMI port version on the I/O or whether my board even has an M.2 slot SSD. All I cared about was that it gives me 3x PCIe slots, 4x DIMMs, has 6x SATA ports, and can overclock my CPU for some "free" performance.
Since then, there have been newer additions to various sections of modern gaming motherboards, and as I was mostly paying attention to the VRM, PCIe slots, and DIMMs, a lot of small yet convenient features were ignored in the process. It's 2025, and even after upgrading my motherboard a few times in the last few years, I still regret some of the decisions I made, just to save some "cash". Those choices still frustrate me, but the regret was inevitable. I learned that the small features I was overlooking were actually so convenient that they would have made my life easier.
If you are going to buy a motherboard, then don't make these mistakes. Here are the top four motherboard features that you shouldn't underestimate and should always look for when buying a motherboard.
Built-in WiFi is a Must
Most motherboards provide you with at least a single PCIe x1 slot that can be utilized for installing a PCIe WiFi card. You can even install a WiFi USB adapter, but that's not going to compete with the built-in WiFi adapters modern motherboards ship with. Thankfully, a lot of motherboards nowadays bring a WiFi solution out of the box, eliminating any need for adding a PCIe WiFi card.
Wireless internet connectivity is essential if you are building a new PC, as a wired connection may not always be feasible. WiFi allows you to start downloading the essential OS updates and apps, saving your time and the need to wait for a dedicated WiFi adapter to arrive. Many modern motherboards are already shipping with WiFi 6/6E, but some have switched to WiFi 7, which honestly won't make a difference. However, regardless of the WiFi version, it is recommended to choose a motherboard with a built-in WiFi adapter to ensure a smooth experience once you enter your OS for the first time.
Debug LEDs Can Be a Life Saver
You will only realize the importance of Debug LEDs once your system refuses to boot. By then, the root cause of your system's behavior will be a mystery. If you have ever used Debug LEDs for troubleshooting such problems, you will understand the pain of not having these tiny LEDs on your motherboard. Once I started depending on Debug LEDs, I knew there was no going back, and to this day, I remember how difficult it was to find out what was stopping my PC from getting past boot.
Debug LEDs are usually available near your the edge of your PCB on the top-right. The location can be different on some motherboards, but usually these are four: CPU, VGA, DRAM, and BOOT. When your system isn't able to boot into the OS, one of these will definitely light up, indicating a problem with your respective components. This makes it easier to find out the faulty part and carry out the solutions quickly.
Overlooking USB Ports Was My Biggest Mistake
A lot of motherboard makers may focus on fancy ports on the rear I/O, but all you really need is USB Ports x10. In 2025, you aren't just connecting a keyboard and mouse to your component, but there are plenty of additional peripherals that are being used daily by millions. These include wired headsets, controllers, webcams, RGB devices, and even mobile devices for charging purposes. Plus, when you need to transfer files from a USB stick, you still need at least one more spare port, so you don't have to remove one of your peripherals.
When I switched to a B450 Tomahawk Max motherboard for my Ryzen build, I only got like four or five USB ports. However, I have plenty of peripherals to connect, which eventually made me buy a USB hub. Still, I couldn't get the job done without hassles, as connecting high-bandwidth devices was impossible without being bottlenecked by the limited available bandwidth. I wish my GIGABYTE AORUS X370 Gaming 5 never died, but I made a grave mistake of choosing a motherboard that doesn't care about USB ports much.
Onboard Power/Reset Button Can Come in Handy
Once you start tweaking things, you will have to frequently turn off or restart your computer. This is very common in the overclocking process, as sometimes your system refuses to boot on the new clocks or voltages you set for your CPU or RAM. Sometimes, you may need to open your chassis to hard reset your BIOS to get things working or even disconnect additional cables to see what's causing an issue.
Many motherboards today offer a Power or a Reset Button on the motherboard PCB itself, offering a convenient way to power off or reset your system without having to opt for the external button on the chassis. For enthusiast overclockers and even for advanced troubleshooting, the need to take the motherboard out of the chassis is convenient, which only leaves you with the option to short the pins on the bottom. If you want a simpler solution, just get a motherboard with at least a Power or Reset button, and you will thank yourself later.
With all that said, core features like robust VRM, good memory support, and the latest connectivity features still matter the most, but eventually, you may find yourself stuck on issues you never even thought about.
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