boards

[critmass]

When building a mining rig, does it matter the type of motherboard you use, and if so, how?

[Sekioh]

Short answer, no not really.

Longer answer, you need to obviously have the slot for a pci-express slot (PCIe) for the graphic card, multiple if you want to have expandability for the future. You can use a minimal processor, minimal ram for whatever OS you're using, and don't even need a disk if you launch from CD/USB stick! As long as the board has the express slots for the card to run and the power supply can handle the card, that's about the bare essentials other than a case and fan that can keep it/them cool!

[cancis]

Another small point: if you plan to have 4+ GPUs, look for a motherboard that supports the most possible PCIe devices. This will bring your unit cost down and allow you to spend more on the actual GPUs instead of superfluous motherboards. PCIe Extenders are key.

[TheHeroMember]

Short answer, no not really.

Longer answer, you need to obviously have the slot for a pci-express slot (PCIe) for the graphic card, multiple if you want to have expandability for the future. You can use a minimal processor, minimal ram for whatever OS you're using, and don't even need a disk if you launch from CD/USB stick! As long as the board has the express slots for the card to run and the power supply can handle the card, that's about the bare essentials other than a case and fan that can keep it/them cool!

Agree 

[strider007]

So far in my limited experience, if you want to put two big cards like 6950s in one machine, get a board with at least 3 PCIe slots or 2 that are separated by at least two other PCI slots. I have one machine that has only one PCI slot between the two PCIe slots and its a bitch to keep them cool. There are enough fans on that rig to make it orbit the friggin earth.

[atomicswan27]

not really, you should just buy a board with at least 4 pci X1 or X16 ports so you can support your GPUs. MSI makes a lot of good mobos, as well as gigabyte

[Gabi]

So far in my limited experience, if you want to put two big cards like 6950s in one machine, get a board with at least 3 PCIe slots or 2 that are separated by at least two other PCI slots. I have one machine that has only one PCI slot between the two PCIe slots and its a bitch to keep them cool. There are enough fans on that rig to make it orbit the friggin earth.

That's why pci-e extenders exist