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Integrated designs have always been a somewhat interesting, if not hugely popular, variant of the motherboard market. These integrated motherboards usually include all of the necessary peripherals such as video, soundcard, modem, and, in some instances network support, directly on-board. The benefits of integration are many, with the most obvious one being overall system cost. With the components incorporated directly on the motherboard or chipset, both manufacturing and PCB costs are lowered significantly. The other main benefit is the ease of setting up a new PC. With all the chips standardized on one board, all drivers and installation files are easily installed on the initial setup.

On the flip side, integrated motherboards do carry a few negatives along with them. Most knowledgeable computer buyers customize their new PC purchase to some degree. Whether it's a hot 3D card or making sure that the system sound is up to spec, a standard motherboard allows total control over the peripherals used. This is not the case with an integrated motherboard and you're pretty well stuck with the selection of hardware the motherboard vendor chooses. This can be a big plus if your tastes are more to the value end or if the integrated peripherals are on your shopping list anyway. Then again, one poorly chosen chip can have an adverse effect on your overall satisfaction with your new PC, so integrated motherboards should not be purchased in haste.