VRM stands for the voltage regulator module. It’s comprised of MOSFETs, chokes, and capacitors. Each of them impacts the way power is distributed from the motherboard to the other components.
MOSFET stands for metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor. Pretty boring, but it’s essential in ensuring that your processor runs efficiently at a stable current. Much like the power supply converts alternating currents to direct the current, the MOSFETs also amplifies or switches the electronic signal to match a particular component’s needs. The chokes are inductors that are used to limit the passing DC to a certain frequency, further ensuring a stable voltage while powering your CPU. Transistors function in a similar way.
Whether you’re planning on buying a premium gaming motherboard or are looking to snatch a good price on a clean-looking, business-branded model, you should always purchase a product that has an intricate VRM. The more chokes, MOSFETs, and transistors, the better the performance and reliability.
Lastly, make sure that your future motherboard has solid-state transistors. Fluid-based transistors can burst, throwing acid onto your components, damaging the circuits, and cutting off power to multiple sectors of the board.