A motherboard is the most important component of a computer or laptop. It regulates voltage, allows you to overclock both the CPU and the graphics card and it connects all the components together. With a low-quality motherboard, there may be several problems that may affect the functionality of your device. Accordingly, Jumia, the online store you can trust, shares some pointers on choosing the right motherboard that fits your needs.

Chipsets

Chipsets are the main chips that get fitted into motherboards and they allow a certain number of features to work. The number of the latest features usually refreshes in the latest chipsets as new technology gets introduced and both Intel and AMD motherboards have their range of chipsets to choose from. Some chipsets allow the use of integrated graphics while Other chipsets allow more Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) express lanes to drive more graphics cards.

Number of ports and slots

A motherboard is essentially a large hub where all of your computer’s components plug into so that they can work together to deliver your on-screen experience. The more ports your motherboard has, the more components you can plug into it. And, while plugging more components into your motherboard doesn’t necessarily result in improvement in performance, more ports does give you some more options.

Size

When buying a motherboard, know that the size of a motherboard has a direct impact on the number of features that can be packed into the board. For example, some smaller motherboards only have two slots for memory.

CPU Socket

Sometimes, when Intel or AMD release a new generation of CPUs, they also have to release a new generation of motherboards to accommodate the new CPUs. And, the CPU socket (the socket that the processor gets installed into on the motherboard) can be different from one processor/motherboard generation to the next.

Brand

Various manufacturers have great aftermarket services and their history in producing motherboards. Certain boards are known to be extra-compatible while others aren’t; so doing the right research can come a long way. Some top manufacturers of the motherboard are ASRock, Asus, Biostar. EVGA Corporation, Gigabyte Technology and MSI (Micro-Star International).

Travelling is challenging enough. But, if you throw in travelling to foreign countries with unfamiliar requirements, customs and laws, international travel seems daunting. As such, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, share items for your international travel checklist to ensure that your family’s international vacation gets off to a good start.

Check passports

Valid passports are a requirement for international travel. If you already have passports, check each family member’s passport expiration dates. Most countries require that passports are valid for three to six months after your ticketed departure date.

Visa requirements

In addition to passports, some countries require visas. These requirements could vary depending on the length of your stay or purpose of your trip. While some visa applications can be done online, you can visit the embassy of the destination you wish to visit to process your visa.

Get finances in order

If you are a regular international traveller, you must have used your debit cards to withdraw money at airports upon arrival. Know the fees associated with ATM withdrawals and international transactions. Also, do not hesitate to notify your bank (s) of the dates and countries you will be visiting. You may need them during the course of your travel.

Learn local customs and languages

One of the great things about travelling is learning about other countries’ customs and values. It’s important to learn what’s considered appropriate or illegal in these countries. Being aware of this will keep you safe during your trip. Also, do not forget to learn some basic phrases in the local language, too.

Staying in touch

Many of us are attached to our smartphones. Stay connected while travelling with various international phone service options that include upgrading existing data plans, wi-fi, buying local SIM cards abroad or getting a local phone. Figure out which works best for you depending on what’s widely available or affordable in your destination countries.

Having fun on a tight budget when you travel can be tough especially if you are in a big city or anywhere where a lot of travelling is required. However, you do not need to worry because you can still have an exciting time even though you are travelling on a budget. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, discusses ways you can do this.

Find local events

Cities and local organizations frequently produce lists of upcoming events for the public. These range from movie nights and art festivals to community celebrations. Cost of entry is typically low or free and the fun can last for hours.

Search for special hotel and restaurant deals

Find hotels and restaurants that offer discounts for guests and visitors. Some hotels and restaurants offer amazing discounts and promotions to their customers and visitors. To get updates on this, you can subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on social media.

Split costs with friends

Gather a group of like-minded, financially savvy friends and split the costs to have your fun and keep your money, too. Group discounts split hotel room fees, and shared meals are great ways to travel and party with friends while saving money.

Travel during off-peak period

To ensure that you do not spend all your money on transportation, endeavour to plan your travel during the off-peak period. Travelling during this time is quite affordable because it is less busy.

Seek out no-admission nature

In addition to those community movie nights, look for other ways to have fun without paying ticket prices. Many tourists attractions allow free entry or have low admission costs. You simply need to carry out a bit of research.

Shopping for clothes online can get you great style at bargain prices. But, it sometimes comes with the worry that because you're buying a clothing item sight-unseen, it just won't fit and you've wasted your money. Jumia, the online store you can trust, highlights how to make sure that never happens.

Check size chart

Measurements matter and it will save you a lot of time if you click over to confirm the size of your bust, waist and hips against the store’s sizing charts. Alternatively, measure yourself once and keep a note saved somewhere on your computer so you always have a reference.

Keep a list of the sizes you wear often

If you frequent the same set of stores, it’s worth jotting down a list of the sizes you wear regularly. And, again, keep a note on your phone or computer. That way, when you spot an adorable attire online, you can confirm in an instant that it is your size.

Always read customer reviews

Most online retailers leave an area for shopper reviews. That’s where you’re likely to get the real deal on how a garment actually fits.

Check the online return policy

Even if you’re fairly certain you’ll make a swift decision about your purchase, take the time to browse the return policy just to be sure you know all the ins and outs. Some policies are more liberal than others, of course, but it’s better to have all that info before you make a purchase.

Leave items in your shopping cart

If you don’t mind waiting a couple of days, create an online profile with the retailer and leave whatever you are buying in your shopping cart for a day or two. To encourage you to checkout, the retailer may offer you a little discount!

Whether you’re staying for a short or extended period of time, the absolute best way to maximise your experience and enjoyment is by hiring a tour guide. If you are not sure how to choose a great tour guide, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares some helpful tips.

Passionate about being a tour guide

What separates a great tour from a good one is passion. An average tour guide will be looking to get tips; a great tour guide will be giving them! You can see it in their faces and mannerism, nothing makes them happier than to serve others and help others have a positive and rewarding experience. They’re passionate about their home country and they treat you like a guest in their home.

Experienced and well-travelled

A great tour guide needs to have all the relevant qualifications but what they need most is experience in managing tours and groups. A tour guide knows how to manage a group so that memories are made.

Rely on your network

If you have well-travelled friends whose tastes you trust, ask them for recommendations. Asking your social media network for suggestions is another way to go. Chances are that if your friends have had a great experience with a guide, you will too.

Use the guides at tourist destinations

Many major landmarks and museums have tour guides on the ground. These guides have extensive knowledge of the attractions. Most of these attractions require that their guides go through several months of training before they’re allowed to give tours, and if you’re looking for a customized, in-depth perspective of a particular site, hiring one is the way to go.

Knows how to have fun

Tour guides do not only need to be experienced and knowledgeable, they must also be friendly and know how to have fun. This skill is needed during the periods of long travel. He or she can share great stories, start cracking jokes and greet you with the warmest of smiles. This will ensure that the tour is not boring.