Storage
The latest motherboards today usually offer both IDE and SATA connectors. This is because of the rise of the new SATA drives (Serial ATA). Choosing a motherboard that supports SATA drives is a wise option.
PCI slots
Most motherboards have at least two to four PCI slots for expansion and flexibility.
Standard PCI slots designated on the board for additional enhancements like sound cards, video cards, Ethernet cards.
Most mainstream boards also have the faster version of PCI slots, the PCI Express (PCIe).
In buying a motherboard, it is best to plan what enhancements you will apply on your machine.
Know your needs, your preferences and your budget. Seek for more options and opinions from experts to see what motherboard is right for you.