PC part compatibility: CPU & motherboard compatibility explained

Understanding PC part compatibility is a massive step you need to take before embarking on a fresh custom PC build. One big aspect is the CPU and motherboard compatibility. Without compatible components, your PC simply won’t work – it’s as simple as that.

So if you’ve decided to build your own computer, but you’re not exactly sure where to start, this is the article for you. Building your own computer system can be an exciting, rewarding, and money-saving experience.

At the same time, it can often be confusing and overwhelming to some. After all, no one wants to mess up their brand new rig considering how much they cost. The main worry new builders face is PC part compatibility, though there are some really great custom PC builder websites out there for you.

Compatibility can often be overcome with a small amount of research and anyone looking to build a PC for the first time should always look into CPU and motherboard compatibility first. Outside of these two main components, there is little to worry about other than form factor with your parts and the PC case itself.

In this article, we are going to discuss how to check all your PC parts and ensure they are all compatible with one another.

Looking at what makes up a core build list, we’ll touch on each component and discuss what you need to know when determining compatibility. Here’s a quick outline of what we’ll discuss:

• Motherboard
• CPU (processor)
• GPU (graphics card or video card)
• RAM
• Hard Drive/Boot Drive/Storage Drives
• Cooling (i.e., fans)
• Power Supply
• Case (sometimes called a chassis)
• Displays/Monitor

Your first decision is deciding what processor and motherboard you’ll be going with. These two components go hand in hand and are the deciding factor that determines compatibility for the rest of your build.

Aside from size, many of the other parts have broader compatibility than a processor unless you are dealing with very old models, so this factor often ends up being the driving force behind your whole build.

Common Processors

Generally, there are two main lines of processor you’ll be choosing between for a gaming PC: AMD’s Ryzen line and Intel’s Core line.

The Ryzen line has been made fully forward and backward compatible for the foreseeable future (and it only just started in 2017, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that unexpectedly changing anytime soon). This also goes for the latest Ryzen 5000 series processors, with a wide range of support from X570 and B550 chipsets and further support from 400 series on the horizon. However, each new generation of Intel Core processors needs a new motherboard to go with it.

While Intel’s 8th and 9th generation CPUs use the same LGA1151 socket, they require motherboards based on the Intel 300 series chipset. The processors on this chipset aren’t backward compatible with motherboards based on Intel 200 or 100 series chipsets. This is the case with Intel’s lastest 10th generation of processors too with them being designed for the new LGA1200 socket.

Chipsets

Next is making sure the chipset allows for the features that you want. Chipsets are part of the motherboard and will determine its capabilities.

Put plainly; chipsets are just sets of chips. As technology has progressed along, certain motherboard operations that needed their own chip downsized and integrated with other chips, giving us the word chipset.

Processors support multiple levels of chipsets, usually ranging from basic features on a motherboard such as the AMD Ryzen A320 chipset, which will not allow overclocking to more advanced chipsets, such as the AMD Ryzen X570, which unlocks full overclocking and more.

Your first decision is deciding what processor and motherboard you’ll be going with. These two components go hand in hand and are the deciding factor that determines compatibility for the rest of your build.

Aside from size, many of the other parts have broader compatibility than a processor unless you are dealing with very old models, so this factor often ends up being the driving force behind your whole build.

Common Processors

Generally, there are two main lines of processor you’ll be choosing between for a gaming PC: AMD’s Ryzen line and Intel’s Core line.

The Ryzen line has been made fully forward and backward compatible for the foreseeable future (and it only just started in 2017, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that unexpectedly changing anytime soon). This also goes for the latest Ryzen 5000 series processors, with a wide range of support from X570 and B550 chipsets and further support from 400 series on the horizon. However, each new generation of Intel Core processors needs a new motherboard to go with it.

While Intel’s 8th and 9th generation CPUs use the same LGA1151 socket, they require motherboards based on the Intel 300 series chipset. The processors on this chipset aren’t backward compatible with motherboards based on Intel 200 or 100 series chipsets. This is the case with Intel’s lastest 10th generation of processors too with them being designed for the new LGA1200 socket.

Chipsets

Next is making sure the chipset allows for the features that you want. Chipsets are part of the motherboard and will determine its capabilities.

Put plainly; chipsets are just sets of chips. As technology has progressed along, certain motherboard operations that needed their own chip downsized and integrated with other chips, giving us the word chipset.

Processors support multiple levels of chipsets, usually ranging from basic features on a motherboard such as the AMD Ryzen A320 chipset, which will not allow overclocking to more advanced chipsets, such as the AMD Ryzen X570, which unlocks full overclocking and more.

To make sure your motherboard will be compatible, you will need to look at what socket and chipset your processor is compatible with.

The socket refers to the physical slot on the motherboard that holds your processor in place. This should be easy to determine by just looking up the socket size for both the processor and motherboard you intend to use.

If you try to pair a processor with the incorrect socket type, you can ruin the processor and/or motherboard. Below are a couple of examples to help you know what to look for.

Form factor should also be considered when choosing a motherboard as their size may vary a good bit. Smaller boards often have less RAM, and GPU slots, as well as fewer SATA connections.

The most commonly used form factors for a standard desktop computer, in order from smallest to largest, are:

• Mini ITX
• Micro ATX
• ATX
• E-ATX

These are just standard desktop sizes. There are more motherboard sizes for other applications, such as server boards.

The ATX motherboard is the most commonly used size for standard computers and is probably the one you will want to use unless you’re looking for something significantly smaller or going for a server build.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is often misunderstood and can be confusing when it comes to speeds and what it’s compatible with.

Capacity

A lot of casual users won’t need to worry about maxing out their RAM, but maybe you want to build a beast of a machine and max everything out. If this is the case, then pay close attention to what your motherboard’s max memory is.

Typically, a modern motherboard will support up to 64GB of RAM, but some support more or less than this.

Speed

When looking at what RAM is capable of, your biggest concern is speed. For DDR4 (the current generation of RAM), the stock speed is maxed out at 2133Mhz. Anything after this is technically an overclock.

When RAM is rated over 2133Mhz, it’s not a stock speed. In that case, it’s letting you know it’s rated to be overclocked to that specified speed. When buying RAM with speeds higher than 2133Mhz, ensure your motherboard supports it.

Processor Compatibility

When searching for RAM, you may see mention of it being compatible with either AMD or Intel processors. Don’t worry, they are still compatible with either, and this is usually just marketing for an overclocked speed.

Often RAM will come with two “XMP” profiles set by the manufacturer that’s optimized for a specific processor. Most processors of either brand will usually work with these profiles, although sometimes may need a little tweaking for higher rated speeds.

Channels: Double, Quadruple

RAM also commonly comes in double or quadruple channel kits, allowing more bandwidth. While double and quadruple channel RAM is mostly standard, double-check which your motherboard supports.

Graphics cards give you the most significant boost in performance for graphics and gaming but are often the most forgiving part of your build. Forgiving concerning compatibility, not your wallet; graphics cards are expensive.

No Sockets; Just PCIe

Motherboard compatibility is not usually an issue concerning graphics cards, as these do not require a video card specific socket or chipset.

PCIe is backward compatible, so even a PCIe 3.0 graphics card will work on an older motherboard that only has PCIe 2.0. Although PCIe 3.0 has more bandwidth allowance, so it is optimal. the same can be said for the latest PCIe 4.0 cards too.

Running Multiple Graphics Cards

Although running multiple graphics cards in a single computer isn’t entirely uncommon for a powerful gaming rig, it is still one of the most common compatibility issues.

To run multiple graphics cards, you will need to find models marked either “AMD Crossfire or Nvidia SLI/NVlink” This is the way AMD and Intel bridge two graphics cards together.

Graphics cards marked either “SLI or Crossfire Ready” can still be used by themselves, though.

It is worth noting the SLI support has dwindled from game manufacturers in recent years and, to be honest it has become less and less needed from a gaming perspective year on year. Now with the latest 30-series RTX Nvidia graphics cards we see it removed altogether apart from their enthusiast-level RTX 3090 GPU.

There’s not a lot to consider when choosing a storage solution, as most drives still use a standard SATA data and power connection.

M.2 Type SSD Drive

However, if you’re planning on using a newer M.2 type SSD drive, you’ll have to check your motherboard specs as some may not yet support it.

The commonly used M.2 form factor uses a PCIe mini connector on the motherboard and is often associated with a number, such as an M.2 2280.

This lets you know the length and width of the drive, as some motherboards will only allow for a shorter M.2 like an M.2 2240.

Mixing And Matching Is Cool

You can have multiple drives and storage types in your computer, provided you have adequate connections. Mixing and matching is also all right as an NVMe, SSD, and mechanical drive are all compatible with each other.

When checking for compatibility, it absolutely does! There are three main things that you want to think about when checking for compatibility: form factor (size), graphics card clearance, and airflow.

Form Factor And Graphics Card Clearance

Motherboards come in multiple sizes, and you will need to find a case that matches.

Some smaller cases may have limited room for the graphics card. Each case should list the max graphics card height and length limit, and each graphics card manufacturer should provide its dimensions for you.

Other concerns for size include the space of your cooling solution, whether it be fans or something more advanced, and extended memory you might wish to take advantage of.

When upgrading from your stock cooler, you’re going to need to make sure it matches your motherboard’s socket.

Processor heatsinks sit right on top, which means it’s using the same socket as the processor itself. Whatever cooler you decide to choose needs to be compatible with the processor socket as well.

When choosing a liquid cooling option, you will need to make sure your case has enough space. A liquid cooler utilizes a radiator that usually has between one to three fans, and will need a case with a compatible fan layout.

Your components have specific power requirements and making sure that your power supply matches these is critical.

Motherboard And CPU Power

Your motherboard will have two areas that need power: the motherboard itself, and the processor. Your motherboard will be using a 24-pin power connector, and your processor power ranges from 2-pin power to 8-pin power requirements.

GPU Power

A graphics card could use anywhere between a 4-pin to a 12-pin connector, depending on how much power it needs.

Storage Power

Hard drives and SSDs that use a SATA connection will also each need power to be supplied to them. If you plan on using multiple drives, make sure your power supply comes with enough connectors.

Fans, LEDs, Etc.

If you plan on adding anything extra such as LEDs and fans that don’t run off motherboard power, make sure your power supply has the correct connections.

There are many monitor styles on the market to choose from, and they come with a variety of features and upgrades compared to their ancestors.

Connector Types

The three most commonly used connector types right now for displays are DVI, HDMI, and Displayport. Most graphics cards now will have at least one or two of these connectors, usually at least an HDMI.

Resolution

High-resolution monitors are on the rise and are coming down in price, making them more affordable than ever. Before you go out and buy one, you should make sure your graphics card is rated for a higher resolution, as most graphic cards are still not capable of truly running 4K graphics.

Bonus Options

Depending on your graphics card, you may be able to get a monitor with some advanced features such as a higher refresh rate or Freesync/G-Sync enabled. Maybe even both if you have the budget.

AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync are great features to have on a monitor if your graphics card supports it. On select compatible graphics cards, this allows game frame rates to sync with your monitor’s refresh rate to help avoid screen tears.

We’ve now talked about what parts are essential to your computer build, and how to make sure they’re all compatible. This can be a lot of information to remember, especially if you’re new to this.

In order to help with this, I’m going to provide a handy checklist that you can use to make sure you don’t forget anything.

• CPU and Motherboard
  • Socket type
  • Chipset
  • Form factor

• RAM
  • Speeds
  • XMP Profile
  • Double/Quad Channel?

• Graphics cards
  • Crossfire/SLI capable (if utilizing more than one graphics card)

• Storage
  • Drive connection (SATA, M.2, HDD)

• Cooling
  • Aftermarket cooler socket type
  • Liquid cooler radiator size

• Power
  • Pin connectors – do you have the right ones
  • Adequate power output

• Case
  • Adequate fan placements slots
  • Radiator support
  • Form factor
  • GPU clearance

Now that you’re armed with the information you need to make sure your system is compatible, you, too, can become a computer building pro. What will you build?

It may be a lot of information to process at first, but with time this checklist will become second nature. After a while, you’ll realize you don’t even need to reference it, and you’ll find you already know whether a component is compatible or not without even checking the specs.

I hope this article helps you, and I can’t wait to see the builds you guys come up with after reading this article.