Most compatibility problems come from a handful of mismatches. Work through the checks below before buying parts. Platform details change as new processors and chipsets are released, so treat the table as a guide and confirm exact support on the manufacturer's specification pages.
1. CPU and motherboard: socket and chipset
The processor and motherboard must share a socket, and the chipset must support that specific processor. A newer processor on an older board of the same socket may need a BIOS update before it will start.
| Platform | Typical processors | Memory | Common chipsets |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD AM4 | Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series (and some G-series APUs) | DDR4 | A520, B450, B550, X570 |
| AMD AM5 | Ryzen 7000, 8000G and 9000 series | DDR5 | A620, B650, B850, X670, X870 |
| Intel LGA1700 | 12th to 14th generation Core | DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board | H610, B660, B760, Z690, Z790 |
| Intel LGA1851 | Core Ultra 200S series | DDR5 | H810, B860, Z890 |
More detail on each part: processors and motherboards.
2. Motherboard and RAM: type, capacity and speed
- DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable; the board accepts one type.
- Use two matched modules for dual-channel operation.
- A kit's rated speed usually needs an XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) profile switched on in the BIOS, and the CPU and board decide what runs reliably.
- Check that tall memory heatsinks clear your CPU cooler.
See RAM for more.
3. Storage: M.2 slots and PCIe generation
Check how many M.2 slots the board has and which PCIe generation each runs at. An NVMe drive on a slower slot works but is limited to that slot's speed. See SSDs and storage.
4. Graphics card, case and power supply
- Length and thickness: compare the card's dimensions with the case's maximum GPU length and expansion slot count.
- Power: use the card maker's recommended PSU wattage as the minimum.
- Connectors: confirm the PSU has the right cables — 8-pin PCIe, or a 12VHPWR / 12V-2x6 cable for cards that use it.
- Front radiators and cable layouts can restrict space around a long card.
See graphics cards and power supplies.
5. Cooler, case and form factor
- The cooler must support your CPU socket, and an air cooler must be shorter than the case's maximum cooler height.
- A liquid cooler's radiator size must be supported by the case at the mounting position you plan to use.
- The motherboard's form factor (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) must be supported by the case.
- Check the case's front-panel connectors against the board, for example a front USB-C header.
See cooling and the cooling guide for Qatar.
6. Final check and BIOS
Before assembly, confirm the board's BIOS supports your processor, count the fan and RGB headers you need, and make sure every cable the parts require is in the box. If you would rather not do these checks yourself, that is what a consultation is for: request a quote and M1 will configure a compatible build around your budget.