Motherboard and processor compatibility: looking for the best model

When we are going to mount a PC, we must start with the pillars of the house: the motherboard and processor. Both have to be consistent, which means they must be compatible with each other. We cannot mount an AMD processor on Intel motherboard and vice versa. As we continue to see certain doubts, we have launched to prepare this small guide to dispel these.

Index of contents

Processor

We begin by explaining the compatibility of the motherboard and processor for the second because we know that it is the first thing you look at when you are going to mount or configure a PC.

In this regard, attention must be paid to various details. If you want to see a more complete guide on processors.

Processor generation

The family or generation of processors is very important because we may be buying an older input processor. Logically, an older processor will be cheaper than its new-generation equivalent. So, you have to inform yourself about which processor meets your demands.

There are sockets or sockets that are backward compatible with previous generations, as is the case with AMD AM4, for example. The generation is usually accompanied by the compatibility of its contemporary socket.

I would like to make a split between Intel and AMD because that is where the war is going to be:

Intel. In its 9th generation, you have from the Intel i3 to the i9 in enthusiastic range. All of these processors are compatible with the LGA 1151 socket. AMD. We will focus on its Ryzen processors, which are in their 3rd generation. Although we have Ryzen 3 which is the most basic but with integrated graphics, we also find Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9. All are compatible with socket AM4.

Overclock and Turbo

Within the processors, we find the overclocking and turbo aspect. In the technical sheet of the processor, we find its Clock Speed and its Clock Speed Turbo or Maximum Boost Speed. The first refers to its normal speed, while the other two refer to a turbo that the processor does automatically.

Starting with turbo, it is a technology that increases the speed of the processor frequency by several MHz or even more than 1 GHz. It does it automatically, but many users choose to manually overclock, thus raising all cores.

As for overclocking, you have to pay close attention here. In the Ryzen range there is no problem, but in Intel only the " K " models can be overclocked. We will have to do it manually, which requires advanced computer skills; sometimes the processor will do this automatically. On the web we have different guides that can help you.

TDP

Finally, we want to refer to the TDP, that is, to the electricity that our processor will consume approximately, because it must be emphasized that they are estimates that always go up and down. This section is important because the more TDP, the more light our processor will consume. It is true that the most powerful processors usually consume more, but our advice is to find the balance between efficiency and performance.

On average, about 80W or 90W is fine for consumer users. However, if you want a lot of performance and use the high-end line: HDEC, you will have a processor with a TDP of 125 W or more.

What is a motherboard and what is it for?

The motherboard or motherboard is a component that integrates a circuit whose function is to connect all the components of the computer. It is called a motherboard because it plays the role of the computer's operating center, since without it we could not connect anything.

In it, we connect the RAM, hard drives, processor, RAM, fans, graphics card, etc. In addition, the power supply is the one that manages current to this entire circuit so that the motherboard manages that electricity between the components. After all, it is an essential element when it comes to mounting a PC.

Motherboard parts

When buying a motherboard and processor, we have to check all the parts that a motherboard has. To make it easier, we have divided it into several sections

We will expose it in a summarized way, but if you want the most complete guide on motherboards, you can find it at this link.

Socket or socket

The socket is what determines compatibility with the processor. In it we find the same name as the socket, which helps us to know which processors are compatible with this motherboard.

If you look at the specifications of the motherboard (motherboard) , it will determine what generation of processors it supports, including the families of the brand.

Chipset

Knowing the chipset that the motherboard has is super important because, depending on the chipset it has, we can enjoy some functions or others. Normally, we find low-end chipset up to high-end or enthusiastic chipset in the same socket.

As for what the chipset itself is, it is a set of circuits that are designed in relation to the architecture of the processor. As an example, we can find these:

Name	AMD AM4 chipsets
A300	For small formats.
A320 (low range)	For basic desktop computers.
B350 (mid-range)	For gaming computers that want to overclock, but don't need high bandwidth for multiple graphics cards.
B450 (high-end)	For gaming computers that do not require AMD StoreMi technology .
X370, X470 and X570 (enthusiastic range)	For enthusiasts who want to enjoy full compatibility, dual graphics and the latest technologies.

Name	Intel 1151 chipsets
H310	Economic and simple range that offers 6 lanes PCIe 3.0.
B360 and B365 (low-end)	For basic desktop computers. It does not support RAID.
H370 (mid-range)	Gaming range, but does not allow overclocking, so it is not recommended for " K " processors.
Z370 and Z390 (enthusiastic range)	For demanding gaming computers with the latest Intel technologies.

In summary, these would be the main chipsets, as their main differences.

RAM memory slots

RAM slots should be an important aspect to check before buying any motherboard.

Depending on your requirements, you will require more or less slots , such as more or less speed compatibility. We usually find motherboards that start with 2 RAM slots, but we recommend that they start with at least 4 RAM slots for possible future updates.

On the other hand, you have to pay attention to the RAM speeds that the motherboard supports. Tip: We are interested in it supporting the highest possible speed and containing technologies such as XMP, non-ECC or Dual Channel.

Expansion slots

These are what we know as PCI-Express, which house components such as graphics cards, sound cards , Wi-FI adapters or even M.2 hard drives. It is important to know how many PCIe slots we have to think about how to use them.

These grooves will be subject to the form factor of the motherboard, which we will see later. That said, an ATX board will always have more PCIe slots than a Mini-ATX.

Connectors

Throughout the motherboard we find various connectors that have a certain function. However, there are connectors with newer technologies that may interest us, such as the M.2 SSD for these hard drives.

These connectors provide electricity to the components connected to the motherboard. As a recommendation, pay attention to how many fan connectors we have.

Storage

It is important to be clear about what data transfer speeds our motherboard supports, such as supported technologies. We refer to the SATA ports we find, as integrated M.2 connections for easy installation.

So look at how many SATA ports there are, like the technologies we have available.

BIOS

BIOS is a boot program that every motherboard has. Each brand has its own interface, but we tend to find almost the same options. It is important that our BIOS is as updated as possible because an older BIOS gives more problems.

If you know how to update a BIOS correctly, there is no problem in this case. Of course, as long as the manufacturer has new versions.

Ports

All motherboards have input and output ports. As your own experience, where you have to pay more attention is in:

Audio ports. Microphone, speakers, subwoofer, etc. HDMI and VGA. Both ports are always recommended because we may need a specific one. USB ports. Here we come across many technologies, such as USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Thunderbolt. Look at the connections you use the most.

Motherboard and processor: best compatible model

Do you want to find the best compatibility between motherboard and processor? Below, we have divided the examples between Intel and AMD to illustrate the best compatibility.

Intel

Since most of you consume Intel i5 and Intel i7, we have focused on these two models.

Name	Socket	Chipset	Model	Price
Intel Core i5-9500 3 GHz	LGA 1151	B365	MSI MAG B365M Mortar	€ 90 approx
Intel Core i5-9600K	LGA 1151	Z390	Gigabyte Z390 Gaming X	€ 140 approx
Intel Core i7-9700	LGA 1151	Z390	Asrock Z390 Phantom Gaming SLI	160 € approx
Intel Core i7-9700K	LGA 1151	Z390	Asus ROG STRIX Z390-F	€ 230 approx

AMD

In the case of AMD, we have it much easier because there are fewer chipsets to choose from. We have put examples with Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7.

Name	Socket	Chipset	Model	Price
Ryzen 5 3600	AM4	B450	ASUS Prime B450M-A	€ 80 approx
Ryzen 5 3600X	AM4	B450	ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING	€ 135 approx
Ryzen 7 3700X	AM4	X470	MSI X470 Gaming Pro	€ 155 approx
Ryzen 7 3700X	AM4	X570	Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite	€ 215 approx