r/pcmasterrace • u/AutoModerator • Jul 14 '15

Daily Simple Questions Thread - Jul 14, 2015

Got a simple question? Get a simple answer!

This thread is for all of the small and simple questions that you might have about computing that probably wouldn't work all too well as a standalone post. Software issues, build questions, game recommendations, post them here!

For the sake of helping others, please don't downvote questions! To help facilitate this, comments are sorted randomly for this post, so anyone's question can be seen and answered.

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u/Tischlampe http://steamcommunity.com/id/TI-Schlampe Jul 14 '15

How do i chose PC parts? How do i know which mother board gpu and cpu will work together?

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u/ez117 Jul 14 '15

CPUs are classified by what's called a socket, similar to a plug (the difference between USB vs Thunderbolt vs HDMI, for example). A common CPU, the i5-4690k, is LGA 1150. This is compatible with all motherboards which are also LGA 1150. Same goes for AMD, they also have differing sockets and CPU socket must match motherboard socket.

GPU's are essentially free game. Nvidia and AMD graphics cards are both compatible with either Intel or AMD, and will also work on most motherboards. The only time GPUs have compatibility issues with motherboards is during SLI/CrossFire (2 or more GPUs in one system). In that case, some lower end motherboards don't support one or the other, or both.