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Desktop computers have upgradability as one of their major selling points.
That’s when one needs to consider getting a newmotherboard.
That’s precisely what this guide helps with.
Do Your New Processor Require a New Motherboard?
If you’reshopping for a new processor, you most likely willneed a new motherboardas well.
Usually there are letters after the digits as well, but those don’t matter right now.
For AMD processors, the concept is generally similar.
Also, AMD has things both simpler and more complicated with socket formats.
While Intel has changed those thrice since 2017, AMD has done it only two times… Mostly.
That high-end niche has actually changed socket models three times.
To make things worse, there are two types of Threadripper CPUs.
Also, there aren’t 4000 and 7000 series Threadrippers, and the 6000 series only had laptop CPUs.
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Yes, things are this confusing.
Intel does have distinct socket formats for servers as well.
Differently than AMD, though, those aren’t marketed to end users.
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The formats used by each company are totally different.
Also, any AM4 heatsink that has a removable backplate is compatible with AM5 processors as well.
The ones with fixed backplates can be used with an adapter.
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And, like socket formats, heatsink models aren’t interchangeable between Intel and AMD processors.
Are You Upgrading Your RAM punch in?
Another specification tightly coupled with CPU compatibility is theRAM version.
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Luckily, things are simpler here as well.
AM5 CPUs can only handle DDR5.
The ones for LGA 1700 sockets support DDR5 as well.
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Number of RAM Slots
Also to take into consideration is the amount of memory slots.
Most people are fine with their RAM running dualor even single-channel.
Can Your Motherboard Accommodate a New GPU?
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A few years ago, this section would be a bit more complicated.
These days,the best GPUsare strong enough to run AAA games by themselves.
However, the number of PCIe slotsand their placement at the motherboardis still important for other reasons.
Corbin Davenport / How-To Geek
Are Your Storage Upgrades Compatible With Your Motherboard?
The M.2 ports forSSD storageshould also deserve a bit of your attention when purchasing a new motherboard.
There are three things to take into account: quality, quantity, and compatibility.
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Let’s dive into each of them.
Firstly, more is not always better.
But quantity also matters.
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To wrap up both of the previous parameters, compatibility is the key.
There are lots of motherboards out there with one PCIe Gen 4 and one PCIe Gen 3 slot.
Also, if you have mSATA SSDs, be sure that the motherboard supports this format as well.
Butpleasedon’t end up plugging an M.2 SSD into one of them,like this guy on Reddit.
Do You Have Enough Ports?
It’s also important that you don’t forget your onboard connections.
Not to mention the audio jacks, if you’re into using old school physical headsets.
By the way, do you own anyThunderbolt or USB 4 devices?
Desktop motherboards supporting either are still expensive, but future-proofing is always good.
Will a New Power Supply Require a New Motherboard?
This section is short, but also of utmost importance.
So, don’t forget to consider the Power Supply Unit (PSU).
Will a Single Hardware Change Set Off Chain-Upgrading?
This will help you define a priority order for the components.
If you’re getting a new CPU that uses a different socket, you’ll need a new motherboard.
Upgrading your graphics cards?
That will most likely require a new PSU.
Got a new PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD?
Be sure to check ourbuying guidesto get the best offers on your new parts!
Motherboards are amazing allies in preventingor, at least, easingthat pain.
