Whenever we want to build a new PC, assembling it at home, we will have to pay close attention in choosing the motherboard, since we risk taking a product incompatible with the processor we intend to use. In this guide, therefore, we will see how to choose a new motherboard based on compatibility with the processor : in fact, these two parts of the computer are closely connected and should always be purchased together. We will not see in this post a collection of models, but only some general considerations on how to choose the processor of a new PC and, consequently, the motherboard compatible with that processor, then referring to other articles for some models on sale.
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How to choose motherboard and CPU
In another article we talked about the important things to know before choosing the processor to buy, where we can find general information on how to choose a good processor.Summarizing the computer processors can be Intel or AMD, the two most famous manufacturers for home processors.
The Intel have an edge in terms of power and are available as Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 : each number next to the "i" corresponds to a version of the processor, which quickly identifies performance (from the economic i3 to the powerful i9).
AMD processors have always been the ones to be preferred to spend less and have a PC with excellent performance without exaggerating costs. Currently the best are those identified with the initials Ryzen, a new generation of AMD processors very powerful in everyday use.
We saw in another article the differences between Intel and AMD processors, which we can draw on to understand what are the differences between the two manufacturers.
In the following chapters, on the other hand, we will show you which motherboard to associate with the various models of Intel and AMD processors, so as to make a suitable choice for the CPU power that we are going to purchase; you will thus be sure of having maximum compatibility. In addition to the socket (i.e. the housing where the processor resides) we will have to pay particular attention to the chipset, since it is essential to express the full potential of our processor (an inexpensive chipset on a very powerful CPU will cut the performance of the latter, making the PC built slow).
Intel Core i3 9100F and compatible motherboard
If we intend to build a cheap but powerful enough PC for all daily operations, we recommend that you focus on the Intel Core i3 9100F processor (€ 121) and support the Asrock B365M Pro4 motherboard (€ 88), a form factor motherboard. microATX, support for DDR4 RAM memories, 6 SATA 3 connectors, 2 M.2 slots, 7 USB 3.1 ports and B365M chipset, compatible with the new Intel CPUs without even updating the firmware.
Intel Core i5-9600K and compatible motherboard
If we want a powerful computer but without spending an eye, we can focus on the Intel Core i5-9600K CPU (€ 244) and support the Asus PRIME Z370-P II motherboard (€ 125), which has support for DDR4 RAM memories (also overclocked), 6 SATA 3 connectors, M.2 slot, 6 USB 3.1 ports and Z370 chipset, updated to support all Intel 9th generation CPUs (should be compatible from the start; in case of problems it is sufficient update the BIOS / UEFI of the motherboard in order to start the processor correctly).
Intel Core i7-9700K and compatible motherboard
In order to build a very powerful computer to play and to do video editing, we will have to start from the Intel Core i7-9700K processor (€ 367) and insert it into the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS ELITE motherboard (€ 187), able to support the processor thanks to support for DDR4 RAM memories (also in overclocking), 6 SATA 3 connectors, 2 M.2 slots, 8 USB 3.1 ports and Z390 chipset, ready to support all the new Intel processors.
Intel Core i9-9900K and compatible motherboard
To build a truly "spatial" PC capable of managing multiple virtual machines simultaneously and managing all virtual reality games, we will have to buy the expensive Intel Core i9-9900K (€ 489) and support the Asus ROG STRIX Z390-F motherboard. GAMING (€ 215), with support for DDR4 RAM memories (also in overclocking), 6 SATA 3 connectors, 2 M.2 slots, 8 USB 3.1 ports (including Type-C port and USB 3.1 Rev 2 port) and Z390 chipset .
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G and compatible motherboard
To build a cheap but adequate computer for all daily tasks, no one beats the pairing between the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G (€ 90) and the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M motherboard (€ 89), with the latter having support to DDR4 RAM memories, M.2 slots, Realtek GbE network card, USB 3.1 ports and B450 chipset, perfectly optimized to support the second generation of AMD Ryzen processors without any BIOS / UEFI update.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X and compatible motherboard
If we want to build a powerful computer to play, we will have to have the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X processor (€ 178) flanked by the MSI X470 GAMING PRO motherboard (€ 148), the latter equipped with support for DDR4 RAM memories, slot M.2, Realtek GbE network card, USB 3.1 ports and X470 chipset, able to bring out the power of the processor and any connected dedicated video card, so you can play without compromise.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X and compatible motherboard
If instead we want to build a very powerful AMD computer, able to not make us regret the Intel Core i7, we will have to have the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X CPU (€ 308) and support the MSI X470 GAMING M7 AC motherboard (€ 288), this latest equipped with DDR4 RAM memory support (with overclocking included), automatic processor overclocking, 2 M.2 slots, Realtek GbE network card, Dual Wi-Fi network card included, USB 3.1 ports and X470 chipset .
Conclusions
That said, let's get to the general advice on which processor and motherboard to choose. It is not convenient to save on the motherboard, because having a quality one ensures greater stability, greater compatibility and general level performance. Choosing a cheaper processor could be a good idea if you want to save something, while if you choose high-performance processors we must work alongside equally powerful motherboards, otherwise we will not be able to exploit the processor properly.In addition to the CPU we will also have to carefully choose the RAM memories and insert an SSD disk or better yet an M.2 SSD card, only in this way can we have a really powerful computer.
In other guides we have shown you how the motherboard works and how the computer motherboard is made ; if we are interested in understanding how to mount the CPUs and motherboards that we have recommended, we can read our guide on How to assemble the PC, assemble the parts and build a computer from scratch .
