Most of us interested in computers and gaming are aware that there are many parts that make up a computer. Just because a desktop box looks basic, doesn’t mean what is going on inside is.
Whether you are choosing a graphics card, processor, RAM, or motherboard, there are so many choices that it can be scary spending money. If you rush into things, without expert advice, you could find that you bought outdated or mismatching hardware.
One of the biggest mistakes that rookie gamers make is buying the wrong processor based on their motherboard. Currently, there are two main brands of processors: Intel and AMD.
For many years AMD stopped focusing on their CPUs but has recently released their new Ryzen range which put them back in the race. The only problem about these two makes is that they don’t work with the same motherboard sockets.
A motherboard is essentially the docking station for all your other parts. Every part you buy will, one way or another, have to run through your motherboard. This isn’t problematic for parts such as RAM or GPUs, but if you buy the wrong CPU for your motherboard, you will either need to buy a new motherboard or CPU – both are costly mistakes.
Intel vs AMD
About 20 years ago these two companies used the same sockets and could, therefore, both be plugged into the same motherboards, but that is unfortunately no longer the case.
Intel and AMD both use different socket designs which mean their processors plug into motherboards differently. The difference is so significant that you can’t stick a Ryzen 5 into a motherboard designed to support an Intel 7th Generation CPU.
Whether you are looking at buying a motherboard or processor, it is important that your processor socket matches your motherboards. You will, therefore, have to choose to buy a motherboard that supports either AMD or Intel, as there are no existing motherboards that can do both.
Types of Sockets
The two main types of sockets are:
- LGA [Intel] – LGA sockets are used in all Intel processors, but the model of LGA socket is also relevant. Certain older LGA sockets are no longer compatible with newer ones.
You must therefore not only make sure you match an LGA processor to an LGA motherboard, but also that the LGA model matches. These model numbers are quite clearly marked on both CPUs and motherboards, but if you are wary just ask your local computer expert.
- AM/FM [AMD] – These sockets are specifically for AMD processors and also have various models. AMD has done a better job at making their newer sockets work with older ones, but it is still very important that you make 100% sure that your new AMD processor will match your existing motherboard socket.
What to choose
No one can give you a perfect answer to this question and it is a topic that causes a lot of debate in the gaming communities. Both AMD and Intel have their strengths and weaknesses and the competition between them encourages technological upgrades that benefit all gamers.
Whatever you decide, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can buy any part and stick it in your computer. There are many specifics that need to match and the motherboard/CPU socket type is one of the most basic things to look out for.