How the pieces depend on each other.
A recommendation isn't useful if the pieces don't fit together. These are the category-level relationships we check for — not a live validation against specific part numbers, but the same reasoning a knowledgeable builder would apply.
A computer is a system
Every core component depends on at least one other. Follow the lines — or tap any part to browse it.
Ask AI about a pairing
Pick two categories and ask why they do (or don't) work together — grounded in the real compatibility rules above, not general guessing.
Must match
Hard requirements. Get these wrong and the parts won't work together at all.
Socket must match. A CPU only physically fits motherboards built for its socket (e.g. AM5, LGA1700). This is the first compatibility check in any build. Server CPUs use entirely separate socket families (e.g. AMD SP5, Intel LGA4677) and need a server-specific motherboard — desktop and server platforms are never interchangeable.
Memory type must match. Motherboards support one memory generation — DDR4 or DDR5, not both. RAM speed above the board's supported limit will run at a lower speed.
Cooler socket support required. CPU coolers ship with mounting hardware for specific sockets. Most modern coolers support current sockets, but it's worth confirming for older or newer platforms.
Power headroom required. The power supply must comfortably exceed the combined draw of the GPU, CPU, and other components — with headroom for boost/transient spikes.
Interface must be supported. NVMe drives need an M.2 slot with a matching PCIe generation to hit their rated speed; SATA drives need a SATA header and cable.
ECC support isn't universal. ECC (error-correcting) memory only works if both the CPU and motherboard explicitly support it. Most consumer gaming boards don't — ECC is mainly a server/workstation feature. Using ECC RAM in a board that doesn't support it usually just makes it run as non-ECC.
Must fit
Physical clearance requirements — everything technically works, but only if it fits.
Clearance must fit. Air coolers have a height limit set by the case's side panel. Liquid coolers need a radiator mount of the matching size (240mm, 280mm, 360mm) in the case.
Length must fit. Longer, more powerful GPUs need more internal case clearance. Compact cases often cap supported GPU length well below full-size cards.
Form factor must fit. Most desktop PSUs use the ATX form factor, but compact cases sometimes require SFX or SFX-L instead.
Form factor must fit. ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards each need a case built to support that mounting size.
Mount size must match. Fans are sized (120mm/140mm) to specific mounting points a case provides.
Requires an open PCIe slot. Internal Wi-Fi adapters need a free PCIe slot and, usually, motherboard antenna headers.
Upgradeability varies by model. Some laptops have accessible RAM/storage slots you can upgrade later; increasingly, memory is soldered directly to the board and fixed at purchase. Always check a specific model's teardown or spec sheet before assuming it's upgradeable.
Should match
Not a hard blocker, but a mismatch here means you're not getting full value from what you bought.
Resolution/refresh should match GPU output. A monitor's resolution and refresh rate are only fully useful if the GPU can render at that resolution and frame rate for your workloads.
Needs an upstream router. Access points extend coverage but rely on a router (or switch connected to one) to actually reach the internet.
Want compatibility applied to an actual build instead of the general rules? The planner picks components that already work together.
Plan your hardware