The Comparator

Academy · Common tasks

Check compatibility

Most wrong purchases come from five facts: socket, memory type, form factor, power and size. Filter by them first.

Lessons · Check compatibility

Processor and motherboard

The socket must match (AM5, AM4, LGA 1851, LGA 1700…). The chipset decides features such as overclocking and the number of fast storage slots.

Memory

The motherboard decides DDR4 or DDR5 and the number of slots. A processor supports a memory type too. On most current platforms the two must agree.

Storage

The form factor (M.2 2280, 2242, 2230, 2.5") must fit the slot or bay. The interface (PCIe 5.0, 4.0, 3.0 or SATA) decides the speed. A faster drive in a slower slot still works, at the slot’s speed.

Graphics card

The length must fit your case. The power supply must cover the card’s board power. The recommended PSU shown on the card is a sensible minimum.

In the tool

  1. Start with the part you are keeping, and filter the new part’s market by its socket or memory type.
  2. Add the physical limits: length, form factor.
  3. Only then choose a job and sort by Value.

Terms used here

Socket
How a processor connects to a motherboard (AM5, LGA 1851…). It must match. Read the lesson
DDR generation
DDR4 or DDR5. Your motherboard decides; they are not interchangeable. Read the lesson · Deeper: Price2Click guide
Form factor
The physical size standard (ATX, M.2 2280…). It must fit your case or slot. Read the lesson
PCIe generation
The speed generation of a slot or drive. A faster drive in a slower slot runs at the slot's speed. Read the lesson · Deeper: Price2Click guide