How to Select Compatible Parts

Select Compatible Parts-CPU. The CPU will determine what kind of motherboard you can get, which in turn determines a lot of the other components. The two aspects of the CPU that are the most important in terms of compatibility are the socket and the front side bus speed. The socket is the physical interface between the CPU and the motherboard. The front side bus speed is the rate at which information is transferred between the CPU and the motherboard.



Select Compatible Parts-the motherboard by choosing a board that matches the CPU socket and front side bus speed. The size of the motherboard does not matter as long as it fits with the case.



Select Compatible Parts-the case. Pick a case that can fit the Compatible Parts - motherboard and accommodate all the other components of the computer you want to build. Make sure that there is enough room for air flow. If the components are too cramped together, they may overheat.



Select Compatible Parts-the power supply unit by choosing one that can accommodate all of the components in the computer. Some video cards use special PCI-X power. If this is the case, the power supply must have that type of connector in order for the card to work. Make sure there are enough power connectors from the power supply to connect all of the drives.