For budget conscious users, we listed some of the Best CPU and Motherboard Combo so the user can save money. Since both of these components are the backbone of any computer system, they have to be compatible in order to work together. Whether you are building a gaming PC system for gaming or using it for content creation, it’s a bonus when you get a CPU and motherboard combo. As it helps in getting better deals and you don’t have to search from an online store that has a vast collection of these products.
We searched the net and found some great deals that can benefit many users who require these components for gaming, business or personal usage. Moreover, we listed a few things that the customer should consider before buying such products. Firstly, the processor should belong to either Intel or AMD as these are the leading brands that produce high quality and reliable said devices. Both of these company’s items like Ryzen 7 5800X and Core i9-12900K so that the user can choose from any of these brands. Secondly, the processor goes on the motherboard as it is responsible for maintaining the data stream between other CPU parts.
Furthermore, the motherboard delivers power to various CPU parts so that it can communicate effectively. Thus, you look for the type of socket your motherboard and CPU has since it joins the two parts together. AMD’s AM5/AM4 and Intel’s LGA1700 sockets containing motherboards are listed in this article. Lastly, when you buy both of these components together, the customer saves a lot of money which is always welcomed by them. Hence, scroll down to peruse through these products and their detailed reviews.
Our Recommended list of the Best CPU Motherboard Combo
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Desktop Processor + MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard
- Intel Core i5-12600KF Desktop Processor with MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ProSeries Motherboard
- Intel Core i9-12900K Desktop Processor & ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Gaming Motherboard
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X Unlocked Desktop Processor & ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gaming Motherboard
- Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor & GIGABYTE B660M DS3H Motherboard
1- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Desktop Processor + MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard
First of all, we talk about the Ryzen 7 5800X features as these will determine whether or not it pairs well with the selected motherboard. Containing 8 cores, 16 threads and a boost clock rate of 4.7 GHz, it gives amazing performance in fast-paced games. Beating its competitors in Intel, this processor is a great choice for HD gaming. Moreover, with a 4.7 GHz max boost clock it manages high computing loads easily. Also, this processor is unlocked for overclocking so that the gamer gets the most performance from the 5800X CPU.
When pairing a motherboard with this processor, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a great option. Motherboard model B550 Tomahawk consists of an ATX form factor and DDR4 memory, which the Ryzen 7 5800X supports. Heaving dual channel memory architecture, the maximum RAM allowed is 128 GB while the speed peaks at 4400 MHz. Combination of these hardware parts delivers a stunning 100+ fps in popular games. Furthermore, this motherboard supports 3rd and future generations of processors with the BIOS update and this board is slao supported by Radeon RX 6650 Xt.
To make sure the MAG B550 Tomahawk is compatible with future processors, PCIe 4.0 support and AM4 socket is provided. Connectivity options like USB, SATA and M.2 connectors are also present in this motherboard. Currently, this bundle costs around $425 and the user can save up to $200, making it the best CPU and Motherboard combo deal.
Comparison:
Talking about the processors, we take the Ryzen 7 5825U in comparison with the Ryzen 7 5800X as they belong to the same company. Latter CPU is better in terms of base and boost frequency, multiplier, +64 GB RAM allowed and has PCIe 4.0 support. In turn the 5825U processor was released a year later and has an integrated GPU.
Moving on, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk can be compared to Colorful CVN B550M gaming pro V14 as they contain similar attributes. Though the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a better motherboard as it is cheaper, supports DDR4 4866 MHz and AMD Crossfire and has more ports than the Colorful CVN B550M gaming pro V14 motherboard.
2- Intel Core i5-12600KF Desktop Processor with MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ProSeries Motherboard
Here, we undertake the Intel Core i5-12600KF as it has many notable characteristics. Consisting of 16 threads and 10 cores which is responsible for giving excellent performance during gaming and content creation. Its architecture delivers high performance to demanding applications like Anaconda and Unity with Turbo boost. Maximum boost clock rate reaches 4.9 GHz while the base clock is around 3.6 GHz, which is advantageous in first-person shooter games. Memory types DDR4 and DDR5 both are supported white at most 128 GB RAM is allowed.
For this processor, the best fit for the motherboard is the MSI Pro Z690-A series as it has the ability to support such high-end processors. Having DDR4-5600 MHz memory, LGA 1700 socket, Z690 chipset and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support, it gives exceptional performance in gaming. Connectivity like SATA ports, M.2 slots, USB ports and 2.5 Gbps LAN is present for maintaining connections with other devices. Benefits of buying this deal is that you get the processor’s PCIe 5.0 and DDR4 support, sufficient amount of cores and threads and 4.9 GHz max boost clock with this motherboard. Price of this combo is a bit expensive for some users as both of these components are high-end products.
Comparison:
We take the Core i5-9600KF in comparison with the Core i5-12600KF as they share several characteristics. Though both processors have the same cores, the number of threads have a +6 difference in count. Boost frequency of 4.9 GHz is offered at 12600 KF which is more than the Core i5-9600KF. Moreover, there is a bid difference in L3 cache amount as the 12600 KF has 20 MB while the 9600 KF only has 9 MB. Moreover, PCIe 5.0 support is absent from Core i5-9600KF and is provided in the 12600KF.
Moving on, the MSI Pro Z690-A can be reviewed against MSI MEG Z690 Godlike as they have similar features. Though the latter motherboard supports NVIDIA SLI, has 3+ M.2 ports, and integrated wireless LAN, the Pro Z690-A is 89% cheaper, supports RAID and has one more PCIe slot and onboard USB slot.
3- Intel Core i9-12900K Desktop Processor & ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Gaming Motherboard
First we discuss the first half of this combo, which is Core i9-12900K as it is one of the best-performing processors available in the market. Having 16 cores and 24 threads, this CPU is capable of giving excellent performance in gaming and content-creating applications like Blender. Boost clock 5.2 GHz is obtained while the base clock starts at 3.2 GHz which is great when getting all the performance out of the processor. RAM of 128 maximum, DDR4 and DDR5 memory are supported by this processor so the user can choose from a variety of motherboards. PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 is also compatible with the i9- 12900K which gives a fast-gaming experience to gamers.
Other half of this bundle is the ASUS TUF gaming Z690-Plus motherboard as it has many remarkable attributes. Including cooling mechanisms like VRM, M.2 and PCH fanless heatsink and Fan Xpert 4 utility, this motherboard does not overheat on higher loads. LGA 1700, Intel 12th gen compatibility and several connectivity ports like SATA ports and USB ports make the ASUS TUF Z690-Plus motherboard a great option. Price of this combo is a great choice for users as you save around $400 which is a lot of money.
Comparison:
First, we take the Core i9-9900K in comparison with the Core i9-12900K as they share several traits. Boost clock rate between the two CPUs is not much different, however, the number of cores and threads is more in the 12900K version. L3 cache of 30 MB is present which is more than the 9900K as it has 16 MB cache. LGA 1700 is present in the Core i9-12900K whereas the Core i9-9900K has LGA 1151 so the former version is much better for the user.
Now, we compare the ASUS TUF Z690-Plus gaming motherboard with the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite model as they have homogenous attributes. Main reason the former motherboard is better than the latter one is that it has +64 GB RAM allowed and more connectivity options like USB and M.2 ports. Whereas the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite is 56% cheaper and has a mini-ITX form factor. which can be easily placed inside mini itx case.
4- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X Unlocked Desktop Processor & ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gaming Motherboard
We take AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X processor since it is the best performing processor from AMD and has many notable features. Containing 32 threads and 16 cores, it outperforms Intel’s Alder Lake flagship in gaming which is saying something. Testing shows that it delivers 100+ fps swift performance in famous games. With this quantity of threads and cores, the 7950X CPU manages tough workloads with ease. Moreover, 5.7 GHz of boost clock rate is provided that takes the player’s gaming experience to the next level. Zen 4 architecture of this CPU places this processor side by side with Intel’s Raptor Lake processors.
For getting the most out of 7950X, we pair it with the ASUS Rog Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard as it is an amazing performing motherboard. Containing an ATX form factor and X670 chipset, it is qualified enough to support this high-end processor. USB ports, M.2 slots and 10 USB ports on the back panel are some connectivity options that are helpful when linking other devices. DDR5 memory, AM5 socket and PCIe 5.0 support is granted that gives a high performing system to the user. Cost of this combo might be a bit high for some people, however, if you want an exceptional performing system, this is a great deal.
Comparison:
First we take the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X against the Ryzen 9 5950X as they contain similar features. Though the latter model is cheaper, the 7950X has more boost clock rate, DDR5 memory and has PCIe 5.0 support. While the Ryzen 9 5950X lacks all these essential features. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is also compatible with Ryzen 9 7950X Graphics cards,Ryzen 9 7950X RAM
Now, we take the ASUS Prime Crosshair X670E Hero with the ASUS Prime X670-P-CSM as they share similar traits. Although the latter motherboard has one more PCIe x16 slot, the Rog Crosshair X670E Hero has 2 more onboard USB ports and has wireless LAN integrated.
5- Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor & GIGABYTE B660M DS3H Motherboard
Intel’s Core i5-12400 is a great performing processor due to its excellent architecture and gives high performance for heavy applications. Base clock rate starts from 2.5 GHz and can obtain a high amount of 4.4 GHz which is great for working with applications like Unity. Recommended for users that are budget conscious, it beats the competing AMD processors. DDR4 and DDR5 memory is supported by this processor, making it possible to choose from a wide array of motherboards. Also, the Core i5-12400 allows a maximum of 128 GB RAM which is enough to store your data.
To get more performance by overclocking this processor, combine it with the Gigabyte B660M DS3H motherboard. Consisting of B660 chipset and LGA 1700 socket, this motherboard is one of the great components. As this motherboard supports DDR5 up to 128 GB memory it can work with this processor trouble-free. Moreover, PCIe 5.0 support is present that increases bandwidth and gives faster rendering speed. Made for users that have a budget set in mind, this motherboard along with the processor is a good choice and this gaming board is also compatibl with i5-13400F board. Cost-wise, you save around $65 for this deal, making it the best CPU and motherboard combo for gaming.
Comparison:
For this task, we consider the Core i5-9400 with the Core i5-12400 as they have similar attributes. Core i5-12400 is a better option for users as it has more thread count, high cache memory, DDR5 memory support and has PCIe 5.0 support. As all of these attributes are available in the Core i5-9400 CPU.
Moving on, we take the ASRock B660M-HDV motherboard in comparison with the Gigabyte B660M DS3H as they have similar attributes. ASRock B660M-HDV is cheaper and has 1 more M.2 ports, however, the latter motherboard has 2 more RAM slots and has +64 GB RAM. Which makes the Gigabyte B660M DS3H model a better component than the ASRock B660M-HDV.
Best CPU & Motherboard Combo Buying Guide
Some important features should be considered before making such a big purchase as you are buying not one but two components. Moreover, these components will determine what kind of PC system you will get and whether or not you like it. So, we briefly explained some of these for you to make the decision making easier.
Intel or AMD
Being rivals of the gaming world, Intel and AMD are the most famous and popular brands that make CPUs. It is a wise choice to choose from these companies as they have a lot of experience under the belt when it comes to processors and are well regarded in the technological community. You need to make sure what type of socket you are using as both brands have different types and are not compatible with each other.
Features
CPU and motherboard features play an important role in the system’s operations as they define what type of attributes the user has access to. These include M.2 slots, USB ports, Wifi module, DDR5 memory and RGB. So, the user has to choose a motherboard that supports the features they want in their computer system.
Motherboard Size
Since there are many types of form factors in motherboards, the user has to select wisely as it has to fit in the PC case of the CPU. ATX is one of the commonly used and preferred form factors as they fit in many systems without any changes.
FAQs
Does the CPU Need To Match the Motherboard?
CPU and the motherboard should have the same type of socket so that they can be used together.
What Should I Buy First Motherboard or CPU?
CPUs are generally bought first rather than motherboard as the processor is the important part of the system.
What Should I Check Before Buying a CPU?
Attributes like cores, threads, socket type, memory type and the purpose for which you will be using the said system matter in the buying process of the CPU.