Buy
Do not buy by the number on the box. First decide what the thing is for. Then check that the parts fit together. You will not find prices here, only how to read the specs.
The procedure
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Decide what it is for
Office, school, video editing, games. That sets the processor, memory and display.
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Laptop: look at ports and charging
Check what the USB-C ports can do, and look at the charging power label and the pictogram showing whether a charger is in the box.
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Monitor: match resolution, refresh rate and interface
Higher resolution and refresh rate need more bandwidth. Check the computer’s output can carry it.
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Build: CPU, board, memory
Socket, chipset and memory type must match. Check the exact combination on the board maker’s CPU support list.
ReadCPU and motherboardReadRAM ToolPC build compatibility check
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Think about the desk too
For long hours on a laptop, a stand and an external keyboard help.
PC build compatibility check
Putting a build together? Enter the CPU, board, memory, graphics card, case and PSU. The check lists what fits, what needs checking and what will not work.
Check report
Fill in at least one section.
This is not a compatibility guarantee. The tool only checks the rules listed below. Before buying, check the CPU support list and memory list (QVL) on the board maker’s website, the dimensions in the case manual, and the connectors in the PSU and graphics card manuals.
Guides for this job
- How to choose a laptop – the specifications that really matterChecked
- CPU and motherboard – sockets, chipsets and what fits togetherChecked
- RAM – DDR4 vs DDR5, capacity, channels and speedChecked
- Monitors – resolution, refresh rate and the right interfaceChecked
- Charging a laptop over USB-C – the EU rules and choosing a chargerChecked
- Laptop ergonomics – stands, screen height and an external keyboardChecked
- Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7 – what has changed and when you will noticeChecked