Navigating the complex landscape of CPU & Motherboard Combos is crucial for anyone looking to build or upgrade their computer for peak performance.
In this article, we have curated a list of the best CPU & Motherboard Combos that are tailored for enthusiasts and professionals alike, who seek to streamline their selection process for an upgrade or a new build. They cater to a spectrum of needs and budgets, from high-performance setups for gaming and content creation for everyday computing.
To ensure the accuracy and relevance of our recommendations, we’ve collaborated with industry experts and conducted rigorous testing on a wide array of combinations. This hands-on approach allowed us to evaluate each pair based on three main factors that are
- CPU Model: Choose the latest-gen CPU within budget for performance and future-proofing.
- Core & Thread Count: Assess core and thread count from CPU model. Cores are processing units, threads handle operations. Most CPUs offer double thread count compared to cores.
- Motherboard Chipset: Check motherboard chipset for CPU compatibility, connectivity, and upgrade options.
For a deeper dive into how to choose the right CPU & Motherboard Combo for your specific needs, we encourage you to check out our “Buying Guide”. Here, you’ll find detailed insights on what makes a great combo, tips on compatibility, and considerations for future upgrades.
Best CPU & Motherboard Combos Chart
| Best CPU & Motherboard Combos | CPU | Core and Thread Count | Motherboard Chipset | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i9-13900K CPU & Motherboard Combo | Intel i9 - 13900K | 24 Cores 32 Threads | Intel Z790 | Check On Amazon |
| Intel Core i5-13600K CPU & Motherboard Combo | Intel i5 - 13600K | 14 Cores 20 Threads | Intel Z690 | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU & Motherboard Combo | Ryzen 9 7950X | 16 Cores 32 Threads | AMD X670E | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU & Motherboard Combo | Ryzen 9 7900X | 12 Cores 24 Threads | AMD X670E - A | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU & Motherboard Combo | Ryzen 7 7700X | 8 Cores 16 Threads | AMD X670E | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU & Motherboard Combo | Ryzen 5 7600X | 6 Cores 12 Threads | AMD B650M | Check On Amazon |
Best CPU & Motherboard Combos Reviews
1. Intel Core i9-13900K CPU & Motherboard Combo
Right now, Intel has its finest offering available with the launch of the 13th Gen CPUs which are pretty much dominating the market right now. So, we have picked one of the most powerful options from this series for our list.
In the 1st position, we are currently putting the most powerful CPU and motherboard combination available from Intel. This CPU and motherboard combination includes an Intel Core i9-13900K Desktop Processor with the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus motherboard. This powerful CPU option from Intel’s 13th Gen lineup offers 24 cores and 32 threads. Intel also has 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores on this CPU for a more efficient output when working at 5.8 GHz maximum clock speed. It also has a 36 MB cache capacity, which is pretty high for an Intel CPU.
Coming to the motherboard, you are getting one of the budget options from Asus’s TUF series, which has an LGA 1700 CPU socket. This is an ATX motherboard having PCIe 5.0 support along with DDR4 support with 4x DIMM slots. It also has a 16+1 DrMOS power solution with ProCool sockets for efficient cooling that you will need on your system. Apart from PCIe and DIMM slots, it also has 4x M.2 slots for extended storage compatibility.
Best Features
- This is a 24 core 32 threads CPU
- CPU has a maximum boost clock speed of 5.8 GHz
- It has 32 MB cache capacity
- Motherboard has 4x DIMM DDR4 slots
- There are 4 M.2 slots are provided
- Z790 motherboard chipset type
Pros
- Most powerful combination from Intel
- 13th gen Intel CPU for a future-proof PC build
- Motherboard has built-in WiFi
Cons
- CPU cache capacity should have been higher
2. Intel Core i5-13600K CPU & Motherboard Combo
Even though most 13th Gen CPU options from Intel are quite expensive, we are bringing a budget-choice from the same series up next on our list. This combination is basically a budget-focused choice from Intel with great performance.
In the 2nd position, we have the Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor paired with the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming. Unlike our last pick, the motherboard on this set is a dedicated gaming motherboard with built-in WiFi support and PCIe 5 compatibility. You will also find many other desirable features on this board, such as DDR4 RAM support with a maximum 128 GB memory capacity. This is an AI-powered motherboard from Asus that ensures smart configurations for overclocking as well as cooling.
The CPU, on the other hand, has 14 cores and 20 threads, with the smart core configuration of 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores. The hybrid architecture of the CPU makes it possible for the combination to handle workload very easily. The CPU can operate at up to 5.1 GHz clock speed thanks to the AI-overclocking support of the motherboard. It also has 24 MB cache capacity, which is much better than what you get around this price range with other choices.
Best Features
- This is a 14 core 20 threads CPU
- CPU has a maximum boost clock speed of 5.1 GHz
- It has 24 MB cache capacity
- Motherboard has 4x DIMM DDR5 slots
- There are 4 M.2 slots are provided
- Z690 motherboard chipset type
Pros
- One of the budget choices from Intel
- Combination offers a 13th Gen Intel CPU
- Gaming motherboard is included on this set
Cons
- Motherboard is slightly overpowered for this CPU
3. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU & Motherboard Combo
Now that you know what Intel has to offer for a CPU and motherboard combination, let us talk about when we can find from AMD. With a wide range of CPU and motherboard options, AMD offers many choices for all budget ranges.
Our 3rd pick for this list of the best CPU and motherboard combinations is the AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X CPU with the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme motherboard. Both of these options are highly premium and packed with powerful specifications. The CPU comes with 16 cores and 32 threads, offering better performance than any other choices on this list with a 5.7 GHz clock speed. But more importantly, this CPU has an 80 MB cache capacity, the highest you can find on commercial CPUs.
As for the motherboard, as the name suggests, this is an Extreme motherboard with all top-of-the-line features. It has the X760-E chipset type, which supports the Ryzen 7000 CPU series and PCIe 5 compatibility. It also has 5 M.2 SSD slots so you will never run out of storage expansion options. Since this is an E-ATX motherboard, there are many additional connectivity options provided with this board that are simply exquisite at this point. Plus, you can use up to 128 GB RAM with this system at a maximum speed of up to 6400 MHz, which is perfect for high-level gaming.
Best Features
- This is a 16 core 32 threads CPU
- CPU has a maximum boost clock speed of 5.7 GHz
- It has 80 MB cache capacity
- Motherboard has 4x DIMM DDR5 slots
- There are 5 M.2 slots are provided
- X670E motherboard chipset type
Pros
- Most powerful combination on this list today
- Dedicated gaming motherboard with all important features included
- CPU has very high cache capacity
Cons
- It is as expensive as a complete entry-level PC build
4. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU & Motherboard Combo
AMD has a lot of other options from its latest 7th Gen CPU lineup that are simply perfect for gaming. The following option from the 7th Gen AMD series is a slightly cheaper variant with a full-fledged gaming motherboard.
The AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900X is another highly powerful CPU we picked for our list today. This 12-core and 24-thread CPU makes it possible to run the heaviest of applications and multitask on your PC without any problem. Based on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, this CPU can work at 5.6 GHz clock speed and offers 76 MB cache capacity, which you will surely find beneficial for gaming. And the CPU also supports up to 5200 MHz memory, making it perfect for the paired motherboard.
Talking about the motherboard, this set includes the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A gaming motherboard. As the name suggests, this gaming motherboard has an AM5 CPU socket and built-in WiFi support. As a fine choice from Asus’s ROG series, this motherboard also brings PCIe 5 compatibility with DDR5 6400 MHz RAM support. And since there are 4x DIMM slots available, you can easily expand the memory up to 128 GB. This motherboard has the AMD X670 chipsets, the first choice for many gamers.
Best Features
- This is a 12 core 24 threads CPU
- CPU has a maximum boost clock speed of 5.6 GHz
- It has 76 MB cache capacity
- Motherboard has 4x DIMM DDR5 slots
- There are 4 M.2 slots are provided
- X670E-A motherboard chipset type
Pros
- One of the budget gaming choices from AMD
- Up to 6400 MHz memory is supported by motherboard
- Many connectivity options are available
Cons
- Not suitable for compact PC builds
5. AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU & Motherboard Combo
Moving on with the budget choices from AMD, we have a couple more options available on our picks that will be the best choices for an entry-level PC build. And since most gamers prefer AMD-based PC builds for a budget PC build, we are picking up the following AMD CPU and motherboard combination.
The Micro Center AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is also a very powerful choice from the budget range of the 7th Gen AMD CPU series from AMD, offering 8 cores and 16 threads for flawless performance at a maximum clock speed of 5.4 GHz. Despite being a budget choice, this CPU still offers 80 MB cache capacity, making it equivalent to what you get with premium AMD CPUs. This is also a Zen 4 CPU from AMD that supports DDR5 memory up to 5200 MHz memory speed. The Ryzen 7 architecture is also a safe choice for future upgrades.
Coming to the motherboard, this set has the ASUS TUF Gaming X670E-PLUS ATX motherboard. Since this board is coming from the Asus TUF series, you can expect pretty good features from the board that won’t cost you a fortune. This WiFi-enabled motherboard also brings DDR5 memory support with 4x DIMM slots, bringing the maximum memory support up to 128 GB. And you will also get 4x M.2 slots for high storage capacity without compromising on the storage speed. There are 3 PCIe slots available on the board, one of which is the PCI5 5.0 x16 slot for your GPU.
Best Features
- This is an 8 core 16 threads CPU
- CPU has a maximum boost clock speed of 5.4 GHz
- It has 80 MB cache capacity
- Motherboard has 4x DIMM DDR5 slots
- There are 4 M.2 slots are provided
- X670E-Plus motherboard chipset type
Pros
- Suitable option for an entry-level PC build
- High-end motherboard chipset
- Gaming motherboard for future upgrades
Cons
- Motherboard cooling could have been better
6. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU & Motherboard Combo
Finishing up our picks for the best CPU and motherboard combination, we have the cheapest option you can get right now from AMD. This option is ideal for a starting PC build that you will upgrade in the future.
For the last position on our list of the best CPU and motherboard combinations, we have the cheapest option that you can get right now with the AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600X and ASUS Prime B650M-A motherboard. The CPU is powered by 6 cores, and 12 threads, which should be enough for basic performance and entry-level gaming builds. However, it still offers a 5.3 GHz clock speed so that you won’t notice any slowdowns in general PC performance. And it also offers a 38 MB cache to reduce stuttering and lag at the time of gaming. It also supports up to 5200 MHz memory which you will surely use with this motherboard.
As for the board itself, the ASUS Prime B650M-A is one of the cheaper options from AMD right now with the B650 chipset, which is a value-for-the-money pick. This motherboard is also equipped with a removable WiFi module and supports the PCIe 5.0 interface alongside DDR5 memory.
Even though there are only 2x DIMM slots available on the board, you can still pair 128 GB memory on the board with a maximum memory speed of 6400 MHz. The ASUS OptiMem II technology on this board also offers stable performance with overclocking support, which you will need for high-level gaming.
Best Features
- This is a 6 core 12 threads CPU
- CPU has a maximum boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz
- It has 38 MB cache capacity
- Motherboard has 2x DIMM DDR5 slots
- There are 2 M.2 slots are provided
- B650 motherboard chipset type
Pros
- Cheapest option right now for a CPU and motherboard combination
- Supports Asus’s AURA sync RGB
- Comes with removable WiFi module
Cons
- CPU core and thread count is very low
Buying Guide For The Best CPU & Motherboard Combos
Selecting the ideal CPU and motherboard combo is a pivotal step in building a computer, as these components play crucial roles in your system’s performance and connectivity. This buying guide is designed to guide you through the essential considerations for choosing the most suitable CPU and motherboard pair for your specific needs.
1. CPU Model and Speed
The performance and capabilities of your system are largely influenced by the CPU, making it more critical to your system’s overall performance than the motherboard. Start by examining the CPU’s architecture and clock speed.
The architecture, which includes components like the control unit and cache, determines the efficiency and capability of the CPU. Popular architectures include Intel’s i3, i5, and i7, as well as AMD’s Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, and Ryzen 9, with higher numbers generally indicating superior performance.
Clock speed, measured in GHz, affects how quickly the CPU can process information, so higher speeds typically lead to faster performance.
2. CPU Core and Thread Count
The number of cores and threads in a CPU is indicative of its ability to handle multiple tasks and data simultaneously. Cores are individual processing units within the CPU, each capable of executing tasks independently, while threads are sequences of programmed instructions that the cores can process concurrently.
More cores and threads allow for more efficient multitasking and improved performance in demanding applications, making a CPU with a higher core and thread count preferable for any PC build, from basic workstations to high-end gaming rigs.
3. CPU Cache
The CPU cache plays a crucial role in enhancing the processor’s performance by acting as a high-speed memory located directly within the CPU. It stores frequently accessed data and instructions, allowing for quicker retrieval compared to retrieving from the main memory, which is significantly slower.
CPUs feature multiple levels of cache (L1, L2, and L3), with L1 being the smallest but fastest and located closest to the CPU core, while L3 is larger but slower. The efficiency of the CPU cache greatly influences the performance of applications, particularly those with a small working set size, including many gaming applications that benefit from rapid cache access.
4. Form Factor
When selecting a CPU and motherboard combo, the motherboard’s form factor is essential to ensure compatibility with your PC case. The form factor—encompassing size, shape, and component layout—determines the motherboard’s physical dimensions and, by extension, the size of the case it can fit into.
Common motherboard form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX, and BTX, each offering distinct specifications and sizes. It’s important to choose a form factor that not only fits your case but also meets your needs in terms of available space for components and overall system layout.
5. Motherboard Chipset
The chipset on a motherboard is a key factor to consider, as it governs CPU compatibility, potential for future upgrades, and a host of connectivity and expansion features. It consists of the Northbridge and Southbridge components.
The Northbridge facilitates communication between the CPU, memory, and high-speed expansion slots like PCI Express, including handling the memory controller’s data flow management.
Conversely, the Southbridge deals with connections between the CPU, memory, and slower peripherals (e.g., hard drives, USB ports, audio interfaces), also supporting legacy interfaces such as PCI and IDE. This makes the chipset a crucial determinant of a motherboard’s versatility and performance capabilities.
CPU and Motherboard Combos – FAQs
Ans: The best combos are determined by compatibility, performance, future upgrade options, and value for money, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance for your specific needs.
Ans: No, the CPU must be compatible with the motherboard’s socket type and chipset to ensure they work together without issues.
Ans: The chipset is crucial as it determines CPU compatibility, available features, and future upgrade paths, impacting overall system performance and expandability.
Ans: It depends on your needs: more cores for multitasking and content creation, and higher clock speed for gaming and single-threaded tasks.
Ans: No, the form factor (e.g., ATX, Micro-ATX) mainly affects the size and the number of expansion slots, not the performance.
Ans: Yes, but only within the limits of the motherboard’s CPU socket and chipset compatibility. Future-proofing by choosing a board with newer standards is advisable.
Ans: A larger CPU cache reduces data retrieval times from main memory, speeding up operations and improving overall system performance, especially in data-intensive tasks.
Ans: They refer to the memory architecture supported by the motherboard, with quad-channel offering higher bandwidth and better performance than dual-channel.
Ans: They add convenience and reduce the need for additional expansion cards but aren’t essential for all users, depending on your specific connectivity needs.
Ans: Check the CPU socket type and chipset compatibility listed in the motherboard’s specifications, and match them with your CPU’s requirements.
Conclusion
Navigating the vast array of CPU and motherboard combinations available can be overwhelming, with hundreds of options catering to different budgets and requirements. To simplify this crucial aspect of PC building, we’ve curated a list of top CPU and motherboard combos, ranging from high-end gaming and workstation setups to entry-level builds.
- For budget-conscious builders, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU & Motherboard Combo stands out as an affordable yet powerful option.
- For those seeking peak performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU & Motherboard Combo with an Extreme motherboard offers unmatched power.
- Lastly, the Intel Core i5-13600K CPU & Motherboard Combo paired with the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming motherboard presents a balanced choice for gamers.
