Every great and well-performing custom-built PC has a well-adjusted CPU as well as motherboard combos. These two cornerstone hardware components dictate everything from your PC. Therefore, choosing the best motherboard CPU combos is one of the greatest steps you can take when building your new PC.
However, getting the right motherboard CPU combos for your PC can be hard especially due to the wide varieties on the market. Also, note that the main purpose of motherboard CPU combos is to customize them according to your needs. So, before you buy your motherboard CPU combos it’s advisable to know their performance needs.
But, to help you out we have compiled a detailed guide of some of the best motherboard CPU combos available in the market. Also, we will show you some of their features and factors to consider when purchasing your perfect motherboard CPU combo.
Best Motherboard CPU Combos
- Micro Center AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor Bundle
- MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard
- ASUS Prime Z690-P D4 LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard
- Micro Center Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor
- ASUS ROG Maximus XI ATX Gaming Motherboard
- ROG Strix Z590-E ATX Gaming Motherboard
- MSI Z590 PRO WiFi ProSeries Motherboard
- MSI MAG X570S Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard
1. Micro Center AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor Bundle
Micro Center AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor Bundle
The first pick in our list is Micro Center AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor Bundle with six cores and 12 processing threads. Apart from that, the desktop processor is bundled with an AMD Wraith cooler that allows you to overclock the CPU and the integrated graphics.
The desktop processors’ six cores run at 4.1 GHz Max Boost. So, whether you are compressing files, browsing the web, or backing up your data, the CPU can handle them with ease.
Pros: Cons:
The Micro Center AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor has been dominating the gaming world because it can deliver 100+ FPS performance. Moreover, the motherboard has optimized cooling because it has VRM and the PCH heatsink. These two components have an extensive surface and thermal pads that help in improving heat transfer from its MOSFETs enabling good cooling.
Additionally, the CPU combo comes with a PCIe 3.0 M.2 with a data transfer speed of 32Gbps. This makes it a good choice for application drives and operating systems.
Apart from that, Micro Center AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor has a BIOS FlashBack update method which is one of the easiest and safest (UEFI). Also, the CPU combo has many USB ports that are loaded with peripherals. Such peripherals include Type-A connectors that come with USB 3.2 generation 2 connectivity.
Furthermore, the desktop processor SafeSlot core prevents stronger retention and shearing resistance compared to the standard expansion slots. Lastly, this desktop processor has excellent gaming audio as it contains audio PCB layers and audio capacitors.
2. MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard features a high-grade sound through the use of quality audio components. Additionally, this motherboard CPU combo has a quality PCB design that comes with 2 oz thickened copper. This component helps in increasing conductivity, heat dissipation, and improving performance reliability.
Pros: Cons:
Apart from that, the motherboard has a well-performing core boost that combines optimized circuits and high-quality power delivery components. All this helps the core to create a high-efficiency power system that is capable of delivering the exact current to the CPU.
Another great feature of this motherboard is that it is fortified with MSI PCI Steel Armor slots that are attached with solder points. Also, MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard Flash BIOS Button allows the user to flash the BIOS without any memory or a CPU.
3. ASUS Prime Z690-P D4 LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard
ASUS Prime Z690-P D4 LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS Prime Z690-P D4 LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard comes with two enormous VRM heatsinks and quality thermal pads. These two components help in improving heat transfer from chokes and MOSFETs for good cooling performance.
Also, this great motherboard has Two M.2 heatsinks to prevent throttling that may occur during sustained transfers. Apart from that, it features thunderbolt 4 support through a board header using the latest ThunderboltEX 4 add-on card.
Pros: Cons:
For that reason, it easily enables bi-directional speeds that can reach up to 40 Gbps on each cable. Moreover, the add-on card contains a daisy chain function to provide a multi-screen connection and can support up to 8K resolution display. It can also provide around 100 power watts.
Lastly, the ASUS Prime Z690-P D4 LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard has numerous USB ports loaded with peripherals to support end rigs. Such peripherals include front and rear Type C USB connectors that have fast transmission speeds of up to 20 Gbps.
4. Micro Center Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor
Micro Center Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor
Are you looking for a high-performance motherboard CPU combo? If so, Micro Center Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor is the right choice. The processor features a six-layer server-grade PCB that has a 2OZ thickened copper. It also has a multilayer server grade that helps in increasing conductivity and improving performance reliability during overclocking.
Besides, the desktop processor is equipped with the latest DDR5 memory that is combined with MSI memory technology and the SMT welding process which allows it to deliver great memory performance.
Pros: Cons:
Also, this type of processor is crammed with some features to fuel the memory system with higher overclocking, increased speed, and stability. So, your system is protected from crashing.
The Micro Center Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor also has an extended metal heatsink that enlarges the surface area of heat dissipation. Therefore, this ensures that high-end processors run at full speed.
Apart from that, the motherboard has high data transfer as it features a high bandwidth and low-latency dual networks. Moreover, the processor has connectivity of 2.5 Gbps thus providing good data transfer.
Lastly, the Micro Center Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor has a reversible USB Type-C connector. Hence, it allows you to effortlessly connect your USB devices.
5. ASUS ROG Maximus XI ATX Gaming Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus XI ATX Gaming Motherboard
This great motherboard-CPU combo has a robust power solution with more than 14 power stages and a ProCool II power connector. Apart from that, it has good-quality alloy chokes and a long-lasting capacity to provide enough power to the CPU.
Pros: Cons:
Additionally, ASUS ROG Maximus XI ATX Gaming Motherboard has an enhanced thermal design. So, you expect a comprehensive heat pipe and heat sink from this motherboard. Also, it features minimal noise and A1 cooling in order to balance thermals by minimizing the fan speeds and maintaining a five-celsius delta.
Another amazing thing about this gaming motherboard is that it has the fastest gaming connectivity as it has dual ethernet of 5 GB. Also, the motherboard has high-quality audio with a supreme codec, Sonic Studio III, and unbound DTS sound.
6. ROG Strix Z590-E ATX Gaming Motherboard
ROG Strix Z590-E ATX Gaming Motherboard
ROG Strix Z590-E ATX Gaming Motherboard is designed to unleash maximum performance, especially that of the 11th generation intel core processors. The model has a supremeFX that contains unique hardware and software to provide superior audio.
The supremeFX also increases playback resolution and decreases distortion and signal interference. Moreover, this motherboard-CPU combo has an innovative Q-Latch that makes it easier to install and remove M.2 SSD without using specific tools. This design employs the easiest locking mechanism to eliminate traditional screws and secure the drives.
Pros: Cons:
Another great feature of this motherboard is that it has a two-way A1 noise cancellation. It leverages a deep learning database in order to minimize background noise that comes from incoming audio or the microphone.
Additionally, ROG Strix Z590-E ATX Gaming Motherboard has four onboard M.2 slots. Two of the slots support the newest PCIe 4.0 to offer maximum storage and fast data speed.
Also, the motherboard has good cooling options configured via UEFI BIOS or Fan Xpert 4. Some of the cooler options include M.2 Heatsink, CPU Fan Header, and M.2 Backplate.
Last but not the least, the motherboard has modern power control as well as power stages to provide the power needed to control the CPUs.
7. MSI Z590 PRO WiFi ProSeries Motherboard
MSI Z590 PRO WiFi ProSeries Motherboard
MSI Z590 PRO WiFi ProSeries Motherboard supports the 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core and Celeron processors. Some of its features include integrated cooling as it contains VRM cooling with an extended heatsink and a thermal pad.
Pros: Cons:
Also, it has SSD cooling to prevent thermal throttling and PCB cooling thus improving heat dissipation and reliability. Apart from that, MSI Z590 PRO WiFi ProSeries Motherboard features an M.2 Shield Frozr. This component is the newest thermal solution that offers the best protection to enable good SSD transfer speed.
Furthermore, this motherboard-CPU combo has a fully isolated DDR circuit that helps in delivering data signals for overclocking performance. Moreover, the model features the newest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 technology for fast network connection.
8. MSI MAG X570S Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard
MSI MAG X570S Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard
Our last pick on our list is MSI MAG X570S Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard with integrated cooling features such as PCB cooling. Also, it has VRM cooling, SSD cooling, and system cooling.
Pros: Cons:
In addition, this motherboard CPU combo has 12-pin power connectors as well as core boost technology so that it can sustain CPU power. Moreover, this model features an M.2 Shield Frozr the modern thermal solution. This ensures high SSD transfer speed.
Another great feature of this motherboard is that it features an isolated DDR circuit to deliver nothing but pure data signals for overclocking performance.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Motherboard CPU Combos
Although we have compiled a comprehensive rundown of our best motherboard CPU combos, it’s also good to look at some of the factors to consider when purchasing them. Note that there are many motherboard CPU combos and it can be hard to choose the one that will work perfectly with your device.
So, considering factors like RAM and motherboard form factor can help you out choose the right motherboard CPU combos. Other factors to consider include the following.
• Power Design
The motherboard power design refers to the Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) which provides the power needed to run the CPU. Basically, the VRM is made of power phases that contain a capacitor, choke, and two transistors.
It’s good to know that if your motherboard has more power phases, the CPU voltage will be more stable. So, it’s advisable to purchase a motherboard with a good power design in order to run the CPU well.
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
The motherboard that you will purchase usually determines the type and the amount of RAM that you will have. For that reason, it’s worth considering this before buying your motherboard.
In most cases, it’s recommended to choose a motherboard that can at least accommodate about 16GB. Additionally, it can be a good idea to look for a motherboard with four or more memory slots in order to have more memory space.
• PCI Slots
PCI slots are connections or ports that are found on the motherboard that allows expansion card connection. Depending on how you will use your device you will be required to consider your motherboard PCI slots in order to suit your needs.
• Serial AT Attachment (SATA)
Apart from PCI slots and RAM, you will also need to consider the SATA port numbers in your motherboard before buying. Note that each SATA port enables you to connect storage drives as well as optical drives such as HDD or SSD.
Therefore, it’s good to ensure that your motherboard contains all the SATA ports that you will require for all the drives. Moreover, you should also ensure that your motherboard also offers SATA 3.0 also known as SATA 6GB standard.
• Processor Socket
There are different sockets used especially in the past, though only three are used today. These sockets are LGA, BGA, and PGA. It’s worth noting that BGA sockets are not popular because they are permanently bonded to the motherboard so they can’t be upgraded.
Depending on your motherboard socket you will be able to determine the type of processor that you can buy.
• Motherboard Form Factor
Lastly, the motherboard form factor is yet another factor to consider because it determines its general layout and feature placement. Currently, there are four major form factors available and they include the following.
- Mini ITX (6.7 x 6.7”) – These motherboards are used for SSF builds
- ATX (12 x 9.6”) – These are standard-size motherboards
- EATX (12 x 13”) – These are the largest form factor and are used for powerful builds together with dual CPUs
- Micro ATX (9.6 x 9.6”) – These types of motherboards are square-shaped and are usually used for compact builds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Can Happen to My Software if I Replace the Motherboard?
If you replace a motherboard your license for the Windows OS can be lost. This is because product activation is mainly embedded in the BIOS of the motherboard. So, if you have a digital license or product key for Windows 10 you must reactivate your license.
2. Can My Motherboard Connect to the Internet Wirelessly?
This will depend on your motherboard hardware specifications. If you see WLAN Chipsets it shows that the motherboard has wireless networking. On the other hand, if you see LAN specifications it shows that the motherboard has a physical Ethernet port and you will need a wireless network.
3. Do I Have to Look for an Amd Graphics Card for the Amd Motherboard?
No, video cards do not have to match the motherboard chipset. Therefore, you can use an NVIDIA video card with AMD motherboards as long as the motherboard meets the video card specifications.
4. Do I Have to Purchase the Exact Ram Listed in the Motherboard Specification List?
Not necessarily but you must match the memory type like DDR3 and DDR4. However, you can use the listed speed or RAM as a requirement.
Final Words
Undoubtedly, the motherboard CPU combo is the most essential part of your PC. So, whether you want to build a high-quality PC for office work or gaming, you must look for the best bundle that will work for you.
Our article reveals some of the best motherboard CPU combos in the market today. These models have the newest unique features such as WIFI connection, quality sound, and good power solutions.
Either way, it’s advisable to consider factors like power design, PCI slots, and motherboard form factor while buying your motherboard CPU combo model.
