Computers & Components

Processor, motherboard and memory

Start with the processor, because it fixes the socket and therefore the motherboard. AMD's current desktop chips use AM5; Intel's Core Ultra 200S chips use LGA1851, and 12th to 14th gen Core chips use LGA1700. A board from a different socket will not fit, even within the same brand. If you buy a board that launched before your processor, confirm on the maker's support page that its BIOS supports your chip.

DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable. The slots are keyed differently, and each motherboard takes only one type. AM5 and LGA1851 boards are DDR5 only; LGA1700 boards come in either DDR4 or DDR5 versions, so check the exact model. Two matched sticks (a kit) run in dual channel and perform better than one large stick.

Graphics card, power supply and cabinet

Check three numbers before you buy a graphics card. Length: compare the card's length with the cabinet's listed maximum GPU clearance, allowing for front fans or a radiator. Slot width: thicker cards can block the motherboard's lower slots. Power: follow the card maker's recommended PSU wattage, which already includes the rest of a typical system, and leave some headroom for upgrades.

Buy a power supply from a known maker with an 80 PLUS rating, and make sure it has the connectors your GPU needs. Many recent NVIDIA cards use the 12V-2x6 (formerly 12VHPWR) connector; an ATX 3.0 or 3.1 PSU provides it natively, so you do not need an adapter. Push the plug in fully until it clicks.

For the cabinet, check CPU cooler height and radiator support as well as GPU length. A mesh front panel generally helps airflow more than a closed glass front.

Upgrading or building from scratch

If you are upgrading, a working graphics card, processor or memory kit you are replacing can be traded in at SwapMyTech and the value put towards the new part. If you would rather have the full system planned and assembled, see our custom PC build service in Bengaluru, or compare options in our gaming PC under ₹75,000 guide.