What is a motherboard/ cpu combo?
Motherboard & CPU combinations include a motherboard, processor, and fan combined together in a single kit. Our bundles are checked for 100% compatibility and are perfect for upgraders and builders alike. A combo lets you get started building your computer or upgrade right away by knowing that everything is compatible and ready to be installed. You can choose between new or refurbished and from a variety of motherboard brands like Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, and more.
Do I have to choose a combo with memory?
Not really! If you already have compatible memory or if you want to buy your own then you can stick with a standard combo and get the memory as part of a deal separately or use what you already have.
Which combos are the fastest?
As a general rule of thumb, the speed of your combo and your system as a whole is mostly determined by the processor. With that said, then an Intel i7 combo would be the fastest choice (followed by an Intel i5 and then some mixtures of i3/AMD FX and so on). If you have an unlimited budget and just want performance, some mix of 6700k CPU, Z170 motherboard, and LGA1151 socket would be the best you can get. That kit would run on DDR4 memory. If you want to go with DDR3 memory stick with an LGA1150 or FM2+ board. If you're strictly interested in gaming, you should go with a fast processor but also save some of your budget for your video card as that will also be a strong influencing factor.
What's the difference between ATX and Micro ATX?
The ATX or MicroATX (and sometimes even ITX) designation on each combo will determine what types of cases these bundles will be compatible with. Most of the form factor specification comes from the layout of the motherboard. If you go with an ITX combo you almost certainly need an ITX case. If you choose an ATX combo you'll most likely need an ATX case. However, with MATX you'll find many mATX and standard ATX cases can handle those - so they're the most compatible. It's important to check your case specifications to see exactly what types of boards you can support.
How to Assemble a Motherboard Combo
Buying a motherboard cpu combo saves you a lot of trouble like checking for compatibility between the processor and the motherboard and the compatibility of the CPU fan with the clips on the motherboard. It might also be cheaper at times to buy a combo rather than buying a separate motherboard and CPU. Also, manufacturers combine the two components at times to provide better performance. If you are a first time assembler, here is a guide that you can follow to assemble a motherboard combo.
Step 1
If you are upgrading your PC, remove all cables, PCI cards and Graphic cards connected to your motherboard. Make sure that any wire that is connected to any component other than the processor is removed from the motherboard.
Step 2
Unscrew the motherboard the cabinet using a screwdriver and then remove the mother board along with the CPU from the cabinet. Also remove the plate attached to the back of the computer like the one shown in this image as this plate may not suite the one on your new motherboard.
Step 3
Unpack your new motherboard and place the motherboard on your cabinet and note down the places where the screw hole on your motherboard fits in with the screw holes in your cabinet. You may need to remove several of the mounting hole screws already there on the motherboard and place them in new spots in order to be able to fit the motherboard at the correct spot. This is because of the fact that different motherboard manufacturers place the screw holes in different locations.
Place the motherboard on the cabinet once you have placed the mounting hole screws in the right spots and then fix the screws on the motherboard.
Step 4
Now install unpack the CPU and fix it on the motherboard. This will depend on the type of processor and fan that you own but you will usually come across a small clip that you have to pull up in order to be able to place your processor on the motherboard. Place the processor in the socket and lock the clip to begin installing the fan. This is the most crucial part of the whole process and you need to be very careful while installing the processor in the socket. Make sure the pins from the processor fit into the correct spot on the motherboard.
Once you are done with the processor, you can fit the fan over the processor and then clip it or screw it depending on the type that you have. Plug the cable for the CPU fan into the appropriate socket on the motherboard.
Step 5
Install the devices like your RAM, Graphics card and other similar components into the appropriate spots on the motherboard. Make sure that they are well connected as loose connections can cause a lot of problems later, they can even fry your motherboard at times.
Now plug in the power connectors from the SMPS into the appropriate spots on the motherboard and your other devices.
You will need to refer to your motherboard manual in order to connect the Power Switch, front-panel audio, and USB and LED Connector cables since the connection varies between different motherboards.
Once you have fixed these connections, you are ready to power on your computer. If your computer refuses to start, don't panic, check for loose connections on the motherboard and make sure that your RAM is properly fixed on to the motherboard.
If the computer powers on and beeps instead of loading your boot up screen, note down the type of BIOS that you have from the manual and the frequency of the beeps. You can Google the beep codes to find out the exact source of your problem. It's done. Congratulations!
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