PC Part Compatibility Checklist Before You Buy

Check every interface in the build: CPU socket and BIOS, memory generation and QVL, and the exact SSD slot protocol and length. Save the manufacturer links with your parts list.

CPU and motherboard

Capture the exact board model and PCB revision, then confirm the CPU SKU in its support list. Record a minimum BIOS if one is given. A socket match alone cannot answer boot support.

Memory kit

Compare DDR generation and DIMM format first. Search the QVL for the complete kit SKU, capacity, module count and tested speed. Treat XMP or EXPO as a separate configuration check.

Storage and remaining parts

Map each SSD to an actual slot. Check NVMe versus SATA, length, CPU restrictions, lane sharing and heatsink clearance. Also verify the power supply, case clearances and cooling with their own manufacturer sources; PCCompat’s current checker does not claim to certify those parts.

Example: turn a parts list into evidence

Suppose the list includes an ASUS PRIME B760-PLUS D4, Intel Core i5-13600K, a DDR4 kit and a 2280 NVMe drive. The board support table lists an exact CPU BIOS entry; compare it with the installed BIOS. The board’s DDR4 designation eliminates DDR5 kits, but the chosen DDR4 kit still needs its full part number checked against QVL test conditions. Finally choose an actual M.2 slot and read its protocol, length and shared-resource notes.

• Save one official source URL for each component.
• Write down unresolved fields rather than treating an empty box as support.
• Recheck dates and model suffixes just before purchase.

Keep outside components in the build check

PCCompat’s current tool focuses on CPU, memory and SSD relationships. Power supply connectors and wattage, cooler mounting and thermal capacity, case dimensions, GPU fit and monitor outputs still require separate product documentation. A green result for one component pair does not certify the whole computer.

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