Buying Guides                                                   

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is picking a motherboard first—only to realize later that it doesn’t support their CPU. Always remember: 

Choose your CPU first, then the motherboard.

 Intel and AMD use different sockets, and that’s the first big decision every DIY builder needs to make.

To make things easier, we’ve broken motherboards into 

 categories, with recommended CPUs and models for each.

Perfect for web browsing, office tasks, and light use at the lowest cost.

The sweet spot for most gamers and DIY builders—great balance of performance and value.

Top-tier performance with room for future upgrades—built for those who want it all.

When choosing your motherboard, keep three things in mind:

Follow these steps and you’ll find the right motherboard for your build—and set the foundation for your dream PC. 





Building your own PC starts with choosing the right motherboard.






One of the most common mistakes beginners make is picking a motherboard first—only to realize later that it doesn’t support their CPU. Always remember: Choose your CPU first, then the motherboard. Intel and AMD use different sockets, and that’s the first big decision every DIY builder needs to make.



To make things easier, we’ve broken motherboards into Entry-Level, Mid-Range, and High-End categories, with recommended CPUs and models for each.











🔹 Entry-Level Motherboards

Best for:





Basic home PCs



Office and productivity PCs

Key Features:





Simple expansion: usually 2 RAM slots, 1 PCIe slot



No heatsinks on the I/O section (chips are exposed on the PCB)

Recommended CPUs:





Intel: i3 series, some i5 models



AMD: Ryzen 3, some Ryzen 5

Popular Models:





Intel: H series, some entry-level B series (e.g., H610)



AMD: A series (e.g., A520, A620)

👉 Perfect for web browsing, office tasks, and light use at the lowest cost.





🔹 Mid-Range Motherboards

Best for:





Casual gamers



Content creators with moderate workloads

Key Features:





Better expansion: usually 4 RAM slots, multiple PCIe slots



Improved thermal design, some with ARGB lighting

Recommended CPUs:





Intel: i5, i7



AMD: Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7

Popular Models:





Intel: B series (e.g., B660, B760)



AMD: B series (e.g., B550, B650)

👉 The sweet spot for most gamers and DIY builders—great balance of performance and value.





🔹 High-End Motherboards

Best for:





Hardcore gamers



Professional creators (video editing, 3D rendering)



Enthusiasts who want maximum performance

Key Features:





Full expansion options: multiple PCIe slots, USB Type-C, reinforced heatsinks



Overclocking support to unlock full CPU power

Recommended CPUs:





Intel: i7, i9, all K-series



AMD: Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9

Popular Models:





Intel: Z series (e.g., Z790)



AMD: X series (e.g., X670, X670E)

👉 Top-tier performance with room for future upgrades—built for those who want it all.





📝 Final Tips

When choosing your motherboard, keep three things in mind:





Your needs (office work, gaming, or professional use)



Your budget (entry, mid, or high-end)



CPU compatibility (always match Intel or AMD correctly)

Follow these steps and you’ll find the right motherboard for your build—and set the foundation for your dream PC. 





Choosing the Right Motherboard Without the Confusion

Motherboard Basics: The Easy Beginner’s Guide

Kaufberatungen

Die richtige Hauptplatine auswählen – ganz ohne Verwirrung

Grundlagen des Motherboards: Der einfache Leitfaden für Anfänger

Building your own PC is more than just a tech project; it’s a rite of passage for every true gamer and creator. While the process might seem daunting at first, it is incredibly rewarding to press that power button for the first time and see your creation come to life.

Before you buy a single screw, you must determine your usage needs. Are you building a competitive gaming rig, a professional workstation for content creation, or a silent office machine?

Defining your goal prevents two major beginner mistakes:

Step 2: The Anatomy of a High-Performance PC

To build a functional system, you need these essential building blocks:

The best way to ensure compatibility is to use a planning tool.

Step 4: Essential Tools for a Smooth Install

You don't need a professional workshop, but these three things are non-negotiable:

Your build isn't finished once it's assembled. Dust is a silent performance killer that traps heat. To keep your FPS high, we recommend a 

 makes this maintenance as simple as peeling off the filter and wiping it down.

Whether you are looking for a sleek panoramic view or a high-airflow mesh beast, we have the gear to keep your frames high and your temps low.





Building your own PC is more than just a tech project; it’s a rite of passage for every true gamer and creator. While the process might seem daunting at first, it is incredibly rewarding to press that power button for the first time and see your creation come to life.



Step 1: Define Your Mission

Before you buy a single screw, you must determine your usage needs. Are you building a competitive gaming rig, a professional workstation for content creation, or a silent office machine?







Defining your goal prevents two major beginner mistakes:





Buying incompatible components.



Overspending on parts that don't actually improve your specific experience.



Step 2: The Anatomy of a High-Performance PC

To build a functional system, you need these essential building blocks:





CPU (Processor): The brain that executes all instructions.



CPU Cooler: Essential for preventing Thermal Throttling. Modern processors often require an upgrade to an AIO Liquid Cooler to maintain stable boost clocks during heavy loads.



Motherboard: The central nervous system that connects everything.



RAM (Memory): Temporary storage for active data. For maximum performance, always use dual-channel configurations (two sticks instead of one).



Storage (NVMe SSD): Modern games and apps should always be installed on an NVMe SSD to avoid loading stalls and stuttering.



Graphics Card (GPU): The heart of gaming and rendering. To keep your GPU healthy, ensure your PC case has dedicated fans directing air straight to the card.



Power Supply Unit (PSU): Often overlooked, but critical. A high-quality, high-wattage PSU ensures your system gets clean, stable power even during intense scenes.



PC Case: More than just a box, a great case provides the airflow and dust filtration needed to protect your investment.







Step 3: Architecting Your Build

The best way to ensure compatibility is to use a planning tool.





(PCPartPicker)







Use a Compatibility Checker: Websites like PCPartPicker allow you to virtually assemble your components to check for size constraints and power requirements.



Focus on Airflow: When choosing your chassis, look for models with louvered panels or mesh designs to maximize cold air intake.



Choose the Right Fans: Don't just look at RGB. Check the bearing type. For a gaming PC, Hydro (Hydraulic) Bearing fans are the "sweet spot," offering a whisper-quiet experience with a long lifespan.



Step 4: Essential Tools for a Smooth Install

You don't need a professional workshop, but these three things are non-negotiable:











Magnetic Screwdriver: This is your best friend. It prevents tiny screws from falling into the dark crevices of your motherboard or PSU shroud.



Cable Management Supplies: Use zip ties or Velcro straps to keep cables organized. Good cable management isn't just for looks; it improves overall system airflow.



The Component Manuals: Even pros check the manual. It contains vital information on front-panel header locations and RAM slot priority.



Step 5: Maintenance for Longevity

Your build isn't finished once it's assembled. Dust is a silent performance killer that traps heat. To keep your FPS high, we recommend a quick cleaning every 3-6 months. Using a case with easy-to-remove dust filters makes this maintenance as simple as peeling off the filter and wiping it down.









Pro Tip: If you are mounting fans on the top radiator of your case, always opt for Hydro bearings. Unlike cheap sleeve bearings, they aren't affected by gravity and won't fail prematurely when mounted horizontally.



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Whether you are looking for a sleek panoramic view or a high-airflow mesh beast, we have the gear to keep your frames high and your temps low.

Stop losing FPS and start building like a pro with the ultimate guide to mastering PC performance and DIY assembly.

Master the Art of PC Building: The Ultimate 2025 DIY Beginner’s Guide

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Choosing the right PC case is just as important as selecting your components. Your case determines compatibility, cooling performance, airflow, fan support, and the overall style of your build. One of the biggest factors to consider is 

, which directly relates to the size of the motherboard it can support.

Below is a clear breakdown of the four most common PC case sizes and how to choose the best one for your setup.

PC case sizing is primarily based on motherboard compatibility. The four main sizes—

—range from largest to smallest. A larger case (like E-ATX) can fit smaller motherboards such as ITX, but a small ITX case cannot fit larger boards like ATX or E-ATX.

 and offer the most interior space for expansion, cooling, and advanced airflow setups.

．Modular rear panels for flexible motherboard compatibility

E-ATX cases are ideal for users who want:

．Multi-fan or custom water-cooling setups

．Superior airflow and thermal performance

．A powerful workstation or full-tower gaming system

 option, offering a great mix of space, cooling potential, and ease of building. They support all standard ATX motherboards—from entry-level H-series to top-tier Z-series boards.

．A well-rounded build with solid airflow

．A case size that fits comfortably on or under most desks

Micro-ATX (M-ATX) cases are slightly smaller while still offering plenty of features for mainstream users. M-ATX motherboards have fewer PCIe slots and M.2 slots, but still support most gaming and productivity builds. 

M-ATX cases are ideal for users who want:

．A smaller footprint without major compromises

They are excellent for bedrooms, small desks, or office environments.

 option, designed strictly for ITX motherboards. They are popular among gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize portability or a minimalist desk setup.

Because of their small volume, ITX cases often have surprisingly efficient heat dissipation—but they do impose certain limitations:

．Fewer fan and radiator mounting points

When selecting a PC case, always consider:

．Expansion options (storage, PCIe cards)

Understanding the differences between E-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, and ITX cases will help you choose a chassis that fits your hardware, cooling requirements, and workspace—ensuring your build performs well and looks great.





Choosing the right PC case is just as important as selecting your components. Your case determines compatibility, cooling performance, airflow, fan support, and the overall style of your build. One of the biggest factors to consider is case size, which directly relates to the size of the motherboard it can support.

Below is a clear breakdown of the four most common PC case sizes and how to choose the best one for your setup.





(Source: Tech Guided)



Understanding PC Case Sizes

PC case sizing is primarily based on motherboard compatibility. The four main sizes—E-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, and ITX—range from largest to smallest. A larger case (like E-ATX) can fit smaller motherboards such as ITX, but a small ITX case cannot fit larger boards like ATX or E-ATX.





(ACEGEEK Photon E-ATX PC Case)



E-ATX Cases

E-ATX cases are built for high-end, flagship systems and offer the most interior space for expansion, cooling, and advanced airflow setups.

A great example is the Photon, a premium E-ATX case that supports:

．Up to 8 x 120mm fans

．A 360mm AIO radiator at the top

．Modular rear panels for flexible motherboard compatibility



E-ATX cases are ideal for users who want:

．Maximum expansion room

．Multi-fan or custom water-cooling setups

．Superior airflow and thermal performance

．A powerful workstation or full-tower gaming system





(ACEGEEK LunarisFlow ATX PC Case)



ATX Cases

ATX cases are the most common and most balanced option, offering a great mix of space, cooling potential, and ease of building. They support all standard ATX motherboards—from entry-level H-series to top-tier Z-series boards.

ATX cases are perfect if you want:

．A well-rounded build with solid airflow

．Multiple fan and storage options

．A case size that fits comfortably on or under most desks



M-ATX Cases

Micro-ATX (M-ATX) cases are slightly smaller while still offering plenty of features for mainstream users. M-ATX motherboards have fewer PCIe slots and M.2 slots, but still support most gaming and productivity builds. 

M-ATX cases are ideal for users who want:

．A smaller footprint without major compromises

．Good airflow and cooling flexibility

．A cleaner, more space-efficient setup



They are excellent for bedrooms, small desks, or office environments.



ITX Cases

ITX cases are the smallest and most compact option, designed strictly for ITX motherboards. They are popular among gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize portability or a minimalist desk setup.

Because of their small volume, ITX cases often have surprisingly efficient heat dissipation—but they do impose certain limitations:

．Typically limited to SFX or SFX-L power supplies

．Fewer fan and radiator mounting points

．Tighter cable-management space







ITX cases are best for users who want:

．A compact or portable PC

．A stylish small-form-factor build

．Efficient airflow in a small chassis







Choosing the Right Case for Your Needs

When selecting a PC case, always consider:

．Motherboard compatibility

．Cooling and fan support

．GPU and CPU cooler clearance

．Expansion options (storage, PCIe cards)

．Desk space and preferred size

．Personal aesthetic preferences



Understanding the differences between E-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, and ITX cases will help you choose a chassis that fits your hardware, cooling requirements, and workspace—ensuring your build performs well and looks great.

Selecting the right motherboard form factor is the first step in ensuring your components have enough room to breathe and maintain stable performance.

How to Choose the Right PC Case for Your Build

Die Wahl des richtigen Motherboard-Formfaktors ist der erste Schritt, um sicherzustellen, dass Ihre Komponenten genügend Platz zum Atmen haben und eine stabile Leistung erbringen.

Wie Sie das richtige PC-Gehäuse für Ihren Build auswählen

 might look complicated—but each part of the code actually tells you important information about the processor’s performance, generation, and special features. Understanding these naming rules helps you pick the right CPU for your needs.

Below is a simple breakdown of how to read both Intel and AMD CPU model numbers.

The series indicates the CPU’s performance tier. Higher numbers generally mean stronger performance.

The first digits after the series represent the generation.

i9-14900K → “14” = 14th Gen Core i9

Newer generations usually mean improvements in architecture, efficiency, and performance.

The numbers following the generation indicate performance variations within the same generation.

a higher SKU number means higher performance

The suffix tells you the CPU’s key features:

AMD follows a similar structure but uses different naming patterns.

The first number after the series indicates the generation.

Ryzen 7 7900X → “7” = 7th-gen Ryzen 7

Newer generations improve efficiency, IPC, and performance within the same tier.

The following numbers identify different performance levels within the same generation.

Higher numbers typically mean faster boost clocks and better overall performance.

Once you understand what each part of a CPU model number represents, choosing the right Intel or AMD processor becomes much easier. Whether you’re upgrading for gaming, productivity, or content creation, reading CPU codes helps you pick the model that best fits your performance needs.





When choosing a CPU, model names like Intel Core i9-14900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7900X might look complicated—but each part of the code actually tells you important information about the processor’s performance, generation, and special features. Understanding these naming rules helps you pick the right CPU for your needs.

Below is a simple breakdown of how to read both Intel and AMD CPU model numbers.



How to Read Intel CPU Model Numbers

Let’s use Intel Core i9-14900K as an example.
It can be divided into four parts: series, generation, SKU number, and suffix.







Series (i3 / i5 / i7 / i9)

The series indicates the CPU’s performance tier. Higher numbers generally mean stronger performance.





Core i3 — Entry level. Best for documents, browsing, video playback.



Core i5 — Mid-range. Good for office tasks and light gaming.



Core i7 — High performance. Suitable for AAA gaming, multitasking, and livestreaming.



Core i9 — Flagship. Designed for heavy gaming, high FPS, content creation, and streaming simultaneously.



Generation

The first digits after the series represent the generation.
Example: i9-14900K → “14” = 14th Gen Core i9.

Newer generations usually mean improvements in architecture, efficiency, and performance.



SKU Number (the remaining digits)

The numbers following the generation indicate performance variations within the same generation.
They differentiate CPUs by clock speed, core count, cache size, and other specifications.

In general, a higher SKU number means higher performance.



Suffix (K, F, etc.)

The suffix tells you the CPU’s key features:





No suffix — Standard model. Balanced performance, no special features.



K — Unlocked for overclocking. Ideal for gamers and streamers who want extra performance.



F — No integrated graphics. Requires a dedicated graphics card.



How to Read AMD CPU Model Numbers

AMD follows a similar structure but uses different naming patterns.
Take Ryzen 7 7900X as an example.







Series (Ryzen 3 / 5 / 7 / 9)





Ryzen 3 — Entry-level. Good for office tasks, browsing, and light games.



Ryzen 5 — Mainstream. Good for gamers and general creators.



Ryzen 7 — High-end. Great for AAA gaming and content creation.



Ryzen 9 — Flagship. Excellent for heavy workloads, streaming, and top-tier gaming.



Generation

The first number after the series indicates the generation.
Example: Ryzen 7 7900X → “7” = 7th-gen Ryzen 7.

Newer generations improve efficiency, IPC, and performance within the same tier.



SKU Number

The following numbers identify different performance levels within the same generation.
Higher numbers typically mean faster boost clocks and better overall performance.



Suffix (X, X3D, F)





F — No integrated graphics. Requires a dedicated GPU.



X — Higher base and boost clocks for stronger performance.



X3D — Same as X-series but with AMD 3D V-Cache, offering significantly better gaming performance.







Final Thoughts

Once you understand what each part of a CPU model number represents, choosing the right Intel or AMD processor becomes much easier. Whether you’re upgrading for gaming, productivity, or content creation, reading CPU codes helps you pick the model that best fits your performance needs.

Intel and AMD CPU codes look complex, but they’re easy to understand once you know what each part represents.

What Do the Codes After Intel and AMD CPU Model Numbers Actually Mean?

Die CPU-Codes von Intel und AMD sehen komplex aus, sind aber leicht zu verstehen, sobald man weiß, wofür die einzelnen Teile stehen.

Was bedeuten die Codes nach den Modellnummern von Intel- und AMD-CPUs?

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Acegeek offers high-quality computer cases, cooling solutions, power supplies, and peripherals. Explore our website for top-notch products & accessories.

Grundlagen des Motherboards: Der einfache Leitfaden für Anfänger

🔹 Einsteiger-Motherboards

🔹 Mittelklasse-Motherboards

🔹 High-End-Motherboards

📝 Abschließende Tipps