When selecting a CPU, what must you ensure it's compatible with?

When choosing a CPU, it is essential to ensure compatibility with the motherboard. The motherboard serves as the main circuit board in a computer, linking all components and peripherals. Each CPU has specific requirements regarding the socket type and chipset supported by the motherboard. The socket type must match the physical design of the CPU, for instance, Intel CPUs use different socket types than AMD CPUs, meaning that a CPU cannot fit into a motherboard that does not have the correct socket.

Additionally, the motherboard's chipset determines which features are supported by the CPU, such as memory types, overclocking capabilities, and peripheral interfaces. If the CPU and motherboard are not compatible, the system will not function properly, or it may not work at all.

While compatibility with the GPU, power supply unit (PSU), and cooling system is also important for overall system performance, they are secondary considerations in relation to the CPU and motherboard pairing. For example, while you might need to ensure that the GPU fits in the motherboard and that the PSU can deliver enough power, the critical first step in building or upgrading a computer involves selecting a compatible CPU and motherboard combination.