I'm planning a CPU upgrade and was hoping to install an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. My motherboard is an ASUS PRIME B460-PLUS, but its compatibility list only shows Intel processors. Is there any way to use the Ryzen chip with this board, or would I need to buy a compatible Intel CPU instead?
3 Answers
An AMD Ryzen processor cannot be installed in an Intel motherboard. You’d need a new motherboard with the correct AMD socket, and depending on the platform, possibly new RAM as well. A motherboard change can also mean reinstalling or reconfiguring Windows.
You’re limited to processors that use the LGA1200 socket and are listed as compatible with the PRIME B460-PLUS. Check the manufacturer’s CPU support list and required BIOS versions before buying. If you want a much newer processor like the 9800X3D, plan on replacing the motherboard and possibly the memory kit too.
Thanks, the compatibility list makes it much easier to see which upgrades will actually work.
That motherboard uses Intel’s LGA1200 socket and supports 10th-generation Intel CPUs, so an i7 would probably be the sensible upgrade depending on what processor you have now. The B460 chipset also doesn’t support CPU or memory overclocking, so paying extra for a K-series chip may not be worthwhile.
That’s annoying, but it’s better to find out before buying a CPU I can’t use.