What a motherboard bundle is
A motherboard bundle is a processor and a compatible motherboard sold together, so the two parts most likely to be mismatched are already matched. It is the usual starting point for a self build, and the usual way to upgrade a machine where the case, drives and graphics card are still good but the platform is not.
What arrives, and what is already fitted
Bundles ship partially assembled rather than as loose boxes. That is not for convenience, it is so we can test the parts together before they leave.
- Processor fitted to the board
- Motherboard BIOS updated to the current version
- Cooler not fitted, so you can mount it once the board is in your case
The BIOS point is the one that matters most. A new board shipped from a distributor often carries firmware older than the processor you are pairing with it, which means the system will not post until the BIOS is updated, and updating it usually needs a processor the board already supports. Every bundle here has already been through that step.
Why buy a bundle rather than separate parts
- Socket, chipset and memory compatibility checked before dispatch, not after
- Tested as a unit, so a fault is found here rather than on your desk
- BIOS already current, so the board will post with the processor supplied
- Cheaper than buying the same processor and board separately
- 3 year return to base warranty on every bundle
- Components from AMD, Intel, ASUS, Gigabyte, Corsair, Kingston and Western Digital
Intel or AMD
Both platforms are worth building on. The practical difference is the upgrade path rather than the performance.
Intel bundles
Current Intel bundles run Core Ultra Series 2 processors on the LGA1851 socket with 800 series chipsets, alongside older 12th, 13th and 14th generation Core processors on LGA1700 with 600 and 700 series chipsets. DDR5 throughout on the newer platform, with DDR4 still available on some LGA1700 boards.
Browse the range in Intel motherboard bundles.
AMD bundles
AM5 is the current AMD socket, running Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 series processors on DDR5, and AMD have committed to supporting it for several more processor generations. AM4 is the older socket and still good value, running Ryzen 5000 series on DDR4, and it remains the cheapest way into a new build.
If you expect to change the processor without changing the board, AM5 is the platform with the longer runway. Browse the range in AMD motherboard bundles.
What a socket is and why it decides your upgrade path
What to check before you buy
Socket and chipset
The processor and the board have to share a socket. That is handled for you in a bundle, but it matters if you plan to reuse either part later. The chipset then decides what the board can do beyond the basics: overclocking support, the number of PCIe lanes, and how many M.2 drives you can fit. If you want to choose the board yourself rather than take a bundle, our full motherboard range is listed separately.
Form factor
Boards come in mITX, mATX and ATX. If you already have a case, check what it takes before you order, because a full ATX board will not fit a small form factor case. If you are buying a case at the same time, note that a smaller board limits how many expansion slots and memory slots you get. Our PC cases list the board sizes each one supports.
Slots and connections
Count what you actually need rather than what looks generous. One PCIe x16 slot for a graphics card, enough M.2 slots for the drives you plan to fit, and enough rear USB ports for your peripherals. Adding a capture card or a second drive later is much easier if the slot is already there.
Networking
Every current board has wired ethernet. Built in WiFi costs a little more and is worth it if the machine is not going next to the router, since it saves buying an adapter later.
Choosing a board size that fits your case and your plans
Not sure a bundle is what you need?
If you would rather not build at all, our gaming PCs arrive assembled, tested and ready to use. If you want to specify a complete machine part by part, the PC configurator checks compatibility as you go.
Buyer guides
How to buy the right motherboard
Connectors, ports and chipsets explained
How much processor you actually need
Choosing a cooler that fits the board and the case
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