Sources and links
Official manufacturer documentation, support tools and independent testing — the primary sources behind the guides on this site.
Processors
- AMD — Processor SpecificationsOfficial(Opens in a new tab)AMD's official specification database for every processor: socket, TDP, supported memory, PCIe lane count. The first place to check any parameter.
- Intel ARKOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Intel's equivalent database. It compares several processors side by side and confirms chipset compatibility.
- AMD — Socket AM5 OverviewOfficial(Opens in a new tab)The Ryzen product page, including AM5 platform information and the stated support window.
Motherboards
- ASUS — Support and ManualsOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Motherboard manuals, CPU support lists and BIOS updates. The manual contains the exact front panel pin diagram for your board.
- MSI — SupportOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Drivers, BIOS and memory compatibility lists (QVL) for MSI boards.
- Gigabyte — SupportOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Documentation and updates for Gigabyte and Aorus boards.
- ASRock — SupportOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Manuals and BIOS for ASRock boards, including their wide Mini-ITX range.
Memory
- Kingston — Memory SearchOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Finds memory compatible with a specific motherboard. Useful when you are unsure which DDR generation a board takes.
- G.Skill — ConfiguratorOfficial(Opens in a new tab)QVL compatibility lists for G.Skill kits by motherboard, split by AMD and Intel platform.
- Corsair — Memory FinderOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Memory selection for a specific motherboard model.
Graphics cards
- NVIDIA — GeForce Graphics CardsOfficial(Opens in a new tab)GeForce specifications: recommended PSU wattage, required power connectors and reference dimensions.
- AMD — Radeon GraphicsOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Radeon specifications, including power requirements.
- TechPowerUp — GPU DatabaseIndependent(Opens in a new tab)Independent database of every graphics card: power draw, dimensions, slot count, required connectors. The most complete source for checking whether a card fits a case.
Cooling
- Noctua — Compatibility CentreOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Compatibility finder for sockets and memory clearance. It also lists cooler height, which you match against the case specification.
- be quiet! — Cooler CompatibilityOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Cooler catalogue with a socket filter and rated wattage figures.
- Arctic — CoolingOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Air and AiO liquid coolers with full mounting specifications.
- ThermalrightOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Cooler manufacturer with strong performance per złoty, including the popular Peerless Assassin range.
Power supplies
- Seasonic — Wattage CalculatorOfficial(Opens in a new tab)A PSU wattage calculator from a supply manufacturer. A useful cross-check against your own arithmetic.
- Cybenetics — PSU DatabaseIndependent(Opens in a new tab)An independent laboratory measuring PSU efficiency and noise. Cybenetics ratings say more about a unit than 80 Plus alone, because they cover noise as well.
- be quiet! — Power SuppliesOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Power supplies with full cable specifications and ATX 3.1 conformance details.
Cases
Storage
Operating systems
- Microsoft — Windows 11 DownloadOfficial(Opens in a new tab)The official Media Creation Tool and ISO images. Download only from here — media from other sources is sometimes modified.
- Microsoft — Windows 11 System RequirementsOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Windows 11 requirements, including the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot settings you enable in the BIOS before installing.
- RufusOfficial(Opens in a new tab)A tool for creating bootable USB installers. It can also prepare Windows 11 media that bypasses the TPM requirement and the Microsoft account prompt.
- VentoyOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Keeps several ISO images on one USB stick and lets you pick at boot. Convenient when trying different systems.
- UbuntuOfficial(Opens in a new tab)The most common Linux distribution for newcomers, with broad hardware support out of the box.
- Fedora WorkstationOfficial(Opens in a new tab)A distribution with newer kernels, which matters with very recent hardware.
Diagnostic tools
- CPU-ZOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Shows the real CPU and memory clocks. The first tool for confirming an EXPO or XMP profile actually took effect.
- HWiNFOOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Detailed temperature, voltage and fan speed monitoring. The best tool for diagnosing thermal problems.
- MemTest86Official(Opens in a new tab)A memory test that runs from a USB stick, outside the operating system. Essential when a machine hangs or reboots at random.
- CinebenchOfficial(Opens in a new tab)A CPU stress test. Use it to check whether the cooler holds clocks under sustained all-core load.
- CrystalDiskInfoOfficial(Opens in a new tab)Reads drive SMART data — health, temperature and total bytes written.
Independent testing
- Gamers NexusIndependent(Opens in a new tab)Independent, methodical testing of coolers, cases and power supplies. They publish their methodology, so results can be checked.
- Tom's HardwareIndependent(Opens in a new tab)Component reviews and buying guides, updated as new parts launch.
- TechPowerUpIndependent(Opens in a new tab)Detailed graphics card and PSU reviews, with power draw and noise measurements.
None of these links are affiliate links and this site earns nothing from them. Manufacturer pages are listed because their specifications are authoritative; independent outlets because they publish their testing methodology. Links do rot — if one is dead, please report it.