Question 1

What is PC component compatibility?

Accepted Answer

PC component compatibility ensures that all parts in a build work together physically, electrically, and functionally. This includes checking that a GPU fits inside a case, that a CPU cooler clears the side panel or RAM slots, that the PSU has enough wattage and the correct connectors for the GPU, and that the PSU form factor matches the case mounting bay.

Question 2

How do I check if my GPU fits in my case?

Accepted Answer

Measure your case's maximum GPU length clearance (from the rear PCIe slot to the front fan/radiator mounting area). Subtract the thickness of any front-mounted radiator or fans (typically 25–30mm per fan plus radiator depth). Then compare that value to the GPU's length listed in its specifications. Also verify the GPU's width (height above the PCIe slot) and slot count fit the case layout.

Question 3

How do I check if my CPU cooler fits in my case?

Accepted Answer

Check your case's maximum CPU cooler height specification, usually listed in the manufacturer's documentation or product page. Then verify your cooler's height. If the cooler exceeds the case's listed maximum, the side panel will not close. For air coolers, also check RAM clearance — tall RAM sticks may interfere with the cooler's front fan or heatsink overhang.

Question 4

How do I check if my PSU fits in my case?

Accepted Answer

Verify that the PSU form factor (ATX, SFX, SFX-L) is supported by your case's PSU mounting bay. Check the case's maximum PSU depth/length — some compact cases cannot fit long ATX power supplies. Also account for modular cable clearance at the front of the PSU shroud: modular connectors add roughly 20–30mm beyond the PSU body that must fit inside the shroud.

Question 5

Are PSU cables compatible between brands?

Accepted Answer

No, PSU modular cables are NOT interchangeable between brands — and often not even between different models from the same brand. Pinouts vary at the PSU side. Using a cable from a different power supply can route 12V to a ground pin or vice versa, instantly destroying connected components or causing a fire hazard. Always use only the cables that came with your specific PSU.

Question 6

How do I check if my PSU can power my GPU?

Accepted Answer

Compare the GPU's total board power (TBP) plus the rest of your system's estimated load against the PSU's rated wattage, leaving a 20–30% headroom for transient spikes. Also verify that the PSU has the required PCIe power connectors (6-pin, 8-pin, or 12VHPWR) in sufficient quantity. Check the PSU's +12V rail capacity — modern GPUs draw almost all their power from the 12V rail(s).

Question 7

What happens if my GPU is too long for my case?

Accepted Answer

The side panel will not close, or the GPU may physically press against front-mounted fans or a radiator, preventing them from spinning. In some cases you can shift the front radiator to the top if the case supports it, move fans outside the chassis, or choose a shorter GPU model. If none of these work, you need a larger case or a shorter GPU.

Question 8

What happens if my cooler is too tall for my case?

Accepted Answer

The side panel will not close because the cooler heat sink or fan protrudes beyond the case's CPU cooler clearance height. You can either replace the cooler with a low-profile or shorter model, replace the case with one offering more headroom, or — if using a tower air cooler with a removable top fan — removing the top fan may shave off enough height to fit (at the cost of some cooling performance).

⚡ GPU ↔ PSU Sizing

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

AMD Radeon RX 9070

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT

AMD Radeon RX 7600

Intel Arc B580

Intel Arc B570

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 SUPER

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti SUPER

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 SUPER

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti

AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE

AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070

📏 GPU ↔ Case Clearances