All motherboards on the market are accompanied by an instruction manual that specifies their components and their compatibility, within which there is always another document called QVL , or Qualified Vendor List . In this article we are going to tell you what it is, what it is for, how it can help you and how to consult it.
When assembling a PC by parts, compatibility is one of the most critical factors that we must take into account; In the same way that we can never mount an AMD processor on an Intel motherboard, these motherboards also have certain limitations in terms of the generation and type of processor that we can install on them, as well as the type and speed of memory RAM supported. This documentation will help us know, in advance, which hardware components will be compatible with the motherboard.
What is the QVL?
As we mentioned before, QVL stands for Qualified Vendor List, and it is only a list of brands and models of processors and RAM that the manufacturer of the board has already tested with it and, therefore, guarantees compatibility. As for the processors, it may be less relevant because, as a general rule, when buying a processor we already know what chipsets it works with, but in the case of RAM, we can find ourselves in more doubts.
The QVL is a document that we can always find online on the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard, and it is online precisely because they update it every time they release new firmware versions. In fact, it is not uncommon to find RAM memory of greater capacity and speed in the QVL than what it puts in the specifications of the motherboard itself.
What is it for and how can you consult it?
As we have indicated before, the function of the QVL is to have an always updated list that the manufacturer has already tested on its motherboard and therefore guarantees its compatibility . In other words, if you have the motherboard and are about to buy a processor or RAM for it, you can fearlessly purchase the brands and models listed in the QVL because the manufacturer guarantees that they will be compatible without problems.
It is especially useful if you have doubts regarding whether a certain processor is compatible with the motherboard, or what speed and capacity of RAM it supports.
To check the QVL of your motherboard, simply go to the manufacturer’s website, search for your exact motherboard model in the products section, and as a general rule you will find the QVL or in the “Compatibility List” section or directly in the download section. Here are the lists of the main plate manufacturers:
These links will take you to the category of motherboards. As we have mentioned before, there you will have to find your exact motherboard model and go to the downloads or compatibility list to find the QVL.
