fm2+ or am3+ motherboard

dgcm0ndo

dgcm0ndo

dgcm0ndo

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23 Feb 2015
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Hi just wondering what the difference in the socket types are and which one is to be more future proof as want to build a new gaming pc I was going to build a budget gaming pc to start off with and upgrade bit by bit so I want a motherboard which will last a while
Thanks for any advice giving
 
Neither will likely see a new CPU release (barring a small mhz-boosted version of a current SKU), so AM3+ is the more "future-proof" by way of having the most powerful CPUs (you get 8-core CPUs, compared with 4-cores in the FM2+ package)

There's a low entry price for AM3+ too, since you can pick up compatible CPUs for little more than a tenner (used).

If you have plans to run dual graphics cards, you need a 990fx mobo (or one of the rare 970 boards with two 8x PCIe slots (Asrock 970 Extreme 4 does, I think)).

If you will only use one GPU, then get a Gigabyte 970a-UD3P, or Asus M5A97 Evo. Both will allow you to get a good overclock on even the power-hungry 8-core FX.
 
I'm not particularly familiar with that board, as it's fairly new. On paper, it's the better choice, as it had a decent power delivery setup (6+1 VRM) AND supports SLI.

You can find used CPUs on popular auction sites. If you're getting an FX CPU, then you may as well buy new - Overclockers prices are pretty much in line with Ebay used prices, and you get a warranty. But you can get older Phenom and Athlon CPUs cheaply if you just want something to get you started.

Depends on your budget really.
 
the m5a97 or the m5a99x are great little boards - just as some input :)

depends on your budget of course, if you want a reasonably priced board and want to overclock I would say the m5a99x. loads of overclocking guides for it.
if you're more orientated to keeping it at stock clocks then then m5a97 would be better

i've heard good things about the gigabyte boards though also!
 
cheesyboy said:
Neither will likely see a new CPU release (barring a small mhz-boosted version of a current SKU), so AM3+ is the more "future-proof" by way of having the most powerful CPUs (you get 8-core CPUs, compared with 4-cores in the FM2+ package)

There's a low entry price for AM3+ too, since you can pick up compatible CPUs for little more than a tenner (used).

If you have plans to run dual graphics cards, you need a 990fx mobo (or one of the rare 970 boards with two 8x PCIe slots (Asrock 970 Extreme 4 does, I think)).

If you will only use one GPU, then get a Gigabyte 970a-UD3P, or Asus M5A97 Evo. Both will allow you to get a good overclock on even the power-hungry 8-core FX.
Click to expand...

I am sorry for my ignorance, but what are the go forward AMD socket if it is not AM3+ or FM2+
 
Raggy said:
I am sorry for my ignorance, but what are the go forward AMD socket if it is not AM3+ or FM2+
Click to expand...

There'll be a new socket when they next release a new product line. Some conjecture on whether it will be known as "AM4" or "FM3", but we can be sure of a change. 2nd Half of 2016 is when the new "Zen" CPUs are scheduled.

There is a "refresh" due for FM2+ later this year called Godavari. But those are just higher-clocked/binned Kaveri CPUs.
 
Thanks for that. I am looking to rebuild my wife's PC, it is running a 3 core Phenom 8750, it is getting a bit long ion the tooth.
 
Mate if your wife isnt gaming or doing anything too taxing I'd suggest getting at least 4gb ram, an SSD and a clean install of windows.
 
4 GB RAM is a must, as is Windows 8.1 (She has Vista 64 Bit, 8GB RAM, ATM).
SSD, yep, I have 2 in my rig and I'll get her a 500 MB (than will go in mine and she gets the my old SSDs )
No gaming, only Internet & Netflix etc.
 
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