is there any mobos that run ddr3 and are AM2+ ?

James Manns · 18 Dec 2009 at 19:08

as per title,
i am looking for a mobo that will fit my phenom x4 and uses ddr3 ram?
or is there a bundle that will be better??

any info much appreciated, thanks

PermaBanned · 18 Dec 2009 at 19:17

I don't think so... since that's basically what AM3 is. May i ask why you're after this?

James Manns · 18 Dec 2009 at 19:28

well i have a phenom x4 9850
and its currently in my dell xps 625 :mad:

(i know, dont ask)
and im going to be starting my first build soon and i heard that ddr3 is lots better than ddr2 and i know someone who is selling some and i may have them but i dont know if i have enough for a new mobo+processor+ram and new build stuff.
so i was wondering if i could get a mobo that solves my problem

malcolm · 18 Dec 2009 at 22:04

James Manns said:
as per title,
i am looking for a mobo that will fit my phenom x4 and uses ddr3 ram?
or is there a bundle that will be better??

any info much appreciated, thanks

The Phenom X4 memory controller, which is built into the CPU, is only compatible with DDR2 Memory. It is not compatible with AM3 motherboards.

The newer Phenom II and Athlon II CPU's have an improved controller that can use either DDR2 or DDR3, so they can be used with AM2, AM2+ and AM3 motherboards as long as the bios supports the cpu.

So the answer is a new CPU, motherboard and memory.

Big.Wayne · 18 Dec 2009 at 23:24

James Manns said:
im going to be starting my first build soon and i heard that ddr3 is lots better than ddr2 and i know someone who is selling some

Not really!

DDR3 is better but not much better, the Athlon II and Phenom II still rock the house on AM2+ and DDR2.

Up to you, either buy an AM2+/DDR2 motherboard and get on with it, or if your one of those types who upgrades every three years then sell your CPU and buy all new AM3 kit! . . . .

feeddagoat · 24 Dec 2009 at 15:41

Tho is his board compatable with AM3 processors? You would need to check with the manufacturer. If your on a budget look at the athlon 425 x3. Matches the phenom IIx3 720 and both can be overclocked to the same level. a lot of people get tempted by the athlon II x4 620 but the phenom II x5 550 pretty much matches it. With the 425 matching the 720 theres not much point in opting for either processor tho.
DDR3 isn't much of an improvement over DDR2. Tho I would say its abit more snappy than slower DDR2. A faster processor would make a bigger difference. If you do get a new mobo I highly recommend the MSI C45. Fantastic performer for the price.