AM3+ socket is one of the most renowned CPUs which AMD has created. It was launched back in 2011 and is most noted as one of the top Best Budget AM3+ Motherboards in the gaming section. It was released as the replacement for the AM3 socket, which was released back in 2009.
In comparison with the precedent AM3 socket, the 942 pin count for the AM3+ socket is the better and expanded form. AM3+ motherboard Socket also has a long diameter of about 0.51mm. For the purpose of cooling behind your processor, there have been some changes to it.
Top Choice:
ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
They have appended an updated CPU cooler maintenance bridle allowing better wind current for your CPU to be cooled. AM3+ Socket also comes with the integrated memory of DDR3 compared with the AM3 Socket, which transmits DDR2 memory. However, even because of such specs, AM3+ Socket is not sufficient for the gaming head.
Users would need the compatible and top motherboard for the AM3+ processor, giving the best gaming experience and running a few most recent games with no hesitation or stammer. We’ll give you a list of the top budget AM3+ motherboards and discuss their features and what to think about when purchasing one.
Definitely, before the completion of this review guide, you will have enough information for settling on an informed selection with regards to which motherboard would turn out the top for the necessities you have!
Our Top 3 Picks:
- MSI B360-F PRO Motherboard (Amazon Choice)
- ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard (Best Pick)
- Gigabyte AMD AM3+ / ATX / 4xDDR3/ HDMI/ Realtek ALC892/ 2xPCIE/ 8xUSB 2.0 / 4xUSB3.1 Gen 1/ LAN/ Motherboard – 78LMT-USB3 R2
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Contents
Ever wondered what is the necessary part when building custom budget computers? Well, it is the Processor and Motherboard. If you have already decided about your processor, let’s say in this situation, you decided about the AM3+ CPU, you’ll require a better AM3+ Motherboard. In case you’re searching for the AM3+ CPU, you can see here the top AM3+ CPU.
So, now that you’ve decided the processor you desire to make use of, the next step is to pick the motherboard for it. A motherboard that can support not just the CPU but also it ought to be capable of handling the primary and peripheral components efficiently and flawlessly.
You also have to contemplate the size of it, relying on how compact you require. Chipsets are also essential, which denotes there is a hell of a lot of things one has to know of. So, the following are the breakdown points which we contemplate:
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CPU Compatibility/Chipset/ CPU Socket:
Choosing a CPU is also a time-consuming procedure, but as you’re here, we think you already have chosen the AM3+ processor. So, when you have to choose a motherboard for this sort of CPU, make certain that it ought to support the following chipsets: AMD 990X Chipset, AMD 990FX Chipset, AMD 970 Chipset. AMD 980G Chipset And CPU socket support ought to be AM3+. If these are okay, then go on to the next step.
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Memory Support:
The majority of motherboards have the support of a max of 32 Gigabytes of RAM, which might not be sufficient for you if you’re a high-end gamer who desires to do a lot of multitasking. So, we suggest that you at least get the motherboard with 32GB of RAM, or if you require higher than that, then choose a piece that supports up to 64GB RAM.
In this step-by-step guide, you can see ASRock has the one with such support. Not only capacity-wise but also see what RAM frequencies are supported. Do they actually support overclocking? And in case you’ve already bought the RAM, then does your motherboard keep the existing RAM sticks.
These are the primary questions you ought to ask. Next is overclocking: It is completely up to you. Ask yourself if you’ll do overclocking or not. Now, the question of whether you have to do so or not is a diverse one. The majority of users do not have to unless they desire to.
In Intel processors, you have to choose Z390 or Z370 Chipset with CPU having “K” in the name. While on the AMD size, it is much simpler because almost all of the Ryzen chipsets come with overclocking. In the AM3+ CPU case, motherboards that support top overclocking and are vital for such works are MSI 970 and Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z gaming.
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Budget / Price:
How much can you invest? Processing this question gives us the query of how much you have to pay. You can get the motherboards from seventy dollars to more than 300 dollars as well. Of course, they differ from all perspectives, comprising the ports available, beauty, build quality, and features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in.
Do you require more USB or SATA ports? Are you searching for a stylish motherboard? Do you desire RGB in it? Answers to all such questions will result in either a decrease or an increase in prices. And most of the time, it is the desire that increases price rather than the requirements. So, pay for such features just if you require them, as there’s a solution for almost everything if you desire to get that in the future.
Best Motherboards for RX 6900 at a glance:
- ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
- Gigabyte AMD AM3+ / ATX / 4xDDR3/ HDMI/ Realtek ALC892/ 2xPCIE/ 8xUSB 2.0 / 4xUSB3.1 Gen 1/ LAN/ Motherboard – 78LMT-USB3 R2
- ASUS M5A78L-M Plus/USB3 DDR3 HDMI DVI USB 3.0 760G AM3+ based Motherboard, Black
- ASRock AMD 990FX Extreme9 AMD 3-Way CrossFireX
- MSI B360-F PRO Motherboard
- ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
- Gigabyte AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gbps USB 3.0 ATX AM3+ Socket DDR3 1600 Motherboards (GA-970A-DS3P)
The Best Budget AM3+ Motherboards You Can Buy Today:
The following is the list of the best AM3+ motherboards you can choose to buy.
ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard:
Specifications:
Socket: AM3+ | Chipset: AMD 990FX | Form Factor: ATX | PCIe x16: 4 | Warranty: 3 Years
Reasons To Buy:
- Tweakable parameters
- Outstanding overclocking potential
- Effective heatsinks
- Easy BIOS
Reasons To Avoid:
- It does not have any PCIe 3.0
The first one in this list is the Crosshair V Formula-Z which is liked by almost anybody who is crazy about PCBs. When you begin comparing it with the other motherboards available, you can never locate its competitor at this cost range. It’s been well accepted by critics and is suggested by a lot of gamers across the world.
The great thing about it is the ease of use. This motherboard facilitates real-time overclocking because of the ROG connection. It also has an LED poster, Direct Key, MemOK button, onboard start, and reset button, LN2 mode for the sub-zero liquid nitrogen overclocking, and also the slow mode.
If you frequently locate the system getting hot while gaming, get hold of this one quickly. It’s honestly the top AM3+ motherboard for sale available. It really stood the test of time and was received well by all the critics. It has a great build quality making it hard-wearing (longer use), and can also be recycled.
The finish and look are the beasts; it has a clear case that you can show off to your friends. This motherboard has an onboard audio solution and does not need an extra audio card unless you begin producing music. You’ll be capable of pushing your system beyond the limit with superior performance at the max as well. It has a Fault Finding technology as well for troubleshooting.
Gigabyte AMD AM3+ / ATX / 4xDDR3/ HDMI/ Realtek ALC892/ 2xPCIE/ 8xUSB 2.0 / 4xUSB3.1 Gen 1/ LAN/ Motherboard – 78LMT-USB3 R2:
Specifications:
Socket: AM3+ | Chipset: North Bridge AMD 760G & South Bridge SB710 | Form Factor: ATX | PCIe x16: 1
Reasons To Buy:
- Featured with amazing overclocking functionality
- Inexpensive
- Build quality is fine
Reasons To Avoid:
- Installation needs efforts
- Compatibility issues
Say hello to the choice of Mr. Amazon! The Gigabyte motherboard is simply the most well-liked AM3+ motherboard on this list. The reason is simple; it comes with a host of amazing features that we shall talk about now: It supports several series of CPUs, including Athlon II and AM3+ FX series. It has a superior 4 + 1 phase power design for supporting 125W CPUs.
It works on the Hybrid EFI technology together with the Gigabyte DualBIOS. It also has an audio noise guard that has the best-quality capacitor support. It has an integrated ATI HD 3000 Radeon graphics card.
It denotes that you do not need to buy one separately! It also welcomes multi-display owing to the multiple ports, like D-sub, HDMI, and DVI. Other features comprise dual-channel non-ECC DDR3 (unbuffered), two DIMMs, four USB 3.0 ports that are able to speed up to five Gbps.
ASUS M5A78L-M Plus/USB3 DDR3 HDMI DVI USB 3.0 760G AM3+ based Motherboard, Black:
Specifications:
Socket: AM3+ | Chipset: AMD 760G | Form Factor: mATX | USB Ports: 4
Reasons To Buy:
- Fifty less radiation
- Anti-surge full-time power guardian
- AM3+ CPUs support ready
Reasons To Avoid:
- Average performance
This ASUS motherboard is an awesome competitor available in the market. Released back in 2018, it’s a few of the top and newest processors comprising the ATHLON II series and AMD FX PHENOM II series for supporting the growing requirements of users for more power at higher levels. It is compatible with audio and graphics for the best of the time.
For this reason, it comprises the Realtek ALC887 high definition sound card and ATI Radeon HD 3000 graphic controller. Memory is a significant part of any PC, and the specs on this motherboard are amazing! The memory channels provided will be dual-channel for ensuring faster speeds.
This model can support eight GB internal memory having up to 1066/1333 MHz Non-ECC buffered memory. The M-Plus motherboard offers you four USB 2.0 ports and one Ethernet LAN port of RJ-45 for connecting different external devices, but it also has PS/2 connectors for the connectivity of a mouse port and keyboard port in two quantities each.
Additionally, there are three headphones plugged into it together with one mic attached through the serial connection standards provided by this device’s specs list.
ASRock AMD 990FX Extreme9 AMD 3-Way CrossFirex:
Specifications:
Socket: AM3+ | Chipset: AMD 990FX | Form Factor: ATX | PCIe x16: 4
Reasons To Buy:
- Excellent performance
- Great value for money
Reasons To Avoid:
- None
This motherboard that tops the list as an amazing competitor spec and budget-wise is the AMD 990FX Extreme 9 created by an extremely high-end company ASRock; it was built back in 2013 and can support AM3+ Socket CPUs and can handle up to eight cores of processing power, isn’t that interesting?
It comes with two chipsets: one paired with the Northbridge links to your CPU while Southbridge relates the low-speed peripheral buses; both are interesting parts on the AM3+ gaming motherboard. Now, let’s discuss the memory capacity of the ASRock motherboard ATX.
They’ve appended Dual-Channel DDR3 AM3+ motherboard Memory Technology which is up to the notch, and moving ahead; we’ll see four DIMM slots for extra memory as well as the AMD 980 or 970 chipset that can support 2400 MHz RAM maximum (OC).
The users who want to make use of more than 24GB system RAM have to upgrade their CPU from AM3+ to either AM2+ or AM2, but the foremost issue with it is the limited access because you require modules with 16GB each for all the 64GB system RAM. If you are really interested in the cool audio features on the AM3+ motherboard, ASRock has really amazing stuff for you.
They comprise 7.1 Channel HD Audio with Premier Blu-ray audio support and Content Protection, more than adequate for getting the money’s worth! The top AMD Motherboard also has Intel 82583V PCIe x1 Gigabit LAN technology, so if this interests you too, then give them a shot!
MSI B360-F PRO Motherboard:
Specifications:
Socket: AM3+ | Chipset: Intel B360 | Form Factor: ATX | PCIe x16: 1 | USB Ports: 6
Reasons To Buy:
- Customized Mining BIOS
- Can support up to five power connectors
- Cool the system to the maximum
Reasons To Avoid:
- None
MSI B360-F-PRO Mining Motherboard specs and features stand apart in the category of motherboards. The particulars about MSI B360-F-PRO Mining Motherboard (Black) are given here as well. Unboxing MSI B360-F-PRO Mining Motherboard specifications appropriate for Intel B360, Desktop, Max RAM Capacity 32, Data Rate DDR4, Form Factor: ATX.
MSI PRO Series motherboards are actually optimized for cryptocurrency mining such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin, and more. Such motherboards have more PCI expansion slots, ideally placed so you can install several graphics cards at the same time without much effort. Special BIOS and optimized power design options ensure a solid system for long mining sessions to maximize coin generation and efficiency.
ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard:
Specifications:
Socket: AM3+ | Chipset: AMD B450 | Form Factor: Micro ATX | PCIe x16: 3 | USB Ports: 2
Reasons To Buy:
- Full Spike Protection
- A-Tuning
- Triple Monitor
- ELNA Audio Caps
- Three Graphics Outputs
- Digi Power
Reasons To Avoid:
- None
ASRock comes with the new value MATX board with the newest B450 chipset from AMD; it has got everything you require and nothing you do not. The ASRock B450M PRO 4 MATX motherboard has all the basics. There are a lot of ports on the rear and a PS/2 port for the ones with old-school peripherals.
You will locate four SATA ports and two M.2 slots for storage, gigabit Ethernet for connectivity, and RGB headers for aesthetics. Whilst the audio is the ALC892 Realtek codec and not the ALC1220 we see on different gaming products, it is still gonna be good enough for all but the majority of hardcore gamers, and it fits the cost point well.
There are 3 PCI-E slots: 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (at x4 mode), 1x PCI-E 3.0 x16 (at x16 mode), and 1x PCI-E 2.0 x1. For aesthetics, there are 2 RGB headers and the addressable LED header for suiting the LED lighting strips and coolers. All four of the fan headers are in the logical spots.
The VRM heatsinks look big enough to be effective, and we did not see any problems or excessive heat when testing the overclocking abilities with the Ryzen 5 2600 CPU. It is great to see 2 M.2 slots on a board for solid-state storage; one is pure SATA M.2, and the other one is NVME/SATA and shares the lanes with SATA_3 port.
Gigabyte AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gbps USB 3.0 ATX AM3+ Socket DDR3 1600 Motherboards (GA-970A-DS3P):
Specifications:
Socket: AM3+ | Chipset: AMD 970 | Form Factor: ATX | PCIe x16: 2
Reasons To Buy:
- Support for any FX series CPUs
- Pocket friendly
- Amazing aesthetics
- Onboard audio quality is outstanding
- USB 3.0 included header connectors for the case connection
Reasons To Avoid:
- It just has two fan headers
If you are searching for some standard motherboard that can offer amazing performance, then the Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P is the best of all the options available. The AM3+ motherboards are recognized to be some of the tops in the business when it comes to reliability and gaming, but which one do you pick?
In this case study, we have researched all the accessible options, so there is no need to look any further; this research of ours shows us that the MSI 970 Motherboard offers first-rate quality at a lower cost than the majority of other AM3+ boards. Gigabyte AM3+ AMD 970 is one of the top Motherboards accessible in the market.
It comes with a few astonishing features such as a reset button, slow mode, and more that make it simple to utilize for any user who desires a motherboard that can last for a long time without being anxious about safety or performance. The motherboard is compatible with Windows 8, permitting users to make use of Windows 8 features such as Secure Boot and Fast boot.
It also has a 64 MB BIOS ROM, which can easily support UEFI BIOS for fast installation of the OS along with updates. This gaming motherboard comes with AMD 970 Chipset that provides support for hardcore gamers through the new Tree-Topology DDR3 Design technology.
Frequently Asked Questions Section:
Q: Why Are AM3+ Motherboards Really Expensive?
It’s the same as any other overclockable platform; the top socket CPU (and, more often than not, the down next CPU) is pricey, as is the improved OCing motherboard. Because the supply is small, and users who love OCing and desire them, that is why users usually pay a lot for them.
Q: Do AM3+ Processors Work On AM3?
Yes, the AM3+ processor can be utilized on an AM3 socket, and both are compatible with one another. However, though the AM3+ processor is pin-compatible with AM2 sockets and motherboards, they lack a few key features, and it does not function perfectly.
Q: How Good Is AM3+ CPU?
The AM3+ CPU has attracted a huge number of users and has been extremely well-liked over the years. Its popularity continues today. A lot of computer builders choose AM3+ CPUs because of their high-level performance; moreover, AM3+ CPU offers smooth gaming and a general operating experience.
Q: Is AM4 Compatible With AM3+?
Yes, the AM4 processor is compatible with AM3+. So even if you have the AM4 processor and the AM3+ motherboard, you can simply insert it in your AM3+ motherboard and make use of it.
Q: Is AM3 Compatible With AM3+ And AM4?
A few Asus motherboard companies have created motherboards that comprise both AM4 and AM3 mounting holes in their sockets and boards. So such types can simply support AM3+ on both AM3 and AM4 motherboards.
Q: Which Is Better: FM2+ Or AM3+?
The AM3+ socket is actually better than the FM2+ because it is capable of housing faster processors.
Q: Can Ryzen CPUs Really Fit In The AM3+ Socket?
Yes, Ryzen will actually fit in the new AM4 socket, and we’d make use of this similar one with the AM3+ or some other motherboard. Ryzen will not provide compatibility with the backward and together with the previous sockets and older boards.
Q: What CPUs Are Actually Compatible With AM3+?
A CPU is compatible when it comes with more threads and cores and clocking rates at an exceptional rate. It has to have compatibility with the aficionado and PC builders. For this purpose, the most exceptional and suitable CPU is the AMD FX-6300 Black with more cores and provides efficient performance at an extremely reasonable cost.
Conclusion:
AM3+ processors are certainly a great option when you actually have a low budget and are willing to make use of the build for proficient work. Although such processors are pretty old, the many cores and overclocking power permit the users to get a great benefit from them without even investing too much.
Here in this article, we have listed a few of the top motherboards for AM3+ sockets, and we are certain you’ll never get dissatisfied by their performance. The one we’d suggest to you is the ASRock AMD 990FX Extreme 9, which is great because of its outstanding set of features and comprehensive support for AM3+ processors. However, there are a few other choices too, which you can contemplate if you’re actually low on budget.