Doesn't matter. Fact is that from AM2/2+ to AM3/3+, different memory architectures are supported and lack of one can eliminate compatibility of the other. Case in point.
AMD confirmed that there is an upgrade path from Socket AM2+ to AM3:
AM3 processors work on AM2+ motherboards due to the presence of both the DDR2 and DDR3 memory controllers on the processor
AM2+ processors do not work on AM3 motherboards due to the processor's lack of a DDR3 memory controller
The pin configuration of the AM2+ socket (940 pins)[2] is mechanically different from the AM3 socket (941 pins)[2]
Further, and more importantly, is WHAT does the BIOS support? If the bios for the board in question never had a release from whoever manufactured it, ie. ASUS, or sold it, ie. Dell, it may NOT work despite the fact that had it been GIVEN support, it COULD have. Case in point.
AMD confirmed that AM2 processors will work on AM2+ motherboards and AM2+ processors will work on AM2 motherboards. However, the operation of AM2+ processors on AM2 motherboards will be limited to the specifications of Socket AM2 (1 GHz HyperTransport 2.0, and one power plane for both cores and the IMC). AM2 processors do not benefit from the faster HyperTransport 3.0 and separate power planes on AM2+ motherboards. As with AM2 components, AM2+ CPUs and motherboards are designed to use DDR2 RAM exclusively.
Many manufacturers, such as Dell in the case of their Inspiron 531, have yet to (and may choose not to) release BIOS updates that would enable this compatibility. As a result, some consumers are unable to upgrade their PCs with AM2+ CPUs despite this being technically possible, and instead would have to buy a new motherboard to upgrade the processor. MSI has simply stated that their AM2 motherboards are not compatible with AM2+ processors.
Generally, aftermarket motherboard manufacturers are pretty good in most cases when it comes to making sure they support their motherboards with ongoing bios firmware in order to maintain compatibility with hardware released after the motherboard. Up to a point anyhow. At some point they will usually stop doing so because there is little demand for it.
OEM manufacturers like Dell and HP however present a different argument in that most of their systems are REALLY not intended to be upgraded with ANY hardware other than what it came with aside from potentially replacement graphics cards, so they are rather hit and miss about offering bios updates and tend to discontinue offering updated bios long before an aftermarket board partner would do so.