AM2+/AM3 and AM3/AM3+

[eturnal]

Hi guys. I have an AMD Phenom II X4 820 and it, on Newegg.com, is listed as an AM3 socket type. If this is accurate, then the CPU would work in either an AM2+/AM3 or AM3/AM3+ motherboard, yes?

If A = B and B = C, then C = A...?

The reason I ask is pcpartpicker.com doesn't have a filter for AM2+/AM3/AM3+, and this seems like it'd work in either motherboard type. Also, it'd be best if I get an AM3/AM3+ in case I want to ever upgrade to a newer processor... right?

 

[wr6133]

If yours is AM3 yes, buy an AM3+ board though it leaves upgrade options in future

 

[eturnal]

If the motherboard doesn't explicitly say that it's AM3, but only AM3+, am I to assume it's backwards compatible?

 

[WR2]

It's always best to look at individual motherboard CPU support list.
There always seem to be few out there with 'gotcha' type issues.
Plus you get a look at the required BIOS versions for which ever CPU you're looking to support.

 

[eturnal]

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3Plus/M5A88V_EVO/#CPUS

Good call, WR2. It shows the 820 on the list of supported CPUs so I'm good to go. Sorry for the durp thread guys.

 

[WR2]

It's not you ... it's the forum software that does that dupe thing.

The BIOS version is something that catches people out on a regular basis so it's always good to check that.

 

[eturnal]

M5A88-V-EVO BIOS 1202

Assuming I found the right BIOS number that comes loaded on the Mobo, where would I see if that's going to be problematic with my CPU?

 

[WR2]

I usually look at the date of the BIOS releases.

Phenom IIX4 820 requires 0402 and that version's release date is 2011.05.04.
NewEgg has a fast turnover of stock so I seriously doubt they'll have any boards in stock that have an earlier BIOS. Most likely they'll be very close to the most recent release.

 

[WR2]

BIOS 1202 release date is 2012.03.30. There's a chance a board in stock at NewEgg might have been manufactured before 2012.03.30.

 

[eturnal]

Ah, so if the processor 'requires' a specific BIOS (0402), it can't operate with a more modern one (1202)?

 

[WR2]

Sorry......it should read Since BIOS Version
Meaning that version and any later versions.

 

[WR2]

Or another way of looking at it - earlier versions of BIOS than the one shown for a CPU won't support that particular CPU.
In your case any BIOS prior to 0402 would not be compatible.

 

[eturnal]

Ok. If I understood everything then I'll be good with the Phenom II 820 and the Asus M5A88 Evo.

Thanks for everything, WR2.

 

[eturnal]

Best answer selected by Eturnal.