AM2+ or AM3 ? what the defferent ?

rennix

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i'm a newbie.
i want to built a new PC. n confiuse with the motherboard. which motherboard that i would to buy. AM2 or AM3.. i want to know what the defferent.
if i put it with Phenom II or Athon II soket AM3 in AM2+ , what will happen?
 

rennix

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btw, i want to buy Phenom II X2/X3 or Athlon II X2/X3 , to unlock them. which mobo/chipset that can unlock them?
Plese give me suggestion...
 
The main difference is that Socket AM3 + AM3 processor gives you access to DDR3 memory. With AM2+ you will have to stick to DDR2. The performance difference is minor, but go for AM3 since it makes you more future-proof.

Note of caution: Make 100% sure you buy an AM3 processor, since an AM2+ CPU will NOT fit on an AM3 board.
 

JofaMang

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For unlocking, you need a SB750, or SB710 motherboard (southbridge model). There are lots of posts and threads about unlocking those cores, and you should have no problem with that part, it is simple.

I suggest sticking with the Phenom II for its L3 cache, but you really can't go wrong with an Athlon II, as it appears to perform very well. The new Athlon IIs are far less likely to unlock (if at all) since they are on their own die now (before were just hobbled Phenom IIs).

AM3 = DDR3
AM2+ = DDR2
 

rennix

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but i m find mobo thats support ddr2 n ddr3 in one mobo, AM2+ n AM3 .. n its write in spec.
n find mobo AM3 that work only ddr2... its very confuse me...
how about that?
 

JofaMang

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Lots of AM2+ can run AM3 CPU. These boards are often advertised as AM3 ready, and will only run DDR2. Often, you need an AM3 CPU to run 1066 DDR2 ram, with manual voltage settings in the bios. Otherwise they are limited to 800mhz. 1066 DDR2 is just 800mhz DDR2 that is rated to safely run faster.

AM3 ONLY boards, can come with either DDR2 or DDR3. As far as I know, DDR2 and DDR3 will not fit in the same slot. I have not personally heard of Mobos that can use both DDR2 or DDR3 on the same board, but there are mobos that come in both versions.

If cost is a concern, its perfectly fine to stick with DDR2. The performance difference is almost un-measurable.
 

rennix

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n how about chipset... 790fx, 790x n 790gx too expensive to me.
i just use 1vga ( n i want to buy 4870/4850).
so.. it between 780 n 785 or 770.. which one that i prefer to buy? what the different each of them?
NB. sory.. my english not so good. im from indonesia.
 

rennix

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oh.. so mobo AM2+ can run AM3 cpu.n just work in ddr2. hm.. thks very much.now i understand.
 

JofaMang

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For unlocking, you can use a 770 or 785 as long as they have the SB710 chipset and the bios is updated. Not all brands offer it, but have seen that gigabyte and biostar as common brands for successful unlocks.