AM3 Motherboard Selection

[mrcountry]

I have just purchased AMD Phenom X4 965 Black Edition processor and I would like to know which is the best stable AM3 ddr3 1600 motherboard with over clock options. I have also just read that I need to stay away from asus motherboards because there is a problem unlocking cores.

I'm new to all this and really need any help that I can get. Thanks so much in advance.

 

[p1n3apqlexpr3ss]

Asus has nothing wrong with OCing boards, you just need the right southbridge to do so.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128416
Supports everything you need, and has usb3.0 and sata3

 

[mrcountry]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will definitly check out the board that you suggested. I really like asus but when I started reading here in the forum about not being able to unlock cores with the asus board it scared me a little. What do you think about this asus motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363&Tpk=m4a79t%20deluxe

 

[p1n3apqlexpr3ss]

As for unlocking cores, you dont even need that kinda of function, you have a 965
Yea thats a nice board that can do dual 16x, whereas the gigabyte i suggested only does dual x8 if that matters to you but doesnt have sata3/usb3

 

[mrcountry]

I really appreciate the information. Like I said i'm new to this and i guess i just want to get the best bang for my buck. I just want a good motherboad that is stable. I have also been reading as to where other folks are overclocking there 965 black edition to right around 4ghz and i just want to do the same if possible, with no paticular reason as to why.

 

[p1n3apqlexpr3ss]

You wont get it to 4ghz on stock cooling, 3.7 perhaps. For stable OC generally a cooler is better suited for stability at higher speeds with mobos taking a mid row seat. If you dont already have a cooler look at the hyper 212s

 

[mrcountry]

I really appreciate the help. I'm going to be getting a good cooler. I'll look at the one that you suggested. I just really dont like the color of the motherboard that you suggested. I'll look aroud and see if I cant find a high end motherboard with the options that you suggested with a little different color structure. That baby blue just wont look right in my red case. What are the name brands that I should be looking for.

 

[p1n3apqlexpr3ss]

if you dont have a side window i wouldnt worry bout color of mobo too much..
as for mobo... red color scheme... asus make do a few red ones i think.. MSI are red... well one i noticed at least..

 

[mrcountry]

The problem is that the case has a big side window.

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2963

What motherboard manufacturers are the top of the line manufacturers and i'll just check them all out until I find something. Once again thanks so much for the help.

 

[p1n3apqlexpr3ss]

Asus and gigabyte are the best, then are manufactures like asrock, dfi, msi and ecs, the others i have no idea about

 

[victomofreality]

If your overclocking I'd stick to Gigabyte or my personal preference Asus.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131392&Tpk=crosshair iii formula

does this one fit your colour scheme better?

 

[mrcountry]

I appreciate all the help. I'm still looking at different options. I wont something that has ( SATA 6Gb/s & USB 3.0 & Fastest memory ) options available. I also want to have overclocking and upgrade ability. You have showed me the light and i'm looking to get all the options available. Like I said i'm new to this and i've decided not to ruch the purchase. I just want to find the best am3 motherboard and the money is not a problem. I just want it to be the best motherboard with all options available. Once again thanks so much and if you come across anything else, just let me know.

 

[p1n3apqlexpr3ss]

Gigabytes the only manufacturer i know off that is incorporating next gen features into its boards, asus is with some of its boards but not alot, if your not too paranoid about the color, go with the board i suggested up the top

 

[mrcountry]

Best answer selected by mrcountry.