What is MT/s and how do I match it to my CPU?

[opqpop]

I'm building a system using

AMD Athlon II X3 455 Triple Core Processor - $80

and need to find a motherboard for it. Someone mentioned to me I need to get a 5200 MT/s and not 2000 MT/s. What does this mean, and how do I find out what MT/s works with what CPU? I looked at the AMD site for mine and wasn't able to find this.

 

[abekl]

This is a detail you do not need to pay attention to. Just get a board with an AM3+ socket, and all will be good in this regard.

Here is an excellent and very popular MB in the 100 price range:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128519
GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

See this article at Hardware Secrets for a concise explanation of these transfer rates and why you need an AM3+ socket MB to get the highest rate.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-the-HyperTransport-Bus/19/4

 

[opqpop]

From this part:

1,800 MHz = 3,600 MT/s = 7,200 MB/s
2,000 MHz = 4,000 MT/s = 8,000 MB/s
2,400 MHz = 4,800 MT/s = 9,600 MB/s
2,600 MHz = 5,200 MT/s = 10,400 MB/s
Socket AM2+ and AM3 processors and their companion chipsets, however, are limited to the 8,000 MB/s transfer rate. Only socket AM3+ CPUs and chipsets are capable of using all the speeds published above.

Does this mean that since the CPU I'm using is an AM3 socket, it doesn't matter if I get a 4000 MT/s, 4800 MT/s, or 5200 MT/s mother board?

Also, if I don't plan on upgrading my system with the future, is it okay to just get AM3 motherboard for my AM3 processor?

 

[abekl]

Does this mean that since the CPU I'm using is an AM3 socket, it doesn't matter if I get a 4000 MT/s, 4800 MT/s, or 5200 MT/s mother board?

That's theoretically true. However, you'll be hard pressed to find any AM3 MB's with all the modern connectivity that you'll probably want.

Also, if I don't plan on upgrading my system with the future, is it okay to just get AM3 motherboard for my AM3 processor?

Yes, it's OK, but it's shortsighted. You're better off spending a few dollars more for an AM3+ MB now, and at least have the option to upgrade your CPU later than be absolutely locked into an old CPU.

 

[opqpop]

Best answer selected by opqpop.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr