[onenation]

can i use an am3 cpu on an am2 mobo?

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With a BIOS update, I believe so.
Be aware you won't be using the full capacity of the AM3 processor though.

[mkau]

With a BIOS update, I believe so.
Be aware you won't be using the full capacity of the AM3 processor though.

[Neil Jones]

AM3 CPUs are usable on most AM2+ boards, subject to BIOS update availability.
You cannot use AM2+ processors on AM3 boards.

[onenation]

Can you please explain why?? mkau

[mkau]

AM2 doesn't support DDR3; AM3 does.

[Neil Jones]

AM2 doesn't support DDR3; AM3 does.

AM3 supports DDR3 and DDR2 memory because the memory controller is part of the processor, not part of the board.

* AM3 processors work on AM2+ motherboards due to the presence of both the DDR2 and DDR3 memory controller
* 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), however this has no effect on functionality.

[mkau]

Yeah, but since AM2 boards also use processors with only a DDR2 controller, they only take DDR2. Case in point, socket AM3=DDR3, AM2/AM2+=DDR2. AM3 processors work on AM2/AM2+, AM2/AM2+ don't work on AM3, as you said.