[sewildman50]

I'm building a PC for the first time in a while and intend to go with an AMD Phenom processor (socket AMD3).

My question is, if I have a motherboard that is socket AMD3+, will it accept a socket AMD3 processor? Or do I need to look for an AMD3+ processor to go with it?

That is all. Thanks!

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It's actually just AM. There is no "D".

Anyway, yes an AM3 CPU will work in a AM3+ socket.

[Spyderturbo007]

It's actually just AM. There is no "D".

Anyway, yes an AM3 CPU will work in a AM3+ socket.

[Digerati]

It's not a given!

While the CPU may physically fit even though they don't have the same number of pins vs holes, there is nothing that says the chipset will support the CPU - this is especially true with older boards (or older CPUs) that are no longer supported by the manufacturer. Therefore, you must visit the motherboard maker's website for your specific board and check the QVL (qualified vendor list) to ensure your CPU is supported (while there, check the RAM QVL). For older boards, you may need to flash the BIOS with the latest upgrade.

[Neil Jones]

Most AM3 boards do not talk to AM3+ processors, though this may be subject to BIOS upgrades which may or may not be available.

AM3+ boards should be able to talk to all AM3 processors because they are backwards compatible.

[Digerati]

"Should" being the operative word there. So to be sure before plopping any money down, check the motherboard QVL.

[Spyderturbo007]

Well, according to AMD it's completely backwards compatible.

Advanced Micro Devices said that its next-generation desktop processors code-named Zambezi will use socket AM3+ platforms, which will be backwards compatible with the firm's existing AM3 products. While the latter is an advantage for the platform, it may be a disadvantage for eight-core processors based on Bulldozer micro-architecture.

"The existing G34 and C32 server infrastructure will support the new Bulldozer-based server products. In order for AMD’s desktop offering to fully leverage the capabilities of Bulldozer, an enhanced AM3+ socket will be introduced that supports Bulldozer and is backward-compatible with our existing AM3 CPU offerings," an official from AMD said in an interview with Planet3DNow web-site...

Source

[Digerati]

Well, according to AMD it's completely backwards compatible

No! Read your own quote! That specifically talks about Zambezi processors. It further states "an enhanced AM3+ socket will be introduced that supports Bulldozer and is back-compatible our existing AM3 CPU offerings". "Will be introduced" CLEARLY indicates that currently, not all AM3+ boards support all AM3 CPUs.

Until sewildman50 indicates specific CPUs and boards, I say again, it is NOT a given any AM3+ board will support any AM3 CPU.

[sewildman50]

As per another thread I started recently, I have decided to go with an Intel processor.

That ought to make things easy in this thread.

[Digerati]

As per another thread I started recently, I have decided to go with an Intel processor.

That ought to make things easy in this thread.

lol Yes, you are right. I happen to prefer Intel anyway - though that's strictly a personal preference as AMD makes excellent CPUs too.

Thanks for the followup.