Best AM3+ Motherboard – Buyer’s Guide (Top 5 2024)

Best AM3+ Motherboard is your next step once you’ve chosen the best AM3+ CPU. Previously we wrote a guide about Best AM3+ CPU. We have come up with the Best AM3+ Motherboard choices that work extremely best for AM3+ processors this time.

Before AMD started Ryzen Processors, AM3+ CPUs were almost dominating the market of processors. One reason for this was the peak performance of gaming when someone used this processor. Even though it is a little bit older as compared to other Ryzen or Intel Core processors and motherboards, they are still popular because they are cheaply available.

In this guide, we are mentioning some of the Best AM3+ Motherboards in 2020. Below mentioned motherboards are based on an AM3+ socket that supports AMD FX, Athlon II, Sempron, and Phenom II.

Contents

1.ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z – Best AM3+ Motherboard

Manufactured by Asus, Crosshair V Formula-Z is undoubtedly the best AM3+ motherboard for you. It supports the AM3 socket and has a chipset type of AMD 990FX/SB950.

There are 4 RAM slots available, which gives you a maximum memory size of 32 GB.

Also, the RAM technology it supports is DDR3.

These are some basic havings of this motherboard. Now, let’s talk about something which will make you wonder. The best part of this motherboard is that it has a total of 10 SATA ports with 6 PCI slots Free.

Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z is an ATX size motherboard if you are worried about the size of your case.

Compatibility

It uses a Chipset AMD 990FX/SB950 and has an ATX form factor.

When talking about RAM, it can support up to 32 GB of DDR3 RAM with 2400 MHz.

Moreover, it features the powerful engine Digi+ II, a potent analog and digital design elements combination. It allows profound and accurate adjustments. Everything is focused on providing more efficiency, better performance, and the best stability.

There is also a fast Boot feature that allows you to turn the system on and get on desktop super quickly. 

In total, you have around 14 ports at the back for peripheral devices and an ethernet port and PS/2 port.

Endless no. of ports will help you connect almost anything to it.

See some of its technical specifications:

Pros
  • More Fan Headers
  • Onboard Reset/Power button
  • Great Sound Quality
  • Best Budget & Premium quality
Cons
  • Sometimes ports can be faulty

Conclusion

This motherboard is at our #1 position for various reasons. Some are mentioned in pros already, and some are in technical specifications. What makes it the best one is the value it gives you at such a low price. You can’t find a better option if it fits perfectly in your budget. However, it is indeed a great one; if you have a budget of more than 300 bucks, hold on and go to end because there is an ultimate and enthusiast build ready for you.

2.Gigabyte AM3+ GA-78LMT-USB3 – Best budget AM3+ Motherboard

Gigabyte AMD AM3+ is for those who are running to get a compact size motherboard for AM3+ CPUs. Well, saying it’s the perfect choice for them won’t be wrong. Even though it has a small size, it still has plenty of features that will make your experience a charm while gaming.

The onboard sound quality is incredible, as well as the unique feature of Dual BIOS. Dual BIOS is available in significantly less no. of motherboards, and this is one of those.

Also, it is a budget price motherboard, so one can very quickly get it.

In addition to that, I must inform you that this doesn’t have any RGB lighting or such type of stylish design. So, don’t expect it to be that fancy.

Though it has less than the best AM3+ motherboard mentioned above, it is still worthy enough to be discussed here.

Pros
  • Very Cheap Price
  • Great BIOS
  • Durable build
  • Useful Utilities
Cons
  • No RGB
  • Unlabeled Temperatures in third-party sensor programs

Conclusion

Famous for being a manufacturer that never disappoints through its pricing, Gigabyte has always been in the user’s eyes. Similarly, like before and without being back, it rocks again at a super low price with super quality.
Though it doesn’t have RGB and have unlabeled temperatures in third-party sensor programs, it works flawlessly. Thanks to its intuitive BIOS and a budget price so anybody can get this.

3.ASUS M5A78L-M Plus – Best Beautiful AM3+ Motherboard

Next up is Asus, and they rocked this time with the beautiful blue color of this motherboard. Asus M5A78L-M Plus comes in a gorgeous blue finish and is AM3+ CPU support ready.

There is a core unlocker that will “unlock” the proper performance of your CPU core. Eventually, it brings the most out of it.

There is also a powerful guardian that runs all the time you run PC. It is done to keep your system away from risk as much as possible.

Compared to most motherboards, which makes this unique, it can reduce radiations up to 50%. The low EMI will protect you and your health, so you don’t get sick or go into health problems.

USB ports in this motherboard are USB 3.0 ports making your devices connectivity & performance faster than ever.

Pros
  • Gorgeous Look
  • Energy Saver
  • Cost Effective
  • 50% Less Radiations
  • Windows 10 Supported
Cons
  • Doesn’t have VRM Heat sinks
  • Not for running on Linux/vmware

Conclusion

Not everybody is caring for their health when it comes to passion. However, if you want to live your love but also don’t want to ruin your health, this is the choice to go with. This Asus motherboard has 50% fewer radiations and is an energy saver with a gorgeous look.
You will also fall in love with its core unlocker that unleashes the maximum potential of your CPU Core. However, we will still give it the award for being a very beautiful motherboard for AM3+ CPUs.

4.MSI 970 Gaming – Best AM3+ Motherboard for Gaming

MSI has never been behind when it comes to gaming. They always make their place in the lists. And so did they here as well.

This MSI 970 supports AMD FX/Athlon II/Sempron, and Phenom II processors because it has an AM3+ socket. Moreover, it has a fantastic killer design that comes in black and red finish. Black is more dominant, though, but red also complements and looks gorgeous with black.

From a technical perspective, it has the best thermal transfer and heat dissipation system. Thanks to its oversized heatsink, which makes you able to game for a continuous 24 hours.

It supports a Memory technology of DDR3 2133 MHz.

However, with all these features & technical specifications, it is still costly, but if you have the budget, it’s a good value.

Durability is not a question because it comes with advanced military class 4 components. Solid caps are Japanese made and have an aluminum core design.

Curious about sound? Jump with joy because it comes with studio grade sound quality – thanks to its Audio Boost powered by Nahimic Sound Technology. The audio boost throws sound and music through an 8-channel HD audio.

Pros
  • Amazing Build Quality
  • Awesome Value for price
  • Multi-GPU Supported
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Smart Fan Control
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not having built-in Speaker

Conclusion

You may have some specific requirements for your build. Maybe you also need built-in wi-fi or multi-GPU support. Well, even after giving you this much support and features, MSI didn’t hold back and gave you the additional help of Smart Fan Control. The durable build quality and exceptional value for price give you peace of mind and a performance boost when you get into real-time use.

5.ASRock AMD 990FX Extreme9 – Best AM3+ Motherboard for Enthusiast

If you are an ASRock fan or need something ahead of time, then this is your stop.

It is the most expensive motherboard here on this list, and it has some solid reasons to be here.

One of those reasons is its support for huge RAM. Yes, it does have support for 64 GB of Memory.

Wait, it doesn’t stop here to support you. It has whopping 16 USB ports, out of which eight are 3.0, and the remaining eight are 2.0.

In total, 8 SATA3 ports will amaze you as well. For CPU, of course, it supports AM3+, but also, if you have an AM3 CPU, it will work flawlessly with that.

As it has so much to talk about that we can’t mention each and everything here but have a look at its key specifications that most users must know.

See some of its technical specifications:

Pros
  • 24 Hours Gaming nonstop
  • The huge number of ports
  • 64 GB RAM Support
  • Multi-GPU supported
  • Military Grade Components
Cons
  • No Builtin Wi-Fi
  • No Built-in Bluetooth

Conclusion

Just two words are enough for this, Enthusiast build. Because it is for those who have reached an extreme level of passion or addiction to gaming. You get military-grade components with a whopping 64 GB RAM support, a LOT of ports, and even 24 hours of nonstop gaming power. The only reason you may have for not getting it is the price of this motherboard. Or maybe because it doesn’t have built-in wifi or Bluetooth – however it still worth it.

How to choose the Best AM3+ Motherboard?

Ever wondered what’s the essential part when building a custom PC? Well, it’s the Motherboard & Processor.

If you have already decided about the processor, let’s say in this case you decided about an AM3+ CPU, you will need a better AM3+ Motherboard.

In case you are looking for an AM3+ CPU, you can see here the Best AM3+ CPU.

So, now that you have decided the processor you want to use, your next step is to choose a motherboard for it. A motherboard that can support not only your CPU but also it should be able to handle your peripheral and primary components flawlessly and efficiently.

You also need to consider the size of it, depending on how compact you need. Chipsets are also necessary – means there are a hell lot of things one needs to be aware of.

So, the following are the breakdown points which we consider:

  • CPU Compatibility / CPU Socket / Chipset
  • Memory Support / Overclocking
  • Budget/Price
  • Size
  • Performance
  • Ports needed & additional functionalities

CPU Compatibility / CPU Socket / Chipset

Deciding a CPU is also a time-consuming process, but as you are here, we assume you already have selected an AM3+ processor.

So, when you need to select a motherboard for this type of CPU, make sure that it should support the following chipsets:

AMD 990FX Chipset, AMD 990X Chipset, AMD 980G Chipset, AMD 970 Chipset.

And CPU socket support should be AM3+.

If these are fine, then move on to the next step.

Memory Support

Most motherboards come with the support of a maximum of 32 GigaBytes of RAM, which may not be enough for you if you are a high-end gamer who wants to do a lot of multi-tasking.

So, we recommend that you at least get a motherboard with 32 GB of RAM, or if you need higher than that, then go with a piece that can support up to 64 GB RAM.

In our list, you can see ASRock has the one with this much support.

Not just capacity wise, also check what frequencies of RAM are supported. Do they support overclocking? And in case you have already purchased the RAM, then does the motherboard keep your existing RAM sticks.

These are fundamental questions you should ask.

Next is overclocking: It’s totally up to you. Ask yourself if you will do overclocking or not. Now, the question of whether you need to do it or not is a different one. Most users don’t need to unless they want to. In Intel processors, you need to go with Z370 or Z390 Chipset with CPU having “K” in its name. While on AMD size, it’s much simpler because almost all of their ryzen chipsets support overclocking.

In AM3+ CPU case, motherboards that support best overclocking and are ultimate for such works are Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z and MSI 970 GAMING.

Budget / Price

How much can you spend? Refining this question gives us the question of how much you need to pay.

You can get motherboards from $70 to more than $300 as well. Of course, they vary from all perspectives, including build quality, beauty, ports available, and features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in.

Do you need more SATA or USB ports? Are you looking for a “STyliSH” motherboard? Do you “Want” RGB in it?

Answers to All these questions will result in either an increase or decrease in price. And most of the time, it’s the “want” that increases cost rather than “needs’. ‘

So, pay for such features only if you need them as there is a solution for almost everything if you want to get that in the future.

Do you need a small-sized motherboard or a large-sized motherboard? Well, these are the questions only you can answer, and once you have answers to these, you will pretty much have an idea of what you are looking for. This will eventually help you in getting a good one.

Best AM3+ Motherboard - Conclusion

We will finish the discussion by breaking down five of the above choices into three best ones, so you don’t need to look again or be confused. Overall Best AM3+ Motherboard: ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z Best Budget AM3+ Motherboard: Gigabyte AM3+ GA-78LMT-USB3 Ultimate & Enthusiast Build: ASRock AMD 990FX Extreme9

Originally posted 2021-04-19 23:50:40.