Best AM2 Chipset | Overclock.net
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Whats the best AM2 chipset thats out right now? I currently have the 3800+ X2 on an Asus M2N-E SLI board (which has a nForce4 chipset). Im looking to get a new mobo soon and I want to get one that will be able to run the Phenom and have a real good chipset (if not the best one out) to boot. So I guess I just want everyones opinion on whats the best chipset for an AM2 CPU right now and what would be the second best. I usually base my mobo decision off the chipset that comes with it. Thank you for any help you provide in advance!
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Nforce chipsets are good i think….i have a NF4 and it freak rocks like a crazy lady lol…overclocked better than a dfi board actually…ECS might be going up in ranks
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I have the nForce 630a it added 1000pts to my 3D06 score when I upgraded. For Phenom the AMD 790Fx. I would wait for the newer Phenoms with the B3 stepping and unlocked multipliers if I was going to upgrade to Phenom. My 6400+ suits me fine right now.
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matx 7050 chipset.
atx 790fx or 590sli chipset for sure.
i wouldn’t use anything else.
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I guess it depends on if you want Crossfire or SLI, or if a dual card setup isn’t needed.
For Crossfire, your best bet would be a 790FX chipset board (which actually supports «Quad-Fire» or up to 4 ATI cards in Crossfire). Like this DFI LanParty UT 790FX-M2R. Asus and Gigabyte also make a variety of 790FX boards.
As far as I know, there aren’t any actual AM2+ boards that support SLI. But some AM2 boards with the nVidia 590i SLI chipset, like this M2N32-E SLI, can support AM2+ CPU’s with the correct BIOS. FYI, You mentioned you have an M2N-E SLI which actually has the nForce 500 chipset, not nForce 4.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for something a little less expensive and you don’t need dual GFX cards this Asus M3A with the AMD 770 chipset I’ve heard is good.
Just a few suggestions.
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Since I’ve had first hand experience with the 590 and AMDs 770/SB600, the soon to be and way late to market nVidia chip set may be the best yet to come.
Perhaps AMDs SB700 will improve there offering too.
Frankly, only time will tell whats the best AM2+ because the current is all a bit lacking.
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Thank you all for the suggestions. I have a nVidia 7900 GT graphics card so Crossfire is out of the question and I dont really even need SLI. Ill just be using 1 card.
btw — I didnt mention it in my 1st post, but Im looking for an ATX board. I dont really want a microATX unless I just have to for some reason.
@The Duke — What is «the soon to be and way late to market nVidia chip set» you talk about?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by terraprime Nforce chipsets are good i think. ![]() |
I used to think it was, then i bought my 790X. It was an absolute total and complete slaughter in every way.
The best out is simple, 790FX. And if you have the money, theres Crossfire version and a Quadfire version.
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Originally Posted by johkalhaups @The Duke — What is «the soon to be and way late to market nVidia chip set» you talk about? |
He’s probably either talking about the upcoming nVidia MCP68 and/or the nVidia MCP72 chipsets for socket AM2+ boards. These chipsets are intended to replace the nVidia 500 series chipset used on current AM2 boards. AFAIK, SLI capabilities on either of these is still a little sketchy.
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Originally Posted by johkalhaups Whats the best AM2 chipset thats out right now? I currently have the 3800+ X2 on an Asus M2N-E SLI board (which has a nForce4 chipset). ![]() |
I would just do some research and wait to buy a board until you decide on buying the future CPU….if you decide to get a phenom the wait till then to get a board….
Most boards as of now are a bit lacking in the correct functioning bios to make Phenoms run they way they should….
I dont think any board right now is worth getting if you opt for a Phenom CPU and frankly neither is a Phenom.
As with the next generation Phenom bios’s for mother boards will start getting more reformed and much more mature than they are now and thus gaining performance for you the buyer. ..
If you must get a board now just get a cheaper board to hold you over until the next best thing comes out….
My personal choice is «Bang for the Buck» I am not about shelling out 200.00 for a motherboard no how no way….pointless to me…
I see people spending 150.00 or alot more for a board and sure it has bells and whistles but it doesnt really perform much better than a 100.00 motherboard…
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Top
Best Am2 Processor for Gaming Reviews & Comparison 2023
- What to Consider Before Buying the best am2 processor for gaming?
- The Market Situation
- Price
- Features and Performance
- Temperature
- Motherboard Compatibility
- Clock Speed
- Best AM2 processor for gaming
- AMD Phenom X4 9500
- AMD Phenom II X4 940 – Black Edition
- AMD Phenom X4 965 3.
40 GHz
- AMD Phenom II X4 920
- AMD Athlon II X4 640
- (FAQs)
- Conclusions
- Related Article:
AMD is one of the major players in the CPU market, which makes Am2 chips. Our list of Best Am2 Processors includes an AMD processor because AMD is a big name for PC processors. This is one of the most reliable socket am2 processors you can buy. Am2 processors have dual-core, 3.2 GHz, and 3.4 GHz processors for maximum gaming performance. Gamers who host 40 LAN parties at home and need a processor with both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance should consider this. AMD’s processors will perform twice as well as a Pentium 4 3300 and three times as well as an Intel Core 2 Duo T2500. An extra AGP slot will improve video memory bandwidth and boost your gaming experience. AMD pm2 quad-core processors are highly regarded for their gaming capabilities. With 3.4 GHz single-core speed, even the most intense games such as Terminator can be played.
What to Consider Before Buying the best am2 processor for gaming?
With so many options available, it’s no wonder people get lost in research when buying a CPU. It is vital to view all the options on the market before deciding on the AM2 CPU for your system. These factors should always be considered:
The Market Situation
When choosing a CPU, one should pick one that offers the highest performance or provides the maximum value for the money. It is possible to upgrade slightly older processors at a fraction of their former price. This is because the market is preparing for a processor that claims to be the fastest.
In the end, it depends on your budget and preferences. Next, if you can afford a newer phone, opt for it.
Price
Finding the suitable processor for your budget is the only challenge to working within a budget. For the most efficient AM2 CPU, you don’t always have to stay with the latest and greatest model. Older versions provide the same value (often at a lower cost).
Features and Performance
Despite some striking differences, most AM2 processors offer similar features with minor variations. This is why you should know what you want before buying one.
You may need more computing power, for example. A high-performance processor with many updated features is what you should choose in this case.
Temperature
A big processor is terrible for a small build system since they overheat easily and heat the components around them. To keep temperatures under control, you’ll need additional cooling.
You can do this by finding your CPU’s Thermal Design Power (TDP) and matching it with the TDP of your cooler. Additionally, intake fans will help prevent dust accumulation inside the system.
Motherboard Compatibility
As I mentioned earlier, some motherboards will not be compatible with all AM2 sockets. It is imperative to be aware of this so you can buy a compatible processor with the AM2+ socket. Doing some research here can save a lot of time in looking for the most suitable AM2 CPU.
Clock Speed
Microprocessors execute instructions from the CPU at a specific clock rate. Fast clock speeds equate to speed, and vice versa. It would help to consider this before choosing an AM2 for your system.
For heavy-duty gaming, a clock speed of 4.0 GHz should be adequate.
Best AM2 processor for gaming
1. | 2. | AMD Phenom II X4 940 – Black Edition | Check Price | ||
3.![]() |
AMD Phenom X4 965 3.40 GHz | Check Price | |||
4. | 5. | AMD Athlon II X4 640 | Check Price |
AMD Phenom X4 9500
check price
AMD Phenom X4 9500 has a speed of 2. 2 GHz and a quad-core processor. It has the AM2 socket but is also compatible with AM2+. General features include:
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- The cache is 2 MB.
- 65nm is the process technology used in the socket.
- It is an AMD64 socket with a direct connect architecture.
- Thanks to its four cores, it works on processor-intensive tasks quickly and without lag.
- These CPUs can be used for various applications, from gaming to running intensive applications and creating graphics.
Pros
- Install ready
- for a straightforward upgrade
Cons
- None
AMD Phenom II X4 940 – Black Edition
check price
If you are looking for speed and want to take your gaming to the next level, you will enjoy the AMD Phenom II X4 940. The AMD Phenom II X4 940 has an innovative design but is not overly complex. You will enjoy using it. Among the specifications of it are:
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- The device operates at a frequency of 3.0 GHz.
- With 6 MB of cache memory, it is a bit larger than standard AM2+ CPUs.
- There are four cores in this processor.
- It is compatible with 32- and 64-bit operating systems with no issues.
- Its CoolCore Technology ensures that you save energy by maximizing your usage.
- This particular model comes with DDR2 memory.
- There is a limited 3-year warranty when you purchase this processor.
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- minimizes latencies
- to ensure smooth performance
Cons
- Heat sinks aren’t the best quality
AMD Phenom X4 965 3.40 GHz
check price
The processor has a 2MB cache and a speed of 2.3 GHz. In this article, we are looking to examine some of the reasons you should consider buying the AMD Phenom X4 9653. 40:
- The processor has four cores, and it has a 16-bit HyperTransport link.
- The processor has an 11.5 clock multiplier, as well.
- A processor like this best suits productivity, modeling, graphic design, gaming, multitasking, and multimedia.
- This processor comes with a warranty of 3 months.
- The processor works on 95 watts of power.
Pros
- Installation is easy
- and performance is improved
Cons
- None
AMD Phenom II X4 920
check price
Another excellent option is the AMD Phenom II X4 920 with 6 MB of L3 cache and a decent clock speed of 2.8 GHz. Here is a list of other features to consider.
- The processor is built with a native quad-core die design.
- It can be used in conjunction with HyperTransport 3 technology.
- The 6 MB cache and 512 KB per core of the processor are shared by its four seats.
- This processor has an integrated DDR2 SDRAM memory.
- AMD64 and CoolnQuiet technology are included in this processor, providing excellent performance.
- In other words, this is a CPU capable of running 64-bit applications.
Pros
- A fair price
- that stays cool even when overclocked
Cons
- There have been a few issues with installation for a few users.
AMD Athlon II X4 640
check price
I will conclude with a popular processor that everyone is eyeing – the AMD Athlon II X4 640. With a clock speed of 3.0 GHz and the following features, this is suitable for gamers:
- AM2+ and AM3+ sockets are available for this quad-core processor.
- There is a 2 MB L2 cache and four threads.
- There is a 95-watt power rating.
- This processor runs at a clock multiplier of 15.
- The processor has 938 pins.
- It comes with a warranty of 3 months.
- Included with the package is a thermal compound to assist with installation.
You will need to purchase the fan and heat grease separately.
Pros
- Significant improvements are made in speed
- that make it ideal for gaming
Cons
- None
(FAQs)
Question-What is the fastest AM2+ processor on the market?
Ans-Currently, the fastest processor is the Phenom II X4 series.
Question-Does it make any difference if I put an AM3 CPU in an AM2+ Processor?
Ans-If you have an AM3 CPU, you can also use it as a backward-compatible processor.
Question-Are AM2 and AM2+ the same thing?
Ans-The physical difference between the AM2+ and the AM2 socket is not that noticeable, but the AM2+ sockets are an upgrade. HyperTransport 3.0 support and split power planes are included in the AM2+ sockets.
Question-What is the compatibility of AM4 with AM3+?
Ans-No, it cannot be done. There is only one AM3 that can fit AM3+.
Conclusions
Ultimately, a suitable AM2 processor can boost the speed and efficiency of your system. Your choice of a processor depends on your usage.
A quad-core CPU is best for gamers. Would you like to speed up your home computer? Opt for an old dual-core processor! In the end, you’ll want a CPU that suits your budget and keeps all other system components running smoothly.With this list, I hope you can make better choices when buying the right AM2 CPU.
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Supertest: Motherboards for AMD AM2+ platform
AMD Phenom generation processors are structurally compatible with Athlon 64 predecessors in Socket AM2 version. These CPUs work stably in older generation motherboards with updated BIOS. At the same time, Phenom features Cool’n’Quiet 2.0 and HyperTransport 3.0 technologies, which will require advanced products to unlock their full potential.
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In addition, the TDP of these processors is slightly higher than that of their predecessors, which places special demands on the power subsystem. There are also differences in terms of Phenom overclocking — thanks to the additional features of the AM2 + boards, they will be able to achieve better results. This is partly why the market already has a sufficient number of models based on new chipsets from both AMD and NVIDIA. Note that backward compatibility has also been preserved — Athlon 64 CPUs will work in these products, and the user gets an extension of the computer’s functionality due to a small upgrade.
Motherboard specifications table
This material is devoted to the study of the features and capabilities of new motherboards — representatives of the AM2 + platform from leading manufacturers.
Contents
- 0.1 ASUS M3A
- 1 ASUS M3A
- 1.1 ASUS M3A78-EH
- 2 ASUS M 3A78-EH
- 2.1 ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP
- 3 ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP
- 3.1 Biostar TA780G M2+
- 4 Biostar TA780G M2+
- 4.1 Biostar TPower N750
- 5 Biostar TPower N750
- 5.1 Foxconn A78AX-S
- 6 Foxconn A78AX-S
- 6.1 Gigabyte GA-MA74GM -S2H
- 7 Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2H
- 7.1 Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H
- 8 Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H
- 9 0020 8.1 Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6
- 9.1 MSI K9A2 Platinum
- 10.1 MSI K9A2GM-FIH
- 11.1 MSI K9N2 Diamond
- 12.1 MSI K9N2GM-FIH
- 13.
1 Sapphire PC-AM2RD790
- 14.1 Sapphire PC-AM2RX780
- 15.1 Sapphire PI-AM2RS780G
-
- 16.0.1 Test method .2 Pins
ASUS M3A
$95
Verdict
Powerful power subsystem; good overclocking results; affordable price
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Limited voltage adjustment
Product provided by MTI; «Navigator»; TechnoPark
Based on the AMD 770 chipset, the ASUS M3A motherboard provides users with the basic functionality of the Phenom family of processors. Its features are a powerful five-phase power system and excellent overclocking results for both new CPUs and their predecessors. However, the board is unlikely to be suitable for serious boosting the system, since it has limitations in adjusting the supply voltages of the main computer components. Let’s also note the behavior atypical for PCs based on AMD CPUs when saving settings in the BIOS: ASUS M3A, like products for Intel processors, operate in the Start-Stop-Start mode, restarting the computer several times.
The board under consideration showed average performance results for the memory subsystem. However, this product, due to its fairly affordable cost, will definitely find its buyer.
ASUS M3A78-EH
$90
Verdict
New chipset; Hibrid CrossFire technology support
Poor overclocking results; weak power subsystem; low speed
Product provided by MTI
Outwardly, this board does not stand out among the products for AM2+ processors. However, when getting acquainted with the M3A78-EH, it turned out that AMD 780G is used as the north bridge on the board, although the manufacturer did not realize the capabilities of integrated graphics — there are no video outputs on the rear panel. Thus, ASUS engineers have obtained a representative of the AM2 + line with basic characteristics.
The board in question showed poor overclocking results, which can be partly explained by a mediocre power subsystem. ASUS M3A78-EH was the outsider of our RAM performance test. At a reasonable price, it could be of interest to budget-minded users who are looking for an inexpensive Socket AM2+ motherboard. However, for the money that it costs, it is not difficult to find more attractive offers.
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP
$220
Verdict
Rich package; original CO for memory modules; functional BIOS; good overclocking opportunities
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High cost
Product provided by MTI; «Navigator»; TechnoPark
The top product from ASUS, designed for AM2+ processors, is based on the AMD 790FX chipset. The M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP board stands out for its maximum functionality typical for devices of this level. Of the interesting innovative features, we note an additional heatsink for cooling memory modules, which is connected by heat pipes to the common CO of the board. 9The 0003
M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP showed good overclocking results, hitting 340MHz FSB with the AMD Athlon X2, and 270MHz with the Phenom processor. The speed of the system built on the board in question is quite high, albeit not a record one. The overall impression is slightly spoiled only by the price of this product, which is quite high for systems based on AMD processors.
Biostar TA780G M2+
$90
Verdict
Function BIOS; thoughtful design RSV
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The northbridge multiplier change function does not work correctly
Product provided by Compass belongs to the TForce overclocker series. It is equipped with a modern SB700 southbridge and has good expansion possibilities. We note the high quality of workmanship and the use of solid capacitors in the processor power system. A functional BIOS completes the overall picture. However, we note that during overclocking, the board resets all settings, returning the nominal values.
The Biostar TA780G M2+ proved to be quite productive. The results of overclocking the Athlon 64 X2 processor on the bus are very good for a solution of this level, however, the performance when forcing the Phenom is not so impressive. The incorrectly working function of changing the multiplier of the north bridge affects.
Biostar TPower N750
$180
Verdict
Powerful CO chipset and power elements; DVI-HDMI adapter included
Sub-optimal layout; poor overclocking capabilities; price
Provided by Compass
The Biostar product in question is one of the few on the market today based on the NVIDIA nForce750a SLI chipset. The board represents a new line called TPower, and it is primarily aimed at enthusiasts. This is confirmed by the powerful CO of the chipset and power elements, Power and Reset buttons, LEDs indicating power supply and errors in the system, bright coloring. Despite its orientation, the board showed average results when boosting the PC. Like the Biostar TA780G M2+ model, overclocking resets all settings to nominal values. Among the atypical features, let’s also highlight the implemented capabilities of the integrated video (DVI connector) — now you can expect this on all products using modern NVIDIA chipsets.
Foxconn A78AX-S
n/a
Verdict
Affordable price; modern southbridge
Low productivity; not the best potential for overclocking; meager BIOS settings
Provided by Foxconn representative office in Ukraine
Although many motherboards based on the AMD 770 chipset use the outdated AMD SB600 as the south bridge, there are models with the new SB700, which has more functionality. The Foxconn A78AX-S model was the first officially announced motherboard that uses such a bundle. The product will not please overclockers — the BIOS settings lack many necessary options for fine-tuning, and the actual overclocking results are not very good. In addition, after forcing, there are sometimes problems with starting the PC during a “cold” reboot. The performance of the memory subsystem is low, and the expansion options are limited — the board has only two slots for DDR2 modules. However, the price in this case will probably serve as an excuse — it is quite low, and good overclocking features are not in demand by all users.
Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2H
$85
Verdict
Excellent functionality for an integrated solution; high performance
No support for ATI Avivo HD
Provided by from Gigabyte; K-Trade
This board is based on the integrated AMD 740G chipset, which determines the positioning of the product. The GA-MA74GM-S2H will primarily interest those who assemble HTPC computers, as it is equipped with analog, digital and HDMI video outputs. However, unlike the older AMD 780G chip, there is no UVD (Unified Video Decoder) here, so the processor must be sufficiently productive to view HDTV. Let’s note the results of GA-MA74GM-S2H in overclocking — these figures are as close as possible to the record ones. However, overclockers should not get carried away — the heating of power elements in the forced mode is quite noticeable, and problems may arise with processors with a high TDP. The speed of the memory subsystem of the board under consideration is also very high, and given the cost and good equipment, this is a worthy choice in its segment.
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H
$110
Verdict
Excellent equipment; high functionality; great option for HTPC
Small supply voltage adjustment range; high heat PWM
Provided by from Gigabyte; K-Trade
If earlier motherboards with integrated video were considered as budget solutions, the situation has changed with the release of the AMD 780G chipset. An example of this is this model. The point here is not even the price, it is just not the lowest, but the quality of performance and functionality. A full set of video outputs is available: DVI, HDMI and D-sub, there is FireWire and eSATA, the Realtek ALC889 audio codec is useda, which allows you to simultaneously play two streams of sound, the optical S / PDIF-out is not forgotten. Let’s complement this set of advantages with low power consumption, as well as a smart fan speed control system — and we have an excellent platform for a media center. Although the board was able to show some of the best overclocking results, it is not worth considering it as the best choice for such purposes. This is due to the limited range of voltage adjustment and the CPU power subsystem.
Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6
$240
Verdict
Functionality; speed; power subsystem; maximum acceleration; delivery set
Minor firmware flaws; rather high cost
Product provided by Compass
This model stands out for its rich functionality, providing excellent expansion prospects. The GA-MA790FX-DQ6 board boasts a ten-phase processor power subsystem and good CO for high-heating components. The brainchild of Gigabyte is equipped with four full-profile PCI Express slots designed for installing video cards. We also note the wide possibilities of adjusting the main parameters of the system in the BIOS and record overclocking results.
Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6 lacks only minor flaws in the firmware and the traditionally high cost for products of this level. However, you always have to pay for quality. The product in question certainly outperforms those we have tested and is therefore deservedly awarded the Editors’ Choice: Best Quality mark.
MSI K9A2 Platinum
$175
Verdict
Well equipped; democratic price; efficient cooling system
BIOS settings could be better
The product is provided by MSI office in Ukraine. Four PCI Express x16 slots are located through one, alternating with PCI and PCI Express x1 slots. Thanks to this, you can use a bunch of CrossFireX of four video cards equipped with dual-slot cooling systems. The board is equipped with a very efficient and effective looking CO, the Circu-Pipe. However, there is not much work for her here — the chipset has a low power consumption, and the processor power subsystem, built according to a five-phase pulse-width modulation scheme, has a high efficiency (according to MSI, it reaches 95%). The use of only a 4-pin ATX 12V auxiliary power connector looks strange. Although the BIOS settings are quite extensive, there are no opportunities to achieve maximum overclocking, which affected the results with Phenom.
MSI K9A2GM-FIH
$85
Verdict
Quality workmanship; well equipped
No DVI; only four SATA
Product provided by MSI representative office in Ukraine
This board does not have the usual DVI — only HDMI is available from digital video outputs, which immediately suggests the scope of this model — HTPC. If it is DVI that is needed, and buying an HDMI-DVI adapter is a problem, then there is a K9A2GM-FD modification equipped with DVI instead of HDMI, but, unfortunately, without IEEE 1394. There are some comments on the layout of the board — if you install a fairly large discrete video card , then it will overlap the top row of SATA connectors, and there are only four of them anyway. The BIOS has a number of shortcomings related to the functioning and overclocking of Phenom processors. For serious overclocking recommend K9A2GM-FIH does not allow the power system, although, given the positioning of the board, this can hardly be called a significant drawback.
MSI K9N2 Diamond
$275
Verdict
Excellent equipment; separate sound card X-Fi Xtreme Audio
Breakthrough performance; BIOS flaws; high price
Product provided by MSI office in Ukraine
The fact that motherboards with built-in video will most likely become the standard in the future, as it already happened with integrated sound, is perfectly confirmed by this model. The board belongs to the elite Diamond line and is based on the NVIDIA nForce 780a SLI chipset, which has an integrated graphics core. With Hybrid SLI, you can share the built-in GPU and graphics card from NVIDIA. The main advantage here is the ability to turn off a discrete card during light load to save energy and reduce noise. The PCB has Power and Reset buttons, CMOS reset buttons, as well as LED indication of malfunctions of individual system components. Unfortunately, BIOS flaws are confusing, especially if we take into account the positioning of the product. But it is worth considering that the board has just come out, and, probably, they will be fixed.
MSI K9N2GM-FIH
$ 95
Verdict
Decent equipment
low performance; lack of DVI
Provided by MSI office in Ukraine
In response to the very successful AMD 780G chipset, NVIDIA released the GeForce 8200 on which this board is based. It has slightly higher power consumption and lower 3D performance, but boasts HDMI support for the latest HD audio formats, which is important for home theater applications. Like the AMD 780G model, this board has modifications with DVI or HDMI and IEEE 1394a. There was also a problem with the overlap of the upper SATA connectors when installing a video card. Yes, and the BIOS also has some roughness: bus frequencies over 292 MHz are ignored by it; when using Phenom, changing parameters sometimes causes the system to freeze, and the inability to set the northbridge multiplier negatively affects overclocking. Although the board cannot be recommended for this due to insufficiently powerful PWM.
Sapphire PC-AM2RD790
$215
Verdict
Very rich BIOS settings; excellent equipment; record-breaking memory performance
No automatic reset system
Product provided by Kvazar-Micro
This model is the twin brother of the LanParty UT 790FX-M2RV board manufactured by DFI, which has earned fame among enthusiasts. The BIOS settings are very rich, but for inexperienced users, understanding some of them may not be so easy. Of the flaws in the firmware, it is worth noting the lack of an automatic reset system during overclocking. This has to be done manually using a jumper or simultaneously pressing the Power and Reset buttons located on the PCB, which also has a two-character LED POST indicator. The digital seven-phase PWM is responsible for the stability of the power supply of top processors. The bundle and equipment are top notch — two gigabit network ports, a sound card on a Realtek ALC 888T chip and a VoIP card. And from the pleasant bonuses there are plumes glowing in the ultraviolet spectrum.
Sapphire PC-AM2RX780
$97
Verdict
Price; CrossFire support; good performance of the memory subsystem
Potential for overclocking is not very high; BIOS flaws
Product provided by Kvazar-Micro
Although PC-AM2RX780 is based on the AMD 770 chipset, Sapphire engineers implemented two PCI-E x16 slots on the board, which allows using a bunch of ATI video cards in CrossFire mode. An interesting feature: if only one graphics adapter is installed, then to switch the upper PCI Express x16 slot to full-speed mode in the lower PCI-E x16, you need to insert a special key card that comes with the motherboard. The potential for overclocking turned out to be rather average, which somewhat reduces the attractiveness of this model for enthusiasts who want to get CrossFire for a modest amount. However, if the BIOS had proper functionality, the level of overclocking with Phenom could be improved. As with other Sapphire boards I’ve tested, there is no automatic reset when overclocked. Among the disadvantages is the use of the old southbridge SB600.
Sapphire PI-AM2RS780G
$85
Verdict
High quality power system; excellent potential for overclocking; price; good performance
No HDMI and PCI-E x1; BIOS flaws
Provided by Kvazar-Micro
This motherboard is a very interesting product — although it is based on the 780G chipset, which AMD does not position as the basis for high-performance PCs, the PI-AM2RS780G may well be suitable for such purposes. Thanks for this you need a high-quality 4 + 1-phase processor power system, which is able to “feed” the top Phenom models with a TDP of 125 W without any problems. We were surprised to see the POST codes indicator on the PI-AM2RS780G, but it turned out that the manufacturer gave this hint for a reason. Although there are not many advanced settings in the BIOS, and some shortcomings did not allow achieving maximum results with Phenom, the overclocking potential of this model is quite good. And if the necessary options are added to the new firmware, then the board can rightfully be considered one of the best overclocking solutions in the mATX format for AM2+.
Testing methodology
When searching for the «ultimate megahertz» we used Athlon 64 X2 6000+ and Phenom X3 8750. The processors were set to x9 multiplier, and if necessary — x8. The HT frequency, and in Phenom also the CPU NB, were kept close to the nominal frequencies in order to reveal exactly the potential of the motherboard.
All models were flashed with the latest BIOS version available on the manufacturer’s website at the time of testing. As a rule, “childish” diseases are fixed in fresh firmware, overclocking potential is improved and support for the latest CPU models is provided.
Although the integrated memory controller should significantly reduce the influence of the motherboard on the performance of this subsystem, the results of tests with Phenom surprised — the differences in performance are very large. Sufficiently loyal timings were used because they are programmed into the SPD of the memory modules, and it turned out to be completely impossible to set more aggressive 5-5-5-15 on several motherboard models. Therefore, equal conditions were created for all devices.
Terminals
Maximum overclocking of processors via bus, MHz |
Memory subsystem test in PCMark05 (1066 MHz with timings 5-7-7-21), scores |
First of all, we note a significant improvement in the overclocking potential of the new models — most of the devices have overcome the 300 MHz threshold with Athlon X2. However, things are not so rosy with the new AMD Phenom. Unfortunately, on many motherboards, even top ones, there is no way to increase the voltage on the north bridge of Phenom processors and (or) change its multiplier. The latter often negatively affects the maximum overclocking and puts such devices almost on a par with AM2, where there are no such settings.
Chipsets with built-in graphics adapters are making huge progress. Motherboards based on AMD 780G are an excellent platform for non-gaming computers (although 3D performance is very good for integrated video). Even in terms of overclocking, they are not inferior to models based on discrete chipsets. The only limitation is often that power systems are not powerful enough to work with chips with a TDP of 125W. However, this does not apply to model Sapphire PI-AM2RS780G , which is an excellent choice for compact PCs, and thanks to its attractive price, it wins the Editors’ Choice: Best Buy award .
On the other hand, in AMD 780G-based HTPC systems, thanks to the UVD unit responsible for the video hardware, a high-performance, and therefore high-power consumption, processor is not needed for HDTV viewing. Therefore, you can save a little on PWM and invest in additional controllers and equipment. This approach was used in Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H , which wins the «Editor’s Choice: Best Quality» award due to its excellent functionality for devices in this class. Among full-format motherboards, we note the Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6 with a similar sign — excellent performance, equipment and the best overclocking results in this test.
Video card | Leadtek WinFast PX9600 GT Extreme |
Processor | AMD Athlon X2 6000+ |
AMD Phenom X3 8750 | |
Cooler | Zalman CNPS9700 LED |
RAM | Team Xtreem Dark 2×1 GB DDR2-1066 |
Power supply | be quiet! Dark Power PRO BQT P6PRO-1000W |
AMD | AMD, www.![]() |
TNG, www.tng.com.ua | |
be quiet! | Revoltec, www.revoltec.com.ua |
Leadtek | MTI, www.mti.ua |
Team, Zalman | Eletek, www.eletek.ua |
See also:
Supertest: 22 motherboards for Yorkfield
nForce 750i SLI chipset — «we have the same one, but without wings»
790FX — AMD’s flagship chipset
Best mining motherboards in 2023 — for 4, 6, 8, 12 video cards, which one to choose, rating of budget
Cryptocurrency mining by video cards (graphic processors, GPU or GPU) requires the installation of so-called «rigs» — installations from computer components. The list of necessary equipment for assembling such farms includes motherboards (from the English. Motherboard). They allow you to assemble individual components into one-piece installations.
It is worth considering the top best motherboards for mining in 2023. This will allow you to better understand their technical parameters.
- The best motherboard manufacturers for mining
- GIGABYTE
- ASRock
- MSI
- ASUS
- Biostar
- Rating of motherboards for mining in 2023
- For 12 video cards or more
- ASRock h210 Pro BTC+
- GIGABYTE GA-B250-FinTech
- MSI B360-F PRO
- For 4-8 video cards
- Colorful C.B250A-BTC PLUS YV20
- ASRock B450 Pro4
- ASUS Prime Z490-P
- Best Budget Mining Motherboards
- ASRock B450M Pro4
- ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4
- ASUS TUF GAMING B450M-PRO II
- Motherboard Selection Tips
- Summary
- FAQ
The best manufacturers of motherboards for mining
As of April 29, 2022, dozens of manufacturers are operating in the computer components market. But there are 5 main popular motherboard manufacturers:
- GIGABYTE
- ASRock
- MSI
- ASUS
- Biostar.
GIGABYTE
Founded in 1986 in Taiwan by CEO Ye Peichen. The company operates in the field of computer technology and electronics. As of April 29, 2022, the IT corporation produces the following components:
- Computer boards
- Video cards
- Peripherals for personal computers.
The Gigabyte holding also includes industry subsidiaries.
Name | Description |
---|---|
Gigabyte Communications | Produces smartphones and communicators. In 2006, she received the rights to the GSmart trademark. |
Gigazone International | Manufactures ENVISION branded monitors, computer cases, power supplies and cooling components for central processing units (CPU or CPU). |
G-Style | Designs and manufactures tablet computers and laptops.![]() |
However, Russian consumers are more familiar with the parent company. It produces durable high quality motherboards. The share of Gigabyte products in the Russian motherboard market is more than 30%. However, as of April 29, 2022, the exact information remains unknown.
Survey
5 Principles of Mining
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ASRock
It is a subsidiary of the computer components and electronics manufacturer ASUS. The corporation was founded in Taiwan in 2002. The head of ASRock is Ted Xu Shichang.
In 2002, the IT corporation’s mission was to get ahead of companies like Foxconn that dominated the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) market. However, already in 2007, ASRock held an IPO. The company’s securities began to trade TWSE. For this reason, computer component manufacturer Pegatron Corporation acquired ASRock in 2010.
In October 2012, ASUS wanted to buy back the former subsidiary corporation. However, the deal never took place.
As of April 29, 2022, the majority of ASRock’s products are:
- Computer boards. Already in 2011, ASRock became the third largest motherboard manufacturer in the world. But even by April 2022, the manufacturer could not catch up with GIGABYTE and ASUS.
- Video cards. In 2018, ASRock partnered with AMD. As a result, the IT company introduced a new family of GPUs called Phantom Gaming. In the spring of 2022, the latest representatives of the lineup are the Radeon RX 6000 graphics cards.0021
MSI
This company has been operating since October 22, 1986. It was founded by Xu Xian. A little later, after the creation of an IT company, the headquarters of MSI was relocated to the city of Taipei (Taiwan).
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In 2023, MSI is considered the leader among electronics manufacturers. At the same time, over the past few years, the IT corporation has been working hard in the direction of gaming equipment. She produces:
- Gaming laptops
- Powerful GPUs
- System boards and other equipment.
Many motherboards from MSI have integrated CoreCell technology. It includes 4 solutions:
- Speedster. Increases the flexibility of BIOS settings.
- BuzzFree. Reduces computer noise by automatically adjusting the fan speed of coolers.
- Power Pro. Reduces the power consumption of the PC using economical power management.
- LifePro. Extends the life of boards and other major components such as processors by monitoring current states.
ASUS
This international company was founded on April 2, 1989. Founded by 4 former hardware engineers from Acer:
- T. H. Tung
- Ted Hsu
- Wayne Cie
- M.T. Liao.
Initially, AsusTek developed only computer boards. But in the 2000s, the company began to expand its range of products. Thus, AsusTek changed its focus to the entire computer electronics industry. For this reason, in 2023, AsusTek is considered one of the best manufacturers of components and finished products.
AsusTek subsidiaries (Pegatron and Unihan) supply their electronics to Sony, Apple, Alienware and so on.
Biostar
This corporation was also established in 1986 in Taiwan. In 2023, the current CEO of the company and chairman of the board is Minyi Wang.
Biostar IT Corporation operates in the electronics industry. In 2023, it releases equipment from the list below:
- Motherboards
- Video cards
- Expansion boards
- Headphones
- Thermal compound
- Industrial computers
- Home theaters and other electronic equipment.
Biostar has been a Tier 1 Nvidia Partner for nearly 18 years. The public learned the news on August 1, 2004. Then the head of the IT company said that Biostar would work with Nvidia on new graphics solutions.
In the summer of 2007, Biostar was the first to introduce an AM2/AM2+ hybrid socket motherboard to the world. With the help of the latter, new components began to support 2 then-popular processors at once — Athlon 64 and AMD Phenom.
Rating of motherboards for mining in 2023
They come in 3 main categories:
- Simple
- Gaming
- Special for mining.
At the same time, each component has dozens of its technical characteristics. As a result, choosing a mining motherboard becomes a complex process. But basically, you need to take into account the power supply and the number of interfaces for installing video cards — PCI-e (PCI Express). The number of the latter determines the maximum potential hashrate of the future farm.
For 12 video cards and more
As of April 29, 2022, motherboards with 12 PCI Express interfaces are considered the best. Also, some top models are equipped with a large number of GPU connectors.
Motherboards with 12 GPUs or more:
- ASRock h210 Pro BTC+.
- GIGABYTE GA-B250-FinTech.
- MSI B360-F PRO.
ASRock h210 Pro BTC+
This component has 1 LGA1151 socket. It allows you to install 6th and 7th generation Intel CPUs such as Core i3 6100 OEM and others. Also, the Intel h210 chipset with BIOS (BIOS or BSVV) of the AMI type is integrated into the motherboard under consideration. There is no support for SLI and CrossFire technologies.
h210 Pro BTC+
h210 Pro BTC+ has 2 interfaces for DDR4 DIMM generation. The limit of the supported frequency of the RAM is 2400 MHz. The maximum amount of DRAM is 32 gigabytes. Installed DIMMs can work in parallel.
The h210 Pro BTC+ integrates 1 PCI Express x16 interface and 12 PCI-e x1 slots. The owner can use all 13 connectors at once. Integrated PCI-e work simultaneously.
This motherboard is designed with an ATX type form factor. The main power supply of the system is provided by 24-pin. The processor is connected via an 8-pin wire. The h210 Pro BTC+ also supports UEFI, an interface between the PC OS and firmware.
GIGABYTE GA-B250-FinTech
This 12 GPU mining motherboard also has 1 LGA1151 socket. However, it uses a different chipset from Intel — B250 with AMI-type BSVV. This board also lacks SLI and CrossFire support.
GA-B250-FinTech Appearance
GA-B250-FinTech integrates 4 interfaces for DDR4 generation DRAM DIMM type. Supports RAM up to 2400 MHz. The total DRAM limit is 64 gigabytes. At the same time, the motherboard supports dual-channel operation of RAM modules.
GA-B250-FinTech has 1 PCI-e x16 interface and 11 PCI Express x1 slots. The miner is able to use them at the same time.
GA-B250-FinTech Form Factor — ATX. The computer board itself is powered through a 24-pin connector, and the CPU is powered through an 8-pin cable. The motherboard also supports the UEFI interface.
MSI B360-F PRO
This motherboard integrates 1 LGA1151 v2 socket. It supports all 8th and 9th generation Intel processors. Also, this motherboard is equipped with an Intel B360 chipset. It has an AMI BIOS. But the B360-F PRO does not support CrossFire and SLI.
B360-F PRO layout
B360-F PRO supports up to 2 RAM modules. In this case, the maximum frequency of DRAM operation should not exceed 2666 MHz. The limit of installed RAM is 32 gigabytes. There is support for dual-channel DRAM operation.
The
B360-F PRO is equipped with 1 PCI Express x16 slot and 17 PCI-e x1 interfaces. For this reason, a rig with such a motherboard can consist of 18 video cards. But to assemble a powerful farm without risers (adapters for connecting a GPU) will not work.
The B360-F PRO has an ATX form factor. The motherboard is powered by a 24-pin connector. To connect the CPU, you need an 8-pin cable. There is UEFI support.
For 4-8 video cards
A mining farm of 9 video cards or more costs over ₽1 million. But not all cryptocurrency miners plan to spend a lot of money on assembling rigs. For some miners, 5 video cards are enough, or a maximum of 8. The following computer boards are suitable for such farms:
- Colorful C.B250A-BTC PLUS YV20.
- ASRock B450 Pro4.
- Asus Prime Z490-P.
Colorful C.B250A-BTC PLUS YV20
This 8 GPU mining motherboard has LGA1151 socket. It is equipped with Intel B250 chipset.
C.B250A-BTC PLUS YV20 layout
The C.B250A-BTC PLUS YV20 has only 1 slot for DDR4 SO-DIMM (a compact version of standard memory modules). For this reason, there is no dual-channel DRAM operation. Also, the frequency of the RAM should not be higher than 2400 MHz. The maximum amount of DRAM is 16 gigabytes.
The C.B250A-BTC PLUS YV20 has a total of 8 full height (x16) PCI-e version 3.0 slots. For this reason, risers are not required to power connected video cards.
C.B250A-BTC PLUS The YV20 is built with a custom form factor. The motherboard has a size of 48.5 cm x 19.5 cm. Also, to connect the motherboard in question, you need a 12-volt server-type power supply with 8 6-pin cables. The CPU is connected to the device via a 4-pin wire. Also, the motherboard does not support UEFI.
ASRock B450 Pro4
This 6 GPU mining motherboard is equipped with 1 socket AM4. For this reason, the component supports all AMD Ryzen series CPUs. The B450 Pro4 has an AMD B450 chipset. It provides the AMI type BIOS to the system. The chipset also supports CrossFire X technology.
B450 Pro4 Appearance
B450 Pro4 has 4 slots for DDR4 RAM DIMM standard. Installed slats can work in parallel. The maximum frequency of embedded DRAM is 3200 MHz. The amount of memory is limited to 64 gigabytes.
The computer board is also equipped with 2 PCI-e x16 slots and 4 PCI Express x1 slots. They work in parallel, so 6 video cards can mine cryptocurrency at the same time. However, risers are required to connect 6 GPUs.
B450 Pro4 has an ATX form factor. A 24-pin connector is used for power. An 8-pin connector is used to connect the processor. Supported by UEFI.
ASUS Prime Z490-P
1 LGA1200 type socket is built into this accessory. Can be used with Intel Core i9 processors, i7, i5 and i3, as well as tenth and eleventh generation Pentium and Celeron. The Prime Z490-P uses the Intel Z490 Express chipset. It supports 2-Way CrossFire technology. The chipset also provides the mining farm with an AMI-type BSCB.
Exterior of Prime Z490-P
Prime Z490-P has 4 built-in DDR4 DIMM slots. The maximum supported frequency is 4600 MHz. Installed DIMMs can work in parallel. The RAM limit is 128 gigabytes.
Via 2 PCI Express x16 and 4 PCI-e x1 to ASUS Prime Z490-P can connect up to 6 GPUs. But for simultaneous operation of 6 GPUs, risers are needed.
The
Prime Z490-P has an ATX form factor. The motherboard is connected to the power supply via the main 24-pin connector. To connect the same CPU from Intel, an 8-pin + 4-pin cable is used. The board also supports:
- Hyper-Threading (Intel’s simultaneous multi-threading technology).
- UEFI.
9 Best Budget Mining Motherboards0127
When buying equipment for a farm for the extraction of cryptocurrency assets, for the sake of a little extra income, you should not spend ₽15 thousand on the component in question. It is better to choose a budget motherboard like:
- ASRock B450M Pro4.
- ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4.
- ASUS TUF GAMING B450M-PRO II.
ASRock B450M Pro4
As of April 29, 2022, the price of this component is ₽6397. The motherboard is equipped with socket version AM4. This interface supports all Ryzen processors from AMD.
B450M Pro4 Appearance
The B450M Pro4 is equipped with AMD’s B450 chipset. It supports CrossFire X technology. The chipset also has an AMI-type BSCB.
The B450M Pro4 supports up to 4 DDR4 generation DIMM sticks. The range of supported operating frequencies is 2133-3200 MHz. A system with this motherboard can have up to 128 gigabytes of DRAM. Installed RAM strips are able to work in parallel.
A total of 3 graphics cards can be mounted in the B450M Pro4 — 1 through the PCI-e x1 slot and 2 through the PCI Express x16 slots.
The motherboard in question is in micro-ATX format. It is powered by a 24-pin interface. To connect the processor, you need to use an 8-pin cable. The board supports UEFI.
ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4
This ASRock mining motherboard costs $9592 on average. It has socket version AM4 and supports all Ryzen processors from AMD.
B550 Phantom Gaming 4 appearance
The motherboard is equipped with AMD B550 chipset. It has support for CrossFire X technology. BIOS type — AMI.
The B550 Phantom Gaming 4 supports up to 4 DDR4 DIMMs. The range of supported DRAM frequencies is 2133-4533 MHz. There is a memory limit of 128 gigabytes. The motherboard also supports dual-channel DRAM.
The B550 Phantom Gaming 4 supports up to 4 GPUs — 2 via PCI Express x1 and 2 via PCI-e x16.
The motherboard has an ATX type form factor. The B550 Phantom Gaming 4 is powered by a 24-pin cable. The processor can be connected via an 8-pin + 4-pin interface. The board supports UEFI.
ASUS TUF GAMING B450M-PRO II
The price of this ASUS mining motherboard is ₽9037 on average. It has an AM4 socket, which allows you to install any AMD Ryzen processors.
External view of TUF GAMING B450M-PRO II
The board is equipped with AMD’s B450 chipset and supports CrossFire X technology. AMI-type BIOS is also integrated into the motherboard.
TUF GAMING B450M-PRO II supports up to 4 sticks of 4th generation DIMM RAM. The operating frequency range is 2133-4400 MHz. The maximum RAM limit is 128 gigabytes. The board also supports parallel multi-channel DRAM operation.
The motherboard has 3 expansion slots for connecting graphics processors — 1 PCI Express x1 interface and 2 PCI-e x16 slots.
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TUF GAMING B450M-PRO II has a small size — microATX form factor. This motherboard is powered by a 24-pin interface. The CPU is connected via an 8-pin connector. There is UEFI support.
Motherboard selection tips
These components have 5 main features. The indicators of these parameters determine the capabilities of the collected farm. As a result, newbies rarely understand which motherboards to choose for mining in 2023.
No need to fully understand the technical aspects of the components. Here are 5 tips for choosing a mining motherboard:
- Socket. It is better to choose motherboards with support for the latest generations of CPUs. As of April 29, 2022, popular socket versions are LGA1200 (CPU from Intel) and AM4 (AMD).
- PCI-e. The number of these interfaces reflects the possible number of GPUs to connect. It is worth choosing motherboards for mining for 4 video cards (or more) with PCI Express at least generation 3.
0.
- DRAM. For mining, a minimum amount of 16 gigabytes of RAM is recommended. A smaller value can be bad for performance, and a larger value is meaningless (a waste of money).
- Form factor. Recommended motherboard size is ATX or large custom. It is much easier to assemble a mining rig with such a motherboard.
- Nutrition. Cryptocurrency mining puts a large electrical load on farm equipment. For this reason, it is worth choosing special motherboards for mining or simply with enhanced stable power supply.
See also
How to assemble a mining farm with your own hands
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Features of mining on iPhone (iOS)
Since the creation of the first mobile phones, the possibilities of using them have significantly…
How to connect and set up an ASIC for mining
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Summary
In a mining rig, the motherboard acts as the main intermediate link between the rest of the equipment. Without a system computer board, it is impossible to assemble a farm for the extraction of digital assets. The operating motherboard also affects the processing power of the rig. This is due to its technical capabilities, allowing the installation of certain computer components.
When choosing a motherboard for mining virtual assets, you need to pay attention to 5 main parameters:
- Socket type.
- Number and generation of integrated PCI-e slots.
- Maximum allowable amount of RAM.
- Form factor.
- Power and power stability.
FAQ
🏆 Which motherboard manufacturer is the best?
There is no definite answer. But one of the best manufacturers is ASRock. The company produces durable motherboards with powerful power.
❓ Why are special motherboards for mining better than gaming and simple ones?
The main reason is increased nutrition.