Unleash Your PC's Potential with the Best AM3+ Motherboards of 2021

...

Discover the best AM3+ motherboard for your gaming or professional needs. Top quality performance, durability and compatibility at your fingertips!


Choosing the best AM3+ motherboard can be a daunting task, considering the number of options available in the market. However, investing in the right motherboard is crucial for your PC's performance and longevity. The ideal AM3+ motherboard should offer excellent support for the latest AMD processors, overclocking capabilities, expandability options, and reliable stability. In this article, we have curated the top ten best AM3+ motherboards to help you make an informed decision.

First on our list is the ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0. This motherboard boasts an impressive 990FX chipset, which provides excellent support for AMD's top-end FX processors. It also features TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) and Energy Processing Unit (EPU) for easy overclocking and power management. The ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 also comes with five PCI-E 2.0 x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports up to 32GB DDR3 RAM, making it ideal for high-end gaming or workstation builds.

The MSI 970 Gaming motherboard is another excellent option for those looking for a budget-friendly AM3+ motherboard without compromising on performance. It features an AMD 970 chipset that supports AMD FX, Phenom II, and Athlon II processors. The motherboard also supports NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire technologies for multi-GPU setups and comes with Military Class 4 components for increased reliability and durability.

If you're looking for a feature-rich motherboard that provides exceptional performance, then the ASRock 990FX Extreme9 is worth considering. It features an AMD 990FX chipset, which supports AMD FX processors, and comes with eight SATA3 ports and four USB 3.0 ports. The ASRock 990FX Extreme9 also boasts a premium 12+2 power phase design for stable overclocking and supports up to 64GB DDR3 RAM.

The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 is another popular AM3+ motherboard known for its excellent performance and affordability. It features an AMD 990FX chipset and supports AMD FX processors, along with AMD Crossfire and NVIDIA SLI technologies for multi-GPU setups. The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 also comes with four PCI-E 2.0 x16 slots, two PCI-E 2.0 x1 slots, and two PCI slots for expandability options.

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 is a premium AM3+ motherboard that offers exceptional durability and stability. It features an AMD 990FX chipset and comes with TUF components and thermal radar technology for improved cooling and reliability. The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 also supports up to 32GB DDR3 RAM and features six SATA3 ports and four USB 3.0 ports.

The ASRock 970 Extreme4 is a budget-friendly AM3+ motherboard that offers excellent performance and expandability options. It features an AMD 970 chipset and supports AMD FX, Phenom II, and Athlon II processors. The ASRock 970 Extreme4 also comes with four PCI-E 2.0 x16 slots and supports up to 64GB DDR3 RAM.

The MSI 990FXA Gaming motherboard is an excellent option for gamers looking for a high-performance AM3+ motherboard. It features an AMD 990FX chipset and supports AMD FX processors and NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire technologies for multi-GPU setups. The MSI 990FXA Gaming also comes with eight SATA3 ports and four USB 3.0 ports for expandability options.

The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5 is a premium AM3+ motherboard known for its excellent performance and reliability. It features an AMD 990FX chipset and supports AMD FX processors, along with NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire technologies for multi-GPU setups. The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5 also comes with eight SATA3 ports and four USB 3.0 ports for expandability options.

The ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z is a high-end AM3+ motherboard that offers exceptional performance and overclocking capabilities. It features an AMD 990FX chipset and comes with ROG Connect technology for easy system monitoring and control. The ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z also supports up to 32GB DDR3 RAM and features six SATA3 ports and four USB 3.0 ports.

Last but not least, the ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX Killer is a gaming-oriented AM3+ motherboard that provides excellent performance and expandability options. It features an AMD 990FX chipset and supports AMD FX processors, along with AMD Crossfire and NVIDIA SLI technologies for multi-GPU setups. The ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX Killer also comes with eight SATA3 ports and four USB 3.0 ports.

In conclusion, choosing the best AM3+ motherboard depends on your specific needs and budget. However, by considering factors such as processor support, expandability options, overclocking capabilities, and stability, you can make an informed decision. The above ten motherboards are some of the best options available in the market, and we hope this article helps you choose the right motherboard for your PC build.


Introduction

When it comes to building a high-performance computer, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. The motherboard acts as the backbone of your computer and determines the compatibility, performance, and efficiency of your system. For AMD processors, the AM3+ socket is a popular choice that offers a balance between price and performance. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best AM3+ motherboards available in the market.

ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0

The ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 is one of the most popular AM3+ motherboards among gamers and enthusiasts. It features an AMD 990FX/SB950 chipset, which supports up to 32GB of DDR3 memory and multiple GPUs in CrossFireX or SLI configurations. The board also comes with advanced features such as UEFI BIOS, ASUS AI Suite II, and Fan Xpert 2, which allow for easy overclocking and system tuning.

Design and Layout

The ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 has a sleek and sturdy design with a black PCB and blue accents. The board features six SATA 6Gbps ports, four USB 3.0 ports, and eight USB 2.0 ports. The layout is well-organized, with all the connectors and headers easily accessible. The board also has a large heatsink that covers the VRM and Northbridge, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.

Performance and Overclocking

The ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 is known for its excellent performance and overclocking capabilities. The board has a robust power delivery system that can handle high-end CPUs and GPUs without any issues. The UEFI BIOS is user-friendly and allows for easy tweaking of voltages and frequencies. The Fan Xpert 2 software enables users to adjust fan speeds to optimize cooling and noise levels.

Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 R5

The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 R5 is another popular AM3+ motherboard that offers a good balance of features and price. It features an AMD 990FX/SB950 chipset, which supports up to 32GB of DDR3 memory and multiple GPUs in CrossFireX or SLI configurations. The board also comes with advanced features such as UEFI BIOS, DualBIOS, and EasyTune, which allow for easy overclocking and system tuning.

Design and Layout

The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 R5 has a simple and functional design with a black PCB and blue accents. The board features six SATA 6Gbps ports, four USB 3.0 ports, and ten USB 2.0 ports. The layout is well-organized, with all the connectors and headers easily accessible. The board also has a large heatsink that covers the VRM and Northbridge, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.

Performance and Overclocking

The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 R5 is known for its stable performance and overclocking capabilities. The board has a 10-phase power delivery system that can handle high-end CPUs and GPUs without any issues. The UEFI BIOS is intuitive and allows for easy tweaking of voltages and frequencies. The EasyTune software enables users to adjust fan speeds and monitor system temperatures in real-time.

ASRock 970A-G/3.1

The ASRock 970A-G/3.1 is a budget-friendly AM3+ motherboard that offers good value for money. It features an AMD 970/SB950 chipset, which supports up to 64GB of DDR3 memory and multiple GPUs in CrossFireX or SLI configurations. The board also comes with basic features such as UEFI BIOS, ASRock A-Tuning, and XFast LAN, which allow for easy system tuning and network optimization.

Design and Layout

The ASRock 970A-G/3.1 has a simple and plain design with a black PCB and white accents. The board features six SATA 6Gbps ports, two USB 3.1 ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. The layout is well-organized, with all the connectors and headers easily accessible. The board also has a small heatsink that covers the VRM, which may not be sufficient for heavy overclocking.

Performance and Overclocking

The ASRock 970A-G/3.1 offers decent performance and overclocking capabilities for its price range. The board has a 6+2 phase power delivery system that can handle mid-range CPUs and GPUs without any issues. The UEFI BIOS is straightforward and allows for basic tweaking of voltages and frequencies. The ASRock A-Tuning software enables users to adjust fan speeds and monitor system temperatures in real-time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right AM3+ motherboard can be a daunting task, given the wide range of options available in the market. However, by considering factors such as design, layout, performance, and overclocking capabilities, you can narrow down your choices to a few good options. The ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 R5, and ASRock 970A-G/3.1 are some of the best AM3+ motherboards available in the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and specific requirements, but any of these motherboards will serve as a solid foundation for your AMD-based system.

Introduction to AM3+ Motherboards

When it comes to building a gaming or high-performance PC, the motherboard is one of the most important components. It serves as the backbone of the system, connecting all the other components together, including the CPU, memory, storage, and graphics card. If you're looking to build a PC with an AMD processor, the AM3+ socket is the way to go. This socket has been around for quite some time now, and there are still plenty of great options available for those looking to build a powerful system. In this article, we'll be taking a closer look at the best AM3+ motherboards on the market today, categorized by their specific features and use cases.

Top AM3+ Motherboards for Gaming

For gamers, having a reliable and high-performance motherboard is crucial. The following AM3+ motherboards are some of the best options available for gaming:

1. ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z

The ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z is a high-end motherboard that's packed with features for gamers. It supports AMD's FX processors and features the 990FX chipset, which provides plenty of bandwidth for multiple graphics cards and fast storage. The motherboard also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to your home network and peripherals. Additionally, the Crosshair V Formula-Z has advanced overclocking features, allowing you to push your CPU and memory to their limits.

2. Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7

The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 is another excellent choice for gamers. It features the same 990FX chipset as the ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z, but with a more affordable price tag. The motherboard supports AMD's FX processors and has four PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards. It also has advanced overclocking features and a high-quality audio chipset for immersive gaming experiences.

Best Budget AM3+ Motherboards

If you're on a budget, there are still plenty of great AM3+ motherboards available that won't break the bank. Here are some of the best options:

1. MSI 970 Gaming

The MSI 970 Gaming is a great budget option for those looking to build a gaming PC. It features the 970 chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has two PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports fast storage options like M.2 and SATA Express. Additionally, the MSI 970 Gaming has a high-quality audio chipset and advanced overclocking features.

2. ASUS M5A97 R2.0

The ASUS M5A97 R2.0 is another excellent budget AM3+ motherboard. It features the 970 chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has four DIMM slots for up to 32GB of memory and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s. Additionally, the ASUS M5A97 R2.0 has ASUS' AI Suite II software, which provides advanced overclocking and fan control features.

AM3+ Motherboards with High Overclocking Potential

For those looking to push their system to its limits, having a motherboard with advanced overclocking features is crucial. The following AM3+ motherboards are some of the best options for overclockers:

1. ASRock 990FX Extreme9

The ASRock 990FX Extreme9 is a high-end AM3+ motherboard that's built for overclocking. It features the 990FX chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has advanced overclocking features, including ASRock's UEFI BIOS with Easy Mode and Advanced Mode, and a dedicated OC DNA button for easy overclocking profiles. Additionally, the ASRock 990FX Extreme9 has four PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA.

2. ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0

The ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 is another great option for overclockers. It features the 990FX chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has advanced overclocking features, including ASUS' AI Suite II software and a dedicated TPU switch for easy overclocking. Additionally, the ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 has four PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA.

Feature-Rich AM3+ Motherboards for Enthusiasts

For enthusiasts who want a motherboard that's packed with features, the following AM3+ motherboards are some of the best options available:

1. Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3

The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 is a great option for enthusiasts who want a feature-rich motherboard without breaking the bank. It features the 990FX chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has four PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA. Additionally, the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 has advanced overclocking features and Gigabyte's Ultra Durable 4 technology for enhanced durability and stability.

2. ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z

As mentioned earlier, the ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z is a high-end AM3+ motherboard that's packed with features. In addition to its advanced overclocking features and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, the motherboard also has eight SATA 6Gb/s ports, two USB 3.0 headers, and a dedicated audio chipset with SupremeFX III technology for high-quality sound.

Best AM3+ Motherboards for Multitasking

For those who use their PC for more than just gaming, having a motherboard that supports multitasking is important. The following AM3+ motherboards are some of the best options for multitaskers:

1. ASRock 970 Performance

The ASRock 970 Performance is a great option for multitaskers. It features the 970 chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has four DIMM slots for up to 32GB of memory and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and M.2. Additionally, the ASRock 970 Performance has advanced networking features, including dual LAN ports and support for teaming, which allows you to combine multiple network connections for faster speeds.

2. ASUS M5A99FX Pro R2.0

The ASUS M5A99FX Pro R2.0 is another great option for multitaskers. It features the 990FX chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has four DIMM slots for up to 32GB of memory and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA. Additionally, the ASUS M5A99FX Pro R2.0 has advanced networking features, including dual LAN ports and support for teaming.

AM3+ Motherboards with Multiple Graphics Card Support

For gamers and professionals who need multiple graphics cards, having a motherboard that supports them is crucial. The following AM3+ motherboards are some of the best options for multiple graphics card setups:

1. Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7

As mentioned earlier, the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 is an excellent option for gamers. It features the 990FX chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has four PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA. Additionally, the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 has advanced overclocking features and a high-quality audio chipset for immersive gaming experiences.

2. ASRock 990FX Extreme9

As mentioned earlier, the ASRock 990FX Extreme9 is a great option for overclockers. In addition to its advanced overclocking features, the motherboard also has four PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA. Additionally, the ASRock 990FX Extreme9 has advanced networking features, including dual LAN ports and support for teaming.

Compact AM3+ Motherboards for Small Form Factor Builds

For those who want to build a small form factor PC, having a compact motherboard is crucial. The following AM3+ motherboards are some of the best options for small form factor builds:

1. ASRock 970M Pro3

The ASRock 970M Pro3 is a great option for small form factor builds. It features the 970 chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has two DIMM slots for up to 16GB of memory and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and M.2. Additionally, the ASRock 970M Pro3 has advanced overclocking features and a high-quality audio chipset.

2. ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3

The ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 is another great option for small form factor builds. It features the 760G chipset and supports AMD's FX processors. The motherboard has two DIMM slots for up to 16GB of memory and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA. Additionally, the ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 has advanced networking features, including Gigabit LAN and support for Wake-on-LAN.

Best AM3+ Motherboards for Virtualization

For those who need to run virtual machines, having a motherboard that supports virtualization is important. The following AM3+ motherboards are some of the best options for virtualization:

1. ASUS M5A99FX Pro R2.0

As mentioned earlier, the ASUS M5A99FX Pro R2.0 is a great option for multitaskers. In addition to its advanced networking features, the motherboard also supports AMD's virtualization technology, which allows you to run multiple operating systems on your PC at the same time. The ASUS M5A99FX Pro R2.0 also has advanced overclocking features and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA.

2. ASRock 990FX Extreme9

As mentioned earlier, the ASRock 990FX Extreme9 is a great option for overclockers. In addition to its advanced overclocking features, the motherboard also supports AMD's virtualization technology. The ASRock 990FX Extreme9 has four PCI-E x16 slots for multiple graphics cards and supports fast storage options like SATA 6Gb/s and eSATA.

AM3+ Motherboards with Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth

For those who want the convenience of built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, there are a few AM3+ motherboards available that offer these features:

1. ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z

As mentioned earlier, the ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z is a high-end AM3+ motherboard that's packed with features. In addition to its advanced overclocking features, the motherboard also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to your home network and peripherals.

2. ASRock 990FX Extreme9

As mentioned earlier, the ASRock 990FX Extreme9 is a great option for overclockers. In addition to its advanced overclocking features, the motherboard also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to your home network and peripherals. The ASRock 990FX Extreme9 also has advanced networking features, including dual LAN ports and support for teaming.

Conclusion

When it comes to building a powerful PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. The AM3+ socket has been around for quite some time now, and there are still plenty of great options available for those looking to build a high-performance system. Whether you're a gamer, overclocker, multitasker, or virtualization enthusiast, there's an AM3+ motherboard out there that's perfect for your needs. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best AM3+ motherboard for your next build.


The Best AM3+ Motherboard: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

When it comes to building a high-performance computer, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. For AMD processors, the AM3+ socket is still relevant today. In this article, we will be discussing the best AM3+ motherboard, its pros and cons, and a table comparison.

The Best AM3+ Motherboard

The ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z is widely regarded as the best AM3+ motherboard available on the market today. This motherboard has an impressive array of features and specifications that make it stand out from the rest. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Supports AMD FX/Phenom II/Athlon II/Sempron 100 Series Processors
  • Comes with 8+2 Digital Power Phase Design
  • ROG Connect - Plug and Overclock - Tweak It the Hardcore Way!
  • Sonic Radar ll: Scan and detect to dominate
  • SupremeFX III - Supreme Sound
  • GameFirst II / Intel Gb LAN – Frag Without Lag
  • USB BIOS Flashback - Simple Plug & Press - Hardware-based BIOS Flashback

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other AM3+ motherboards
  • Does not support DDR4 RAM
  • No built-in Wi-Fi
  • Does not support M.2 NVMe SSDs

Table Comparison

Here is a table comparison of the ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z and two other popular AM3+ motherboards, the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 and the ASRock 970A-G/3.1:
Features ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ASRock 970A-G/3.1
Socket Type AM3+ AM3+ AM3+
Max RAM support 32GB DDR3 32GB DDR3 64GB DDR3
PCIe x16 slots 4 4 2
SATA III ports 6 6 6
USB 3.0 ports 10 4 4
Price $250 $120 $80

Conclusion

The ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z is undoubtedly the best AM3+ motherboard available today, with its impressive features and specifications. However, it may not be the best option for those on a budget. It's important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing the right AM3+ motherboard for your build.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read this article on the best AM3+ motherboards. We hope that we have provided you with enough information to make an informed decision on which motherboard would be best suited for your needs.In conclusion, the AM3+ platform is still a viable option for those looking to build a powerful desktop computer. With its compatibility with older processors and high-end features, it is still a popular choice among gamers and professionals alike.When choosing the best AM3+ motherboard, there are several factors to consider, such as the number of expansion slots, the type of RAM supported, and the number of USB ports available. It is also important to consider the brand reputation and customer support when making your decision.We have covered some of the top AM3+ motherboards available on the market today. These motherboards offer a range of features to meet the needs of different users, from gamers to content creators.One of the standout motherboards in our list is the ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z. This motherboard offers excellent performance and overclocking capabilities, making it a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts. The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5 is another great option, with its robust construction and support for multiple GPUs.For those on a budget, the MSI 970 Gaming motherboard offers a great balance between price and performance. It offers a range of features, including support for multiple GPUs and DDR3 memory.In conclusion, the best AM3+ motherboard for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget. We hope that this article has helped you in making an informed decision on which motherboard to choose.Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in building your dream desktop computer!

People Also Ask About Best AM3+ Motherboard

What is an AM3+ motherboard?

An AM3+ motherboard is a motherboard that supports AMD's AM3+ processors. These processors are designed for high-performance computing and gaming applications.

What should I look for in an AM3+ motherboard?

When looking for an AM3+ motherboard, you should consider factors such as the number of PCI-E slots, RAM capacity, and the type of chipset used. You should also consider the motherboard's compatibility with your existing hardware and its overall build quality.

What are some of the best AM3+ motherboards on the market?

There are several AM3+ motherboards on the market that are considered to be among the best, including:

  1. ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z - This is a high-end motherboard that offers excellent overclocking capabilities and features.
  2. Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5 - This motherboard is known for its durability and reliability, making it a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts.
  3. MSI 970 Gaming - This motherboard is designed to offer excellent gaming performance and features, including support for multiple graphics cards.

What makes these motherboards stand out?

These motherboards stand out because they offer a range of advanced features, including support for multiple graphics cards, high-speed RAM, and overclocking capabilities. They are also designed to be durable and reliable, making them a good choice for gamers and enthusiasts who demand high performance from their hardware.