Compatible motherboard for CPU?

mumwithamission

Hi - my son is building his own pc, he's done lots of research but has hit a stumbling block - wondered if any knowledgeable folk out there might be able to help...?

He's going to buy an AMD FX - 6300 processor but is unsure which motherboard will support this. If you can help (or know where we can find out) please let me know.
Many thanks
Cathy

Cycrow

The CPU will list what socket type it uses, so you have to get a motherboard with the same socket type.

the FX6300, requires the AM3+ socket, so any motherboard that uses the AM3+ socket will work

Ximian

Cycrow is right, the AMD has an AM3+ chipset. Using the socket info you can then search for a compatible motherboard. I like Gigabyte motherboards and have 3 custom built PC's and the motherboards are all Gigabyte. Gigabyte has a handy website where you can search motherboards by socket type, for example this link will display all AM3+ socket motherboards: http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/list.aspx?s=42&jid=0&p=2&v=26

The more features, the higher the price usually, such as onboard sound, onboard LAN, type and number of ports (USB, HDMI for example), controller chipsets (nVidia or AMD), support for RAID etc..

Other popular motherboard manufacturers are:

ASUS: http://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/AMD_Platform_Products/

MSI: http://uk.msi.com/product/mb/#/?sk=Socket%20AM3+

Stoke

mumwithamission wrote: »

Hi - my son is building his own pc, he's done lots of research but has hit a stumbling block - wondered if any knowledgeable folk out there might be able to help...?

He's going to buy an AMD FX - 6300 processor but is unsure which motherboard will support this. If you can help (or know where we can find out) please let me know.
Many thanks
Cathy

The two posters before me are correct, but with all due respect, your son has gone at this wrong to be honest.

Most computer builders I've ever met (me included) tend to start with the motherboard first, then CPU, RAM, and really everything else is just preference.

If you start with a motherboard as your base, you can find list after list of compatible CPU's/form factors and RAM, on the internet, or in some cases on resellers sites, yet I've never seen a CPU with compatible motherboards as a list, especially as these things are often released at different times. Also, you won't find many people asking: "is my motherboard compatible with my CPU" you would say "is my CPU compatible with this motherboard". You start with the motherboard as the base in my opinion then work outwards.

Still, I applaud him for building his own machine as buying pre-built machines is an absolute con in the majority of instances. Start with a good motherboard, ASUS, Abit, MSI, Gigabyte. Try to avoid cheap motherboards makes like ASrock.

Cycrow

Stoke wrote: »

The two posters before me are correct, but with all due respect, your son has gone at this wrong to be honest.

Most computer builders I've ever met (me included) tend to start with the motherboard first, then CPU, RAM, and really everything else is just preference.

that doesn't really make much sense, you start with the 2 most important parts first, the CPU and the GPU, then you build everything else around it.

after all, whats the point of picking a motherboard, if it doesn't support the CPU you need for your requirements, or doesn't support the GPU you might need.

But it does sound like you've not actually built a PC in years. ASRock make decent motherboard, and are one of the largest motherboard manufacturer, used by many over clockers. 10 years ago when they first came out, they were cheap and crap, but not any more.
and ABit went busy years ago and haven't made motherboards for a long time

Stoke

Cycrow wrote: »

that doesn't really make much sense, you start with the 2 most important parts first, the CPU and the GPU, then you build everything else around it.

after all, whats the point of picking a motherboard, if it doesn't support the CPU you need for your requirements, or doesn't support the GPU you might need.

But it does sound like you've not actually built a PC in years. ASRock make decent motherboard, and are one of the largest motherboard manufacturer, used by many over clockers. 10 years ago when they first came out, they were cheap and crap, but not any more.
and ABit went busy years ago and haven't made motherboards for a long time

Well each to their own, but I'm going to assume that you're a gamer right? I would dispute that picking your GPU is the most important decision behind a CPU. I would rank GPU as perhaps the next most important after RAM, but with all due respect, since PCI-Express was introduced, picking graphics cards isn't anywhere near as awkward as it used to be, unless you're going for the SLI... err can't remember the ATI/AMD version name (Crossfire is it?): at which point I'd simply look at motherboards supporting those technologies and then go from there.

You'd be correct, last desktop PC I built was about 2007 before I went to University and Abit were still manufacturing at that time. I do all of my work on laptops provided by my employer, so I don't really have the time to play around with desktop machines anymore.

I had a very bad experience with ASRock, but to be fair, it was about 10-15 years ago, so perhaps you've got a point.

spud17

Nothing to really add.

With some online retailers, if you add your prospective purchase to the basket, you will see 'what others viewed' type suggestions.

Assuming relevant, this *can* throw up options, but still do your own research.

e.g. for FX- 6300 on ebuyer

http://orders.ebuyer.com/customer/shopping/index.html?action=c2hvd2NhcnQ%3D&stid=

michael243

The Motherboard should of been first, but have a look on websites such as Aria.com, Ebuyer etc

Their search functions should be able to help you

StuC75

ccl offer a gaming bundle which includes that processor..

http://www.cclonline.com/product/113486/NoMfgCode/Motherboard-Bundles/CCL-Elite-Perseus-III-Motherboard-Bundle/MBB-EL-PER3/

as does Novatech..

http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/motherboardbundles/mbb-63004a.html

and probably many other retailers - who like the above I have no connection with,..

sometimes the bundles might be cheaper than buying separate components, and know that work together...

almillar

I (and I thought everyone else) decide on the CPU first - AMD or Intel. Then you pick the model of CPU, which dictates the socket, then you'll have a number of motherboards at various prices and various features to choose from.

sillygoose

almillar wrote: »

I (and I thought everyone else) decide on the CPU first - AMD or Intel. Then you pick the model of CPU, which dictates the socket, then you'll have a number of motherboards at various prices and various features to choose from.

Thats my way too. CPU is often the most expensive component. Then you have a wide range of motherboards so I pick one with the ports and onboard stuff I want at a decent price.

One thing I did learn recently that I have not done in the past is to factor in decent CPU cooling. I have been using coolers supplied with the chips and they are rubbish! (especially on an overclocked 125 watt quad chip!)

Just changed it for a £28 Zalman Performa and its set it free, 15 degrees cooler at rest and hardly pushing 40C all cores flat out. Temperature before was frightening so I had to keep the reigns on.