New to AMD - Need an AM3 MB recommendation

[LFaWolf]

Hello everyone, I am new to the AMD arena. I currently have an Intel i7 but I am looking for a backup machine and also OC just for fun. I bought an AMD 960t at a great price and I read there is a possibility to unlock additional cores, so I want to try that as well. I know this is no guarantee as I have failed to unlock an AMD 555 before.

I am not familiar with all the new Socket AM3 AMD MB and the chipsets. One that is currently on sale and I have a coupon from Newegg is an ASUS board below. Is that good? If not, any reviews link or recommendation? Budget is under $100 and I want SATA3 6GB, USB3, and preferably eSATA as well. Thanks in advance.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=(keywords)&Page=1

 

[LFaWolf]

The ASUS MB link. I can get it for $75 after rebate.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-131-651&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=100&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1

 

[totalknowledge]

All depends on what you are looking for... There are a handful of AM3+ mb's in that range which would let you grab a new chip at some point in the future. The FX series may not excite you, but the next (piledriver) chips might be a tad more fun.

I would stick with ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, and/or MSI though.

 

[LFaWolf]

I am totally not impressed with the bulldozer CPUs. I seldom buy to future proof any CPU upgrade because by then, newer and better MBs (such as PCIe3) would be out and I would just sell the MB+CPU setup. So unless the AM3+ MB costs the same as AM3, AM3 works just fine for me. Anyone know of a good and stable AM3 or AM3+ MB that is great at unlocking extra cores of 960t and costs under $100?

 

[shyyk]

Hmm... If you wouldn't mind going a bit over budget, I have an asrock 970 extreme3 and although I have not gotten into core unlocking, the mobo is supposed to be equipped with core unlockers and many more features. There are also some cheaper extreme3 boards that may be good, but in have not tried them.

 

[LFaWolf]

Interesting. This board is within my budget has good reviews and someone unlocked 960t with it. I will dig deeper. thanks!

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280

 

[totalknowledge]

Good selection

 

[LFaWolf]

Best answer selected by LfaWolf.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr