Best AM3+ Motherboards in 2024

The AM3+ socket is basically the upgraded version of AM3; it’s what you’ll find in a ton of high-end CPUs these days. Rocking a 942 pin count and a slightly longer diameter, it’s got some nice improvements under the hood. This socket was made specifically for AMD’s Bulldozer chips but is also backwards compatible with older AM3 processors. On top of tweaking the physical connections, the manufacturers optimized it with a bunch of other changes to boost overall performance, compatibility, and power delivery to the CPU. All that technical mumbo-jumbo basically means your components can really sing together.

So if you’re looking to get true next-level gaming or creative work done, you’ll want the best AM3+ motherboard to unleash the full potential of your system. After all, the mobo acts as the backbone—it’s the heart of your rig. You ain’t going to get that buttery-smooth experience you’re after without pairing it with a top-notch motherboard. That’s why our team of tech heads spent hours testing tons of AM3+ boards to find the absolute cream of the crop. Stick around to the end to learn all about which one we think is ideal for your setup. This post is a must-read if you want to up your game.

Quick Shopping Tips:

In these days, AM3+ motherboards come packed with so many features, specs, and technical terms that it can feel overwhelming trying to pick one out! That’s why we narrowed down the most important stuff to focus on. Things like expansion slots, memory support, and overclocking capabilities—that’s the kind of stuff that really separates the contenders from the pretenders. Having these top criteria handy will make narrowing down your options way easier. Honestly, trying to remember all the details off the top of your head while browsing products just ain’t realistic. That’s where this guide comes in handy! We’ve got the lowdown on the essential stuff printed out nice and neat for you.

Now, whenever you start your mobo research, just pull up these key factors. Bam, you’ve got an instant, quick reference to see how each board stacks up. No more hunting all over the place to compare specs. It really takes the sweat out of shopping when you’ve got the must-haves laid out clearly like this. Save it for easy access on your phone or desktop too. That way, you’ve always got the inside scoop close at hand.

Memory and Frequency: When picking out your mobo, one thing you have to pay attention to is the memory situation. How much RAM can it handle? These days, you’ll really want at least 64GB if you’re serious about gaming or content creation. Don’t forget to check the supported memory speeds too. Higher frequencies mean better performance, so make sure the board you’re eyeing has some headroom in that department. No use capping out your components, right? Plus, frequencies have to jive with the rest of your rig. If the CPU, RAM, and mobo aren’t on the same page speed-wise, things won’t mesh as well as they could. You want everything to operate in perfect harmony.

So do your homework on the maximum memory capacity and rated speeds. Match that up to your needs and system specs. As long as there’s enough juice under the hood, RAM-wise, you’re golden. That’ll ensure buttery-smooth performance from your whole machine. Memory capabilities are no small detail. Take the time to examine that piece of the puzzle before committing to a new mobo. It’s all about the symbiosis in your build, y’all!

CPU compatibility and socket: Man, picking out a motherboard is tricky; you really want to avoid ending up with one that won’t work well with your CPU and the rest of the system. Compatibility is so important, both in terms of how all the pieces actually connect together physically and how well they’ll perform once assembled. Definitely double-check that the CPU socket matches what your chip supports. In this case, make sure it’s got the AM3+ socket. And pay attention to the data transfer speed too; you’ll want good throughput between the motherboard and CPU so everything can communicate efficiently.

I know sometimes you can force incompatible parts to fit using converters or whatever. But honestly, is it really worth the hassle compared to just getting components that were designed to work seamlessly together? You’ll end up with a much smoother experience if you take the time to pair up parts that are truly compatible up front.

No need to settle for a half-baked setup that may have issues down the road. Do your research on sockets and specs so you can plug all the pieces in without a hitch. It’ll save you headaches to start with a rock-solid foundation of a motherboard and CPU that are a perfect match for each other.

Cooling: Any serious gamer knows how important cooling is when you’re pushing your rig to the limit with intensive games. Keeping everything running smoothly without overheating is so key for both longevity and performance. The motherboard is really taking the brunt of handling all those important processes, so you wanna make sure it stays as cool as possible. There are tons of cooling solutions out there these days – different fans, thermal pads, you name it. One thing I’d look out for is FanXpert tech. It automatically controls your fans based on temperature readings so your mobo never gets too toasty. Makes things run super chill no matter how graphically demanding the game.

Personally, I’m a big fan of anything that helps avoid unnecessary heat-ups. It might be worth springing for an even more advanced cooling setup too, if your budget allows. At the end of the day, keeping all your components from frying is totally worth it to maximize the life of such an expensive build. Stay cool, friends! When picking parts for your new PC, it’s easy to obsess over things like CPUs, GPUs, and RAM. But don’t overlook the importance of connectivity on your motherboard! A solid foundation ties everything together. Take a minute to think about how many peripherals you need to plug in. Count your USB devices, hard drives, expansion cards, etc. That gives you an idea of how many USB ports, SATA connectors, and PCIe slots are required. 

Future proof when possible too! Wireless connectivity matters as well these days. Do you plan to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth instead of stringing Ethernet cables everywhere? Make sure to get a motherboard with those built-in if going the wireless route. It’s no fun getting everything assembled only to lack sufficient ports for the gear you need to attach. And even less fun is needing dongles to add wireless functionality to your motherboard. Pick smartly when selecting an AMD or Intel motherboard so connectivity isn’t an issue down the road.

The Best AM3+ Motherboard List

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ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX Professional

Best Compact AM3+ Motherboard

Brand: ASRock | Series: Fatal1ty | Chipset: Northbridge: AMD 990FX, Southbridge: AMD SB950 | Socket: AM3, AM3+ | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4 DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR3 | Memory Speed: 2100MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0 

REASONS TO BUY

✓Good stock efficiency

✓Excellent performance

✓Attractive design

✓Affordable

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Unimpressive overclocking

ASRock has been killing it in the motherboard game for decades now. They know what’s up when it comes to crafting awesome mobos. Check out the ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX; this thing came out over 10 years ago and can still hold its own today. Pair it with something beefy, like an AMD FX-8150 CPU, and you’ll unlock its true overclocking potential. It’ll really push your rig to the max for the best competitive performance. A total blast from the past! Under the hood, it’s rocking dual chipsets for maximum power. Stick in up to 64GB of RAM running at a sweet 2100MHz too. Port-wise, four USB 3.0s (two front and two back) plus gigabit Ethernet for speedy networking. Audio is also primo with 7.1 channel support. The only downside is no WiFi.

ASRock really went all out on this bad boy’s power delivery and cooling too. The Digi Power technology ensures buttery-smooth power at all times, especially when overclocking. Massive heatsinks keep everything running as cool as a cucumber. Overall, mad props to ASRock for cramming this much awesomeness into a little AM3+ board. Their red and black aesthetic is a chef’s kiss too. You’d be silly not to consider this legendary mobo for epic vintage speeds.

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ASUS TUF SABERTOOTH 990FX

Best Overall AM3+ Motherboard

Brand: ASUS | Series: TUF | Chipset: AMD 990FX/SB950 | Socket: AM3+ | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4 DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 1866MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0 

REASONS TO BUY

✓TUF components

✓More than enough expansion slots

✓Efficient cooling system

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Only one graphics card connector

The ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX is a beast of a mobo from their legendary TUF series. It supports a ton of CPUs, like the FX, Phenom II, and more, just like the Gigabyte board we looked at earlier. Under the hood, it’s got an AMD 990FX + SB950 chipset clocking in at a sweet 2.666GHz to keep everything zipping along. The standard ATX size makes it a great fit too. Specs-wise, it really does it all. Three PCIe 2.0 x16 slots plus an x16/x4 and x1 too for maximum expandability. Killer onboard audio with the ALC892 chip. ASUS’s DIGI+ power and other features keep voltages steady.

Cooling is no joke either, with a 50% larger ceramic-coated heatsink and auto-adjusting fans based on temperature readings from the TUF Thermal Radar. ASUS really went all-out here. With top-tier performance, versatility, and cooling on deck, it’s easy to see why this one stakes its claim as the best overall AM3+ option. ASUS struck gold with this legendary TUF mobo—an absolute must-consider.

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ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z

Best Budget AM3+ Motherboard

Brand: ASUS | Series: Crosshair | Chipset: AMD 990FX | Socket: AM3+ | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4 DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 32GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2400MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 8 SATA 3.0 

REASONS TO BUY

✓8x SATA3 pins

✓Provides good overclocking

✓Dual-channel memory

✓Cheap AM3+ motherboard

REASONS TO AVOID

✗No ECC support

The ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z comes in hot at #2 thanks to its loaded specs and features. You get four slots for a beefy 32GB of DDR3 RAM clocking up to 2.4GHz—plenty fast. Dual-channel is where it’s at over single for performance. And with the 990FX chip, it can handle AMD’s beefy Bulldozer architecture with no problem. Power delivery is no joke either; 8+2 phases and a 2-phase RAM design mean battery smooth voltages. ASUS really dialed in the digital/analog balancing act here.

Expansion is on point too, with 3 PCIe x16, 1 x16/x4, and 2 x1 slots. There are way more than enough ports for your needs. SATA speeds are no slouch either now with 8x SATA3. Rip-roarin’ fast storage for excellent loading. Then there’s ASUS’s legendary overclocking prowess—extremely stable with serious headroom. Turbo EVO takes it to the max. With top-shelf performance, power delivery, and expansion options, it’s easy to see why this board is still kicking tail among AM3+ domination. ASUS really nailed it here.

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ASUS M5A78L-M Plus

Best Cheap AM3+ Gaming Motherboard

Brand: ASUS | Series: Unknown | Chipset: AMD 760G (780L)/SB710 | Socket: AM3+ | Form Factor: micro ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4 DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 32GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2000MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0 

REASONS TO BUY

✓MicroATX form factor

✓Affordable

✓Excellent Audio quality

REASONS TO AVOID

✗No documentation in packaging

The ASUS M5A78L-M Plus came out swinging back in 2018 to compete with other budget-friendly AM3+ boards. It supports a bunch of AMD’s FX, Phenom, and Athlon CPUs to level up your gaming rig on a dime. You get four slots for a maximum of 64GB of DDR3 memory clocked up to 1.866GHz with FX chips or 1.066GHz with 100/200 series chips. More than enough horsepower for any game. Expansion is on point too, with PCIe x16, x1, and a legacy PCI slot. Plus, six SATA3 ports mean blazing-fast SSD speeds. Eight USB 2.0/1.1 ports, front and back, make hooking up easy.

Keeping things compact is the microATX form factor for smaller cases. Clear HD audio is key for gamers too; the Realtek ALC887/897 gets you there with audio shielding technology on deck. Cooling stays on point as well with the “Cool n’ Quiet” tech to keep components cool and whisper quiet. And an updated 4-engine power saver mode keeps temperature and electricity costs down. With all this power and features on a budget, it’s easy to see why this ASUS board slays the competition. Excellent value for any AMD gaming rig.

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ASRock 970M Pro3

Best MicroATX AM3+ Motherboard

Brand: ASRock | Series: Pro | Chipset: Northbridge: AMD 970, Southbridge: AMD SB950| Socket: AM3/AM3+ | Form Factor: micro ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4 DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 64GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2400+ MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0 

REASONS TO BUY

✓Pure black PCB appearance

✓6x SATA3 pins

✓Solid Capacitor for longer life span

✓Enough memory of 64 GB

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Maybe less durable

✗No onboard video chipset

The ASRock 970M Pro3 is a serious little mobo packed with power without breaking the bank. With AMD’s 9070/SB950 under the hood, it supports tons of AM3 and AM3+ CPUs. Memory is key; this handles a generous 64GB of dual-channel DDR3 across four slots. Micro ATX size makes for a sleek build too, just like the Gigabyte we looked at earlier. Expansion is on point with 2 PCIe x16, 1 x1, and 1 regular PCI slot. Future-proof ports like 2 USB 3.0 plus a boatload of USB 2.0/audio give you tons of connectivity.

BIOS is easy to use with 32MB of UEFI awesomeness. 7.1-channel HD audio with the ALC892 keeps your games sounding crispy. Rugged solid capacitors mean long-lasting reliability. Plus, 6 SATA3 ports and 24-pin power—essentials are fully covered. And that pure black PCB with accents is just plain sexy. What a gorgeous, feature-packed board for the money. ASRock knocked it out of the park here.

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GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3

Best gaming AM3+ Motherboard

Brand: Gigabyte | Series: Unknown | Chipset: Northbridge: AMD 970, Southbridge: AMD SB950 | Socket: AM3/AM3+ | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4x 1.5V DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 32GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2000MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0 

REASONS TO BUY

✓Enough SATA 6Gb/s pins

✓Adequate expansion slots

✓Multi-display support up to 2 VGA cards

REASONS TO AVOID

✗No onboard video chipset

The GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 is built for next-level AMD gaming with its 333 onboard tech-boosting speeds. It supports all the top FX, Phenom, and Athlon CPUs via the 970/SB950 chipsets. The 2.4GHz FSB helps everything talk fast. Get your RAM, storage, and goodies loaded up across four slots of DDR3 memory. Expansion is on point with 2 PCIe x16/x4, 3 x1 slots, and 2 legacy PCI slots. Six SATA 6GB/s ports give you loads of storage options.

Clear HD audio is key, and the ALC889 chip delivers with 8 channels of sweet tunes. The standard ATX size fits most cases too. BIOS brings the graphics with a 32-bit dual-color interface. Dual GPU support lets you run Crossfire at double the speed. Killer ethernet keeps online play buttery. Rear IO covers all bases, from Ethernet to USB and audio jacks. Multi-monitor gaming is no problem either. Overall, this GIGABYTE board is packed with powerups for a high-octane AMD gaming experience. Outstanding choice.

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ASUS M5A97 R2.0

Best Mid-range AM3+ Motherboard

Brand: ASUS | Series: Unknown | Chipset: Northbridge: AMD 970, Southbridge: AMD SB950 | Socket: AM3/AM3+ | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4 DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 32GB DDR4 | Memory Speed: 2133MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0

REASONS TO BUY

✓Affordable

✓Enough ports for connectivity purposes

✓Adequate SATA ports

REASONS TO AVOID

✗No integrated Graphics card

The ASUS M5A97 is a superb mid-range AM3+ board that delivers excellent all-around performance without breaking the bank. As one of the best mid-tier options, it supports the advanced 9-series chipsets: the 970 handles CPU and RAM duties on the northbridge, while the SB950 controls peripherals on the southbridge. Memory-wise, you get four slots supporting up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM clocked up to 1.333GHz. Power delivery comes from a 6+2 phase design with additional phases for the NB and memory. The expansion includes two PCIe x16 slots, two PCIe x1, and, notably, two legacy PCI slots for older devices. Storage is covered by six SATA6 ports as well as external SATA3 ports at the front panel.

Port selection is top-notch with 14 USB 2.0 (8 rear, 6 front), four USB 3.0 (2/2 split), plus SATA and clear onboard audio driven by the ALC892 codec. While it may not be the fastest board out there, if you need a reliable system for regular tasks without breaking the bank, this ASUS motherboard is a stellar value choice. You get strong mid-range performance at an affordable price.

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Gigabyte 78LMT-USB3 R2

Best Flagship AM3+ Motherboard

Brand: Gigabyte | Series: Unknown | Chipset: Northbridge: AMD 760G, Southbridge: AMD SB710 | Socket: AM3, AM3+ | Form Factor: micro ATX | Memory Architecture: Dual-channel | Memory Slots: 4 DDR3 DIMMs | Memory Size: 32GB DDR3 | Memory Speed: 1600MHz DDR3 | Onboard WiFi: Not available | SATA ports: 6 SATA 3.0 

REASONS TO BUY

✓Affordable

✓Excellent Audio quality

✓Has 4+1 phase power design

✓Good connectivity options

REASONS TO AVOID

✗Doesn’t have SATA3

The Gigabyte 78LMT-USB3 R2 is a solid budget board using the lower-end 760G chipset to support AMD’s FX, Athlon, and Phenom CPUs. While it lacks some of the top features of pricier 990FX boards, don’t let that fool you. You actually get an onboard Radeon GPU, which is sweet for a mobo at this price. It’s not meant for hardcore gaming, but it’ll handle regular use with no problem. Memory is covered by four DDR3 slots that can each hold up to 8GB of RAM. Past versions showed the 760G chip handling 4GB at 1.6GHz just fine.

External storage is fast too with USB 3.0, not something you usually see on super affordable boards. The expansion is fair: one PCIe x16, one x1, and a legacy PCI slot. SATA2 ports outnumber SATA3, but six drives is plenty for HDDs, if not SSDs. Multi-monitor support means you can game in style with HDMI, VGA, and DVI-D outputs. Overall, this gigabyte board delivers amazing value for casual and everyday computing on a tight budget. It punches above its weight class.

Conclusion

There are definitely a ton of great options out there when it comes to picking the best AM3+ motherboard. We tried our best to give you genuinely helpful reviews on all these boards so you can make an informed decision. We focused on boards that deliver killer value without breaking the bank. But they also considered higher-end boards for those willing to spend a bit more. Something for everyone! If you need boatloads of RAM, the ASUS Crosshair, MSI 970, ASUS M5A97, and GIGABYTE GA-970A knock it out of the park with 32GB support.

ASUS’ legendary TUF series is known for rugged builds that last forever too. And the ASRock 970M Pro3 is a beast at handling heat in tight spaces. Or if compact size is key, check out the ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX. It packs a punch in a smaller frame. No matter your needs, we’ve got you covered. But feel free to hit us up if you have any other questions; we’re here to help guide you to the perfect AM3+ mobo! Just don’t forget to consider the whole list.