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Best AM3+ (FX/Athlon/Phenom/Sempro) mATX Motherboard(s) For Core Unlocking & Overclocking?

3K views 2 replies 1 participant last post by  RAVC 
#1 ·
It has been nearly 2 years since this was posted but, I have to reference this thread because, it features so much useful information:

http://www.overclock.net/t/1223968/best-am3-or-am3-matx-motherboard

I have similar needs to the OP for this thread in that I need the mATX too.

Strictly speaking, I need two new(er) pc's. One for a moderate HPTC (no 3d/4k TV/Blu-Ray/gaming - only need streaming, DVR/PVR and stripping commercials from anything on network TV we chose to record). In turn, I should use low TDP to meet this need and this is where the Sempron 145 comes into play. Obviously, I can do better than 45W but, the majority of the affordable embedded solutions in mITX do not feature cpu sockets (note the R-series APU looks very good to me but, cost begins climb w/these systems). The second pc needs to be a desktop small tower (i.e., hence the desire for the FX-series but, I do not know that I need to pursue the 125W cpu's - some ASUS mATX motherboards make a distinction between FX-series cpu TDP levels.). I'm using AMD because, of value and, I cannot afford most of Intel's offerings. I'm even looking at used hardware because, this is fine if the hardware is sound. At least it can be fine if seller's are honest...

One option I have found that appears to be good is a used Gigabyte GA-880GM-USB3 but, Gigabyte tells me this mATX does not support core unlocking. As you have guessed the owner tells me it does via the EasyTune BIOS. The ASUS boards the moderator referred the OP to remain readily available and appear to be quite good but, I have no experience with the. I cannot recall if AS Rock offers something useful with this feature set.

As with the referenced thread from 3/2012 I need to ask if anyone can refer me to sound mATX motherboards. However, this thread aslo informed me I need to take some additional issues into consideration to unlock core and overclock so, I would appreciate references for specific boards as well if you can make them.
 
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#2 ·
I found this thread from spring/summer 2013 a few minutes ago and find it interesting.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1374286/having-trouble-picking-an-am3-micro-atx-motherboard

The GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-USB3 AM3+ AMD 760G USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard discussed most and ultimately purchased by the OP is one of the best ones I have currently identified. The lack of USB3.0/ SATAIII does not concern me because, I do not think it will influence my usage in a negative manner. It is unfortunate the mATX product line is in this state where we can get solid over-clocking functionality or good chipsets but, not both.

I'll keep the GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-USB3 high on my list and wait to see what other responses I receive.
 
#3 ·
This is actually becoming silly. I eMailed Gigabyte Technical Support regarding AM3+ motherboards that support core unlocking and overclocking yesterday morning. I just checked my inbox and they responded last night (I'm on EST) with the following:

Dear Customer,

Unfortunately, there is no micro-ATX AM3/3+ motherboard available to support CPU core unlocking.

It is suggested to check GA-990FXA-UD3 or GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX motherboards.

Sincerely,

Tech support

GIGABYTE

What am I missing?
 
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