[PsycoCarrot]

Hello everyone. Whilst looking at the MicroCenter website for deals to help my friend upgrade his CPU/Mobo/GPU, I came across the 965Be for $80. From what I have seen here, this chip is still very respectable with 3.4ghz on 4 cores. My current CPU is 2 cores at 3ghz.

So with the 965BE being had for a song from MicroCenter, what motherboard would be useful to pair it with? I have a budget of ~200 at the moment, but I'm not looking to spend it all if I can help it (considering also an aftermarket cooler).

I know from the monthly MicroCenter catalogue that they bundle certain motherboards with the 965BE, so I would like to stick with those if possible to save money. However, with the catalogue not in front of me at the moment, the only bundling I can find ishttp://www.microcenter.com/site/products/amd_bundles.aspx.

Regardless, if any of you could suggest a decently cheap and possibly overclockable motherboard, I would appreciate the help.

Thanks

 

[Droviin]

I have a 965BE in the ASUS M5A99X EVO R2. It's a nice little motherboard that overclocks nicely.
The motherboard can crossfire (which I am) and supports FX chips if you want to upgrade down the line. It is good for overclocking as it is a 6+2 phase and has heatsinked VRMs.

As for those listed in the linked bundling the ASUS M5A97 is not bad. The primary difference between the other board and this one is that the 970 series chipset does not support crossfiring. It also doesn't have as many phases (4+2) so it isn't as good for overclocking although it will still do a good job.

I also see a few of the Gigabyte GA-990FX-UD3 motherboards on the bundle list. While I personally don't have experience with the board, I have heard nothing but good things about it. This board can do quad-fire which is a nice, but expensive option; but it also means that there are a lot of available PCI-E lanes for other expansions.

 

[MisterFred]

965 respectable?

Depends on what he's doing with the computer. For most purposes any modern CPU (including the 965) will perform swimmingly. If your friend is looking to stream SC2, you're looking at massive fail.

 

[SpykeZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droviin

I have a 965BE in the ASUS M5A99X EVO R2. It's a nice little motherboard that overclocks nicely.
The motherboard can crossfire (which I am) and supports FX chips if you want to upgrade down the line. It is good for overclocking as it is a 6+2 phase and has heatsinked VRMs.

As for those listed in the linked bundling the ASUS M5A97 is not bad. The primary difference between the other board and this one is that the 970 series chipset does not support crossfiring. It also doesn't have as many phases (4+2) so it isn't as good for overclocking although it will still do a good job.

I also see a few of the Gigabyte GA-990FX-UD3 motherboards on the bundle list. While I personally don't have experience with the board, I have heard nothing but good things about it. This board can do quad-fire which is a nice, but expensive option; but it also means that there are a lot of available PCI-E lanes for other expansions.

I've got that gigabyte, absolutely awesome board. I'm actually using my 965 in it and got 4ghz

 

[SoulClap]

The ASRock 970 EXTREME3 is worth a look as well.

 

[Heuchler]

are you sure that Micro Center is still bundling Phenom II with motherboard?
Try doing it online and see if you get the discount. It is the same as in-store.
If not, You might get somebody to override it.

I would go with an FX-6300 with either ASRock 970 Exteme4 or GA-990FXA-UD3 (solid 8+2 VRM)

 

[FlashFir]

970a-ud3 is the BEST 8+2 vrm and CHEAP. dirt cheap at microcenter if you can bundle it.

reasoning
www.overclock.net/t/943109/about-vrms-mosfets-motherboard-safety-with-125w-tdp-processors/0_100

purchasing guide
www.overclock.net/amd-motherboards/946407-amd-motherboard-power-phase-list.html

the 970a-ud3 is much stronger than any asrock or asus board for $90-100.