new amd motherboard suggestions

[overclocking101]

so my wife wants to try overclocking. I build her a setup with parts I have laying around with an amd phenom 2 X4 910 and a mainboard that I had but it doesn't support overclocking at all. So I am thinking seeing as she just wants to try it out ill get her a board that works with that cpu and eventually when she gets the bug (its inevitable) then upgrade her setup to either new amd or intel setup. but I do'nt want to put a ton of cash for something she just wants to try out. so I know next to nothing about amd boards as im an intel guy. So any suggestions on a board that'll work with that cpu and allow decent clocks. she has an aftermarket cooler with direct heatpipes and 120mm fan so temps are in the high 20's to low 30's now. I'm not even sure what socket it uses or if it'll work with newer ones etc because because I know with intel its a new socket for new cpu etc
I prefer newegg to purchase but am open to new options

 

[peche]

motherboard for Oc amd's phenom 2 x4 910 ?
AM3 motherboard?

 

[cdawall]

Buy a used 790FX board, you will get better voltage options most of the 890/990 boards will top out at 1.55v with a phenom II installed.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

I had a lot of fun with one of these. Extra o/c toys onboard and cheap nowadays too.


https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/870AG54.html#hero-specification

 

[Bill_Bright]

I'm not even sure what socket it uses

Remember, Google is your friend. AMD Phenom II X4 910 shows 938 Pin Socket AM3 (AM2+).

As for your board not supporting overclocking, note a lot of motherboards that don't claim to support overclocking still do - at least to some degree.

If you look here, you can see a list of compatible chipsets for that CPU. If you look here, you can see a list of chipsets supported by AMD Overdrive. If her board's chipset is supported by AMD Overdrive, she can stick her toe in the water now without any extra expense. If her board/chipset is not currently supported, there is a big list of compatible boards shown through that first link.

That said, if her primary goal is just better performance, I would look at maybe adding RAM (depending on starting point) or upgrading the graphics card (if PSU will support it) first. There are risks to overclocking that include stability and heat issues.

Also, a new motherboard typically requires the purchase of a new Windows license too because OEM licenses are not legally transferable when "upgrading" to a new motherboard under any circumstances.

 

[newtekie1]

Buy a used 790FX board, you will get better voltage options most of the 890/990 boards will top out at 1.55v with a phenom II installed.

Yeah, that is true. However, I'd still get a 990FX board just because it gives a better option to cheaply upgrade to a FX processor.

Heck, I'd just pick up an FX processor and a 990FX board now and get rid of the Phenom II 910.

We also have to be careful because there were two versions of the Pheonom II x4 910. There was a AM2+ version that only works in AM2+ motherboards, and an AM3 version that works in AM2+, AM3, and AM3+ motherboards. If you've already got DDR3 memory, then you're fine, because that is the AM3 version.

I'd recommend the AsRock Extreme6 and a FX-6300.

 

[overclocking101]

yeah the rig has 8gb ddr3 1600mhz installed. I'll have to check which chipset it's got maybe overdrive will work. like I said I'm an amd noob havent had one since socket 939 lol

 

[Jeffredo]

Heck, I'd just pick up an FX processor and a 990FX board now and get rid of the Phenom II 910.

That's what I was thinking being the X4 910 is locked (not much fun OCing there just by the fsb). If the OP could take a little shopping trip to Boston sometime Microcenter has some nice deals (like $89.98 for an FX-8320E or $144.98 bundled with an MSI 970 Gaming).

 

[overclocking101]

just an update overdrive doesnt work on the board in the system it's an old oem hp board from what cpu-z says am3 socket and 785 chipset i believe.so I'm looking at this board for it. https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/870AG54.html#hero-specification that capslock posted will update with her first oc session!

 

[Azumay]

Don't buy it. that 910 is a locked oem core. Other than fsb overclock, it will be locked multiplier. Doub't you will get any more than 3.10 out of it and still be weak.
Cruise ebay for I5-2500k or I5-3570k for her to mess with. Much stronger. 2500k's over clock nicely and are still a good core for a few yrs to come and come fairly cheap.

 

[TheGuruStud]

Don't buy it. that 910 is a locked oem core. Other than fsb overclock, it will be locked multiplier. Doub't you will get any more than 3.10 out of it and still be weak.
Cruise ebay for I5-2500k or I5-3570k for her to mess with. Much stronger. 2500k's over clock nicely and are still a good core for a few yrs to come and come fairly cheap.

Bingo.

He can still do an AMD system cheap. Microcenter has the 8320E for 90 with 40 off MB. Or the Asrock Fatal1ty 970 is 90 bucks (20 more off with rebate and open box is like 70). Also, the 990FX Killer open box with 40 off would be really cheap.

For well under 200 bucks that's what I would do if I wanted new parts.

 

[little cat]

8+2 phase power design
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga970aud3p

 

[cdawall]

Don't buy it. that 910 is a locked oem core. Other than fsb overclock, it will be locked multiplier. Doub't you will get any more than 3.10 out of it and still be weak.
Cruise ebay for I5-2500k or I5-3570k for her to mess with. Much stronger. 2500k's over clock nicely and are still a good core for a few yrs to come and come fairly cheap.

I had mine at 4ghz on air. Its an amd not an Intel learn to overclock and you can get decent speed bus alone.