So I'm running an AM2+ mobo (ASUS M2A-MX) and I'd like to upgrade my CPU.

Problem is there are no AM2+ CPUs in sight and I'm not sure if my mobo would support the AM3 CPU (Athlon II X4 640 or X3 450).

Most sites say AM3 will work in AM2+ sockets but the last BIOS update for my mobo was in 2008 and there are only AM2/AM2+ devices in the compatibility list on the ASUS website.

There's also a newer but cheap FM1 mobo (46 euros) I could get, then get the cheaper FM1 CPU and DDR3 RAM.

So staying with old MOBO = 23 EURO RAM + 59 EU CPU (3 core) = 82 EU

Or buy the cheap new MOBO = 13 EU RAM x2 + 58 EU CPU (4 core) + 46 EU MOBO = 130 EU

I'd go for the newer MOBO and save money to increase my budget but should I really buy a mobo that cheap?

I doubt it would support a newer CPU cause the bios doesnt support it, so a new mobo is advised.

AM2+ MoBos do support AM3 chips, but it's kinda risky since it's not in the supportel list. From my experience, Asus MoBos often supports some things hat aren't listed (I got twice as much RAM into mine than it supported, and it worked), but it could just be me. Best way is to ask Asus support directly, and if they don't answer, another option is to buy AM3 CPU, try it on the motherboard, and if it doesn't work, get an AM3 MoBo (if there are none in stores, eBay is the way to go!)

Sure it will work fine bud, just remember to update your BIOS to the latest update to ensure the mobo and chip will be compatible

 

Blewk