There are so many factors that you will need to check out before upgrading your processor of the PC. One of the major factors is the type of socket used in the motherboard and CPU. If you bought an incompatible CPU then you won’t be able to use it and your money will be wasted.
There you will find different types of processors; AM3+ and AM2+ sockets among them. Now let’s imagine that you are going to buy an AM3+ CPU for your AM2+ sockets as you are aware of the backward compatibility of these sockets.
But unfortunately, you won’t be able to use an AM3+ CPU in the AM2+ socket. In this article, we have discussed the reason why you can’t use an AM3+ CPU with the AM2+ socket. Let’s get started then!
Can AM3+ CPU be Used with AM2+ Sockets?
Before buying a CPU, you must identify the CPU socket on the motherboard and the compatibility of that socket. It will help you to buy the actual one for your PC. Now, let’s talk about whether you can use an AM3+ CPU with the AM2+ socket or not and the reasons as well.
Simply put, the answer is no. Now you may ask why so? The AM3 processor can be put in AM2+ sockets then why AM3+ processor can’t be used? Basically, there are two reasons behind this issue.
The first one is, the architecture is different and it has more pins. An AM3+ CPU comes with 942 pins but the AM2+ sockets only have 940 pin holes. And for that reason, the CPU won’t fit there.
Secondly and the major reason behind the incompatibility is, the AM2+ isn’t compatible with DDR3 which means the motherboard you are using isn’t capable to run with DDR3 RAM. On the other hand, the AM3+ processor requires DDR3 RAM. It won’t work with DDR2 RAM.
That’s why the AM3+ CPU won’t work with an AM2+ motherboard.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers)
Can I put an AM3 CPU in an AM2+ motherboard?
Yes, you can put an AM3 CPU in an AM2+ motherboard. For doing so, your BIOS must need to support the CPU or otherwise, you won’t be able to use it. Also, AM3 CPU is compatible with DDR2 RAM, so yes, you can use it with an AM2+ motherboard.
Will an AM3+ work in an AM4 socket?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The AM3+ CPU won’t work in an AM4 socket because the pins pattern and mounting holes are different.
Can I use the AM3 processor in the AM2 socket?
Yes, you can. Before doing so, make sure that the CPU is supported by the BIOS and the FSB (Front-side bus) should run at lower HT 2.0 speeds. Maintain these two key points and start using the AM3 processor in the AM2 socket.
Will an AM3+ work in an AM2 socket?
Sadly, no. The AM3+ processor won’t work in an AM2 socket. Because the AM2 socket is not compatible with DDR3 RAM and AM3+ processors require DDR3 RAM.
Conclusion
To sum up, there is no way that you can follow to use an AM3+ CPU in an AM2+ socket. If the AM2+ socket were capable of running with DDR3 RAM, then you could use the AM3+ processor with it. So, if you want to use the AM3+ processor then you will need to change the motherboard or you will need to stick to the AM2+, AM2, or AM3 processor.
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